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Steaming Black and Hold the Sugar. . . Denver’s Coffee Culture At Its Best
by Corinne Brown
For some, it’s the almost mind-bending aroma of coffee brewing as you walk through the door. For others, it’s the crackle of a fireplace, or the lure of a high back velvet chair with the New York Times folded on the seat. But whatever it is, it’s mega-business built around the morning brew, especially in Denver, where patrons are no longer satisfied by coffee served in a paper cup at a local drive-through.
Stopping to enjoy some fresh brew once a day is an essential part of surviving modern life, especially in a space where you can take off your coat and savor the beverage that started the whole trend anyway. Denverites love their coffee and a comfy place where they can meet over something hot and re-group. Perhaps what great coffee shop owners really offer is peace of mind; that, and the re-socialization of America, an opportunity to connect. No wonder a basic cup costs over three dollars. It comes with a measure of sanity, something worth way more.
Starbucks might be the first vendor in the Mile High City that comes to mind. With over 120 locations in metro Denver alone, you can count on good coffee, clean interiors, and service that’s efficient and friendly. During peak times, they’re also frequently crowded. Good for them. Not so good for us.
Order a coffee in the unique independent houses and everything changes. Time stops. People look more interesting. I’ve discovered that merely entering some of these hideaways has the ability to transform, transport and inspire the casual visitor. Blame it on the ambient lighting, original art, books available for the common enjoyment, cozy furniture and the changing menus, often hand-scrawled. It’s thrilling when the coffee of the day is unpronounceable and the barista has a foreign name. Personally, I feel as though I’ve time-traveled to a foreign city and the customers behind their lap tops are probably e-mailing Washington, ransoming a Balkan country, selling a novel on-line, or engaged in a lover’s rendezvous. That’swhat a good coffeehouse can do.
Keep in mind, the real value of the experience is still tied to the freshness of the bean and the roast, the immediacy of the brew, and the coffee bean’s origins. So cancel any vendor who keeps an open carafe heating for hours. But go for atmosphere when you can. I always do.
When you’re in town, I suggest you seek out any of these fine establishments. You be the judge of the ambiance that suits you best.
Metro Denver
Daz Bog -1200 Clayton, near Cherry Creek shopping district
“From Russia with Love”
Founded 12 years ago by Russian brothers Leo and Tony Anatole, Daz Bog began as roasters, supplementing restaurants. Now in the business of serving their own patrons, their coffee is brick roasted at their own plant. Freshness is a big part of their success. With 5 corporate stores, this particular neighborhood location offers wicker chairs and oak tables, colorful Russian logos, emblems, T-shirts and other accessories. Try the egg stuffed perogies , unusual sandwiches and pastry items. Delicious brewed coffee is kept in lidded carafes at a constant temperature and served steaming. Not to be missed are the Russian chai and the chocolate cappuccino. Best T-Shirt on the shelf - “Daz Bog,A Hot Russian Experience.”
Pablos - 630 East 6th Avenue-Mid Town
Open 361 days a year, some customers drive from neighboring states to buy their freshly roasted whole bean coffee here. “Whole bean coffee is best ground at home,” explains manager Jason Cain, a barista who’s been at Pablos for over 12 years. “Ground coffee stales more quickly. Ideally, it should be ground just before it’s brewed. A popular blend here is Danger Monkey, a dark roast blend of Indonesian and African beans roasted on the premises that we wholesale to other houses. That’s how good it is.”
Funky and unpretentious, this location boasts a bona-fide roaster with stacked bags of beans from far away places like Yemen and Africa.. Roasting day is Tuesday and everything’s 20% off! For munchies, try breakfast burritos and light pastries.
Michelangelo’s -- #1 Broadway, near the Design District
As if good coffee weren’t enough, this hideaway has a beer and wine license as well. Its inviting interior boasts a copy of the Maestro’s Sistine Chapel, the segment depicting the moment when God touches Adam. Add dark wood floors, cushy leather loveseats, discreet tables for two, Murano glass hanging lights, and even a kitschy cast-concrete sculpture of David. The food menu features pannini, various sandwiches, a cheese plate, and various desserts and delicacies. Check their schedule for live entertainment at night. The house coffee is LavAzza from Italy, an Italian favorite and recommended drinks are the White Chocolate Mocha and Italian sodas made with flavored syrups. Wi-fi is available and dogs are allowed, but on the patio only. Forget the dog. Walk in and meet your destiny. You will.
Java Creek - 287 Columbine Street, Cherry Creek area
A coffee house that makes a daily sack lunch for your child, plus great quiche and green chili too? A dream come true. Established 17 years ago, Java Creek is the place to read the morning news, have a great breakfast or lunch, and drink coffee all day long. Most worthwhile is the signature Sunday brunch from 8:30 to 3:00 and their Argentinean “yerba matte” for a different and refreshing drink. With three wireless internet stations, it’s a popular spot to do business or just meet friends. The patio on a summer’s day is a people watching bonanza, the art on the walls always interesting, and the decor perfect for lounging. Try the Caramel Espresso, a house special.
Stella’s -1476 South Pearl, University of Denver area
Stella’s is the perfect environment to open your laptop and cram for an exam and that’s exactly what nearby college students do. From the front porch to the back “library” which is crammed with used books to borrow or to buy, Stella’s offers a variety of colorful and cozy semi-private spaces. Live music rocks Friday and Saturday nights in the “Amsterdam Room” and the hours are an amazing 6:30 a.m. to 11:00.p.m, weekends 7:00 a.m. to midnight! They’re especially known for lattes and sumptuous snacks, like quarter-pound peanut butter or chocolate chip cookies and triple layer chocolate cake. Laid back and cheerful, Stella’s feels like home.
Downtown don’t miss The Market in Larimer Square 1445 Larimer, Paris on the Platte, 1553 Platte Street, and Common Grounds in Lodo at 17th and Wazee or Highlands at 3484 West 32nd Avenue, more coffee favorites all worth a visit.
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