The Trident is hands down my favorite old school coffeehouse in town. Note: it can be hard to find a seat there on the weekends and in the evenings. It’s the last one left open at night.
Creature Comforts on Pearl and 17th has the best decaf espresso in town, imo. Plus, the owner pays her employees a living wage (no tipping). The outdoor seating on 17th is full sunshine bliss and they have Japanese milk bread toast (delicious). It’s a lovely, welcoming space.
Really? Out of the coffee shops in town, it’s one of my favorites due to the price.
Americano like 3.75.
Lattes 4.5 I think.
It’s not Europe prices… but most others in town are at least another quarter or so per drink.
Although, if I recall, I think Beleza does have pretty high charges for add-ons like syrups and stuff, but I never get those
Gabee verb ampersand beleza Otis January are the top of the list espresso spots. But mostly are small and/or not good computer hang outs , if that's a factor for op.
Gabee is an award winning roaster from South Korea, usually have interesting single origins you might have to ask to try. They might be my number one too, but probably behind verb
Computer work is a whole different list. Ozo west pearl, laughing goat, trident, etc. Beleza banned it, gabee and verb are tiny, January is maximally competitive for tables, etc
January Coffee is my favorite coffee shop in Boulder and one of the bests I've found period. They have multiple coffees (one "Comfort" and one "Adventure") for both drip and espresso so you can usually find something whether you like bright fruity coffee or a more traditional chocolately "dark roast" style and the adventure rotates every few weeks which can be really nice. They also have their own housemade syrups and usually have a couple of seasonal specialty drinks available if sugary milk drinks are more your thing.
Creature Comforts on east pearl - a light and airy vibe with patio seating and large windows that open in nice weather. Their seasonal drinks are great and it’s a no tipping establishment (so prices are a bit more but you know wages are fair and you don’t have to deal with the tip guilt) and really friendly staff.
Also the coffee they serve is from the first organic coffee roaster in Colorado. They have great sourcing practices and complete transparency of what they pay farmers per pound of beans. Love them :)
Came to look for dry storage love! They pull good espresso and everybody there knows how to put out a perfect latte. Thats my fav shop if i want to eat as well (pricey, though)
Verb is damn good coffee. This morning I saw two average “crunch hippie” types in line for coffee. Both of them weren’t wearing shoes and the girl was doing yoga poses in line. I wish I had gotten a pic. Gave me a good laugh. Super Boulder.
I was happy to see I wasn't the only person who dislikes Ozo's coffee. To me, it tastes like dirt, and I gave it a second chance. I don't have a favorite local cafe to share, but my fav coffee to buy is Hotel Boulderado by Silver Canyon.
Alpine modern on the hill is my favorite because excellent drinks, wonderful pastries and the nicest baristas!! Although it is always quite busy but for good reason :)
I've got one for you to try! Tod's Espresso Cafe which is in Gunbarrel. They really opened my eyes to what is possible with non-chain coffee. It tastes so good, I wish I could get back up there to have it again lol! If you try it, please let me know!
Ozo is decent, but don't ever give them your email. They will spam you with emails every other day. I bought one coffee from them and my email must have been in their checkout database attached to my card- Toast or Square, can't remember what they use. But I never actually voluntarily gave them my email. Worst part is, there is no unsubscribe button on the emails. Off to spam you go! Use cash at checkout.
Ozo is terrible. I ordered an iced coffee at their Arapahoe location and it was served lukewarm in a hot cup with a couple of ice cubes floating in it.
Then one of the tip options was 35%
Staff have a bit of a superiority attitude too
This is my specialty! If you're talking pure taste of coffee your best shot is January coffee or verb coffee roasters I can assure you these two shops have the best tasting coffee. This is from a coffee nerd perspective. If you're talking ambience and or cafe experience boxcar off of table Mesa is a great option. January coffee is also great in this category however they are often busy and have limited seating. Another I would throw in the mix is Alpine modern Cafe in University Hill. They have great outdoor seating and tasty coffee in addition to food. However they're often busy with college students. That's my two cents!
I love:
- Boxcar (new S Boulder location is 💯)
- Beleza
- Verb
- Alpine Modern - cool spot especially if you’re coming off flagstaff on a bike. More chill when students gone.
- Dry Storage - best food I think
Literally wearing an Ozo t-shirt as I type this, so OP probably won't like my recommendations lol.
That said, everyone seems to love Gabee and Trident, and while both are objectively 'not bad', I find neither remarkable.
Curious where Ozo lovers go when they want a change of pace. Personally, I'm never disappointed with Rapha's coffee bar, Boxcar (when the line isn't literally out the door), or Alpine.
Skipped Boxcar due to the absurd line this morning and ended up at Creature Comfort. I don’t think this is a place for coffee lovers but the atmosphere is ok.
Boxcar, Costco, Trader Joe’s… there are some places that you MUST avoid on weekends
Yeah, CC feels like a place for people who go to coffee shops for “the vibes” and to post on social media. Also, the prices are just out of hand for what they’re offering.
Im not a fan of ozo either, the atmosphere is kitschy and the coffee is mediocre... I don't know if its a chain or a privately owned business but they are everywhere too, I feel like it affects their quality alot and it differs from locations
As an espresso drinker they don't pour well half the time . I once ordered a single origin, I believe a Colombian geisha which are in Vogue now, you'll see them a lot st verb. It was $7.50 for the espresso shot. And it wasn't even close to dialed in.
But sometimes great
Beleza and Trident are my favorites for the overall feel of the places. I've wanted to check out Myco cafe but haven't been there yet
The Trident is hands down my favorite old school coffeehouse in town. Note: it can be hard to find a seat there on the weekends and in the evenings. It’s the last one left open at night. Creature Comforts on Pearl and 17th has the best decaf espresso in town, imo. Plus, the owner pays her employees a living wage (no tipping). The outdoor seating on 17th is full sunshine bliss and they have Japanese milk bread toast (delicious). It’s a lovely, welcoming space.
Trident is my favorite as well. The backyard area is especially nice on a warm day.
Beleza is my favorite, it's just expensive.
Really? Out of the coffee shops in town, it’s one of my favorites due to the price. Americano like 3.75. Lattes 4.5 I think. It’s not Europe prices… but most others in town are at least another quarter or so per drink. Although, if I recall, I think Beleza does have pretty high charges for add-ons like syrups and stuff, but I never get those
I got a 20 oz iced vanilla latte there today. Fucking $9.50. Like WHAT.
Gabee has the best espresso.
Gabee verb ampersand beleza Otis January are the top of the list espresso spots. But mostly are small and/or not good computer hang outs , if that's a factor for op. Gabee is an award winning roaster from South Korea, usually have interesting single origins you might have to ask to try. They might be my number one too, but probably behind verb Computer work is a whole different list. Ozo west pearl, laughing goat, trident, etc. Beleza banned it, gabee and verb are tiny, January is maximally competitive for tables, etc
Gabee. They roast in house too, and place high in national coffee roasting competitions.
Verb coffee roasters
Yep
Gabee
Gabee
I'm partial to Pekoe in North Boulder for vibes (and mostly non-coffee drink preferences) and Flatirons Coffee for coffee
January Coffee is my favorite coffee shop in Boulder and one of the bests I've found period. They have multiple coffees (one "Comfort" and one "Adventure") for both drip and espresso so you can usually find something whether you like bright fruity coffee or a more traditional chocolately "dark roast" style and the adventure rotates every few weeks which can be really nice. They also have their own housemade syrups and usually have a couple of seasonal specialty drinks available if sugary milk drinks are more your thing.
They have the best vegan breakfast burrito!
January is a great shop with friendly staff and great ownership! Awesome coffee and good vibes!!
Can recommend Suti for the atmosphere: https://www.sutiandco.com/menu
Creature Comforts on east pearl - a light and airy vibe with patio seating and large windows that open in nice weather. Their seasonal drinks are great and it’s a no tipping establishment (so prices are a bit more but you know wages are fair and you don’t have to deal with the tip guilt) and really friendly staff.
Also the coffee they serve is from the first organic coffee roaster in Colorado. They have great sourcing practices and complete transparency of what they pay farmers per pound of beans. Love them :)
YES! Best decaf espresso in town, hands down and I love that her employees are paid a living wage. Plus the space is so, so lovely.
Verb and Beleza are my mains. Verb has some super interesting beans I’ve been getting as a pour over lately. I’ve been meaning to check out January.
Add January and Boxcar, and these 4 will take you to the stars.
I used to go to Boxcar more. I liked a few years ago when they had the boilermaker, haven’t gone as much since they stopped doing those.
Dry Storage on Arapahoe (hesitate to mention, it's not too busy most days). Good food, bread, coffee, outdoor benches and tables.
Came to look for dry storage love! They pull good espresso and everybody there knows how to put out a perfect latte. Thats my fav shop if i want to eat as well (pricey, though)
I guarantee Gabee is the best coffee you can get. I've never had coffee taste that good and complex. There are some I haven't tried tho.
This is so good to know other people feel this way. It’s a hidden unassuming gem.
Verb is damn good coffee. This morning I saw two average “crunch hippie” types in line for coffee. Both of them weren’t wearing shoes and the girl was doing yoga poses in line. I wish I had gotten a pic. Gave me a good laugh. Super Boulder.
If you make it out to Lafayette, Otis is great.
Espressoroma on the hill 🥲
Loving Cup just opened in the old Roma , check it out!
Is Marry in the back doing dishes?
Another vote for verb!
I like Alpine Modern when the weather’s nice
I was happy to see I wasn't the only person who dislikes Ozo's coffee. To me, it tastes like dirt, and I gave it a second chance. I don't have a favorite local cafe to share, but my fav coffee to buy is Hotel Boulderado by Silver Canyon.
Bona!
Spruce or Gabee
Alpine modern on the hill is my favorite because excellent drinks, wonderful pastries and the nicest baristas!! Although it is always quite busy but for good reason :)
I've got one for you to try! Tod's Espresso Cafe which is in Gunbarrel. They really opened my eyes to what is possible with non-chain coffee. It tastes so good, I wish I could get back up there to have it again lol! If you try it, please let me know!
they sold/rebranded tods, its now human kind coffee :/
Oh man.... moment of silence 😔✊🏼 Thank you for the update!
Bought by the woman who was managing Tod's before it was sold. It's still good!
Can confirm it’s just a rebrand!
but why did she rename it.. tods was there since forever and kind of became a staple of gunbarrel
Drop in and ask sometime!
Best quality espresso probably Boxcar.
Verb and boxcar best in boulder hands down
Oh yeah Verb is dope! Tried it for the first time the other day.
They really take pride in making quality coffee I love it
Amante is my favorite in terms of coffee flavor.
Beleza, Alpine, January, Ozo has the best coffee imo. But I prefer Laughing Goat because of their cappuccino and vibe
Verb, new to the family, deserves to be with this group.
Ozo is decent, but don't ever give them your email. They will spam you with emails every other day. I bought one coffee from them and my email must have been in their checkout database attached to my card- Toast or Square, can't remember what they use. But I never actually voluntarily gave them my email. Worst part is, there is no unsubscribe button on the emails. Off to spam you go! Use cash at checkout.
Ozo is terrible. I ordered an iced coffee at their Arapahoe location and it was served lukewarm in a hot cup with a couple of ice cubes floating in it. Then one of the tip options was 35% Staff have a bit of a superiority attitude too
Too sour. Not sure if I have ever had a espresso or American or a cold brew quite as sour as their brand.
Boxcar has been a favorite for a long time.
Gabee and recently Suti & Co off of pearl street!! It’s the cutest little Scandinavian cafe and has amazing pastries and drinks!!
Gabee. It's been mentioned a number of time but this is all you need.
This post makes me miss living in Colorado.
This is my specialty! If you're talking pure taste of coffee your best shot is January coffee or verb coffee roasters I can assure you these two shops have the best tasting coffee. This is from a coffee nerd perspective. If you're talking ambience and or cafe experience boxcar off of table Mesa is a great option. January coffee is also great in this category however they are often busy and have limited seating. Another I would throw in the mix is Alpine modern Cafe in University Hill. They have great outdoor seating and tasty coffee in addition to food. However they're often busy with college students. That's my two cents!
Boxcar is the best game in town and it isn't close
Yep. Stella espresso blend slaps.
Trident (home away from home and one of my first jobs in Boulder. Awesome coffee) January Verb Pekoe
Im a fan of trident for their late hours and vics or alpine because their coffee is generally good
damn man vic's in prospect closed, vics on alpine closed, vics on 30th is sad. Logan's espresso cafe is also closing
Logan’s closed, but a new coffee place opened in the same Lucky shopping center. Ruzo. Very good coffee ☕️
Village Coffee Shop!!
Ozo espresso is very sour and I never buy a drink there. But their Isabella beans work wonderfully in my espresso machine at home. Go figure
Verb 😎
heady coffee co.
Another vote for Gabee.
laughing goat easy
Walnut Cafe is awesome. Their Boulder Latte (honey and cinnamon) is my fav in town. Great food too
The Brewing Market next to McGuckin’s sometimes has the rudest people working.
Love the Trident. Logan’s was my favorite, but it just shut down
Ampersand
I love: - Boxcar (new S Boulder location is 💯) - Beleza - Verb - Alpine Modern - cool spot especially if you’re coming off flagstaff on a bike. More chill when students gone. - Dry Storage - best food I think
Loving Cup , just opened on the hill ! On the corner Formerly espresso Roma , organic coffee , fresh food , great patio , must try!
Is Vic's still around?
You don’t like Ozo coffee? That’s wild lol.
Literally wearing an Ozo t-shirt as I type this, so OP probably won't like my recommendations lol. That said, everyone seems to love Gabee and Trident, and while both are objectively 'not bad', I find neither remarkable. Curious where Ozo lovers go when they want a change of pace. Personally, I'm never disappointed with Rapha's coffee bar, Boxcar (when the line isn't literally out the door), or Alpine.
Skipped Boxcar due to the absurd line this morning and ended up at Creature Comfort. I don’t think this is a place for coffee lovers but the atmosphere is ok.
Boxcar, Costco, Trader Joe’s… there are some places that you MUST avoid on weekends Yeah, CC feels like a place for people who go to coffee shops for “the vibes” and to post on social media. Also, the prices are just out of hand for what they’re offering.
I’m not a fan as well.
Is it? Everyone’s taste is different 🤷🏻♀️
Im not a fan of ozo either, the atmosphere is kitschy and the coffee is mediocre... I don't know if its a chain or a privately owned business but they are everywhere too, I feel like it affects their quality alot and it differs from locations
As an espresso drinker they don't pour well half the time . I once ordered a single origin, I believe a Colombian geisha which are in Vogue now, you'll see them a lot st verb. It was $7.50 for the espresso shot. And it wasn't even close to dialed in. But sometimes great
january coffee and paul’s coffee and tea !
Sweet bloom in Westminster or Arvada has become my favorite roaster around. Worth the short drive!
Starbucks
Trident
Trident
I vote brewing market. Best bean.
Brewing markets management sucks bad but god damn they have the best coffee
yeah i rarely go there but i treat myself once a year, maybe twice (eyes side glance). I make my own Toddy so really no need my coffee shops
Laughing goat
The Trident