Colorado’s Homegrown Coffee Culture

Wake up, warm up or simply indulge at one of Colorado’s many independently owned coffee shops that make you feel like a local. Each one has an aura of its own and some even function like small-town community centers — think Central Perk in “Friends,” where you can find out all the best things to do while sipping a frothy coffee drink.

By: Colorado.com Staff Writer
Updated: July 2, 2024

Bean-Slingin’ Shops

Morrison Joe

Morrison
The sound of locals chattering fills this java purveyor’s picture-perfect courtyard any given morning. Kickstart your day with a chocolate-peppermint latte, then head for a brisk hike in nearby Bear Creek Lake Park.

Beleza Coffee Bar

Boulder
The wavy, arched roof of the Community Plaza Shopping Center that houses Beleza Coffee Bar looks like something out of “The Jetsons.” Perch under it with a thick, velvety espresso milkshake and you’ll shiver with delight.

Two Arrows Coffee Bar

Vail
Just steps from Gondola One, ski junkies find their nectar from the caffeine gods at Two Arrows Coffee Bar before hitting the slopes. Swill down a morning macchiato with a bowl of chilled maple oats topped with golden raisins and crunchy granola.

ROOT HOUSE coffee + shop

Pagosa Springs
Nestled on a bend in the rushing San Juan River, the porch at ROOT HOUSE coffee + shop was made for chilly days. Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket scarf to savor a piping cup of single-origin, pour-over coffee.

Boxcar Coffee Roasters

Boulder
Laptop-toting remote workers meet along the exposed brick walls at Boxcar Coffee Roasters, Boulder’s premier rocket-fuel provider. Taste the shop-roasted Bareknuckle, a heady blend of dark chocolate and caramel.

Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters

Lakewood
Feeling like a cross between a jungle and a warehouse, Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters' hand-brewed Kolla Bolcha from Ethiopia is the way to go.

Winot Coffee

Niwot
When you see a sign festooned with a humongous horseshoe, you’ll know you’ve made it! The bustlin’ La Marzocco machine is covered in pithy magnets and does an excellent foamy cappuccino.

Sand Cherry Coffee

Ordway
Pick up a sweet Vietnamese coffee and peruse the locally made jams and vibrant accessories at the cozy Sand Cherry Coffee.

Westbound General

Idaho Springs
At Westbound General, a shot of invigorating espresso comes atop a wooden board cut like an arrow with a mini-pint glass of palate-cleansing water — so, take a picture.

Boho Brew

Flagler
Holler for a fancy salted-caramel frappe at Boho Brew — a tiny plains gem where you can nestle into a plush, bowl-shaped chair to converse with your table neighbor.

Farm House Market

Yuma
Found downtown, Farm House Market screams Western hospitality. The roof extends out over iron benches meant for shady sipping year-round.

Howl Mercantile & Coffee

Salida
With a rich mocha in hand, browse the store at Howl Mercantile & Coffee for too-cool-for-school knapsacks and jean jackets inundated with patches.

Kiln Coffee Bar

Grand Junction
The heart and soul of GJ could be Kiln Coffee Bar. Have a glass of nitro cold brew while resting on a turquoise-metal stool and gossip with locals about the Trumbo-in-the-bath statue down the street.

Perkatory Coffee House

Trinidad
Lodged in a Romanesque-revival building built in 1892, Perkatory is best for people-watching while knocking back a strong Americano.

Loyal Coffee

Colorado Springs
Sleek lines, gold-framed menus and hexagon-tile floors give Loyal a cool-girl feel. Park yourself at a booth and get the soft-boiled eggs balanced on sourdough bread with a cortado.

Prodigal Son’s Coffee House & Eatery

Craig
Signs that say “gather” and “family” dot the walls of Prodigal Son’s, making it feel like your mom’s living room. Nab a butter-pecan latte before taking off for a day of hiking at Dinosaur National Monument.

Big Shooter Coffee

Kremmling
Make sure to snap a pic of your to-go joe. The Big Shooter Coffee logo of a cowboy holding two massive mugs is too cute not to share on the ’gram.

East Simpson Coffee Company

Lafayette
The skinny, Western-esque storefront of East Simpson Coffee Company will beckon you with guitar circles and friendly faces. Sit for a spell while indulging in a Colorado-honey latte.

The Crown

Breckenridge
Situated on the top floor of a 1980s red-brick, split-level galleria, The Crown has a house-blend cold brew with vanilla so good it’s worth the frigid hands.

Camp 4 Coffee

Crested Butte
Camp 4 Coffee housed in a quaint tiny cabin, plastered in a hodgepodge of vintage license plates. Even better, it's been voted “Best Coffee Joint” every year since Crested Butte News started its Best of the Butte poll way back when.

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