Starbucks recently announced it’s closing hundreds of stores across the country — including six right here in Denver — in its effort to re-center its focus as “a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather.” But who needs that big green corporate coffee machine? We turned to City Cast Denver Neighbor and coffee aficionado Nate Evans and his wife (a former barista) Marie Evans. Nate has visited nearly 90 coffee shops in Denver alone and has the spreadsheet to prove it. Here are Nate and Marie on their top five faves:
They started with one location that they shared with a brewery in 2018, and now they have seven. Everything on the menu is solid. Try a flash brew!
This one started with a tiny location on Blake Street and was one of the coffee scene’s best-kept secrets. Not anymore! They have four locations downtown. Their spot in the Populus Hotel is a must-visit. Best espresso shot in Denver!
Clean modern aesthetic with unique coffee flavors. I love the espresso tonic here! Their location on Santa Fe feels so random as you pull up, but the second you walk in, you know you've found a gem.
A coffee nerd’s paradise! The founder is a legend in the coffee world, and they have barista champions and coffee judges on staff. Their original location is in Lakewood, but the outpost with space and lots of seating and comfy/cool vibes is in Westminster.
Pricey? Check. Possibly feels pretentious? Check. (Although most of the baristas are really nice.) Overhyped? Absolutely not. One of the few shops in the metro area that has actually earned the right to charge more through relentless innovation and meticulous sourcing. The OG location is on South Broadway, but the locations in RiNo and the northern suburbs are light-drenched and plant-filled.
Honorable Mentions:
There’s one location tucked away in Junction Food Hall and another one on the edge of Aurora. High-quality and well-sourced coffee for the nerds, and creative lattes and coffee cocktails for everyone.
All of their locations are cool and feel great to be in. A fellow coffee nerd friend of mine said their Japanese cold brew was a top five of all time for him.
A down-to-earth shop with really friendly employees offering great coffee in a comfortable environment in Aurora off of East Colfax. Try the espresso tonic called Bramble!
A trip to Silver Plume is a must for a day in the mountains. Peak mountain coffee shop vibes!
🎧 Psst! Want more? Tune into the City Cast Denver podcast for even more local coffee shop picks.
