51 - Novo Coffee Gilpin, Denver

I have been to the Novo Coffee downtown before, and it was memorable and great, but I had not been to this specific shop before. It was memorable and great.

Coffee Shop:
Novo Coffee Gilpin
http://novocoffee.com
1700 East 6th Avenue
Denver, CO 80218

Date Visited:
Sunday, June 2, 2019
About 2:30 p.m. -  4:30 p.m.

Purchased:
12 oz vanilla oat milk latte: $5.25
*vanilla syrup was $0.50 - and house-made! Hence why I got it.
*oat milk was $0.50.

From what I remembered of my previous visit to a Novo coffee shop, I had so much faith that this was going to be an amazing beverage experience. And it totally was. Novo knows what they're doing. Quality control seems awesome.

It's a great little set-up inside. Totally feels like a great coffee shop. It's so classic. An aesthetically pleasing arrangement and assortment of smaller tables with a larger accent pieces, complementing the coffee bar. So classic. They have really large, storefront windows, which I always appreciate. Sometimes that doesn't work out when blinding sunlight is streaming through, so you gotta get the right angles. It seemed good there, but most of the time it as raining really hard, so that was especially awesome with the windows and sidewalk views. It's a cool place to be. Classic, modern coffee shop vibe.

My latte was wonderful.

That wonderful. The way it looks is representative of the whole experience.

I had high expectations, so I was considering a cappuccino, but then I discovered that they made their own flavored syrups and was intrigued. One of my favorite lattes ever was an oat milk latte with maple syrup, so I decided to go with an oat milk latte with their housemade vanilla syrup. Though it was not the best latte I have ever had, it was excellent.

The espresso layer was soooo good. It was all soooo smooth and totally didn't need flavored syrup, but then the syrup was just another layer of good. I am sure the cappuccino would have been amazing and probably the best way to optimize my experience, but the latte+housemade syrup was a more broadening experience. And though I kinda wanted the cappuccino, it's kind of amazing to drink a latte and long for more espresso because the espresso is that good. It's like the feeling of having an amazing vacation spot that you love, and always want more of, but it's nice not to have more of because it's a vacation, not home, and if it was home, it wouldn't be a vacation. It was like that feeling as a latte.

I love it. Great place to hang out, great espresso options, so classy. I LOVE IT.

Parking was easy on the street, free and no time limit.

No wifi issues.

50 - Downpours Coffee, Denver (Congress Park)

Coffee Shop:
Downpours Coffee
https://www.facebook.com/DownPoursCoffeeShop/
[I also found this super basic web site, which does exist, but they'd clearly want you to go to their facebook page. http://downpourscoffee.com/index.html]
1200 Clayton St
Denver, CO 80206

Date Visited:
Friday, May 31, 2019
About 1:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Purchased:
12 oz lavender oat milk latte: $5.75
*lavender syrup was $0.50
*oat milk was $1.00. And it's $1.00 for anything, any size. They are out of control. Dealbreaker. (If I wasn't doing research. lol. It's worth it for the experience once.)

This was kind of a cool place, but I wasn't very enthused by anything. A blanket dollar charge for milk is ridiculous...I felt very constrained to lattes as opposed to anything smaller.

But anyway.  They had a sign about, "Try our new lavender syrup" or something like that, so I decided to. If I'm getting a syrup I like 12 oz anyway because there is room for the extra flavor.

This latte was not bad, but it wasn't outstanding and it was kind of confusing.

It was sort of mocha-y, but without the attributes of a mocha. Like, it was weirdly thick, like chocolate (mocha) syrup often is, but I wasn't entirely sure what with. I assume the lavender syrup, but the latte also wasn't very lavender-y. It also wasn't overly sweet. It was like...pasty mocha syrup that wasn't like chocolate, or very sweet. But not bad. Just not great. Also not a $5.75 latte (and I do believe those legitimately exist - I have had an oat milk latte with maple syrup that was phenomenal and totally worth $6).

Okay, so the latte had this weird taste and texture that got more pronounced (worse) toward the end. It totally had thick, pasty, weird stuff at the bottom of the mug...like the bottom of a mocha that is not well-mixed, but I guess it was lavender syrup? Maybe some espresso? The last bit was super sticky. There still wasn't much lavender taste. Or at least what I would call lavender, but it was probably the taste of this syrup. But I didn't taste much... This was all weirdly fun, but again, not that good. So...I wouldn't listen to the sign and try their lavender syrup, personally. But I'm not really sad I had the experience once.

Still, overall things weren't bad. There were no huge negatives. The shop was quite a nice place to hang out. I liked the layout. I was very productive while I was there, and there were a number of people working on computers, etc. But it didn't have an overly "workplace" vibe either. There were a number of individual (/dual-person) sized tables, and things like a long bar-like table by the window, so it was an efficient layout for that kind of thing, without feeling crowded. It would be fine to hang out and talk with someone also. The vibe was comfortable - the furniture wasn't particularly physically comfortable, but it wasn't bad.

However, the large outdoor seating area would be better for that, in my opinion. I did not sit out there, but it was significantly above average outdoor seating. There were a lot of tables and chairs, trees for shade, and it's on a quiet street, so it's a really nice place to hang out. They had the garage-door-type storefront door open, so it was nice and airy even though I was sitting inside, but it wasn't overly breezy and distracting either (or blowing pollen on me when I'm trying to escape), which is nice and why I like to have both options. It was also a really nice day, so there's that. The outdoor area was dog-friendly and they had dog treats and things, but I heard multiple times that dogs were NOT allowed across the threshold of the inside area.

Oh, there was a giant mural of people on a motorcycle flipping the room off with a middle finger. I figure some people mind that kind of thing, so it's an interesting choice unless you're trying to make a statement about something, but I don't know what they would have been making a statement about. I feel a different option would have resulted in a better vibe, but I always appreciate interesting choices.

Parking on the street nearby was easy and there was no charge or time limit.

No wifi issues.

49 - Amethyst Coffee Company, Denver (Broadway Location)

Coffee Shop:
Amethyst Coffee Company
https://www.amethystcoffee.co/
1111 N. Broadway, Suite 101
Denver, CO 80203
*They have a really good address

Date Visited:
Saturday, May 25, 2019
About 3:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Purchased:
Cashew Milk Chai: $5.25
*$0.75 for cashew milk. Super annoying.
This time I was actually like, "The fact that you charge that much for a cappuccino and a large latte...can you explain why that is acceptable?"
The barista said, "Sure." But the answer was basically, "No."
But the explanation was that it's how they even out the cost. You know, because it costs more to provide larger amounts of milk for larger beverages. But they charge less proportionally on those, so they have to charge more proportionally for smaller beverages.
The answer was that they intentionally overcharge me for smaller beverages.
That's the answer. I don't even need to add anything.

For the record, I am always nice and I just said, "That's super annoying, but it's out of my system now..." It's totally not out of my system, but it was as far as the barista's role in this injustice goes.

So they make their own cashew milk though. That's awesome. I was stoked. I would totally pay $0.75 for that and not be mad if they charged $1.25 for large drinks. I appreciate consistency.

I was debating getting a latte or chai. Mostly because the barista mentioned she liked the cashew milk in chai (but that's because she doesn't like espresso with nut milks, so it wasn't swaying me a lot). But chai sounded good, largely because I already had a latte. Then I saw they house-make their chai also. So obviously I got a cashew milk chai.

Gorgeous.

It was gorgeous.

The soft, creamy look of the cashew milk foam totally got me instantly. And look at that sprinkled cinnamon. That is art.

Upon my first drink I noticed it was really spicy. It was very spicy, but awesome spicy. I have had chai that's too spicy, and this was spicier, but amazing. It has a kick, but in a distinctive way that totally works. But it's spicy.

The barista did also reference that the cashew milk was more watery, so it didn't work for latte art as well and stuff. I thought this might be a bad sign, because cashew milk can be super creamy and awesome (and like...they make it; they could make it less watery). The second thing I noticed about the chai was that it was pretty watery, but it was still quite good. Maybe they think the cashew milk is too strong if they make it less watery.  It may not be the perfect recipe, but it's a good. I do think it would not have been very good with espresso, so I am glad I got the chai. But also because the chai was quite good.

Even though it was watery, I still did note and appreciate the light, fluffy foam. There was a lot to like.

I wouldn't be running back to have another, but it was really good - pleasant and distinctive, and I am glad to have tried it. It also grew on me as drank it. The cashew milk did go really well with the chai and it sticks out as a non-espresso, savory beverage.

They ground some coffee while I was there and it smelled amazing. That is a good sign of a good coffee shop.

They also have an amazing plant.

There is a free parking lot outside the coffee shop. It was pretty full, but there were a couple open spots, one of which I parked in.

No wi-fi issues.

48 - Whittier Cafe, Denver (Whittier)

Coffee Shop:
Whittier Cafe
https://www.facebook.com/whittiercafe/
1710 E 25th Ave
Denver, Colorado 80205

Date Visited:
Saturday, May 25, 2019
About 10:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Purchased:
Small Latte (12oz): $4.54
*almond milk was $0.74
That's approaching ridiculous, especially if it was for a smaller cappuccino or something.

This is a pretty cool place because it has character and significantly more purpose than you would expect from a run-of-the-mill coffee shop.  My latte wasn't very special, but the community vibe from this place was exceptional. It's nice when a coffee shop is a good place to hang out or a good gathering space, but Whittier Cafe takes it to the next level.

It says, "This is my happy place!"

First, the latte. It was decent, but not that great. It wasn't bad, but was a little bitter and un-smooth. Both the flavor and texture were just a little off. I could see it aligning more with other people's preferences, but it's still not amazing.

But look at the mug it came in. That's what I'm talking about. Such a nice vibe.

I didn't think it was super cozy or extra comfy, but they had above-average outdoor seating options and it's a nice place to hang out. I was there on a nice day, but most of the outdoor seating was taken and I sat inside, which was mostly my preference anyway. There was a covered area tucked back from the street, and the street was quiet anyway. It had a good layout with some nice touches. Inside was functional and low-key, but I did note their awesome chairs, which all had holes that were latte mug outlines. Nice.

However, the main way this place stands out is that it exudes a community-coffee-shop feel and seems like a place that some people would love to frequent and hang out at. It is unabashedly politically active, with some campaign signs out front for local candidates and issues, and it seemed like a headquarters for activism and activist groups. The overall message I got was that they were really involved with the community and really cared about local people and issues, which is pretty special.

In addition to specific issues they might be targeting at any one time, the vibe was just open and inviting. I felt like they would not get hung up on anything small that would make the coffee experience less good for anyone, and that they would also pay attention to the little things that would ensure all people felt welcome. (With the exception of the almond milk surcharge. I own my personal hangups, okay?)

They also had some simple food options (wraps or burritos), though I did not end up trying one. This isn't an amazing craft coffee destination, but it is a community hangout done absolutely right.

Street parking was easy, with no time limit. I parked across the street, but there plenty of close options.

No wi-fi issues.

47 - Coffee Lab at Denver Museum of Nature & Science

I sooo wanted this to be an amazing and science-y coffee station.

But oh, well. It's a nice thought.

Coffee Shop:
Coffee Lab at Denver Museum of Nature & Science
https://www.dmns.org/visit/plan-your-visit/floor-maps/
That is the closest thing I could find to a web site. See that coffee symbol on level 2? That's it.

Located in the Denver Museum of Nature and Science:
2001 Colorado Blvd
Denver, CO 80205

Date Visited:
Friday, May 24, 2019
About 2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
That's about when I was chilling with the coffee.
I was at the museum from about 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Purchased:
Small/12oz Latte : $3.04
*almond milk was $0.85 (they suck)
And this is weird, because my subtotal was $3.04, then there was $0.00 charged for tax (both retail and food/beverage), and then my total was $3.29. That math literally does not add up.

I'm posting this because I may actually have to investigate this phenomenon.

Museum entry: $19.95
(I just saw that it's a dollar off if you buy it online! I had no idea.)
So this is basically a $23 latte. I'm just saying.
But parking is free!

This is a sketchy addition to my compilation. But I feel like it's less sketchy than when I posted about Sazza. I think I wouldn't do that now, but it's grandfathered in. It totally fits my requirement of "a place you can get coffee that has wifi" (and if it's a legitimate coffee shop it doesn't need wifi), but I now more deeply (at all) consider the odds of someone going to the location and just ordering coffee. Or a cafe-style beverage with some kind of personality, even. It could technically happen, but I think it's a little too borderline.

This is a good time to mention how sad I am that I didn't do my post about "The Groove Subaru waiting area" when I had my oil changed one time a few years ago. I did have coffee and hung out with the wifi. That was hilarious even though it didn't happen. It didn't even really need to happen. I'm not that sad.

Anyway, Coffee Lab is a legitimate coffee shop if you are already at the museum.

And really, I have to hand it to the museum for having pretty cheap coffee that's not bad. The food options in the main cafe are pretty decent and not overpriced either, so that's cool. The food and beverage options are like a legitimate resource and option while at the museum, not a desperate resort. But this is just about the coffee shop.

Museum latte

The latte was your standard almond milk latte. The foam was nicely smooth, as was the latte as a whole. It tasted good. Nothing blew me away. It did not have the gross undertones that almond milk lattes can have at places that are not good.

But let's be real. I was at the museum for seven hours and at at 2:00 p.m. this little latte was great. I sat down for a while, chilled, caught some pokemon, and drank this latte. It was wonderfully rejuvenating and I approve of this life option under these circumstances. And even not under these circumstances if you feel like it.

The temporary/additional exhibit was about Leonardo da Vinci, which I had recently finished going through, and I highly approve of their specials, though I did not end up getting one.

Approve.

Way to be, Coffee Lab. Way to have a legitimate niche at the museum.

I used museum wi-fi on my phone and it seemed totally adequate.

Museum parking right out front (and underground) is free and pretty easy (unless it's really busy and all of it is full).

46 - Coffee Theorem (Parker)

This place is amazing.

Coffee Shop:
Coffee Theorem
https://www.coffeetheorem.co/
Located in the Montane Clubhouse at:
18301 E. Cottonwood Dr.
Parker, CO 80134

Date Visited:
Monday, April 15, 2019
About 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Purchased:
Latte Lite (8 oz latte): $3.75
*almond milk - no additional charge (they have no flaws)

This was the most detailed receipt I've ever gotten, so I'm going to embellish. Copied receipt:

Latte Lite (Latte Lite - 8 oz.) $3.75
  + Almond Mlik
Purchase Subtotal $3.75
RTD (1%) $0.04
Douglas County (1%) $0.04
Square Transaction Fee (2.75%) $0.10
State of Colorado (2.9%) $0.11
Town of Parker (3%) $0.11
Tip $1.00
Total $5.15

It's also hilarious that milk is spelled wrong in the system.  Not shaming them, just sharing the fun.

So. This coffee shop.

This is a destination coffee shop. It is definitely worth going far out of your way for the sole purpose of visiting this place. Behold:

The most beautiful latte of my life. Inside and out.

And it wasn't just that the latte was amazing in every way possible. Everything was quintessential.

Also getting there was an adventure and I wasn't really sure what to think until we were there and then it was beautiful.  It was like finding a secret gateway to the land of magical coffee.

But it's not a secret. It's a coffee shop. That you can just GO TO.

So. Once upon a time I was with a friend in the area and we had a little bit of time and I was like, "Um, coffee shop," and I found this place on google maps, and the adventure began.

In the course of following the directions, we turned into this large apartment complex/community and we're like, "Where are we? What is this? Is there really a coffee shop here?  Is it really something that's open to the public?"  (The answer is yes to the last two questions, and "magical coffee land" to the first two.)  Fortunately we were not deterred, and found public parking (near the coffee location), and saw the only outward indication of the coffee oasis inside:

Soooo subtle and unassuming. Ridiculously so.

But then we walked in and sailed to coffee island. This is a pun because the "coffee shop" is more of an island within the space inside, which also has offices related to the apartment community and things.  But it's still a nice place to sit.

Their web site states, "We know we're difficult to find, but don't give up!" See, they are there for you. They claim it is worth it, and I vouch for the accuracy of that claim!

So this is not a typical coffee shop, but it's a phenomenal coffee place.  I gathered from the web site later that it is located within the "Montane Community" and it looks like they have special things for residents, which is pretty cool.  Having a stellar coffee shop at your home is also pretty cool.

The attention to detail pays off so much. Look at the menu booklet.

For one, it's a booklet. And it's adorable for a booklet.

Speaking of their web site, their web site is everything you could want in a web site about a coffee shop. Go look at it. And then envision the place represented by such a web site, and it's what you get in reality too.

Those pictures of the gorgeous latte art? That's how it actually is in real life.

Speaking of latte art, the barista actually apologized for messing mine up because I watched her make cortados beforehand and it was fine art, but I commented about how great it was and added too much pressure while she was preparing my latte.

Again, this is what she apologized for.

I love this place.

The latte was not only aesthetically beautiful, it was everything you could want in a latte.  Look at that mug and everything, though. And it was hearty and cozy, the espresso fed my soul, the foam was smooth and silky, and the blend of flavors was quintessential. Everything was quintessential.  The espresso taste popped quintessentially, and I'm really happy I went with the 8oz (instead of larger) so I could savor.  But I could tell.  Just look at this place.  They're super good with almond milk and it was everything that an almond milk latte is supposed to be.

I want to get wood block coasters. Those are amazing.

And they are called Coffee Theorem.  They are the quintessential example of cozy-tech-coffee.

Look at my friend's London Fog with lavender sprinkled on top.

I just want to post more pictures at this point. I didn't even take this one.

They are the proof of good coffee. But not just as a drink. As an idea.

Again, finding the place and parking was not as expected when approaching a traditional coffee shop, but it was not difficult.

For once I didn't even try for wi-fi and I have no idea what the situation was.  But there are offices there too, and I assume it's pretty stellar, along with everything else.  Unless it's just around for community residents or something.

45 - Huckleberry Roasters (Denver, Sunnyside location)

Coffee Shop:
Huckleberry Roasters
https://huckleberryroasters.com/pages/huckleberry-flagship-4301-pecos
4301 Pecos st
Denver, Colorado, 80211

Date Visited:
Saturday, December 22, 2018
About 12:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Purchased:
Autumn Leaves Latte (small - 10oz): $5.00
*oat milk - no additional charge
Millenial Brekkie Premium Toast: $7.50

The Autumn Leaves Latte included maple syrup and cardamom (omg).
The toast was almond butter, apple, cinnamon, and toasted coconut.

Notice the validation of oat milk. It's not some weird, modified latte you have to charge extra for. It's a latte.  They 100% know what they're doing.  They are all about good coffee, no room for unreasonableness.

This latte was soooo good.

It was incredible. It is in the running for the best latte I've ever had. (And since I have no legitimate ranking policy, that is as high as it could go.)  It is the reason for these adventures.  It is the special gem in a bowl of beautiful rocks. And it is called Autumn Leaves. Omg.

Autumn Leaves Latte - does the name itself not sound too beautiful to be true? Would this latte, by any other name, taste as wonderful? At least, the name is yet another amazing component.

I mean, you can see how beautiful it is. It is a visual work of art that delivers even more than promised when it hits your other senses. I'm now realizing I didn't savor the smell anywhere near as much as I should have.

I had pretty high expectations since this place is a roasters also, and they were totally met and exceeded.  The espresso was amazing. The way it blended with oat milk was heavenly. The additional flavor was in spot-on proportion. This was an artful beverage.  This is one of those espresso drinks that is a destination, totally worth going for on its own merit.

I got the 10oz version of this drink because that is what the mug size is ("for here").  I am partial to higher espresso ratios when the espresso is good, so I liked that aspect.  I think at least one of the paper cup options was 12oz, but I'm sure this is better (a mug is always better than a paper cup, an opinion I hold strongly). I'm sure they know what they're doing with their mug sizes. Sooo classic, too.

Millenial Brekkie Premium Toast

(The camera I've been using on my phone really sucks...it's detracting from the visual quality for sure...I'm gonna stop using this...second photo apology to the integrity of this blog.)

The toast was really good. Definitely what I would call "premium." It was fun to try - really good, and "different" without being weird.  The flavor combos were nothing surprising, but it's not the kind of thing you see everywhere either.  "Premium" ingredients down the bread, and nicely crafted, like the latte.  It also paired really well with the latte.

I will also emphasize one more time that the latte was exceptionally wonderful.

You know another little detail I really appreciate? They actually serve this on a real plate. I've noticed a trend where coffee shops serve you things like this on a little plate, which hold the toast (or whatever), but there is no room to maneuver. I always spill something, at least crumbs. This is an actual plate I could eat from. Nicely done, Huckleberry.

The atmosphere was nice and I enjoyed myself.  It wasn't really anything special on this end, but it was a good place to enjoy amazing espresso.  I wouldn't be pulled to come back for the vibe, personally, but there was nothing negative (it was clean, etc.).

Parking was easy. I parked on the street, but then saw they have a lot also.

No wifi issues.

44 - Cherry Bean (Denver - Sunnyside Location)

Cherry Bean! It's super cute! (I'll be real, I forgot to take this picture, then took it from my car, parked awkwardly across the street, so now I have to own up to it so this place doesn't appear less cute. This-picture-done-well-from-the-corner-instead is right on the main page of their web site though. I obviously wasn't trying very hard. I apologize to the integrity of this blog.)

Coffee Shop:
Cherry Bean Coffee
https://www.cherrybeancoffee.co/
4059 Tejon Street  Denver
Colorado, 80211

Date Visited:
Friday, December 21, 2018
About 3:30 p.m. -  5:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 22, 2018
About 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Purchased:
Nothing! Haha! I was in a cool airbnb that covered a morning coffee, so I checked it out twice for comparison and didn't buy anything, but here are the details:

day 1 - 12 oz oat milk latte
day 2 - 12 oz peppermint oil almond milk latte

latte: $3.75 base
$1.00 charge for oat milk

peppermint oil latte base: $4.00
$.80 cent charge for almond milk

The extra charges are a little overboard, especially because I think whole milk is standard! It definitely gave me a getting-away-with-it-because-they-can vibe. .80 cents is pushing it (especially when it's the same for a little cappuccino or a 20 oz latte). Oat milk is a dollar and the others are a .80 cents, which means they put some kind of thought into it, but they do not get points for reasonableness and are willingly part of the system of unreasonableness.

Okay my first general comment though: This place is awesome.  If I had any kind of ranking system or sensical way to keep track of things, I'm sure this would be up there for something like a "best overall" category.

Their cappuccino looked legit (6 oz they know what's up) so I kind of wanted that, but since they have oat milk and also seemed to know what they're doing espresso-wise, I decided to compare almond and oat milk lattes back to back (since I was coming two days in a row). Then I complicated this by getting a peppermint oil latte with one of them. Oh, well.  Not only do they seem to know what they're doing espresso-wise, but they had one of the coolest menus I've ever seen.  I had to try a little of both sides, even though I was focusing on espresso/basic lattes.

Oat milk latte

They have ALL sorts of cool stuff.  I was very intrigued by the "lattes" that don't have espresso, but instead cool blends of things like spirulina or turmeric, and health-kick-type-things. But like, with latte art. Omg.  They also have smoothies and some other stuff. So SUCH a cool menu to draw from.  The peppermint oil latte was one of their "specialty drinks" so I decided it was a good representative sample. I'm sure there are a lot of things that taste good without being too health-kicky too. So awesome place to go, whether you want caffeine or not.

So far in my oat milk latte adventures, I think that oat milk is awesome. I don't know if I have liked any better than the best cappuccinos (or lattes) I have ever had, but I think I like them more consistently.  In this almost-direct-comparison I liked the oat milk better than the almond milk.  However, I had the peppermint oil in the almond milk, so maybe I didn't like the peppermint oil effect. But I think it was as expected (and I think I would have liked it better in the oat milk).

Peppermint Oil Almond Milk Latte

Both lattes were very good.  I did like the oat milk better, but the almond milk was a really good savory kind of latte, as in not sweet, focused on the espresso instead of sweetness/syrups/etc., which is nice when done well.  Oat milk is naturally sweeter, so I didn't notice as much with that one. There was none of the burned-taste that I often complain about with almond-milk-done-not-well.  It was hearty and not sweet, without being bitter. The peppermint oil added a little smoothness I think (and, of course, peppermint flavor). Good experience. The foam was nice and creamy.

Although I was not at the point of raving about how they are the best drinks I've ever had, they were really good!  And this place had so many options that they apparently do very well!  It's also super cute on the street-corner (there's a little outdoor seating, but...December), and it's such a nice atmosphere!  It somehow manages to look equally appealing for chilling and talking to friends, or sitting alone with a laptop, reading, focusing, daydreaming...whatever. You can do it all.  You could come in with kids, or just adults also. I don't know if I have seen a shop that is so eclectic and so good at so many facets.

They have a print, scan, copy, fax station.  I mean, seriously.

There are some brick walls inside. Giant windows to sit next to. Very light and open. Also cozy and comfy. Not quite at fireplace level, but they pretty much have it all.

Street parking was free, not time limited, and easy to find.

I had no wifi issues and they post the password all around (they're so considerate and welcoming!).

Cherry Bean was so fun to stop in, but it would be even better to frequent!  There's so much to try and it would fit whatever kind of mood you need. I was super impressed and loved it.

43 - 2914 Coffee, Denver (Jefferson Park)

Coffee Shop:
2914 Coffee
https://2914coffee.com/
2914 W 25th Ave
Denver, CO 80211

Look at that name. Look at that address. HOW APT.
Yet I seem to remember that there was more to the story on their website and it was awesome. I do not see it now. This place was on my list back when I lived here, so I was stoked to finally see it.
Oh, I found a little bigger blurb on their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/2914coffeedenver/

Date Visited:
Thursday, December 20, 2018
About 1:15 p.m. -  4:00 p.m.

Purchased:
Cappuccino: $4.50
(.50 cent charge for almond milk)
Veggie sandwich (vegan): $7.50
(.50 cent charge for vegan/gluten free oat bread, which was really good!)
^I had it toasted (I don't know if I would ever turn down the option to have toasted bread)
Tip: $1.00 (I was compelled because I got food too, I think, no judgement on all the places I haven't included a tip...)
Total: $13.00

Cute!

Their lattes vs. cappuccinos were just smaller mugs for cappuccinos, so I basically had six options for espresso/milk ratios, starting with a single shot latte, or smaller single shot cappuccino, up to a large. (They could of course also just do whatever you want. But that's not my style, gotta see what they present first.)
I got a double cappuccino.  It was very much basically a latte. However, it did have a decent foam covering.  Not a ton, but decent. There was actually a clear line between the foam top and the liquidy-espresso drink part, which I actually don't like as much as a creamier/smoother drink overall. (I like creamy foam, not airy foam, but I'm not complaining.)  The foam was decently creamy, with pockets of visible air bubbles (so still airy).

Overall it did the job, but wasn't particularly noteworthy. It had a bit of that almost-burnt taste that comes with almond milk sometimes (when it's not as good, as far as I'm concerned), but it was overlookable. Like I said, it was a bit more separated than many.  Since coconut milk usually separates more than almond milk, I think I probably would have liked the coconut milk cappuccino more, since that's kinda how the almond turned out anyway (but I think coconut milk would have tasted better). I noticed that many coconut milk drinks were ordered while I was sitting there, so perhaps regulars know where it's at for this place.  Anyway - overall, decent drink, no big complaints, just no raves either.

I was hungry so I also tried a sandwich. They had a vegan one! With no cheese, plus their gluten free/vegan oat bread, which was really good! The sandwich was just a basic snack, but I like that they have options that aren't just a pastry.  I'm not sure it was really a $7.50 sandwich, but the ingredients seemed fresh (and availability, real estate, convenience costs...whatever. I wouldn't call it a food destination, but if you're there and want food, they have decent options).

The shop is super cute and a fun place to to hang out.  It had a really friendly and comfortable, inviting vibe.  There was a good amount of seating for it being small-ish, and it was balanced just up to the point of not feeling crowded.  There was outdoor seating too.  It was warm for the time of year, but it's December. I didn't try it.  I was really happy with the visit, even if I'm not raving about the actual consumables, and ended up staying longer than I figured I would because it's just a really nice place to hang out.  There is nice natural light and low-key quirky art.

There is ample free, 2-hour parking in the vicinity. Since I was there longer, I moved my car, and one of the baristas told me they do actually have a two dedicated parking spots in the parking lot behind the shop, which is accessible from the alley. So I moved there.

There was wifi with a password and no issues.

The shop is a pokestop.

42 - Backstage Coffee, Denver (downtown)

The worlds of coffee and theater...together. :D

Coffee Shop:
Backstage Coffee
http://backstagecoffee.com/
1000 14th Street 1B-1
Denver CO 80202

Date Visited:
Sunday, June 4, 2017
About 4:45 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Purchased:
12 oz Almond Milk Latte: $3.50
(I was not charged for almond milk.  POINT to reasonableness!)

So disclaimer...I don't live in Denver anymore.  My coffee shop tour was cut short.  But I am still determined to do what I can.  I was there again, saw a play, and went to Backstage Coffee!  I had heard about it before, but never been.  It was really difficult to get motivated to go to a downtown coffee shop without a special occasion.  And it was perfect to pair this visit with a play because the coffee shop is BACKSTAGE COFFEE.  It is right by the theaters and they do cater to the theater crowd, and even stay open "until shows end." :D  (I love it.)

The inside wasn't particularly theater-oriented, but I loved it.  It's really spacious.  It extends like halfway down the block and has lots of indoor and outdoor seating.  There were lots of different kinds of tables, lots of windows and light, classic coffee shop photograph art on the walls..the whole package.  It was really quiet and peaceful while I was there, but I'm sure it can be crowded and lively as well.  But like I said it's really spacious, so I think it would trend toward "lively" instead of "busy" and "annoying."  It is not pretentious in that MOST of the tables and chairs matched and were reasonably un-marred, but there was just a little of the "worn" coffee shop sort of vibe.  It trends toward "classy" instead of "cozy" with "mellow" sprinkled in.

Very nice atmosphere.

They do the thing where cappuccinos are the same size as lattes, but with more foam.  I asked if the almond milk foamed okay and received an affirmative.  One of the baristas was apparently very good at foaming, and the other one not too much, so the first one made it for me.

It was the foamiest cappuccino (/latte) I've ever had in my life.

That foam has serious depth.

It was actually maybe really half full of foam.  Which is trending toward being a real cappuccino, though giant-sized (and a smaller espresso part of the ratio).

It was different than any other drink I've had, so I am not entirely sure how to compare it.  I actually didn't think it tasted that great, but it was a fun (and therefore reasonably great) experience because of all the foam.  It seemed like a lot of almond milk foam, with espresso mixed with sort of "flat" (thin?) almond milk beneath it.  I think that I was not a huge fan of this particular espresso, which was the reason I didn't like it as much.  And even though there was a lot of foam (seriously impressive), it wasn't the best foam I have had.  It was more like the foam that previously gave me the impression that I didn't really care about foam (but since doing this coffee shop tour I discovered that I love really good foam).

I am not entirely sure if this was more like a real cappuccino than what I have had before and that's why it was different, or if it simply wasn't that great of a cappuccino.  Since most cappuccinos I have had trend toward foamy lattes, I will not pass full judgement right now.  However, the espresso was pretty bitter and had that generic coffee flavor without really anything going for it, and it didn't have good smell, which often indicates the best cappuccinos.  And the impressive foam wasn't impressively creamy.  It would have been really fun to try this particular cappuccino with really good espresso, but alas...(it was not).

Parking is stupid and annoying.  It's downtown.  I was there on a Sunday.  I drove around the general area, trying to navigate all the one-ways and hoping I would end up on the side of the street that I wanted to be on when I found a place to park.  I hoped for an open (free :) ) metered place since it was Sunday, but did not see one.  I found a $5 Sunday garage, had to drive around the block to pass by the entrance on the correct side of the street, then parked and discovered I was about half a mile from the theater.  I would not have cared up to a mile.  It is not worth navigating around downtown to try to be any closer.  Have I conveyed that parking and driving downtown sucks?  Anyway, at least I could chill out and not have to worry about a meter or my parking fee increasing every twenty minutes...but only because it was Sunday.  Because navigating and parking downtown sucks.  Perhaps if I still lived in Denver I would eventually get better at it, but this is the sort of thing I am not motivated to pursue.  Ugh.

However, this is the sort of situation in which it is best to visit Backstage Coffee.  Paired with theater and with extra time to chillax when walking around downtown. :)  And it is interesting because now I am a tourist. :)

For the wifi they gave me a little slip of paper with a username and password (and the network code: caffeine-nation - I love it).  The session lasts two hours.  That's a little on the short side for me, since I like the freedom to hang out forever, but it's also reasonable.
(For the record...I was there slightly longer than two hours and I went and asked the other barista for a wifi code later and got a second one...  Since they weren't busy I may have been able to get another one even if they recognized me. :p)

Also: This location is a portal.

Yessss.

This location is not a pokestop, but there are two pokestops accessible.  I mean, it's downtown.  I would hope so.

41 - Vital Root, Denver

Awesome food and a great blend of being a restaurant and a place to hang out for a bit.

"Coffee Shop:"
Vital Root
http://www.vitalrootdenver.com/
3915 Tennyson St
Denver, CO 80212

Date Visited:
Friday, November 18, 2016
About 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Purchased:
Coconut Almond Milk Blend Latte, Raw Beet Ravioli, Banh Mi Tacos: $23.76 (including tax)

This is not coffee shop.  This is a restaurant.  Being honest.  Especially because they supposedly have wi-fi, but it was not working at all while I was there and when I asked about it I got the impression that it might be the norm not to work.  Having wi-fi and being able to sit with a computer is my cut-off, but since they do supposedly have wi-fi it still has that kind of vibe, so it's acceptable to work/read/sit for a bit/whatever.

Anyway, I like this place and it's not a great place to hang out for an extended period of time, but it is nice for a bit (like pushing a couple of hours).  A couple of hours fits well with the free 2hr street parking all around.  There isn't a lot, but parking on the street was easy and seemed like it would generally be doable within a block.  Only slightly further away on the side streets you can find untimed parking too.

This is and all-vegetarian restaurant and it's consciously vegan-friendly as well.  By this I mean a lot of items are vegan already and vegan food is "normal," not a weird tofu substitution on dish totally not made for it.  This is exemplified by the fact that one of the milks for lattes is a coconut almond blend.  Classing it up!  Obviously I went with that.

A coconut-almond milk blend latte and a beautiful tray of Raw Beet "Ravioli."

It was quite good.  I liked the milk.  The latte wasn't that otherwise remarkable, but...it's not a coffee shop.  But I also don't want to imply that it was subpar.  It wasn't a fake-restaurant-latte.  It just wasn't that remarkable.

The picture above also includes my Raw Beet Ravioli.  I freaking love the Raw Beet Ravioli.  I have had it every time I have been there.  But it should not be called ravioli.  If you order that being in the mood for anything like ravioli, and even if you are very conscious that it is called "Raw Beet Ravioli," I think you would be disappointed.  But I LOVE it.  I just don't think about ravioli.  I love well-prepared, unique raw food.  The best restaurant I have ever been to was a raw food restaurant....on a different continent.  It makes me sad all the time how far away it is.  But the Raw Beet Ravioli is the closest thing I have found.  It is beets with I think nut-based cream, and "spaghetti" (also the worst name ever) vegetable stuff...amazing flavor blending. Unique.  It's wonderful.

I liked the Bahn Mi Tacos all right.  They weren't amazing, but I enjoyed them.  (I have had better main dishes here as well.)  They had jalapeños on them and I'm not a huge fan, but I wanted to try them as-is.  They are probably better if you like that kind of kick in your food.  A bit unique, but not as memorable.  They came with fried plantains, which was cool.

Bahn Mi Tacos.

The other awesome thing is that they have a classy water dispenser if you want water and one of the options is carbonated.  Super classy.

Vital Root is a decent place to hang out.  It's a really nice mix of really good, quality food, but also a relaxing atmosphere conducive to hanging out for a bit.  I wouldn't stretch it for five hours like I have at some coffee shops, but not all coffee shops can do that either, anyway.  It's a nice place without making you feel like you have to dress up or feel weird pulling out a book or laptop. (So basically perfect as far as food places go.)

Like I mentioned, free parking was pretty easy.  And fatal wi-fi issues with the basically-nonexistent wifi.

Although this restaurant was not a landmark itself, it was in range of three Ingress portals.  I am not sure if they were all pokestops.  I also had trouble getting signal on my phone.  SO disappointing.

40 - Sojourners Coffee & Tea, Denver

A MAPLE SYRUP LATTE.  I wish I could convey delicious smell and a warm, cozy, deliciously blended flavor.  Then this picture would speak for itself.  Instead, the picture conveys a latte and these words will speak for it.

Coffee Shop:
Sojourners Coffee & Tea
http://sojoscoffee.com
1501 S Holly st
Denver, CO 80222

Date Visited:
Monday, November 7, 2016
About 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Purchased:
12 oz Almond Milk Maple Latte: $3.93*
0.69 cent charge for almond milk

*This is actually the price for a regular latte.  I saw the the sign that described a "maple latte" after I had ordered and immediately asked if I could upgrade (actually, asked if it was made with real maple syrup and when I got a yes, IMMEDIATELY asked if I could upgrade because it was an ACTUAL MAPLE SYRUP LATTE).  The barista making my drink said he would put the maple syrup in.

A maple syrup latte is the best idea.  I don't know why I have never seen it before.  (I concede that one possibility is because I have been unobservant.)  Anyway, I had never had one and this was my first experience.

This latte was among the best lattes I have ever had.  As in, it is in the running for the best latte I have ever had.  I believe that much of this was due to the fact that it was a maple syrup latte.  So I can't really compare their latte with lattes from other places.  It's just in a class of it's own.  But I can give them credit for making a maple syrup latte that was delicious!  It was very good with almond milk, good flavor pairing, and just all-round delicious.  The foam was nice.  It was a very comfy-feeling drink.  Maple syrup is a pretty cool flavor in general, but used like this, there was a journey of flavors in the latte and it was fun, even though it was still mellow.  It was sweet, but not too sweet and not overpowering.  Still more like a latte than on the super sweet mocha side of things.  It was warm and cozy and delicious.

I would love to have this be a holiday drink staple.  But not just for the holidays.

The latte art wasn't much...so I do have to say that there is room for improvement in the whole experience because a beautifully crafted piece of latte art would have completed the scene very fittingly.

The shop was a pretty nice place to work as well.  There was quite a bit of seating and it had a cozy/productive blend of an atmosphere going on.  It seemed like the kind of place people like to come hang out and work at.  It was comfortable to do, but would also be nice to sit and chat or whatever too.  It was mostly smaller tables with a couple comfy chairs.

When I arrived I checked out the menu and was thinking I would get a standard drink.  I sort of wanted a cappuccino, but I asked about the charge for almond milk substitution and it was still .75 cents (including tax, I guess - the receipt said 0.69) and it just irritates me SO MUCH to pay such a large percentage of the drink to have a few ounces of a different milk. It's not even like it's ADDED, it's just a different thing INSTEAD.  So I'm always like "Fine, I'll just get a latte."  At least then I'm actually getting a decent amount of almond milk for the SAME PRICE.  Even though it would STILL be the same price for a large latte, which is like TWICE AS MUCH milk.  Okay, anyway.  I decided on a latte.

Their holiday drink list was on a board that was near the counter where I ordered, so I did not see it until I walked back away.  I usually don't pay a lot of attention to holiday drinks because I'm not into fake syrups, and that's usually what they are - a bunch of flavorings and whipped cream or something, so I just don't generally get them.  But then came the glorious moment when I saw a latte and the word "maple".  I wish I remembered if it had a better name than "maple latte", but I was too distracted by the enticing existence of a maple syrup latte.  So I asked about it and upgraded and it was delicious.

Overall, and awesome drink and a nice atmosphere.

Wifi was decent.

There is a parking lot shared with neighboring businesses.  I got the only spot that was available, after someone pulled out.  So the lot does not seem sufficient.  However, I did not investigate nearby street parking since I got a spot.

ALSO. Also.  I can now add another important piece of information about these adventures.

This location is a pokestop.  (And an Ingress portal.)
(To be clear, Sojourners isn't just in the vicinity of one, it IS one.)

39 - Watercourse Foods, Denver

They have very pretty food and drinks.

"Coffee Shop:"
Watercourse Foods
Vegan Comfort Food
http://www.watercoursefoods.com/
837 E 17th ave
Denver, CO 80218

Date Visited:
Sunday, November 6, 2016
About 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Purchased:
8 oz pumpkin latte with coconut milk: $4.50
+ food

This place is a restaurant.  But they have coffee and wifi.

The Watercourse menu promised light and fluffy pancakes and that was the primary reason for this visit.  Our expectations were lofty and Watercourse delivered!  Also everything was really pretty.  The pancakes were awesome and we also got home fries, which were awesome too.

But on to the coffee.  I got a pumpkin latte.  Every year I do this thing where I want to get pumpkin things because they sound so good and festive, and then have to come to terms with the fact that I don't actually like pumpkin things.  I don't even really like pumpkin pie, although it has grown on me and I enjoy a short experience of eating it because it is exciting and festive.  It's not bad, but I just don't enjoy it that much.  I actually DISlike fake pumpkin-flavored things and don't mess with that stuff, but I checked and Watercourse uses pumpkin puree and that sounded exciting and festive for a latte so I decided it was time for this year's due diligence into pumpkin adventures with a latte.

There just wasn't much chance that my reaction was going to be something other than, "that's not too bad."  And that's basically how I felt.  However, the latte was a bit of an adventure.

I told the waitress that I was guessing it would be best with almond milk, since I thought coconut milk might be too much of a contrasting taste, but asked her opinion.  She specifically pointed out that she liked it with coconut (I hadn't mentioned my coconut thoughts aloud).  So I settled upon the choice of a coconut milk pumpkin latte.

A very pretty latte.

My first reaction was that it was decent.  Well, that was my first reaction after I tasted it.  My very first reaction was that it was very pretty.  I don't think the picture captures quite how nice and smooth and artsy it looked.  It was very pretty.

There was a lot going on with the flavor and I was turned off by some of the layers.  There was a general, wholesome pumpkin taste, along with espresso, and quite a strong sour taste, which I think was the root of the aspect I didn't like.  It was very creamy, which I particularly noted since coconut milk products are sometime more watery than those with almond milk (I personally think that this is because people make them less often so there is generally less finesse or proportions are off - or likely they use subpar milk - because coconut milk is so creamy).  I think the pumpkin added to the creaminess.

As I reached the end of the drink is suddenly got VERY STRONG.  But also better.  I think that it was not mixed well and a lot had settled to the ground.  The last part of the latte was very sweet and not very sour.  The pumpkin wasn't as obvious and the "regular latte" taste had faded.

Again, it was REALLY STRONG at the end.  I could barely drink it without making reactionary faces.  But it was good, just on overload.

So the latte was an adventure.  I wonder what it would have tasted like if I had stirred it so that the flavors were well mixed.  It would definitely have been better.  Overall it was a reasonably enjoyable pumpkin adventure.  If I had gotten the full mixed experience I believe I would have considered it a rather enjoyable pumpkin experience.

The restaurant was an all right place to hang out.  They have outdoor seating as well, but we sat inside.  It's sort of weirdly lit and even the natural light was blocked from where we were, so it was too dark, even though it was daytime (or, especially because it was daytime it felt darker than it should have).  We sat in a booth and it wan't especially comfortable, but there was nothing wrong with it.

So it was a decent place to eat and hang out with really pretty food and a worthwhile pumpkin adventure.

They have wifi, but I hardly used it.

They don't have parking, but there was street parking in the near vicinity.  It's free, and normally limited to two hours, but we were there on a Sunday so it wasn't.  It seems like it would be reasonable to expect to find a spot within  a couple of blocks, even if it was busier.

38 - The original Ink! Coffee, Aspen (...Aspen)

Coffee shop...and outdoor store.

Coffee Shop:
Ink! Coffee
http://inkcoffee.com/locations/aspen/
520 E Durant ave
Apen, CO 81611

Date Visited:
Monday, August 22, 2016
About 2:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Purchased:
12 oz Almond Milk Latte: $5.85*
*It was $5.85 total.  The original price was $4.55.  I don't know how much of the difference was almond milk and how much was tax.  They didn't offer a receipt!  I looked for the charge and couldn't find it.

It's obviously too high, though.  But I'm in Aspen.

Though it doesn't make it better, locally it fits in to charge extra for whatever just because people will do it.  People are annoying like that.

I also would have stayed a little bit longer, but I had to go get my car.  Parking is ridiculous.  But I'm in Aspen.

You wouldn't get coffee here unless you were already in Aspen.  But in order to have time to wander and do things like hang out at coffee shops, there are a couple of options.  You can take the bus into the city from the Brush Creek Intercept Lot, where parking is free and the bus is free into Aspen (and back later).  It runs frequently.  You can also park in a residential area for $8 for the day.  The areas are marked residential and away from the city core, but totally walkable to anywhere.  There is also a parking garage, which is more expensive, and parking at pay stations in the city core, which is ridiculously ridiculous.  It goes up more each hour you purchase.  It's not even an option.

You can also park in the residential areas for free for two hours.  If you want an additional 2 hours, you have to move your car to a different zone, not just around the block, but it's not that bad.  This is what I did during the Ink! visit, so i had to get back to my car by 4:00.

The experience was a bit better than my previous Ink! experience (16th st mall in Denver), but not by a lot.  The latte tasted a bit better in Denver actually, but the latte experience was such a weird fiasco there that neither place comes out ahead.  They were very automatically going for the paper cups, but I asked for a "for here" cup and they did have it.  Though it definitely wasn't the norm.  You can see that not much care was put into the latte art even in the nicer cup...

Ha.

It was decent.  Not great, but better than some.  Espresso-wise, it smelled nice.  The taste wasn't very memorable and the smell unfortunately didn't linger.  Overall, everything was pretty average.

The shop was an okay place to work, but not great.  It's kind of awesome because it's also an outdoor store.  They have backpacks, bike stuff, hike stuff, ski stuff, lots of stuff.  It is very close to the gondola on the mountain and I'm sure it's busy in the winter.  The shop has kind of a retail feel, which the outdoor stuff contributed to.

There were no really comfy places to sit, but it wasn't bad.  The furniture is kind of old or used, torn and stuff.  No place felt "out of the way".  It was kind of hard to get in the zone of working.  The atmosphere was okay for some quick tasks, but pretty bad for creativity.  The outdoor area was fairly nice, though I didn't sit there.  It wasn't special for Aspen, since most outdoor places in Aspen are nice because there is a beautiful mountain view everywhere and there's a relaxed vibe.  So Ink! naturally has that.  The seating was also back from the road and down some stairs, which is nice since the road is a through street.

The paper-cup-default-not-latte-art fit with the atmosphere.  It's not really tailored to sit and savor.  I'm sure it thrives as a great place to stop in and get a hot drink and warm up and talk for half an hour after skiing or something.  So the context definitely affects things.  The shop isn't classy-craft-delicious-comfy-coffee-atmosphere, but it's not bad for what it is.  Although I expected more from Ink! in general given their blurbs on roasting coffee, quality, etc.  It definitely trends chain-like.  Maybe that has shifted over time, but if it maintained non-chain roots anywhere I would have expected it at the original shop.

I wouldn't specially return, but I wouldn't be especially opposed if it came up.  The experience was pretty neutral, but more Aspen-expensive.  I didn't like hanging out there that much.  It also wasn't great for work, and there was stuff going on that detracted from the atmosphere, but it's not bad for Aspen.  There isn't a place in the area that's significantly better that I know of.  So for the local area it's the norm, but compared to the Denver-norm it's not great.

No wi-fi issues.

37 - Illegal Grounds, Denver

Coffee Shop:
Illegal Grounds Coffee House
http://illegalgroundscoffeehouse.com
925 E 17th ave
Denver CO 80218

Date Visited:
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
About 12:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Purchased:
12 oz Almond Milk Latte: $3.35
(.50 charge for almond milk)

The space here was the best thing.  It's an awesome, quaint coffee shop with comfortable, nice seating arrangements and a relaxed atmosphere.  There were a few couch options and a number of tables.  Nice layout.  The furniture was nice, but it was still a low-key place.  The art was cool.  Although it wasn't being used, there was a piano in one room.  Nice touch.

It was comfortable and homey.  And I really liked the music.  It was chill, classic stuff, and wasn't just generic.  I had the feeling the barista was just playing whatever she wanted.  It went through a Paul Simon album I think, then was a compilation of stuff from the 30s and Ella Fitzgerald/Louis Armstrong.  It was a relaxing place.

The outdoor seating looked pretty great, even though I sat inside.  It is maybe the best I have seen (though I haven't been keeping track).  There were multiple tables, it was nice and shady with some greenery, and it was set back from the road.  The road is busy, but tolerable.  There was also a bench up on the porch.  It would be a really nice place to hang out outside.

My latte was nothing special.  It didn't really taste like anything.  It wasn't great and it had a bit of the bad almond milk taste that I don't like it in, but the taste wasn't overwhelming, so it wasn't gross.  There wasn't any distinct good taste from the espresso or the milk.  It wasn't very creamy, but it wasn't overly watery.  It was just pretty bland and not great.  I did leave a bit that I didn't finish, which is pretty rare for me (unless I am saving it for later).

So this is not a "coffee" place, but it is a really nice place to hang out for the space.

I asked if they cold-brew their iced coffee, and they don't.  This helped with the decision to get a latte.  But then the latte wasn't very good either... I was kind of disappointed because their web site mentions that they want to push the limits of good coffee.  But...oh, well.  It's a nice place.

There is not lot, just free 2hr street parking in the vicinity.  I was there for less than two hours, but it would have been easy to move my car if necessary.

No wi-fi issues.