21 Best Denver Coffee Shops

21 Best Denver Coffee Shops of 2023

Black in Denver, coffee, Denver, patios, Podcast, Uncategorized Michelle@SquareState
Spread the love
1     

One of my favorite things to do regardless of the town that I’m in is to find a cozy coffee shop and hang out for awhile. I love drinking coffee, tea and even the occasional adaptagenic drinks that have become all the rage in some of the more adventurous shops. Often I’ll find myself wondering if the people sharing “Best of Lists” are actually going to the coffee shops that they’re sharing are they as passionate as I am about the bitter brown brew? With that in mind I’m going to share the 21 best Denver coffee shops of 2023, some thoughts about the coffee culture here and what makes a coffee shop stand out in Denver.

* In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please read my disclosure here.*

Listen to the Episode

Related Posts

What Makes a Great Coffee Shop In Denver

It’s hardly surprising to me that Denver has a phenomenal coffee culture. It often feels like if you throw a rock you’ll hit a coffee shop or a guy unironically wearing a beanie and puffy jacket with a pair of shorts and a puppy in the crook of their arm.

When I think about what makes an outstanding coffee shop that stands out from all of the competition in Denver here are a few key components.

  • Coffee quality-This is obvious. If the coffee is bad nothing else matters. We’re so spoiled with a ridiculous amount of coffee shops that actually ROAST THEIR OWN BEANS or source from companies that do.
  • Baristas who actually love their job-I’m not saying that they plan on being baristas for their entire lives, what I’m saying is that while they’re at work-they’re really enjoying talking about coffee quality, talking to the guests and just passionate about topics ranging from the best length of time for an espresso shot, creama and techniques for whipping milk to the right consistency. They are passionate without being condescending. In fact, some shops didn’t make my list because of my experiences with the team. They shall remain unnamed. I like going to coffee shops where the baristas actually know who the regulars are and even though Starbucks doesn’t make this list, there are two standout locations that I do want to shout out. The one on Alameda and Downing which is super cute and has plants that are named after customers. And the store on Broadway and Virginia. It’s big, beautiful and airy. Both teams are fantastic.
  • The shop has savory food items-I really get frustrated when I go to a coffee shop and it only offers sweet pastries. If I’m working from a coffee shop over 4 hours I will order twice. Typically, one sweet item and then a savory. American coffee shops, in particular, tend to lean towards only having sweet items. Also, by savory I mean not just burritos.
  • Clearly states it’s internet free or has internet-I love that there are shops around town that don’t provide internet services and are unwavering in their position. I also love that there are so many shops that do. In fact, I divide my time working from co-working spaces or coffee shops. Solid internet is often times the deciding factor.
  • Overall atmosphere or VIBES-What’s the energy like when I’m in the coffee shop, especially as a woman of color.
    • Do I feel welcomed and safe?
    • Is there a warmth in the interactions or is the shop cold and a little sterile which is the case for several shops around town.
    • Are the other clientele somewhat pleasant or unpleasant-I went to one shop with my mom last year and unfortunately a woman kind of grabbed her purse when we walked by and my mom noticed. She was already not a fan of the shop and that just killed if for her.
    • Does the shop have some outdoor seating available? One of my favorite activities is sitting outside on a patio enjoying a nice drink and getting work done.

Pro-Tip

If you’re planning to work from a coffee shop for an extended period of time, bring an external battery. Don’t assume that there will be enough outlets available to keep your laptop/phone/etc. charged. Having a fully charged external battery on hand has been a game changer every time I head over to work from a coffee shop-especially if I’m wanting to work from a patio. Currently, I use the ZMI USB PD Backup Battery & Hub for MacBook Pro 2016 & newer. You should research which battery works best for the type of device that you have. Please note that I am an Amazon Affiliate and may be compensated for any purchases that you may make.

21 Best Coffee Shops in Denver

There are so many coffee shops in Denver that we almost have an embarassement of riches. Before I share my top coffee shop contenders there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • These shops had to be in business for at least the past 3 months prior to the publication of this post.
  • I’ve actually visited the shops that I’ve listed on this thread. Several of them multiple times.
  • Each shop has more than one quality that helps it stand out from the rest.

Here’s the List

  • Sonder (Junction Food and Drink) There are two locations. The first original location is in Aurora and the second location is located in Junction Food and Drink food hall. Sonder has THE BEST seasonal drink menus of any shop in the Denver Metro area. My favorite thing is when they use a hand-held mini torch to toast mushrooms.

  • Dandy Lion Coffee-This coffee shop is absolutely lovely. If you’re looking for a somewhat whimsical space with good coffee, Dandy Lion Coffee is worth the trip. It’s located close to the Central Park (formerly Stapleton) neighborhood. I love the swings inside, greenhouse structure inside and the patio.
  • Unravel-This rapidly expanding Colorado chain is one of my favorite coffee shops in Denver that most people seem to only know from its mountain locations. With shops in Breckenridge, Vail and Winter Park-Unravel freshly roasts its beans.
  • Middlestate (Love the new location in the Highlands) This coffee shop quietly opened up a second location in the Highlands. But, the original location on Santa Fe is a great place to get some work done, eat freshly made waffles and listen to good music at the same time.
  • The Wild-My favorite out of the three Pearl Street Hospitality Properties) It’s wild to me (no pun intended) that so many people seem to be completely unaware of The Wild’s existence. Directly across from Union Station, it has a fantastic patio, great coffee culture and drink menu. It’s also the location of the best customer service I’ve ever had in Denver.
  • Hello Darling-Am OBSESSED with the art deco decor. One of the newer coffee shops on this list, I fell in love with this shop. My friend and I hung out there for awhile and got a feel for shop and the people. Located downtown on Little Raven, I love that I can hop off the light rail and walk over the bridge and there you are.
  • Stylus and Crate-My mom and I made a point of going to Stylus and Crate in Wheat Ridge and absolutely loved it. The team was so welcoming and I loved the freshly made waffles. But, the other thing that made this coffee shop stand out was all of the vinyl-records that is. If you’re a music lover looking for a place to purchase records while enjoying a nice coffee-Stylus and Crate is a must visit. Also, it’s not bougie.
  • Whittier Cafe (Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony) On warm days there’s nothing better than enjoying a delicious cup of coffee on Whittier Cafe’s patio. One of the unique features of Whittier Cafe is that it’s not just a coffee shop-it’s a community space that fosters community and connection. And it hosts an Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony on Sundays. Double-check before heading out to make sure it’s happening.
  • Steam Coffee Shop (Both Locations) The beauty of Steam Coffee Shop is that what it does it does so well. Lattes, a great cup of coffee and a team of baristas who are so friendly. The South Pearl Street location has a gorgeous patio while the Highlands location has a juice bar. The Highlands location was previously a fire station that has been renovated.
  • Vibe Coffee and Wine-This downtown Denver coffee shop is a welcome addition to a downtown in flux. It’s an airy, open space with a fireplace feature in the middle of the shop. Tourists, students, local business folks and convention attendees. In addition to traditional drinks there are also adaptagenic drinks such as the Golden Orange which I really like (it’s pretty too)
  • Blue Sparrow-There are two locations but I’m a little more partial to the location at Brickyard on Blake. I like the patio and rooftop seating. It’s a small and cozy spot with great quality coffee and warm service.
  • Convivo Cafe (Am obsessed) I’ve followed Convivo Cafe’s journey for a couple of years. I was so excited when they found their forever home and I wasn’t disappointed. Walking in is like being wrapped in a hug. Being greeted with a “Buenos dias” as you walk in, deciding between the different food and drink options that aren’t available at other coffee shops in town. I love how “warm” the space is. Sometimes coffee shops in Denver can feel a little sterile and cold-the opposite of what you want to experience at a coffee shop.
  • Huckleberry Roasters-My favorite Huckleberry Roasters location is its shop in the Highlands. I truly enjoyed sitting on the patio and just watching the world go by. Huckleberry Roasters makes some of my favorite Colorado coffee. Even my mom liked this location because of how welcoming it is.
  • Aviano-Located in Cherry Creek North, I have to admit that while I really enjoy their coffee I often wasn’t as excited by the vibes. Out of the two locations I prefer the one on Detroit. I find the team at that location to be a little more easy going. The coffee is immaculate at both locations with the St. Paul location being aesthetically cooler because of its interior.
  • Sweet Bloom-Many coffee affecionados across the Denver metro are very familiar with Sweet Bloom’s coffee because they supply their beans to shops across the city. But, if you get a chance to visit their Westminster location across from JC Penny’s-do. The parking is kind of confusing (I just parked in the garage) that shop is lovely.
  • Little Owl-I was so sad when Little Owl’s pastry concept ended up closing. But, Little Owl continues to brew delicious coffee one cup at a time. What I love about Little Owl is how passionate the baristas are about good quality coffee.
  • Lulu Rose-I’ve always liked this retro looking space. It’s tiny inside so only a few patrons can hang out at a time. But, they do have a few small tables outside on the patio. The baristas are always so fun to be around. If you’re looking for coffee on Colfax-this is where I always send people.
  • Stowaway-Technically, this is a list about coffee shops. But Stowaway is really a restaurant with a coffee space inside (so you’re not going to work on your laptop here). The food is incredible and the space is so inviting. My favorite time to visit is any warm day when the garage wall is opened up.
  • Hearth Coffee-I feel like this is the newest shop to show up on my list. It’s a small space inside with a great patio. I’m looking forward to hanging out on the patio after taking a yoga class at Urban Sanctuary.
  • Torpedo Coffee-There are times when I’m amazed by the changes that have changed the face of Denver. The Oneida Park development is one of those changes. Torpedo Coffee is one of the many retailers located in that space. I love that there are so many savory items on this menu.
  • Honey Hill-This spot is located in Park Hill and is worth the trip. It has a wonderful patio, sweet and savory options and the last time I was in they were playing an awesome GenX inspired hip hop soundtrack. They also have wine.

Bonus Mentions:

  • 2914 Coffee-Why don’t more people know about this shop?
  • Prodigy Coffee-Love the social good aspect of this coffee shop and it’s a great spot.
  • Starbucks on Alameda and Downing-Yes, I said what I said. This is a great location with plants named after customers.
  • Copper Door Roasters next to Denver Botanic Gardens
Previous post

Next post