Best of Metromix Denver 2010Coffee shop
Seattle always gets props for conceiving Starbucks. WTF? Sorry to break it to you Seattle, but Denver can froth a latte better than you ever will. The five below coffee shops prove just that—they are frothing, steaming machines.
And the winner is…
St. Mark's Coffee House
2019 E. 17th Ave.
Denver, CO 80206Have you had your fill of the Starbucks storm troopers? Do you feel like burning every green apron you see? Don’t lose your cool. Go to St. Mark’s instead. Its quirky layout, ever-changing artwork, and mismatched, wobbly furniture, simply radiates “coffeehouse.” The coffee is so good, and the bakery snacks are so delectable. You won’t even mind the rather ubiquitous presence of all those Mac laptops. Definitely a great spot to sit and read the Sunday paper over a cup of strong Joe.
Nominees
Haney's Coffee Shop
3814 Lowell Blvd.
Denver, CO 80211Neighborhood: Highlands
When wanting to find the best deals in town you can always follow a cop car around. I wouldn’t make it too obvious though as you might find yourself bent over the hood of your car in cuffs for the privilege. But who better to ask for directions to the best eats in town than a cop? Even better is Haney’s. Seeing as how a man in blue and his wife run it. This true North Denver coffee shop is also taking a bite out of… global warming by being completely energy independent with its solar panels, nice. My only question is “do they serve good doughnuts?”
The Market
1445 Larimer St.
Denver, CO 80202Neighborhood: Central Business District
What is a landmark? It’s a monument to the test of time. It’s a photo in a city's family album. In a culture of itchy trigger fingers when it comes to redevelopment, and of go-go-go people, sometimes it’s really important to just stop, take a deep breath and take a look around. This is what The Market is there for. They call themselves a bakery, but they are really a full-service deli, and one of Denver’s best to boot.
Penn Street Perk
1300 Pennsylvania St.
Denver, CO 80203Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Unless the only coffeehouse you have ever offered your custom is one from the Empire of the Green Apron, you like your spots to be a little quirky, and the people staffing them to be quirkier still. Such is the case here—uniformly, a clever, weird, fun bunch of people. The coffee is good too, as are the pastries (if a little pricey), paninis and chai. Splendid front patio to sit and watch the world go by, or to study, which seems to be the norm—oodles of students stuffing their brains.
City, O' City
206 E 13th Ave.
Denver, CO 80203Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Most restaurants have vegetarian options, but how many choices do vegetarians and vegans have when it comes to whole restaurants? Watercourse Foods has been that bright shining beacon for over 10 years, but it hasn’t stopped there. City, O’ City tailors to just about everybody. The café provides you a welcoming place to hangout, and at mealtime it’s a great stop to grab a bite. Boasting a ‘gluten-free’, vegan bakery next door it’s a sure vegan crowd pleaser. And for those times when espresso and loose leaf tea can’t quite cut it, you can drop in for something a little more fortifying from their full bar.
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