Why Denver Coffee Stands Out
Denver isn’t just a gateway to the Rockies—it’s a destination of its own. One of just a dozen U.S. cities that host all four major sports teams, Denver blends outdoor adventure with urban vibrancy. You can soak in a hot spring, watch bison roam, and snag a Bonfire Burrito all in the same day. And almost anywhere you throw a stone, you’ll hit one of the best coffee shops in the country.
With newcomers arriving from across the U.S., the city has earned the nickname “Transplant City”—a melting pot where diverse cultures, tastes, and traditions converge. “Colorful Colorado” isn’t just about the scenery; it’s also about the people, the flavors, and the stories they share. Coffee here is more than a beverage—it’s a reflection of the city’s evolving identity.
Coffee Shops to Know
Verb Coffee Roasters
Technically in Boulder (about 30 minutes from Denver), Verb is too good to exclude. Known for precision roasting on a Giesen and sleek ModBar espresso setup, Verb offers every coffee as both pourover and espresso—rare in the U.S. The shop is intimate, colorful, and a perfect reward after hiking the nearby Flatirons.
Interior of Verb Coffee Roasters
Procession Coffee
Founded with a DIY, punk ethos, Procession Coffee calls itself “The Coffee Shop of the People.” After moving around Zeppelin Station and now taking over a former Jubilee Roasting Co space, it’s become a Denver favorite. Expect creative drinks, collaborations with Queen City Collective Coffee, and co-owner Stephen often behind the bar ready to talk shop—or let you sample an experimental recipe.
Co-owner Stephen behind bar. Courtesy of Procession Coffee.
MiddleState
Located in Denver’s Baker neighborhood, MiddleState is equal parts roastery and hangout for the city’s “cool kids.” Roasting happens on a Probat UG visible through the cafe window, while inside neon signs and rotating art shows set the vibe. Expect inventive, clean single origins, pastries from Sweet Anarchy Bakery, and fresh waffles made in-house.
Roasting in process at MiddleState
Queen City Collective Coffee
Founded by three brothers inspired by community work in Africa, Queen City Collective Coffee is now a Denver institution with six cafes and a strong wholesale program. Their focus is long-term direct trade partnerships—and fostering community at home. They even host dance parties called Rhythm & Roast, blending music, coffee, and culture. The best part about Queen City is they make you feel like one of the gang. Whether you’re a first time customer or a regular, any of their shops are an inviting place.
The bar at Queen City’s location in Five Points
Jubilee Roasting Co.
Jubilee is coffee company as fun as its name. Started on the basis of adventure, community building, and really awesome coffee quality, Jubilee’s logo reflects the founder’s time living his van and saving up money to start the venture. They found an affordable warehouse in Aurora formerly used for police stings and hit the ground running. You can visit their cafe and watch coffee roasted on a San Franciscan while sipping on a single origin in the back of the shop. The building is adorned with a giant blue mural that reflects the culture of the city.
A pre-rush view of the morning at Jubilee
Huckleberry Roasters
It’s difficult to scale your business while maintaining a high level of quality. This is where Huck amazes me. There are 8 cafes across Denver, and every single one of them sets a high bar and serves up excellent coffee. All of Huck’s cafes reflect the colorful imagery on their bags, with murals on the walls and fun design choices. This is the type of place to grab coffee quickly if you’re on a hurried commute, or to slow down, sit down and take in the day.
Huck Roasters in Wheat Ridge
