Denver is known for its lively coffee scene. It’s filled with cafes that offer unique blends and cozy atmospheres. As someone who loves coffee, I’ve searched the city to find the best spots. These places serve amazing coffee and have a welcoming vibe.
Each cafe has its own special touch. Some have a heritage feel, while others focus on the local community. Others are known for their creative food pairings. So, finding the perfect cup of coffee in Denver is both rewarding and unforgettable.
Over the last decade, Denver has become a hotspot for specialty coffee. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cafe in downtown or want to dive into the city’s coffee culture, I’ve got you covered. My guide will help you explore Denver’s specialty coffee scene.
From Corvus Coffee Roasters open from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM to Crema Coffee House open from 7 AM to 5 PM, there’s something for everyone. Try the small-batch, single-origin beans at Little Owl Coffee or unique offerings at Rivers & Roads Coffee, where beans are roasted in-house.
Join me on a journey to explore Denver’s coffee culture. We’ll discover the city’s best coffee secrets. Whether you’re in the mood for a rich espresso or something creative, these top Denver coffee shops will impress you.
Convivio Cafe
Convivio Cafe opened in Denver in late 2022. It’s a unique spot, owned by women and inspired by Guatemala. It’s the first women-owned, Guatemalan-inspired bilingual café in the city.
The atmosphere is filled with the authentic touch of Latin America. You’ll see hanging herbs and mosaic-tiled walls. These details show its cultural roots.
A Taste of Guatemala
Looking for Guatemalan coffee in Denver? Convivio Cafe is your go-to. They offer single-origin coffees from Guatemala, ranging from light to medium roasts.
They’re also proud of their house-made chai. It’s made with over 10 authentic spices and teas from Totonicapán, Guatemala. Don’t miss out on their Chocolatado, made with real Guatemalan chocolate.
Community-Focused Atmosphere
Convivio Cafe is all about community. It was funded through local markets and pop-ups. This shows their dedication to building community through local events.
They partner with sustainable roasters and tea growers from Guatemala and Colombia. This makes Convivio a true community coffee shop.
Delicious and Inventive Food Options
Food at Convivio is an adventure, thanks to chef and co-owner Vivi Lemus. The menu includes Guatemalan street food snacks like tostadas and pan con aguacate. Champurradas are also on the menu, all great with your coffee.
They offer vegetarian, dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free options. This caters to many dietary needs. With seasonal menus supporting local Colorado farmers, Convivio Cafe is known for its culinary creativity.
Huckleberry Roasters
Huckleberry Roasters is a top choice for coffee lovers in Denver. It opened on Pecos Street in 2013 and now has four locations. You can find them in Baker, Dairy Block, and Tennyson Street.
Multiple and Convenient Locations
Huckleberry Roasters makes it easy to grab a cup of coffee. Whether you’re in Sunnyside, Baker, Dairy Block, or Tennyson Street, there’s a cozy spot for you. The Sunnyside cafes are known for their welcoming atmosphere.
Signature Blends for Every Palate
Huckleberry Roasters is famous for its unique blends and single-origin coffees. Favorites include Blue Orchid and Phantom Limb, plus Topo Chico. They offer something for everyone, with seasonal specials too.
Vibrant and Cheerful Vibe
Every Huckleberry Roasters cafe is full of life and color. Hand-painted murals and friendly baristas make each visit special. The Sunnyside cafes are a perfect mix of coffee and art.
Jubilee Roasting Co.
When you walk into Jubilee Roasting Co., you’re hit with the smell of fresh coffee. The space is both a coffee lover’s dream and an art lover’s paradise. It opened in Aurora in 2016 and quickly became a favorite in Denver’s coffee scene.
Combining Coffee and Art
Jubilee Roasting Co. is a perfect mix of coffee and art. It’s in an old Aurora warehouse, keeping its industrial look but adding modern touches. This makes it a cozy cafe and a place for local artists to show their work.
As Aurora coffee roasters, they make each cup with love and care. Every sip shows their passion for coffee.
Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff
The staff at Jubilee Roasting Co. are coffee lovers who love to share their knowledge. They help everyone, from coffee newbies to experts, find the perfect drink. Their menu is affordable, so you can try different drinks without spending too much.
A Hub for Coffee Lovers and Creatives
Jubilee Roasting Co. is more than a cafe; it’s a community spot. On weekends, it’s buzzing with coffee fans and creatives. They also sell their coffee at the City Park Farmers Market in summer.
Whether you want a light roast or a pour-over, Jubilee celebrates coffee and community.
Little Owl Coffee
Little Owl Coffee is a hidden green oasis in Downtown Denver. It was founded in 2013 and offers a unique blend of upscale and welcoming vibes. It’s a top spot among Downtown Denver coffee shops.
This cafe has kept its charm for over a decade. It’s a favorite in LoDo’s local cafes. Whether you want a perfect latte or a cozy spot, Little Owl Coffee welcomes you with open arms.
Trendy yet Relaxed Atmosphere
Little Owl Coffee has a trendy yet relaxed vibe. It’s ideal for a city break. The cafe’s modern design is both minimalist and cozy.
It has limited indoor seating but a peaceful outdoor patio. This patio offers a calm escape in the busy city.
Farm-to-Cup Policy
In 2018, Little Owl Coffee started roasting its own beans. This move shows their commitment to quality and flavor. Their farm-to-cup policy means every cup is delicious and responsibly sourced.
This approach appeals to coffee lovers in Denver. It supports sustainable and ethical practices in the coffee industry.
Hidden Oasis in Downtown Denver
Little Owl Coffee is a peaceful oasis in Downtown Denver. It offers a calm escape from the city’s fast pace. The cafe’s serene atmosphere and carefully chosen drinks make it special.
Over the years, Little Owl has grown its reach. Now, more people in LoDo and LoHi can enjoy their great coffee and relaxed vibe without traveling far.
Lula Rose General Store
Lula Rose General Store is a hidden gem on East Colfax, opened in 2016. As soon as you enter, you’re welcomed by a bright, cozy space. It’s perfect for enjoying their amazing coffee and relaxing with fresh flowers and comfy seats.
Light-Filled and Cozy Space
The store is filled with natural light, making it a cozy spot in Denver. It’s warm and inviting, great for a quick coffee or a long stay. The design and vibe ensure a comfortable visit every time.
Pairing Coffee with Artisanal Pastries
Lula Rose is known for its partnership with Good Bread bakery. They offer delicious artisanal pastries, like sourdough bagels. It’s a top choice for a cozy coffee and pastry experience. Their sourdough bagel sandwiches are a must-try for a special breakfast.
The Molecule Effect
The Molecule Effect opened in 2014 at 1201 Santa Fe Drive. It’s a key part of the South Logan coffee scene. The Santa Fe spot closed in 2021, but the spirit lives on at other locations.
The Wash Park cafe at 300 South Logan Street opened in 2020. It’s a blend of coffeehouse, bar, and art gallery. This spot is a gem for local art Denver coffee houses.
A new spot at 2215 South Broadway is exciting. It used to be a Dairy Queen for thirty years. Now, it’s Bambu, set to open by mid-February.
The new place will have a drive-thru and walk-up window. It also has a big patio for outdoor seating. The owners will offer a frozen treat, inspired by Dairy Queen.
The menu will be the same as Wash Park’s. You’ll find coffee, kombucha, and nitro cold brew with Venetian cream. Plus, they’ll serve wine, cocktails, and espresso martinis on the patio. This mix makes it a standout in local art Denver coffee houses. The Molecule Effect is open until 9 p.m. almost every day.
They plan to host summer markets, movie nights, and live music. This will make it a true community space. The Molecule Effect is set to bring excitement to the South Logan coffee scene.
I’m excited to see The Molecule Effect grow and adapt. They focus on local artists and community. From Santa Fe to South Broadway, they’re a key part of Denver’s coffee culture.
Queen City Collective Coffee
Started as a small coffee roastery in 2016, the Byington brothers made Queen City Collective Coffee a favorite in Denver. They focus on community and opened their first shop in the Baker neighborhood in 2018. Now, they have five locations, including the newest at 1675 Larimer Street.
Family-Run Business
The Byington brothers’ family-owned business is at the heart of Queen City. Their love for coffee and community shines in every cup. With a team of about 35, they offer a warm and personal experience to all.
Unique Coffee Blends
Queen City is known for its unique coffee blends from direct-source beans. They ensure quality and fairness by buying beans directly from farmers. Their menu has flavors for all, from traditional to adventurous.
Community and Collaboration Focused
Queen City is all about bringing people together. Their cozy Baker neighborhood coffee shop and large patio at Town Hall Collaborative are perfect for connection. They host events and share spaces, making it more than a coffee shop.
They also worked with Bext360 on a blockchain project for transparent supply chain tracking. This shows their dedication to quality and transparency, aiming to improve Denver’s coffee scene.
Rivers and Roads Coffee
Rivers and Roads Coffee is a cozy spot in Denver, with two locations in Clayton and Curtis Park. It was once a mechanic shop but now shines as a bright coffee haven. The garage door opens to let in Colorado’s sunshine.
Renovated and Sun-Filled Space
The café’s design is both practical and stunning, making it a sunny place to enjoy coffee. It’s great for catching up with friends or finding a quiet corner. This makes it a favorite among Clayton’s cafes.
Mission-Driven Business
Michael roasts the coffee, and Desiree runs the bakery, focusing on gluten-free treats. Their dedication to quality and community sets them apart. Learn more about their passion for coffee and health at this link.
Gluten-Free and Vegetarian Options
Rivers and Roads offers a range of gluten-free items like quiches and pastries. They also have vegetarian options. This makes them a top choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Located at 2539 Bruce Randolph Ave in Denver, CO 80205, Rivers and Roads Coffee is growing. They even have a food truck now. It’s a key spot for specialty coffee and gluten-free treats.
Subjective Coffee
Subjective Coffee in Westminster is quickly becoming a favorite. It was created by Jeff Bebout, known for Roostercat Coffee House. The coffee shop has a retro vibe and is in a big, old event center. It’s perfect for work or hanging out with friends.
Retro-Inspired Decor
When you walk in, you’ll love the decor. Bebout added neon art and mid-century modern touches. It’s a unique spot among Westminster’s coffee places.
Spacious and Welcoming Atmosphere
Subjective Coffee has lots of room for everyone. It’s great for groups or solo visitors. It’s a cozy place for work or catching up with friends.
In-House Roasted Coffee
They take pride in their coffee, roasted in-house. Glass Arrow Collective, which includes Roostercat, powers their coffee. This shows their commitment to quality and makes them a top spot in Westminster.
The Weathervane Cafe
The Weathervane Cafe sits in an 1896 carriage house in Uptown Denver. It offers cozy comfort, like a grandmother’s home, starting in 2012. This hidden gem in Uptown Denver cafes combines historical charm with a cozy vibe.
Homely and Inviting
Walking into The Weathervane Cafe, you feel a warm welcome. It’s like stepping into a cozy home. The cafe is filled with charming decorations, making every visit feel like a warm hug.
Historical Space
The Weathervane Cafe is special because of its historical feel. It’s in an old carriage house from 1896. The upstairs, once a thrift store, now has more seating, adding to the historical charm.
Diverse Food Menu
The cafe is known for its food as much as its atmosphere. They serve tasty dishes like fig-ginger oats and curry chicken wraps. Each meal adds to the cozy feel, making it a favorite in Uptown Denver.
The Weathervane Cafe is a cozy spot in the community. It offers a mix of historical charm and cozy vibes. Plus, their inventive menu is a treat for the taste buds.
Corvus Coffee Roasters
Corvus Coffee Roasters was founded in 2010 and is a key player in the South Broadway Denver coffee scene. Their Dutch cast-iron roaster is a symbol of their dedication to craft Dutch roasting. As you step inside, the smell of freshly ground coffee greets you, setting the stage for a memorable coffee journey.
The baristas at Corvus are true artists, creating exquisite espressos and cappuccinos. Their seasonal honey-pear latte is a standout, a unique flavor I’ve never seen elsewhere. They also offer citrus-spiced colas, adding a refreshing touch for all coffee lovers.
Corvus Coffee Roasters is open from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM every day. It’s a hub for Denver’s coffee culture, with beautiful outdoor patios for enjoying their signature brews. For those eager to explore new coffee flavors, Corvus is the ideal spot.
Best coffee shops in Denver
The Denver coffee culture is booming with top-notch cafés and roasters. This guide highlights the best spots in Denver. They are known for their quality, atmosphere, and dedication to coffee.
Copper Door Coffee Roasters is a favorite, with five locations in Denver. Every visit is a treat, with drinks made with care.
Little Owl Coffee has won hearts and taste buds. It started roasting its own beans in 2018. Its downtown Denver location is trendy yet cozy.
Unravel Coffee focuses on sustainability, serving drinks in reusable jars. It was founded in 2019 and sources beans from Ethiopian farms.
The Weathervane Cafe is a Uptown gem, founded in 2012. It encourages socializing by not having Wi-Fi. It’s a break from the usual coffee shop vibe.
Blue Sparrow Coffee promotes sustainability with its Single-Use Initiative. It charges for single-use cups to reduce waste. Its location at 1615 Platte St, Suite 135, is a favorite for eco-friendly coffee lovers.
Tonantzin Casa de Café offers unique drinks and decor. Try their lattes with dulce de leche or Mexican spice.
Dandy Lion Coffee combines a coffee shop with a plant shop. It uses local Huckleberry Roasters beans for a unique experience.
The Molecule Effect is known for its coffee and community events. Queen City Collective Coffee, run by brothers, focuses on unique blends and community.
Rivers and Roads is a mission-driven café with a sun-filled space. It offers gluten-free and vegetarian options for dietary-sensitive customers.
Subjective Coffee and The Weathervane Cafe are new additions. They offer retro decor and historical spaces, respectively.
This guide covers the best coffee spots in Denver. It shows the city’s coffee culture is thriving and evolving. From sustainability to community, Denver’s coffee scene meets many needs and tastes.
Crema Coffee House
Crema Coffee House is a standout in the RiNo district with its industrial-chic vibe. It perfectly captures Denver’s artsy RiNo neighborhood feel. The exposed brick walls and rustic wood accents create a casual yet refined atmosphere.
Crema is known for its quality. They use top-notch beans from the best Denver roasters. Whether you want a classic espresso or unique kombucha flavors, they have it all.
The café’s food menu is a highlight. Made with fresh, local ingredients, it pairs perfectly with their coffee. Enjoy breakfast burritos or pastries that will please any taste.
Crema has impressive stats. With over 1,000 Yelp reviews and a 4.5-star average, it’s a local favorite. Its daily crowd shows its popularity and quality.
Crema is also in the Denver Central Market. This spot helps it reach more people and gain new fans. Denver’s high coffee shop density makes Crema stand out.
Crema is open daily, from 7 am to 5 pm weekdays and 8 am to 5 pm weekends. If you’re exploring RiNo or want top-notch coffee, Crema is a must-see.
Prodigy Coffeehouse
Prodigy Coffeehouse is a top spot among Denver’s coffee shops. It’s located at 40th and Colorado, blending quality coffee with a cozy atmosphere. Despite sales dropping by half due to construction, it remains a favorite.
Prodigy is known for its cyclist-friendly vibe. Cyclists love the window service, which combines cycling with great coffee. Their Americanos are rich and smooth, perfect with breakfast burritos.
Prodigy is all about community and growth. They’ve had 170 applications for 25 spots in their program. Apprentices learn important skills like financial literacy and nutrition in their classroom.
Prodigy also offers mental health support and helps with food and housing needs. They opened a second location, but it’s just as popular as the first. It’s been named one of the top 10 independent coffee shops in the U.S. for 2023.
Prodigy Coffeehouse is a true gem in Denver’s coffee scene. It’s known for its innovation, community support, and love for coffee. It’s a favorite among locals and visitors.
Conclusion
Exploring Denver’s coffee culture is a journey filled with flavors, atmospheres, and community. Places like Convivio Cafe offer warm Guatemalan vibes. Jubilee Roasting Co. is all about art, while Subjective Coffee brings a retro feel.
Huckleberry Roasters stands out, thanks to baristas like Shelby Williamson. She’s the first American woman to compete in the World Coffee Roasting Championship. Queen City Collective Coffee, a family-run business, offers unique coffee blends and coffee-based drinks.
Little Owl Coffee focuses on farm-to-cup, and Dandy Lion Coffee has a 4.9-star Google rating. These 10 top coffee shops show Denver’s love for quality and community. They make Denver a top spot for coffee lovers, with their crafted drinks and welcoming vibes.
FAQ
What are the top coffee shops in Denver worth visiting?
You should check out Convivio Cafe, Huckleberry Roasters, and Jubilee Roasting Co. Also, Little Owl Coffee, Lula Rose General Store, and The Molecule Effect are great. Queen City Collective Coffee, Rivers and Roads Coffee, and Subjective Coffee are also worth a visit. Don’t miss The Weathervane Cafe, Corvus Coffee Roasters, Crema Coffee House, and Prodigy Coffeehouse.
What makes Convivio Cafe unique?
Convivio Cafe is special because of its Guatemalan vibe and bilingual atmosphere. It’s all about community and has a menu with Guatemalan street foods. Co-owner Vivi Lemus makes it all happen.
Where can I find multiple locations of a coffee shop in Denver?
Huckleberry Roasters has several spots in Denver. You can find them in Sunnyside, Pecos Street, Baker, Dairy Block, and Tennyson Street.
Which Denver coffee shop also serves as an art space?
Jubilee Roasting Co. in Aurora is a coffee roastery and artist space. It’s a place where coffee lovers and creatives can come together.
What is special about Little Owl Coffee’s location?
Little Owl Coffee is a hidden gem in downtown Denver. It has limited indoor seating but a beautiful outdoor patio to relax in.
Where can I enjoy a light-filled, cozy coffee shop environment?
Lula Rose General Store on East Colfax is a cozy spot. It’s filled with light, has fresh flowers, plush seating, and delicious pastries.
Which coffee shop in Denver blends coffee, art, and cocktails?
The Molecule Effect is a unique spot. It combines coffee, a bar, and an art gallery. You’ll find a wide range of menu options here.
What characterizes Queen City Collective Coffee?
Queen City Collective Coffee is a family-run business. They source beans directly from farmers and focus on community and unique coffee blends.
Which Denver coffee shop was renovated from a former mechanic shop?
Rivers and Roads Coffee in Clayton and Curtis Park was once a mechanic shop. Now, it’s a bright cafe with a sunny vibe, a mission-driven philosophy, and gluten-free options.
What sets Subjective Coffee apart in the Denver coffee scene?
Subjective Coffee has a retro vibe and a welcoming atmosphere. They roast their coffee in-house and are owned by the Glass Arrow Collective.
Which cafe provides a homely, historical experience?
The Weathervane Cafe in Uptown Denver is cozy and historical. It’s in an 1896 carriage house and has a diverse food menu.
Where can I experience South Broadway’s craft coffee scene in Denver?
Corvus Coffee Roasters is a highlight on South Broadway. They have a Dutch cast-iron roaster and offer artisanal beans and drinks like seasonal honey-pear lattes.
Which RiNo district coffee shop has an industrial-chic vibe?
Crema Coffee House in Denver’s RiNo district has an industrial-chic feel. It has an exposed brick interior and serves high-quality beans from respected roasters.
Can I find a cyclist-friendly coffee shop in Denver for a quick high-quality coffee fix?
Yes, Prodigy Coffeehouse at 40th and Colorado is perfect for cyclists. They offer a unique blend of cycling culture and coffee, with great Americanos and breakfast burritos.