For coffee connoisseurs, tea enthusiasts, and anyone who loves cafe culture, Colorado Springs is the place to go to get your fix of fresh-brewed teas and joe. Urging residents and visitors to overlook the generic national chains of coffee shops and cafes, the local establishments in Colorado Springs want to show off what they can offer.
Sourcing tea and leaves both locally and internationally, the coffee shops and cafes in Colorado Springs ensure all customers are treated to strong aromas and unique blends that bring joy to the senses. Although many of the establishments in COS can do quick brews, they are also great places to socialize or work.
Whether you need to get something done, are looking to hang out with friends, or go on a date, consider heading to a local coffee shop. There are dozens in the area and with new ones opening each year, it can be difficult to make a selection. For those who are lucky enough to spend time in the Springs, you’ll have the chance to put your taste buds to the test all around the city.
Narrowing down the list, these are the best coffee shops and cafes in Colorado Springs, in no particular order:
The Principal’s Office
House in a renovated elementary school, customers don’t have to cause trouble to be sent to the Principal’s Office. Using a unique interior design, this coffee shop is cozy and welcoming.
Partnering with the Old School Bakery and Bristol Brewery, the Principal’s Office lets customers taste their collection of coffee beans that have been sourced from regions all around the world. Always brewed to perfection, the Housemade Mocha and flavored lattes are big hits.
After you’ve gotten your morning buzz, you might find yourself wanting to stick around for the Detention Hour. Running Monday through Friday from 3 pm – 6 pm, Detention Hour (Happy Hour) at the Principal’s Office has special pricing on wine, beer, cocktails, and a few select non-alcoholic beverages.
1604 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs | 719-368-6111 | principalsoffice.co
Jives Coffee Lounge
Jives Coffee Lounge takes the traditional cafe ambiance and turns it on its head. Serving more than delicious beverages and snacks, customers at Jives can sit back and enjoy live musical performances by local talent or join when they host an open mic. Music brings plenty of character to the lounge, but people have also fallen in love with the menu.
Hot and cold drinks are served throughout the day with some of the favorites being the hot spicy mocha, White Tiger mocha, chai latte, and fresh smoothies. To curb your appetite, Jives Coffee Lounge offers a limited menu of sandwiches, pastries, and bagels. Guaranteed to leave an impression, Jives will make your visit to Colorado Springs unforgettable.
16 Colbrunn Ct, Colorado Springs | 719-725-4193 | jivescoffeelounge.com
STIR Coffee & Cocktails
On the edge of northern Downtown Colorado Springs, STIR Coffee & Cocktails has a few menus that run throughout the day. In the morning, fresh coffee beans are roasted and served alongside traditional breakfast items. Heading into the lunch hour, STIR is famous within the community for serving some of the best sandwiches in the Springs.
For the evening crowds, this coffee shop turns into a bar. STIR’s cocktail menu is literary-themed with the bartenders crafting unique alcoholic beverages based on famous books. A few of the signature cocktails are Tequila Mockingbird, Gin in Wonderland, Sangria Island, and Dorian Black.
101 N Tejon St STE 103, Colorado Springs | 719-471-4117 | stircoffeeandcocktails.com
Story Coffee Company
Often called the “coziest coffee shop in Colorado Springs”, the Story Coffee Company is set up in a tiny house. Although the building is quite petite, the menu is full-sized. All coffee is made in-house and pastries are sourced from a local Colorado Springs bakery. Inside the coffee shop, there isn’t much room, but there are a few seats to keep customers warm during the winter months.
In summer, customers can lounge on the outside deck to catch a few rays of sunshine. Located next to Acacia Park in Downtown Colorado Springs, the Story Coffee Company is a popular place to grab a cup of joe before going for a stroll.
120 E Bijou St, Colorado Springs | 719-494-3102 | storycoffeecompany.com
Wayfinder Coffee Co.
For the best collection of coffee beans, the Wayfinder Coffee Co. is the place to go. Established by two women who love to travel, this coffee shop uses sources all around the world to brew the most flavorful and unique beans. Some of the best brews are inspired by countries in Europe and South America. Customers especially love the Spiced Road coffee.
In addition to coffee, Wayfinder bakes fresh pastries every day with their giant croissants being a menu favorite. The Wayfinder Coffee Company is located in a smaller neighborhood of Colorado Springs, which makes it feel more local. Without the large crowds, customers can easily settle down and enjoy the shop’s quiet atmosphere.
6140 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, Colorado Springs | 719-264-2386 | wayfindercoffee.com
Yellow Mountain Tea House
For people who prefer to get their caffeine from tea, the Yellow Mountain Tea House shouldn’t be missed. Serving traditional Chinese tea, there are more than 300 types of teas on the menu. A few of the most unique blends include the Milky Way Chai, Stress Relief, and sweet tea leaves made from the Chinese Blackberry bush.
The Yellow Mountain Tea House offers tea to-go at their quick serve counter or customers can stay for a full experience tea service. With more than beverages on the menu, the tea house also has a traditional Chinese food menu based on family recipes.
2616 W Colorado Ave #21, Colorado Springs | 719-247-8487 | yellow-mountain-organic-tea.com
Loyal Coffee
Supported by locals who have fallen in love with the quality of roast and those who are just passing through, Loyal Coffee is one of the best roasters and brewers in Colorado Springs. With two locations in the Springs, Loyal Coffee has become an icon in the community. Loyal Coffee takes their beans seriously and their baristas know their stuff.
With a blend of beans from destinations all around the globe, customers can pick from a variety of perfect brews to start the day. Perfect for quick stops, there are dozens of coffees brewed in-house or you can lounge around to enjoy the social scene. For those that have fallen in love with a specific brew, Loyal Coffee sells bags of beans for at-home enjoyment too.
408 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs | 719-235-5080 | loyalcoffee.co
Carnelian Coffee
Located in Old Colorado City, Carnelian Coffee specializes in all things caffeine. On the menu are dozens of coffees, teas, and matcha. Brewing more than the traditional fare of coffees and teas, the beverages at Carnelian Coffee are enhanced with unique flavors.
Some of the best drinks on the menu are the Razzle Dazzle Bubble Brew, Cherry Blossom Matcha, Orange Cinnamon Cappuccino, and the Honey Lavender Latte. Carnelian Coffee also has an in-house bakery. Customers with allergy sensitivities should keep in mind that many of their baked goods use dairy, eggs, nuts, gluten, wheat, and soy.
2428 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs | 719-471-0789 | carneliancoffeeco.com
Kairos Coffee House
Among the many coffee shops in Colorado Springs, finding a quiet place to work can be difficult. Kairos Coffee House is a true hidden gem in the city. Typically uncrowded, the art-deco lounge includes a bar, plenty of tables, and a cozy fireplace.
Customers can set up in the shop with their laptops or books for a little peace and quiet while sipping their favorite beverage. For a bargain, Kairos Coffee House even offers an affordable refillable mug for customers who plan to spend a few hours enjoying the shop.
505 Popes Bluff Trail, Colorado Springs | 719-226-5150 | kairoscoffeehouse.com
Building Three Coffee
Building Three Coffee is an award-winning roaster that is owned and operated by a family of veterans who relocated to Colorado Springs. Named as one of the best coffee shops in COS, Building Three Coffee is a hit with the locals.
Friendly service and a cozy atmosphere ensure that everyone will enjoy visiting and dining at the coffee shop. There are dozens of roasts on the menu, as well as a wide selection of pastries and breakfast items.
2727 N Cascade Ave Suite 155, Colorado Springs | 719-508-1077 | building3coffee.com
Caffeinated Cow
Always looking to “brighten your MOO-d” is the Caffeinated Cow. Another establishment that is family and veteran-owned, the Caffeinated Cow serves freshly brewed coffee and ice cream. All of the ingredients served in the food and drinks are locally sourced and the coffee beans are roasted in the Springs.
Ice cream is delivered daily from Denver to ensure that customers get the best and freshest flavors. In addition to coffee and ice cream, the Caffeinated Cow offers a limited menu with sandwiches, bagels, and pastries.
1791 S 8th St G, Colorado Springs | 719-308-2769 | caffeinatedcow.com
Switchback Coffee Roasters
Switchback Coffee Roasters has two locations in Colorado Springs. More than a place to drink and dine, guests can learn more about coffee cultivation by heading next door to the shop to see the roasters at work. Dedicated to supporting the community, all coffee beans are sourced from the Colorado Springs area.
Open for breakfast and lunch, common items on the menu include granola, toast, tacos, and buddha bowls. Friendly to all customers, many of the food items cater to allergies with gluten-free and vegan options.
330 N Institute St, Colorado Springs | 719-345-2807 | switchbackroasters.com
Other Coffee Shops in Colorado Springs
Whether you’re on the go or planning to stick around, Colorado Springs’ coffee shops have got you covered. These 16 places are currently the most popular in Colorado Springs, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t others out there. A few other honorable mentions include the Bird Tree Cafe, Humble Coffee, The Exchange, and Third Space Coffee.
The majority of coffee shops in Colorado Springs are closed by late afternoon, although there are a few exceptions on the list. When you’re wanting to continue with your exploration of the city’s food and drinks, you should check out the best restaurants in Colorado Springs too.
14 Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs
