Denver’s coffee scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself, offering a rich tapestry of flavors, atmospheres, and experiences. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a dedicated aficionado, the Mile High City has something brewing just for you. Join us as we explore some of Denver’s standout coffee shops and specialty cafés.
The Evolution of Denver’s Coffee Culture
Over the past decade, Denver has transformed into a haven for coffee enthusiasts. The city’s embrace of the third-wave coffee movement has led to the emergence of numerous establishments dedicated to sourcing high-quality beans, emphasizing sustainability, and perfecting brewing techniques. This evolution reflects Denver’s broader commitment to artisanal craftsmanship and community-focused businesses.
Notable Coffee Shops in Denver
Corvus Coffee Roasters
📍 Address: 1740 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210
Why Visit?
Corvus Coffee Roasters is a haven for coffee purists, known for its direct trade relationships with farmers worldwide. Their beans are roasted in small batches, highlighting each origin’s distinct flavors. The shop features a sleek, modern interior with plenty of space to sip and savor a perfectly crafted pour-over or espresso drink.
☕ Must-Try: Their Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over or a classic cortado
Little Owl Coffee
📍 Address: 1555 Blake St #150, Denver, CO 80202
Why Visit?
Little Owl Coffee is an intimate, specialty café with a focus on high-quality espresso drinks. Located in LoDo, it’s the perfect grab-and-go spot before a day exploring downtown Denver. Their coffee is ethically sourced, and they are known for their perfectly balanced flat whites and macchiatos.
☕ Must-Try: A single-origin espresso or their rich mocha
Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters
📍 Address: 1619 Reed St #2, Lakewood, CO 80214
Why Visit?
Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters is a coffee lover’s dream with a focus on community and education. Their beans are roasted in-house, and they often feature exclusive micro-lots from around the world. The café has a clean, minimalist aesthetic, making it a great place to focus and relax.
☕ Must-Try: Their Colombian pour-over or a classic cappuccino
The Bardo Coffee House
📍 Address: 238 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
Why Visit?
Bardo Coffee House is Denver’s go-to late-night café, offering a cozy, welcoming environment where students, writers, and night owls can enjoy a cup of coffee well into the evening. It’s a laid-back spot with large tables, free WiFi, and an extensive drink menu, including teas and Italian sodas.
☕ Must-Try: Their signature chai latte or Vietnamese iced coffee
Crema Coffee House
📍 Address: 2862 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
Why Visit?
Nestled in Denver’s RiNo (River North) district, Crema Coffee House is a trendy café with an artistic and eclectic vibe. They serve rotating guest roasters, ensuring variety for coffee lovers. It’s a great brunch spot, offering a selection of tasty pastries and small bites.
☕ Must-Try: A latte with house-made almond milk or a honey lavender cold brew
Which Coffee Shop Should You Visit?
| Coffee Shop | Best For | Vibe | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corvus Coffee Roasters | Artisan coffee & direct trade | Sleek & modern | Single-origin pour-overs |
| Little Owl Coffee | Espresso lovers & downtown workers | Cozy & minimalist | Flat white, macchiato |
| Sweet Bloom | Coffee education & roastery experience | Clean & bright | Colombian pour-over |
| The Bardo Coffee House | Late-night caffeine fixes | Laid-back & casual | Vietnamese iced coffee |
| Crema Coffee House | Artistic café-hopping & brunch | Hip & trendy | Honey lavender cold brew |
Specialty Cafés Adding Unique Flavors to Denver
Coffee Sarap – A Filipino Coffee Haven
📍 Address: 2504 W Hampden Ave, Sheridan, CO 80110
Why Visit?
If you’re looking for a café with bold flavors and cultural flair, Coffee Sarap is the place to be. This Filipino-inspired coffee shop is known for incorporating Southeast Asian ingredients into classic coffee drinks. One of their standout items is the Ube Latte, a purple-hued, slightly sweet latte made with real ube (purple yam), which adds an earthy, vanilla-like flavor.
Beyond their unique coffee creations, Coffee Sarap also serves Filipino pastries like Ensaymada and Pandesal, making it a great stop for both coffee and a light snack. Their spacious patio makes it an inviting spot to relax, especially on sunny Denver days.
☕ Must-Try: The Ube Latte or Calamansi Cold Brew
Flora – A Botanical-Inspired Café & Cocktail Bar
📍 Address: 100 N Broadway Suite 101, Denver, CO 80203
Why Visit?
Flora is a coffee shop by day and cocktail bar by night, offering the best of both worlds. During the day, the café is flooded with natural light, creating a tranquil oasis with lush greenery and stylish decor. It’s an ideal spot to work remotely, read a book, or enjoy a slow morning with a well-crafted latte.
Flora focuses on locally sourced ingredients, and their menu features botanical-infused syrups and unique milk alternatives. Come evening, Flora transitions into an elevated cocktail lounge, perfect for a post-work drink.
☕ Must-Try: The Lavender Honey Latte or a Rose Cardamom Cappuccino
🍸 Bonus: If you visit at night, try their Espresso Martini or the Flora Spritz
Procession Coffee – Small-Batch Roasting with a Passion
📍 Address: 1625 E 35th Ave, Denver, CO 80205
Why Visit?
Procession Coffee is a hidden gem that recently relocated to a new red-brick storefront in the Cole neighborhood. This café is known for its intense focus on quality coffee roasting and strong, robust espresso drinks.
They serve coffee made from ethically sourced beans, with a preference for small-batch, single-origin roasts. Their house-made syrups, like bourbon vanilla and spiced maple, take their drinks to the next level. If you’re looking for a perfectly balanced cortado or a strong cold brew, this is the place.
They also partner with Sweet Anarchy Bakery, offering an incredible selection of pastries, making this a great breakfast or mid-morning stop.
☕ Must-Try: Cortado with Bourbon Vanilla Syrup or Nitro Cold Brew
Elemental – Where Coffee Meets Artisanal Baking
📍 Address: 1703 Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80204
Why Visit?
If you love coffee and freshly baked goods, Elemental is a must-visit. This café takes a holistic approach to coffee and food, combining artisanal baking with high-quality coffee sourcing. Unlike your standard coffee shop, Elemental is known for its incredible grab-and-go meal options, which range from hearty breakfast sandwiches to nutrient-packed smoothie bowls.
Their coffee is locally roasted, and their espresso drinks have a smooth and well-balanced profile. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick caffeine fix before work or looking to enjoy a leisurely brunch, Elemental has something for everyone.
☕ Must-Try: Oat Milk Honey Cinnamon Latte or Earl Grey Lavender Tea Latte
🥐 Bonus: Grab one of their house-made almond croissants or breakfast burritos
Cafecito – A Celebration of Latin American Coffee
📍 Address: 2601 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
Why Visit?
Cafecito isn’t just a café—it’s a cultural experience. Specializing in Latin American coffee traditions, this shop offers a vibrant atmosphere with a menu full of authentic Latin flavors. They serve everything from rich Café Cubano to Mexican Café de Olla (coffee brewed with cinnamon and piloncillo sugar).
The café also serves traditional Latin pastries, including empanadas and alfajores, making it the perfect stop if you’re craving something both sweet and satisfying.
Their staff is warm and welcoming, and the café often features local Latino artists and musicians, creating a space that feels like a true community hub.
☕ Must-Try: Café de Olla or Dulce de Leche Cortado
🥐 Bonus: Pair your coffee with an Empanada or an Alfajor
Which Unique Café Should You Visit?
| Café Name | Best For | Vibe | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee Sarap | Filipino-inspired coffee | Warm & welcoming | Ube Latte, Calamansi Cold Brew |
| Flora | Botanical & cocktail lovers | Bright & plant-filled | Lavender Honey Latte, Espresso Martini |
| Procession Coffee | Small-batch espresso enthusiasts | Industrial & modern | Bourbon Vanilla Cortado, Nitro Cold Brew |
| Elemental | Coffee & bakery lovers | Cozy & artisanal | Honey Cinnamon Latte, Fresh Croissants |
| Cafecito | Latin American coffee experience | Lively & cultural | Café de Olla, Dulce de Leche Cortado |
Hidden Gems Worth Discovering
Rivers and Roads Coffee – A Café with Heart & Purpose
📍 Address: 2539 Bruce Randolph Ave, Denver, CO 80205
Why Visit?
Rivers and Roads Coffee is more than just a café; it’s a community-driven space with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and connection. Their staff is incredibly welcoming, and the atmosphere feels like a second home for many regulars.
They are well known for their house-made syrups, which add a unique twist to classic coffee drinks. Whether you’re in the mood for a honey lavender latte or a brown sugar cinnamon cappuccino, their syrup flavors elevate each cup.
Beyond coffee, freshly baked goods—made in-house—set them apart. Their gluten-free pastries and hearty breakfast burritos are local favorites. If you’re looking for a café that prioritizes people, quality, and inclusivity, this is the spot.
☕ Must-Try: Honey Lavender Latte or a Caramel Cardamom Cortado
🥐 Bonus: Their homemade pastries and breakfast sandwiches are worth the visit alone
Blue Sparrow Coffee – A Curated Coffee Experience
📍 Address:
- 3070 Blake St Unit 180, Denver, CO 80205 (RiNo Location)
- 1615 Platte St Suite 135, Denver, CO 80202 (LoHi Location)
Why Visit?
Blue Sparrow Coffee is a dream for coffee purists. Their rotating selection of beans from some of the best roasters worldwide means every visit offers something new. Unlike cafés that stick to a single roaster, Blue Sparrow offers a curated menu featuring exceptional beans from around the world, making it an exciting stop for those who love exploring different coffee origins and styles.
Their spaces are designed with a sleek, minimal aesthetic, making them great places to work or relax. The RiNo location has a cozy, intimate feel, while the LoHi shop is bright and airy with an inviting patio.
Blue Sparrow also places a strong emphasis on seasonal offerings, ensuring that their menu is always fresh and exciting.
☕ Must-Try: Single-Origin Pour-Over or their Seasonal Nitro Cold Brew
🥐 Bonus: Pair your coffee with a locally sourced pastry from Reunion Bread Co.
Doppio Coffee – Minimalist Perfection
📍 Address: 1245 Champa St, Denver, CO 80204
Why Visit?
Doppio Coffee is a hidden gem in downtown Denver, focusing on simplicity and quality. The café’s modern, minimalist aesthetic is perfect for those looking for a peaceful coffee experience without distractions. Their philosophy revolves around doing a few things exceptionally well, which is why their espresso drinks are some of the best in the city.
The shop is small but beautifully designed, making it an ideal stop for a quiet moment with a great cup of coffee. They also focus on sustainable sourcing, ensuring their beans are of the highest ethical and environmental standards.
Their signature espresso-based drinks showcase the rich, balanced flavors of their carefully selected beans. Whether you prefer a velvety cortado or a perfectly crafted flat white, this is a café where simplicity meets excellence.
☕ Must-Try: Classic Flat White or a Rich, Smooth Cortado
🥐 Bonus: Their buttery croissants and house-made biscotti are great pairings
The Intersection of Coffee and Community
Denver’s coffee shops often serve as more than just places to get a caffeine fix; they are community hubs where art, culture, and conversation flourish. Many cafés host local art exhibitions, live music, and community events, fostering connections among residents and visitors alike.
Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
A significant number of Denver’s coffee establishments prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing. By establishing direct trade relationships with coffee farmers and implementing eco-friendly practices, these cafés ensure that each cup not only tastes good but also does good.
Coffee Education and Workshops
For those eager to deepen their coffee knowledge, several Denver cafés offer workshops and classes. From brewing techniques to latte art, these educational opportunities allow patrons to engage more intimately with their favorite beverage.
The Future of Denver’s Coffee Scene
As Denver continues to grow and evolve, its coffee scene is poised to expand further. With a foundation built on quality, community, and innovation, the city’s cafés are set to continue delighting both locals and visitors for years to come.
Conclusion
Denver’s coffee shops and specialty cafés offer a rich and diverse landscape for coffee lovers. From traditional establishments to innovative newcomers, there’s a spot for every palate and preference.
