Denver’s coffee scene is a vibrant reflection of the city’s eclectic, creative culture. From cozy neighborhood cafes to sleek, modern coffee houses, there’s no shortage of unique places to grab a cup of joe. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, exploring the Mile High City’s coffee culture is a must for any caffeine enthusiast. Here are the 10 best coffee shops you need to visit in Denver, CO.
The 10 Best Coffee Shops in Denver, CO
1. Blue Sparrow Coffee
Blue Sparrow is the epitome of understated sophistication. With a focus on simplicity, this petite yet beautifully designed coffee shop lets its high-quality brews shine. The interiors feature a hand-scrawled menu, patterned tiles, and wood accents that create a warm, welcoming vibe. Despite its minimalist approach, Blue Sparrow is committed to sustainability with its Single-Use Initiative that encourages customers to bring their own cups.
Atmosphere: A design lover’s dream, the aesthetic here is clean and charming, ideal for a quick coffee or catching up with a friend.
Sustainability Initiative: Customers are charged a small fee for disposable cups, with proceeds going toward the company’s sustainability efforts.
Why Locals Love It: Blue Sparrow’s rotating selection of roasters ensures every visit brings a new experience, while their no-fuss approach means your cup is always consistent.
2. Copper Door Coffee Roasters
What makes Copper Door special is its dedication to sourcing 100% of its coffee from female-owned farms. As Denver’s only woman-owned coffee roastery, Copper Door has cultivated a loyal customer base that values its ethical practices and exceptional brews. The Botanic Gardens location is a peaceful oasis where you can sip a latte while surrounded by lush greenery.
Signature Coffees: Sumatra Queen Ketiara and Peru Agua Colorada are some of the most loved beans from their selection.
Atmosphere: The Botanic Gardens location is perfect for those looking for a serene environment. Expect to find high ceilings, natural light, and an enclosed patio for a tranquil coffee experience.
Why Locals Love It: People love that Copper Door stands for more than just great coffee—it’s also a place where sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical sourcing are front and center.
3. Dandy Lion Coffee
Dandy Lion Coffee brings a playful, green twist to Denver’s coffee scene by combining a coffee shop with a plant boutique. Inside, you’ll find espresso bars surrounded by whimsical greenery and terrariums, creating a peaceful sanctuary perfect for unwinding. The owners, Duc and Dominique Huynh, have created a unique atmosphere where coffee lovers and plant enthusiasts come together.
Signature Drink: The Ollie’s Drink, an iced chai made with toffee nut syrup and macadamia milk, is a fan favorite. You can also enjoy Kyoto-style iced coffee and lavender lattes.
Atmosphere: Bright, welcoming, and full of plants. The shop’s high-tech Vestaboard display adds a quirky, modern touch to the space.
Why Locals Love It: Dandy Lion’s beautiful blend of coffee and horticulture creates a relaxing space unlike any other, where customers can sip coffee and take home a new plant baby.
4. Huckleberry Roasters
Huckleberry Roasters is one of Denver’s most prominent roasters, known for its top-tier coffee and laid-back atmosphere. The Sunnyside flagship shop has been a neighborhood staple, offering a cozy space for both work and relaxation. Huckleberry’s team has earned international recognition, with its head roaster Shelby Williamson representing the U.S. at the World Coffee Roasting Championship.
Signature Coffees: The Good Food Award-winning Phantom Limb blend and the bright Ethiopia Banko Dhadato are a must-try for coffee aficionados.
Atmosphere: Trendy and relaxed, each location has a modern industrial vibe with lots of natural light and comfortable seating.
Why Locals Love It: Huckleberry is beloved for its dedication to quality, friendly baristas, and community-centered spaces. Plus, no extra charge for oat milk makes it a hit with alt-milk fans!
5. Prodigy Coffeehouse
More than just a coffee shop, Prodigy Coffeehouse is a nonprofit dedicated to providing barista apprenticeships for underserved young adults in the surrounding communities. This social enterprise aims to uplift its neighborhood through mentorship, education, and, of course, excellent coffee. Prodigy’s bright, mural-adorned locations also provide plenty of space to work, relax, and connect.
Signature Drink: The berry latte and nitro cold brew are popular choices, as is the house-made horchata latte.
Atmosphere: Airy, cheerful, and community-oriented. With large garage doors that open to sunny patios, Prodigy’s coffee houses are welcoming, bright, and perfect for socializing.
Why Locals Love It: People are drawn to Prodigy not just for the great coffee, but for its mission to provide educational and economic opportunities to youth in north Denver.
6. Little Owl Coffee
Little Owl Coffee, a boutique-style coffee shop, is known for its dedication to crafting the perfect cup. Since roasting its own beans in 2018, Little Owl has perfected its espresso game, often focusing on fruit-forward, single-origin beans. Its small, stylish space and outdoor seating make it a downtown destination for coffee lovers looking for a quick yet exceptional coffee break.
Signature Drink: Espresso tonic made with local Strongwater tonic water. It’s a refreshing, unique way to enjoy your espresso.
Atmosphere: Modern and boutique-chic, Little Owl feels like a sophisticated yet cozy corner of downtown.
Why Locals Love It: Little Owl’s consistently excellent espresso drinks, minimalist design, and friendly staff make it a go-to for Denver’s coffee connoisseurs.
7. Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters
Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters has gained a national following thanks to founder Andy Sprenger’s expertise as a two-time U.S. Brewers Cup champion. What sets Sweet Bloom apart is its commitment to transparency, often inviting farmers from their direct-trade partners to visit the U.S. and share their stories. This hands-on approach to sourcing ensures the coffee is top-notch and ethically produced.
Signature Drink: Honey-processed José Hernández coffee from Guatemala is a fan favorite for its balanced berry and chocolate notes.
Atmosphere: Light-filled and inviting, Sweet Bloom’s cafes provide a bright and calming space to enjoy expertly roasted coffee.
Why Locals Love It: Serious coffee lovers appreciate Sweet Bloom’s direct-trade relationships and small-batch, carefully roasted beans that deliver exceptional flavor in every cup.
8. Steam Espresso Bar
Steam Espresso Bar is all about a clean, stylish atmosphere combined with carefully brewed coffee. Its focus on simple, high-quality beans allows for a more refined menu, featuring espresso classics, fresh juices, and delicious pastries. Their LoHi location, housed in a historic firehouse, offers a cozy, plant-filled space with large doors that open onto the street.
Signature Drink: Their velvety dark chocolate mocha is a crowd favorite.
Atmosphere: Sunlit and serene, Steam’s modern interiors and plant-filled patios make it a favorite for a relaxing coffee break.
Why Locals Love It: The friendly, welcoming vibe combined with consistently excellent coffee and beautifully designed spaces make Steam a Denver favorite.
9. Crema Coffee House
Crema Coffee House has been a Larimer Street staple since 2009, offering fantastic coffee alongside house-made food and baked goods. Known for its rotating selection of beans from more than 20 different roasters, Crema delivers top-quality drinks with plenty of variety. Whether you’re sipping on a cold brew or enjoying a pork belly banh mi, Crema delivers on flavor and atmosphere.
Signature Drink: Drip coffee with free refills is a classic choice, while their house-made vanilla latte is another favorite.
Atmosphere: Industrial yet cozy, Crema offers a laid-back environment with plenty of seating, including a sunny patio.
Why Locals Love It: The variety of roasters and consistently delicious food offerings make Crema a go-to spot for locals who want a reliable, high-quality coffee experience.
10. Tí Cafe
Tí Cafe stands out as Denver’s first Vietnamese coffee shop, offering a range of traditional drinks made with robusta beans imported directly from Vietnam. This small, stylish café serves up a variety of drinks like the decadent Vietnamese egg coffee, a sweet and creamy concoction topped with a frothy egg cloud. Tí Cafe’s selection of pastries and mooncakes makes it a unique stop for coffee lovers with a sweet tooth.
Signature Drink: Flan Cafe Sua Da, an iced Vietnamese coffee topped with a rich flan.
Atmosphere: Intimate and chic, Tí Cafe is a cozy spot perfect for a quick meet-up or a sweet treat.
Why Locals Love It: Tí Cafe’s unique approach to Vietnamese coffee and its focus on traditional flavors make it a standout in Denver’s coffee scene.
Final Thoughts
Denver’s coffee scene is as diverse as the city itself, with each coffee shop offering something unique to discover. Whether you’re a fan of sustainable sourcing, local community initiatives, or just an excellent cup of coffee, there’s something for everyone. So next time you’re in the Mile High City, be sure to stop by one of these top 10 coffee shops and savor the best of Denver’s coffee culture.
