Must-Try Cafes & Coffee Shops in Denver, Colorado

Denver has a buzzing brewing scene; when it comes to beans, you’ll find a place to grab a cup of joe on every corner. From homey holes-in-the-wall to barista-driven specialty stores, these cafés and coffee shops in Denver will delight even the most hardcore coffee critic.

As you explore the Mile High City, you’ll find a caffeine fix in every neighborhood! For classic, cozy cafes serving a hearty breakfast and home-roasted java, Hooked on Colfax and the Weathervane Café will delight. Blue Sparrow Coffee and Crema Coffee House in the artsy RiNo district are a must if you love a splash of coffee and a dash of art.

Serious coffee fans will love the slick Queensbury Coffee in Highland with its chemistry-lab aesthetic and single-cup brews. And if you just want a little nook to curl up with a book and a hot cup of joe, St. Mark’s Coffee in City Park West is heaven.

Ready to find your next favorite go-to for great java? Check out these great Denver coffee shops & cafes and take your pick!

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Little Owl Coffee

If you’re looking for a quiet, cozy spot to savor a great cup of coffee, Little Owl Coffee is a winner! Tucked behind an inconspicuous shopfront, this little gem is a bright oasis in an otherwise concrete-clad part of the city.

Located in the historic Baker neighborhood in Lower Downtown (LoDo), Little Owl Coffee has been a local favorite for years, known for its commitment to quality coffee and warm and welcoming atmosphere. Warm wood accents, comfortable seating, and abundant natural light create a perfect setting for sipping your favorite coffee.

The family-owned and operated business is passionate about serving exceptional brews. They offer a carefully curated selection of beans featuring single-origin and blended options. From espresso to pour-over, you’ll find your favorite brew here. For non-coffee drinkers, they have a variety of teas and hot chocolate.

On sunny Denver days, enjoy your coffee al fresco. Little Owl Coffee offers outdoor seating, allowing you to soak up some Colorado sunshine while you sip your brew.

Huckleberry Roasters

Prepare for a coffee experience that’s not just about a caffeine fix but also a work of art! Huckleberry Roasters is the perfect fusion of exceptional coffee and creative ambiance, making it a must-visit for any coffee enthusiast.

You’ll find Huckleberry Roasters on Wazee Street in the vibrant Dairy Block, right in the heart of the action of Downtown Denver. Founded in 2011 by Koan Goedman and Mark Mann, the specialty coffee shop is synonymous with quality coffee.

Huckleberry Roasters boasts an artistic and industrial-chic design. The space is adorned with local artwork and showcases the intersection of coffee and artistry. It’s an ideal spot to fuel your creativity while you sip coffee with character.

The cafe offers an extensive selection of coffee beans, including single-origin options that allow you to explore the unique flavors of different coffee-producing regions. Sip everything from espressos and pour-overs to cold brews. Watch for innovative seasonal specials like the signature Blue Orchid blend or the fruit-forward Phantom Limb!

2914 Coffee

If you find yourself in Jefferson Park needing a caffeine fix, go to Zuni Street, where you’ll find 2914 Coffee. Easy to find, with street parking available, this place oozes convenience.

This small, family-owned joint boasts a cozy, welcoming vibe and has long been a local favorite, serving top-notch brews and bites with a side of Denver charm. It’s the kind of place where you can hunker down with a good book, catch up with friends, or work without feeling rushed.

2914 Coffee is all about quality, from the beans to the pastries. They source their coffee from local roasters, and you can taste the freshness in every sip. Order your usual or try the rotating daily specials like the seasonal latte with a dash of pumpkin spice for something different!

You’ll also find a delightful range of pastries, light bites, flaky croissants, and delicious muffins to pair with your brew. On a sunny day, grab a seat on the outdoor patio. It’s a hidden gem for some fresh air and people-watching.

Novo Coffee

Novo Coffee is a beacon of sleek and chic on Denver’s coffee scene. A pioneer in the third-wave coffee movement and champion of ethical sourcing, house roasting, and proper brewing, Novo is a haven for java lovers.

Founded in 2002, Novo Coffee has been perfecting its coffee game for over a decade and has some serious coffee cred. Expect innovative roasts and housemade syrups. Be sure to try the Choose Your Own Adventure–style list of both espresso and coffee drinks—think Sumatran pour-over or the orange-zest mocha.

Snack on light bites like breakfast burritos or sweet treats from the Habit Doughnut Dispensary. If you’re looking for a cozy spot to chill or get some work done, there’s a comfy corner with some seating. It’s a great hideaway if you need a breather.

Whittier Cafe

If you’re looking for a classic neighborhood hangout where everyone knows your name, head to the Whittier neighborhood to find the cozy Whittier Cafe. Tucked away on 25th Avenue, this charming spot is Denver’s only African espresso bar and has a bit of a local legend status.

Whittier Cafe has a bit of a history lesson in every cup. It’s been a beloved part of the community for years, serving more than just coffee – it’s a slice of local culture. As you sip your latte, you can feel the neighborhood’s rich history all around you.

Expect a cozy and down-to-earth atmosphere surrounded by modern-vintage décor. Comfy seating invites you to sit down and stay a while. It’s the perfect spot for leisurely coffee or catching up with friends. Snag a seat on their outdoor patio. It’s an ideal spot to soak up some sunshine while enjoying your coffee.

Whittier Café sources their coffee from Africa, promising a one-of-a-kind coffee experience! Don’t miss the East African Coffee ceremony every Sunday. Watch coffee brewing in a traditional ‘jebena’ clay pot.

Roostercat Coffee House

Creativity and coffee always make a great pair; nobody does this better than the eclectic Roostercat Coffee House. Head to Lincoln Street in the heart of the Capitol Hill district and look for the arty lime green building to find this quirky gem.

Part coffeehouse, part creative hub, Roostercat is not just a place to grab your daily caffeine fix; it’s a hub for artists, students, and locals to come together. Oozing community spirit, it’s a spot where you’ll find artists sketching, students studying, and locals chatting about life.

Grab a cozy corner nook and order your favorite brew, from classic espresso to pour-overs and cold brews. Go for Gold and order the signature Gold Rush that combines espresso with honey and cinnamon. It’s a must-try!

Roostercat often hosts events like open mic nights, art exhibits, and live music performances. Into local art and culture? Keep an eye on their calendar for exciting happenings. If you prefer a quieter vibe, visit during the weekend mornings when the cafe is usually more relaxed.

Blue Sparrow Coffee

Nestled in the heart of Denver’s artistic enclave, the River North Art District (RiNo), Blue Sparrow Coffee is more than a coffee shop; it’s a canvas that celebrates the city’s artistic and coffee culture. Whether you’re looking for an exceptional cup of coffee or a creative experience, Blue Sparrow won’t disappoint.

Blue Sparrow Coffee was born from the vision of Jeff and Alissa Nick, who aimed to blend the artistry of coffee with RiNo’s creative spirit. The cafe’s name is a nod to Denver’s bluebird population, adding a touch of local charm.

The gallery-café hybrid has an industrial-chic design with ever-changing exhibitions of local artwork adorning the walls. Coffee isn’t just a drink here; it’s an art form. Beans are meticulously sourced from local roasters, ensuring every cup is a masterpiece.

The menu is a treasure trove of coffee delights, from traditional espresso drinks to pour-overs and cold brews. The passionate baristas ensure your brew is nothing short of perfection.

Be adventurous and try the ever-evolving specials. Think seasonal delights like lavender honey lattes in spring or warming Mexican mochas in winter. Pause to appreciate the rotating local art displays. They add an extra layer of depth to your coffee experience.

Crema Coffee House

Another java gem in the RiNo neighborhood is Crema Coffee House. Tucked between eclectic art galleries and quirky boutiques, this rustically modern café is a cornerstone of Denver’s specialty coffee scene.

Crema Coffee House

Crema Coffee House sources its beans from local roasters and roasts them at its roastery, Corvus Coffee Roasters, right next door. If you’re curious about the coffee roasting process, take a peek!

Whether you’re a coffee purist, a fan of espresso-based drinks, or curious about pour-overs, they’ve got something to satisfy your caffeine cravings. Crema Coffee House loves to keep things fresh and seasonal, from lavender lattes in spring to rich, spiced mocha in winter.

The Weathervane Cafe

If you’re looking for a cozy spot in City Park West, the Weathervane Cafe is a real gem! The gas station-turned-coffee shop is a local favorite and the perfect place for a quick bite or a leisurely brunch.

The Weathervane Cafe oozes coziness. It’s got a classic, old-school cafe vibe with wooden tables, mismatched chairs, and warm, welcoming colors. It’s small but comfortable, and some soft indie music is usually playing in the background.

They’ve got a killer menu with a little something for everyone. Their coffee is top-notch, and they offer a variety of espresso-based drinks that will give you that caffeine boost you need. If you’re into tea, they’ve got a great selection of loose-leaf options.

Tuck into tasty breakfast and brunch plates of fluffy pancakes, burritos, and avocado toast. If you prefer something sweet, their pastries are homemade, and they often have a selection of fresh baked goods.

The cafe has a small patio outside, which is perfect for those sunny Denver days. Grab a seat out there if you can. Be prepared to pay in cash – that’s their preferred method. (There’s an ATM nearby if you forget.)

Hooked on Colfax

For vintage charm and exceptional coffee, head to Hooked on Colfax. Set on bustling Colfax Avenue in Congress Park, this quaint little hangout has a relaxed, retro vibe with a touch of nostalgia.

An eclectic mix of vintage furniture, wall art, and a warm, inviting atmosphere makes this an excellent spot for flying solo with a book or catching up with friends. Aromatic, house-roasted coffee fills the air, and a menu of basic breakfast and brunch goodies like pancakes, sandwiches, and pastries is available.

Later in the day, you can still grab a satisfying lunch or snack. They offer sandwiches, salads, and other deli-style goodies that hit the spot. Watch for coffee blends, seasonal treats, or live music on certain evenings.

Need to get some work done? They’ve got free Wi-Fi and plenty of outlets for your devices. Hooked on Colfax is all about supporting local artists, so check out the art on their walls – you might find something special to take home.

St Mark’s Coffee House

St. Mark’s Coffee House is a charming, long-standing coffee spot in City Park West where you can sip on quality brews, savor a pastry, and relax in a warm and welcoming ambiance. Serving great coffee for over 30 years, this charming go-to has that authentic, lived-in feel that only comes with time.

Comfy chairs, wooden tables, and shelves filled with books create a cozy atmosphere not unlike your favorite corner of a well-loved library, but with coffee. Whether you’re here to work, relax, or chat with friends, you’ll feel right at home.

You’ll find a variety of espresso-based drinks, from classic lattes to creative mochas, and a good selection of loose-leaf teas. Freshly baked pastries and light bites are the perfect accompaniment to your cup.

If you’re a bookworm, you’ll love their book nook. You can grab a book from the shelves and settle for a quiet reading session. When the weather’s nice, they have a small patio out back. It’s a great spot to enjoy your coffee al fresco.

Queensberry Coffee

Tucked inside an old brick building on Navajo Street, Queensberry Coffee (formerly Black Eye Coffee Shop) is all about simplicity. This spot is all about exceptional coffee, from the sleek, minimalist design to the single-cup brewing.

Queensberry Coffee is located on Tejon Street in the hip Highland neighborhood and offers a rotating selection of four types of locally sourced beans at a time. A pour-over station is used to brew single cups of coffee. Whether into espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos or prefer a classic pour-over, you’re in good hands here.

While coffee is the star of the show, they also offer a selection of pastries and light bites. It’s the ideal place to grab a quick bite to accompany your brew. If you’re on the move, they offer to-go cups, so you can take your java with you as you explore the neighborhood.

On a sunny day, grab a seat on their outdoor patio. It’s a fantastic spot to people-watch and soak in the Highland vibe. After your coffee fix, stroll around Highland – it’s full of cool shops, restaurants, and art galleries

Corvus Coffee Roasters

If you love everything about beans, from sourcing to roasting, visiting Corvus Coffee Roasters is a must! This coffee roastery and cafe takes pride in sourcing, roasting, and brewing some of the finest beans from around the world.

Corvus Coffee Roasters is on S Broadway in the bustling and eclectic South Broadway neighborhood. It’s all about showcasing the art of coffee, from the sweet aroma of freshly roasted beans wafting through the air to the rich and flavorful coffee on offer.

Corvus roasts their beans in-house; you can taste the difference in every sip. Their selection of beans is ever-changing, so you can embark on a coffee-tasting journey with each visit.

You’ll find a range of unique coffee specials and limited-edition beans, from single-origin offerings to experimental blends. Don’t hesitate to ask their knowledgeable baristas for recommendations; they love to share their expertise!

If you’re a real coffee enthusiast, check out their coffee classes. You can learn everything from brewing techniques to the art of latte art. Can’t get enough of their beans? They sell bags of freshly roasted coffee so you can take your favorite blend home.

Treksplorer

Ryan O'Rourke is a seasoned traveler and the founder & editor of Treksplorer, a fiercely independent guide to mid-range luxury travel for busy people. With over 20 years of extensive travel experience, Ryan has journeyed through over 50 countries, uncovering hidden gems and sharing firsthand, unsponsored insights on what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay. Backed by his travel experience and in-depth research, Ryan’s travel advice and writing has been featured in publications like the Huffington Post and Matador Network. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter/X at @rtorourke.

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