One thing that distinguishes Boulder from other Colorado towns is its robust coffee shop culture. There are over twenty dedicated coffee and tea shops in Boulder — plus dozens of other outlets that serve lattes and espressos. Below are some much-loved local spots.
940 Pearl Street (map)
(303) 443-3133
Website
The Trident is a Boulder classic. Characters abound here like extras from a Fellini movie. Sit outside at the shared sidewalk tables and immerse yourself in conversations about politics and philosophy. Or settle inside for a quieter, wood-softened experience.
Trident is one of the last bulwarks of Boulder literary culture. Chat about your favorite author over espresso, then slip next door to browse at the shared-space used bookstore. In the heat of the summer, the shady back patio is a cool escape.
1015 Pearl Street (map)
(303) 645-4885
Website
There are actually two Ozos to choose from on Pearl Street: West Pearl near 10th Street, and East Pearl near 15th. Both are southern-facing for warm winter sipping. Popular with college students, both Ozo's usually have a buzz. The West Pearl site is a bit more cozy — and also crowded.
1709 Pearl Street (map)
(303) 440-4628
Website
Rising from the ashes of the old Penny Lane, the Laughing Goat offers some much-needed quirkiness on East Pearl. Students mingle with artists here. Open mike sessions feature talented local poets and musicians. The glass front opens on warm days, and tables spill out onto the sidewalk. The "Goat" — named after an Ethiopian coffee fable — also offers a variety of teas.
1825 B Pearl Street (map)
(720) 456-7962
Website
Boxcar feels like a European cafe, with cozy nooks and corners. The shop tends to be packed with loyal customers, and lines are frequently out the door. Boxcar is widely considered to be among the best coffee in Boulder. A second shop called the Boxcar Mesa Cafe is located in South Boulder at 637R South Broadway in the Table Mesa Shopping Center (former site of Caffe Sole). Catch some great sunsets over the flatirons there.
2031 16th Street (map)
(303) 728.9123
Website
Süti & Co wins the prize for coziest coffee shop in Boulder. Located in a converted cottage house with Scandinavian-style decor, Süti captures the hygge spirit of warmth and simplicity. Baked goods are prepared in-house, and a number of gluten-free olive-oil cakes are available. Coffee is roasted by Boxcar, above. Just a half block off Pearl Street at 16th. The shop is closed Monday and opens at 9:00 am otherwise.
1647 Pearl Street (map)
Website
A newcomer to the busy coffee shop scene on East Pearl, Creature Comforts is a bright and airy shop that serves both coffee and beer/wine. Open until 7:00 pm, the site is a place to hang out in the evenings. Creature Comforts was one of the first shops to move to a no-tip, gratuity-included system. Like Süti & Co around the block, Creature Comforts is closed on Mondays and otherwise opens at 9:00 am.
1886 30th Street (map)
(720) 731-9170
Website
January Coffee has some of the highest-quality coffee and friendliest baristas in town. It's a bit of a walk from the Pearl Street mall area, although if you're heading over to watch a movie at the 29th Street Cinemark or catching a yoga class at Yoga Pod, it's just a stone's throw away. January prides itself on inclusivity, community, and kindness. Highly recommended.
VisitingBoulder.com is edited by Dan Cavicchio, a local author. All write-ups are done by local residents. No compensation was provided by any business featured on this site.
Please also enjoy Dan's free career book, Career Psychology, written from the perspective of a career counselor and executive recruiter. The book is available at FreeCareerBook.com.
Email Dan at: dan.joseph.cavicchio
@gmail.com