All across the Front Range are locally-owned cafes that are full of character and charm that’ll make for the perfect date spot or place to curl up with a book. From serving specialty espressos to seasonal lattes, some of the best coffee in Colorado can be found just down the street. Encompassing a range of local favorites featuring a relaxing ambiance and fun music events, these are the can’t-miss spots across the Front Range to gather and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.
Muddy Buck Coffee House, Evergreen, CO
A warm, community landmark that has long been a gathering spot, Muddy Buck Coffee House is a cozy cafe located in the heart of Evergreen. This coffee shop is housed in a historic building that dates back to 1896, which has had many names over the years, but is currently home to high-quality coffee made from hand-roasted beans. Almost every item on the menu is made from scratch, from their fragrant coffee to their in-house roasted turkey sandwiches. The coffee beans are hand-roasted and precisely crafted by Chef Rand G. Packer to create Muddy Buck’s drip coffee, espressos, and specialty drinks. Some roasting highlights include the light roast, which features notes of sun-dried blueberries and toasted almonds, as well as their specialty espresso, the Honey Bee Latte. Whether you stop by for a cup of coffee or a pastry, Muddy Buck’s warm wooden accents and seating oozes a sense of community and warmth that will make you feel connected to the generations of history and guests around you.
Pro tip: Don’t miss their enormous cinnamon rolls – seriously, they’re bigger than your head! And if you come with a dog, make sure you treat them to one of Muddy Buck’s bacon-adorned pup cup creations.
Art Club Coffee, Denver
A queer and woman-owned coffee shop located in the former Navajo Art District, Art Club Coffee isn’t just a place to enjoy delicious coffee; it’s an outlet to express creativity. The store is a “third space” where people can gather and simply be together while enjoying a wide selection of drinks, including drip coffee, espressos, nitro cold brew, and chai-spiced cold brew, along with their house-made syrups. Much more than a coffee shop, this is a safe space to spotlight local artists and for anyone to display their art in the Open Gallery (at no cost!). With homemade syrups (the caramel latte is a dream) and ever-changing, thoughtful seasonal creations, as well as expertly sourced coffee beans roasted weekly, this spot is a community favorite for both work and play. It’s the kind of place that feels like a sunlight-filled home away from home, accepting of everyone and encouraging a sense of safety and well-being.
Pro tip: Art Club’s chai is a legend in these parts — and their team can make this signature drink as sweet or spicy as you desire.
Hello Darling, Denver
There are currently two locations of Hello Darling, in Denver—one in LoDo, and one in the Highlands, both of which are delightful destinations to hang out. This local hotspot boasts chic interiors and trendy vibes that make it known not just for its coffee, but also for its unique cocktails and light bites. The classic coffee selection includes espresso drinks, cortado, flat white, and even a rose cardamom latte. However, the real highlight of the menu is the “creative nitros” served in a variety of flavors, including banana oat, tiramisu, strawberry mocha, and peaches and cream (the latter being a personal favorite of the Edible Denver team). The shop also offers an extensive cocktail menu and snacks to pair with, like their charcuterie board.
Pro Tip: Be sure to stop by during a weekend when Hello Darling is hosting one of their occasional “coffee raves,” which features a DJ and fun electronic music that is sure to make any signature beverage made on-site taste even better.
Hearth, Denver
There are a few locations of Hearth, including RiNo, Uptown, and the Highlands (and it was just unveiled that they’ll be opening a new shop in Littleton very soon in the fall of 2025!). Each location embodies the cafe’s calming, cozy signature atmosphere, featuring design details such as white-painted, beautiful brick accent walls and lush plants that make for an ideal study spot or fun date destination.
They’re known for their artisan sourdough breads, pastries, and coffee, which they pride themselves on sourcing locally—including from a Denver-based roastery called Tablón Coffee, and many of the grains from farmers in the Rocky Mountain Region.
Pro tip: Right now is the perfect time to pair one of their seasonal Pumpkin Spice Lattes with a delectable pastry like the classic brown butter chocolate chip cookie, for the perfect fall treat.
Trident Booksellers and Cafe – Boulder
A dream destination for book lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike, Trident Booksellers and Cafe is a small, independent shop renowned for its specialty drinks, new and used books, and community events, all located right on Pearl Street in downtown Boulder. A cafe rich with history, Trident’s story began in 1980, when the team opened one of the first espresso and drip coffee services in Colorado at the time, making them the oldest cafe in Boulder. Today, Trident continues to serve high-quality coffees and teas while bringing together community members. Trident roasts their own coffee, Idle Hands, serving blends like the light roast First Light, a medium roast Confluence Blend, and a darker roast Dawn Patrol. A cafe that is beloved by the Boulder community, be a part of the family by checking out the events page to attend live performances, film screenings, and more!
Pro tip: Trident can be a great place to get work done, or to meet up with a friend for chat. But either way, be sure to build enough time into your visit here to thoroughly explore the bookstore portion of the shop because there’s no shortage of literature to become immersed in while you’re here (making for a perfect pairing—a coffee and a good book).
The Fox Den, No Waste Coffee Shop, Fort Collins
Having coffee at The Fox Den feels like sitting in a friend’s home, with its fun decor, comfy seating, and welcoming atmosphere. Their menu selection includes classic lattes, espressos, and drip coffees, as well as an engaging seasonal menu. The team hosts regular, fun events such as open mic night and a networking club for small business owners (and they’re even hosting their first coffee rave in October!). But best of all, The Fox Den promotes a sustainable, “no waste” environment, which can be seen in the way they produce and serve their coffee. They utilize reusable drinkware—they’ve eliminated single-use cups, and guests can either bring their own mug for a discount, dine in and use their “mug wall” or buy a $1.50 to-go jar (and get $1 back when returned). They’re Zero Food Waste–any leftover food is processed daily in their Mill food cycler, and their community composting program offers used coffee grounds free for neighbors to add to their compost piles or gardens. They also work with partners to measure their carbon footprint, and fund tree planting each month to fully offset it. Finally, they host sustainability-focused classes like Composting 101, No Waste @ Home, and other workshops in development for folks to learn about becoming more sustainable in their everyday lives.
Pro tip: Right now, don’t miss their seasonal, creative, autumnal-inspired beverages like “The Basic Witch”—an exceptional “spirited” latte that’s made with pumpkin and vanilla syrup, espresso, and edible glitter… Spooky!
