30 of the Absolute Best Coffee Shops in Denver You Need to Visit
This is a guest post by Lauren Winder Hoar.
Did you know Denver is one of the top ten most coffee-obsessed cities in America?
The “Mile High City” has a mile-long list of phenomenal coffee spots, so paring them down was no small feat. No, seriously: One study found Denver has 890 coffee shops. That’s a lot of real estate—and most of them are highly rated.
But I gave it my best shot, looking at loads of reviews from some incredibly happy (and caffeinated) patrons to determine the best coffee shops in Denver. In fact, coffee aficionados in Denver are even more serious about their caffeine than coffee lovers in Boulder and coffee fans in Colorado Springs.
If you love great coffee, I hope you’re already in Denver—because if you’re not, you’re going to want to be! There might not be a city out west other than Seattle that enjoys coffee culture more!
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Best coffee shops in Denver that you have to check out
You won’t want to miss these best coffee shops on your trip to Denver!
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HuckleBerry Roasters
HuckleBerry RoastersBaker location: 277 N. Broadway
Dairy Block location: 1800 Wazee Street
Sunnyside location: 4301 Pecos Street
Tennyson location: 4040 Tennyson Street
+1 866 558-2201
Founded in 2011 to foster a sense of local community, Huckleberry Roasters is mission-driven to use coffee as a way to invest in people. The people they source coffee from around the world; the people they hire; and those in the Denver community.
Huckleberry Roasters won Roast Magazine’s 2022 Roaster of the Year under both micro and macro roast categories! And it’s no wonder. This popular coffee shop serves up some of the best coffee in town, with a focus on sustainable and ethically sourced beans they roast in-house. They also merged with another local favorite, Commonwealth Coffee, in 2020.
Affectionately nicknamed Huck by the locals, Huckleberry has several locations around Denver, each with its own unique vibe. And the roastery is only growing in popularity!
Pablo’s Coffee
Pablo’s Coffee630 E 6th Ave
+1 303 744-3323
Pablo’s has been a Denver institution since 1995, serving up high-quality coffee and espresso drinks. They have several locations around the city, each with its own unique vibe.
Pablo’s takes pride in its wide selection of single-origin coffees, sourced from different regions worldwide and roasted in their Denver warehouse. The team is committed to using only organic beans that are grown and harvested using sustainable practices to maintain the coffee’s quality.
The selection of coffee offered changes with the seasons to showcase the unique flavors and aromas of each region. The beans are sourced from Africa, Indonesia, and Central and South America to cater to the diverse tastes of customers.
To ensure that the coffee is of the highest quality, the beans are roasted in small batches using San Franciscan 25 and 75 roasters. These roasters are known for their consistency in producing exceptional coffee that brings out the full potential of each batch of beans.
Fun fact: Pablo’s offers wholesale for businesses.
Little Owl Coffee
1555 Blake St Ste 150
+1 720 328-5574
Located in the LoDo neighborhood, Little Owl Coffee is a cozy spot with a focus on sustainability, service, and community. They serve coffee drinks made with locally sourced beans, as well as pastries and light bites.
Little Owl is all about coffee, passion, and compassion. They believe that everyone deserves the best possible coffee, so the team puts their heart and soul into every cup they make.
The team takes outstanding service to customers seriously, too. They believe that service is just as important as taste and that a great experience can elevate an average cup of coffee to something truly memorable.
Blue Sparrow Coffee
Blue Sparrow Coffee3070 Blake St Unit 180
+1 720 615-1516
Blue Sparrow Coffee is in the eclectic RiNo neighborhood and recently opened another location. It features a variety of classic coffee drinks, as well as a small selection of snacks, pastries, and house-made iced chai and kombucha.
Blue Sparrow’s Japanese Iced Coffee and Matcha Lattes are local legends you’ll want to try, too. The cafe is loved for its chill vibe, which turns locals into regulars. Be sure to check it out when you are next in Denver!
Queen City Collective Coffee
305 W 1st Ave
+1 303 728-9209
This unique coffee shop takes its name from one of Denver’s many nicknames: Queen City of the Plains.
Located in the historic Baker neighborhood but with three other locations around Denver, Queen City’s founders have strong relationships with coffee farmers across the world.
They small-batch roast coffee that’s grown in conditions they’re intimately familiar with, and pride themselves on brewing honest, sustainable, and community-driving coffee.
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Novo Coffee
1600 Glenarm Pl
+1 303 999-0077
With multiple locations around Denver, Novo Coffee is a go-to spot for Coloradan coffee lovers. Novo was founded in 2002 and the team thinks of itself as a transparent bridge between coffee farms and coffee consumers.
That’s why Novo sources their beans from farmers around the world whom they’ve known for years. They roast green coffee beans in-house using a Loring air-roaster, which isn’t just environmentally friendly but also helps create unique and flavorful blends.
Because Novo only roasts to order and purchases coffee seasonally, you can trust you’ll only be getting the freshest cup of Joe when you swing by.
Corvus Coffee Roasters
1740 S Broadway
+1 303 715-1740
Frankly, Corvus Coffee Roasters is a must-visit if you love exceptional coffee. The cafe has won more Cup of Excellence coffees and micro-lots than any other roaster in Denver.
So needless to say, Corvus is known for its specialty coffee around Colorado and is thought of in the community as a gold standard for craft coffee. In fact, they have a few locations across the state now, all of which are celebrated.
Corvus roasts its own beans and buys them in-season from coffee farmers they have long-standing relationships. In their cafes, Corvus offers a variety of classic and specialty coffee drinks, including pour-overs, cortados, and exotic cold brews.
Quince Coffee House
1447 Quince St
+1 303 955-2479
Quince is a lovely, quaint, and family-owned coffee house and bakery that offers delicious classic coffee drinks and food. It’s located in the East Park Hill community.
Quince is the definition of a neighborhood coffee shop, serving up curated, fresh, and memorable fare in an old house with comfortable couches and good vibes.
Locals love Quince’s unique Venetian Cream cold brew, so put that on your list to try while you are in Denver! And be sure to make time to sink into the homey, vintage atmosphere with a cup “for here.”
Altimeter Coffee Co.
4499 W 38th Ave, Ste 101
+1 720 688-0044
Altimeter is another neighborhood gem. The most popular drink at Altimeter Coffee Co. is their pour-over coffee, which is made with locally sourced beans and brewed to perfection. Stop by for a cozy and inviting ambiance, with comfortable seating and rustic decor.
Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters
1619 Reed St
+1 303 261-5954
Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee shop known for its exceptional pour-over coffee, made with specialty beans roasted in-house. They offer a variety of blends and single-origin coffee.
Sweet Bloom baristas are highly knowledgeable and passionate about their craft, so if you enjoy geeking out on coffee with your barista at one of the best coffee shops in Denver, then this is your spot.
Crema Coffee House
2862 Larimer St, Unit B
Crema Coffee House is one of the best Denver coffee shops for you if you’re looking for trendy. With one location in the Denver Central Market and another off Larimer, the go-to drink at Crema is their vegan latte, made with house-made almond milk and a double shot of espresso.
Crema Coffee House is a must-visit spot if you want a solid cup of Joe in a suave environment. At the Larimer location, the shop’s outdoor patio is a big draw during warmer days, which offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere for enjoying a cup of coffee. And its interior is chic and modern, with industrial details and unique artwork adorning the walls.
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The Bardo Coffee House
238 S Broadway
+1 303 629-8331
People love The Bardo Coffee House’s iced coffee, brewed with a special Kyoto-style drip coffee method! So if that’s your jam, then plan to make a pit stop here. But it’s not their only popular pick. The shop offers a variety of coffee drinks, including pour-over coffee, espresso, and cold brew.
Bardo is another very community-focused coffee shop, with regular events and live music performances. The interior is warm and inviting, too, so you might catch a show at Bardo if you plan ahead (or just get lucky).
Thump Coffee House
1201 E 13th Ave
+1 720 456-6648
Thump Coffee House is a hip and modern coffee shop offering specialty favorites including pour-over coffee, as well as a selection of pastries and snacks.
Thump Coffee House is known for its delicious espresso drinks, made with freshly roasted beans and expertly crafted by skilled baristas. So come for the coffee, but you’ll want to stay for Thump’s bright and airy atmosphere.
Milk & Honey
2401 Blake St, Unit 102
Milk & Honey is a charming, small Denver coffee shop that’s stunningly designed. Fun fact: it’s both women and veteran-owned.
The most popular drink at Milk & Honey is their lavender latte, made with house-made lavender syrup and a double shot of espresso.
The shop is known to be an Instagrammable destination, with lots of natural light and indoor plants, comfortable seating, and friendly staff.
Convivio Cafe
4935 West 38th Ave.
Proudly co-owned and operated by a Guatemalan immigrant, Convivio Cafe is a bright and beautiful coffee shop located in Denver. The rustic interior features gorgeous wooden furniture and vintage decor.
But the coffee is the main event. The most popular drink at Convivio Cafe is their cappuccino, made with freshly roasted beans and expertly steamed milk.
Sonder Coffee and Tea
9731 E Iliff Ave
+1 720 295-4674
It’s in the name: Sonder Coffee and Tea gives customers the best of both worlds with handcrafted coffees as well as a selection of loose-leaf teas in a modern environment.
In fact, Sonder is known for its chai latte, which they make with a special blend of spices and house-made almond milk.
The shop is chic and minimalist, with natural wood and industrial accents. As for the coffee, the Sonder team small-batch roasts it. You can also pick up a yummy pastry or treat to enjoy with your beverage.
Dandy Lion Coffee
5225 E 38th Ave
Dandy Lion Coffee Co., a delightful find nestled in the industrial area of Northeast Park Hill, is the brainchild of Duc and Dominique Huynh. Established in 2022, this quaint café and boutique plant shop has quickly captured the hearts of local patrons, thanks to its picture-perfect ambiance.
Capture a moment as you sway on a swing, enjoying a refreshing lavender latte, and for lunch, make your way to their sibling eatery, Vinh Xuong Bakery. Ranked among Denver’s finest restaurants, it offers mouthwatering banh mi sandwiches and tantalizing Thai iced tea. It’s the perfect place to go after you’ve sampled Dandy Lion Coffee!
Aviano Coffee
215 St Paul St
+1 303 399-8347
As you meander through the charming streets of Cherry Creek, you’ll find not just one, but two Aviano Coffee cafes within a quarter-mile of each other. Renowned for their inviting atmosphere as well as their delightful beverages, these local coffee shops provide the perfect setting for a gathering.
Featuring roomy patios adorned with cozy bistro lights, these cafes create a warm ambiance from morning till afternoon. Be sure to drop by during your next visit to Cherry Creek Shopping Center, one of Denver’s largest malls.
Prodigy Coffee House
3801 E 40th Ave
+1 303 720-6146
As a registered non-profit, Prodigy Coffee House stands out among Denver’s unique best coffee shops. By offering an apprenticeship program, the café actively empowers underprivileged youths in local communities with good coffee to boot.
At both their Globeville and Elyria Swansea locations, apprentice baristas acquire valuable skills and adopt growth-oriented mindsets, unlocking their true potential. With exceptional coffee and a remarkable mission, there’s much to admire about Prodigy Coffee House.
Copper Door Coffee Roasters
900 W. 1st. Ave. #180
+1 720 638-0915
With three locations spread across Lowry Field, Baker, and Cheesman Park, Copper Door Coffee Roasters is a beloved fixture in the city. The Cheesman Park branch is conveniently situated near the Denver Botanic Gardens in Downtown Denver–a must-see attraction in Colorado.
In addition to their picturesque surroundings, these cafes boast enchanting interiors that complement their delightful food and beverage offerings. The house-made syrups, whether added to hot drinks or Italian sodas, enhance the already delectable lattes, making them particularly irresistible.
The Molecule Effect
1201 Santa Fe Dr suite A
+1 720 502-6966
Chic and lively, The Molecule Effect has captured the hearts of Wash Park and Lincoln Park residents and their strong coffee culture. Their dual coffee shops offer a blend of traditional and modern coffee drinks, with a standout choice being their distinctive nitro cold brew made from bourbon-aged beans. Unsurprisingly, they also have Bulletproof Coffee on the menu, as well. This is the ideal spot for a coffee snob!
As the day progresses, visitors relish coffee cocktails, as well as a selection of local beer and wines. This Denver cafe is also known for hosting live music, First Friday art happenings, and comedy evenings, adding to its vibrant appeal.
Rivers and Roads Coffee
2539 Bruce Randolph Ave
+1 303 321-3052
Rivers and Roads’ duo of locations rank among the finest coffee shops in Denver. With ever-changing menus at both their Five Points and Clayton cafes, you can expect to find a delightful assortment of house-made pastries, breakfast burritos, flavored syrups, and more. As a spot that includes locally roasted beans, it is also focused on fostering community connections. Rivers and Roads is a place where you’re guaranteed to receive a warm welcome along with your craft coffee.
Steam Espresso Bar
3600 Tejon St #101
+1 303 455-4595
Initially established in the Platt Park neighborhood, Steam Espresso Bar expanded with a second location in the Highlands, set in a beautifully refurbished, historic firehouse. The preservation of certain features from the original structure contributes to this spacious cafe and its distinctive atmosphere.
In addition to the exceptional ambiance, Steam Espresso Bar boasts outstanding service. Patrons can look forward to indulging in rich, intricate espresso, visually appealing latte art, and a broad assortment of scrumptious, locally-produced pastries while sipping coffee.
Pigtrain Coffee Co.
1701 Wynkoop St
+1 720 460-3708
Visitors to Pigtrain Coffee Company have the pleasure of enjoying not just one, but two delightful settings to savor their delectable drinks. Inside the revitalized Great Hall at Union Station, guests can relax in lounge seating, play shuffleboard, and discover other local establishments. Meanwhile, the expansive patio at Wynkoop Plaza features fountains and a lively farmers market on summer Saturday mornings.
Given the abundance of activities in and around Union Station, the neighborhood stands out as one of the best places to stay in Denver. Begin your day at Pigtrain Coffee Co., and you might just find yourself spending the entire day in this vibrant area.
Whittier Cafe
1710 E 25th Ave
+1 720 550-7440
Dubbed “the activists’ coffee shop,” Whittier Cafe is a Black-owned establishment that honors the African roots of coffee. In addition to championing social justice issues, they also enlighten the community about ancestral coffee traditions.
Every Sunday, customers are welcomed to participate in an Ethiopian ceremony, where craft coffee is served from a jebena, a traditional clay pot. During happy hour, patrons can relish distinctive beers and wines sourced from various African countries. If you want something different than many local coffee shops, this is the spot for you.
Logan House Coffee Company
3517 East Brighton Boulevard
+1 720 515-7752
With branches in RiNo, Lowry, and The Stanley Marketplace in Aurora, Logan House Coffee Company delights patrons across coffee joints. Their locally-roasted beans and in-house crafted syrups merge to produce mouthwatering lattes. For those who prefer alternatives to coffee, spicy chai tea and indulgent hot chocolate are fan favorites.
The inviting atmosphere is enhanced by the addition of their food menu, which includes breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches, and much more.
Lekker Coffee and Watering Hole
3460 Larimer St
+1 720 833-1423
Managed by a dedicated mother-daughter team, Lekker Coffee & Watering Hole’s mission extends beyond serving exceptional coffee, though they excel at that as well. Situated in the RiNo neighborhood, this cafe donates 10% of its profits to the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary, the world’s largest rescue facility of its kind. Every purchase at Lekker contributes to making a positive impact.
Patrons can savor a range of specialty coffees, locally-sourced teas, beer, wine, and even craft cocktails. For the indecisive, the “Please Tell Me There’s A Cold Brew Cocktail” offers the best of both worlds for the coffee fanatic!
Kaladi Coffee Roasters
1730 E Evans Ave
+1 303 722-0594
A well-established presence in the Mile High City, Kaladi Coffee is featured in numerous local coffee shops. Their own cafes can be found in Englewood and Denver’s University neighborhood. Since 2000, they have showcased the delightful, intricate flavors present in organic, fresh coffee sourced globally. Savor a cup during your visit, and perhaps take a bag home to enjoy later.
Weathervane Cafe
1725 E 17th Ave
Nestled within a historic carriage house in Denver’s Uptown neighborhood, The Weathervane Cafe presents a quirky and playful atmosphere. Its walls and shelves are adorned with vintage decorations and handcrafted items. Behind the counter, skilled baristas prepare delectable coffee drinks and satisfying meals. Sample the pumpkin chia pudding, a breakfast sandwich, and other appetizing choices made with locally-sourced ingredients.
This is a spot that you’ll want to visit for its charming indoor seating and reputation as one of the best coffee shops in Denver.
MiddleState Coffee
212 Santa Fe Dr
+1 720 287-1401
Though modest in appearance from the exterior, MiddleState Coffee exudes vitality within its walls. At both their Baker and Highlands locations, visitors are greeted by artistic displays, lush foliage, and the energizing tunes of a lively playlist. The cafes showcase specialty coffees from roasters around the world, as well as inventive and flavorful drinks. Whether a coffee aficionado or not, it’s hard to resist the allure of an espresso milkshake.
Lauren Winder Hoar is the Editor-in-Chief at Coffee Hex, an educational resource for all things coffee. As a former barista and full-time writer, she spends her days with words and java, which is pretty much heaven. Lauren loves to share her passion and trade insights with fellow aficionados and the coffee curious alike.
Have you visited any of these coffee shops in Denver? Let me know in the comments!
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