33 - Ink! Coffee, 16th St. Mall, Denver (...16th Street Mall, downtown)

Coffee Shop:
Ink! Coffee
http://inkcoffee.com/locations/16th-st-mall/
618 16th St
Denver, CO 80202

Date Visited:
Sunday, July 3, 2016
About 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Purchased:
*Small (12 oz) Almond Milk Latte: $4.37 (including tax) / $3.50 + almond milk charge
/Large 20 oz almond milk latte
?

*Sort of. I ordered a 12 oz almond milk latte. The barista was very enthusiastic and was talking to me while I was deciding (which was just a minute). It wasn't in the best way this time... I said I was leaning toward a latte but needed a second. She suggested iced...or something happened with iced. A few seconds later I ordered my latte with almond milk. The price was really expensive, and I asked to make sure I was getting a 12 oz. She said yes. I hadn’t found the charge for almond milk, so I figured that maybe it was a really expensive charge here or something, which I was going to be annoyed about, but I said okay. I got my receipt, which I checked, but it wasn’t itemized.

It turned out she has rung it up as an iced latte. I think I was pretty straightforward about ordering, but I guess she had ice on the brain. And she didn't say it back to me to make sure it was right (just saying this was minimally my fault, if at all). The iced latte is $5.10, while the regular latte (12 oz) is $3.50, so that explained the price difference. (I don't understand this price difference.) She might have been new because she didn’t know how to refund money (or maybe wasn’t authorized or whatever). She offered a free drink card, which probably was reasonable, but I hesitated because I didn’t know when I would be back, wanted to make sure it was good at all locations, etc. (And I think it's reasonable to just want to pay for the drink I ordered...) So she just handed me a couple of dollars. I felt kind of bad, but it wasn’t that busy and she still seemed pretty flustered, so I just tried to say thanks and let it go.

So what I know is I paid $6.37, which is the price of an iced almond milk latte, then got two dollars back. So I paid $4.37. The normal price would have been $3.50 + whatever the almond milk charge is. Then the drink they gave me was in a 20 oz cup. Which was cool I guess, but definitely too much for me in one sitting. And I don't know what I was actually drinking. I am assuming it was a regular 20 oz latte. But I don't know what that means! I don't know how much espresso was in it! I am assuming three shots. It tasted stronger than two (since I am used to 12 oz with two shots being a little weak, and this didn't seem ridiculously weak), and I would guess that they would ask about a preference for four shots BUT I DON'T KNOW. This is so hard to evaluate now! I just have to be a normal coffee person again who just drinks without thinking about espresso ratios. I DON'T KNOW HOW.

But I guess I tried a 20 oz latte for the first time. That's exciting. I don't think I would have done that on purpose.

I could have asked the barista how many shots was in it, but I didn't really want to make more demands or have more interaction. It was awkward. They were definitely nice, but the enthusiasm was approaching the overbearing side, like when I was thinking for a second. And then there was the ensuing awkwardness from the mistake. I feel like the enthusiasm overshadowed accuracy. And approachability. But I don't want to knock it too much because I don't want to knock intended friendliness. She also really seemed to know the products and coffee. I overheard her talking with other people and could tell she is into the coffee scene, which is always cool in a barista.

There also seemed to be little bits of drama happening that weren't really causes for drama (like my order). Especially after my own awkward experience it was a less fun place to hang out than I was hoping. It just wasn't as relaxed and fun. And there was a lot of loud welcoming customers and awkward upselling with drink flavors and things...that sort of thing.

The inside was pretty nice though. Multiple seating options, mostly little tables. Reasonably comfortable chairs. A couple soft chairs. I sat in a fun little alcove in the font of the store with windows on two sides, though one window just overlooked the door inlet. But more importantly I was right by the window overlooking the street, which was the 16th street mall. It was fun to people watch. Since it's right on the 16th mall it's a really cool location. I was hanging out walking around there, so the Ink! visit was part of that.

The place I was sitting at was open and cozy at the same time - a difficult and awesome balance to find. The inside was a bit small, but not overly and likely adequate for a place that has a lot of pedestrian traffic and people stopping in for a coffee to go. There was nothing really styled or artsy, but it was nice.

They don't have any non-disposable cups, which is annoying, especially for a place that's supposed to be pretty coffee-classy. Well, this is what they told me when I ordered, but there were some mugs sitting out, so maybe they just have one size.

But this is just one shop. They are a chain, but Colorado-based. They started in Aspen and roast their coffee at high altitude so it can be done at a lower temperature and bring out some unique flavors. So they have a coffee mission statement and choices and things.

And, my first 20z latte analysis:
I did like it a lot. So despite all the awkward stuff, it was a really good latte. Although I would have enjoyed it more under other circumstances (being more relaxed when I got it for one, but also a more relaxed atmosphere). So I enjoyed it a lot, but didn't really savor it. The espresso taste was smooth and really good. There was quite a lot of foam and I loved it.
And I don't know about the three shots - I drank half and I was jittery. Maybe it was delicious because it was so full of delicious espresso. But I was also kind of hungry so maybe I was super sensitive. But I feel like I drank around two shots...
The espresso blended really well with the almond milk, and the almond was really good as well. It was creamy, espresso-y, delicious, and great.
Just way to much.
However many shots were in it... Oh man, I hate not knowing details.

I did check on their cappuccinos, which are the same sizes as lattes, but with more foam. This seems to be vey common. I don't get it. But I guess cappuccino has come to just mean foam.

I also briefly asked if they have cold brew, and they don't. They hot brew their iced coffee. I always think this is a bad sign.

They have a good, giant slogan:

And ha. It's the word coffee, above everything else.

Overall I didn't like the experience that much. It was kind of a train wreck. Nothing was overly terrible and maybe it was an off day, but there was enough wrong that it just wasn't nice, even though there were nice things. It was a very good drink and there was potential and maybe it is often fine, but I wouldn't go back, especially with all of the amazing, comfy options around. I guess even though it's local and high-class, maybe they have a little bit too much of the "chain" thing going on. Maybe things are diluted and not as good as they would be.

Parking is ridiculous. It's downtown. It's the 16th street mall. No one would come here unless they were already around. I was parked about three or four blocks away from the 16th street mall. I found a metered spot, free since it was Sunday. But I mean...it's standard downtown meters and garages and things.

No wi-fi issues.

32 - Denver Bicycle Cafe

Bikes. Beer. Coffee.


Coffee Shop:
Denver Bicycle Cafe
http://denverbicyclecafe.com/
1308 E. 17th ave
Denver, CO 80218

Date Visited:
Friday, July 1, 2016
About 2:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Purchased:
almond milk cappuccino: $3.50*

*I originally tried to order a coconut milk cappuccino (which I have not yet been able to try!).  It was a DOLLAR extra for coconut milk.  I reacted, like, "Even for a cappuccino??" Because if I am going to succumb to paying that, I won't do it without reacting.  The baristas seemed to agree with me, but it's the policy.  They do take away the charge for a macchiatto, since it's just a dollop of milk.  Coconut milk can be a bit more expensive, so I get a dollar charge for, like, a 24 oz latte (maybe).  But for a few ounces? It really is ridiculous.  Standard surcharges are nothing but ridiculous.  It doesn't even make sense, it's not to prevent profit loss...it just ends up taking advantage of the fact that people will pay it.  But, as a rule, I WON'T.  A small, sensical charge is okay, but flat rates are annoying and maybe even INSULTING.  This is often why I get lattes instead of cappuccinos, because if I am going to pay that much extra ANYWAY. Ugh.  Anyway, they were actually out of coconut milk.  So I didn't get to try a coconut cappuccino.  BUT I LOVE THE SOUND OF THAT.  They decided to give me almond milk with no charge, this time.  That was nice of them.  But the store policy is still ridiculous.  I don't know how much almond milk charge is, if it's different.

--This is far from the only place that does this annoying surcharge thing, I am just pointing it out ALL THE TIME.

So then I tried my cappuccino.

I think it was pretty.  Also, the barista asked me if I wanted the special (Sweet Bloom, I think) espresso, or the house espresso.  I said house was fine.  Although since I have become an espresso snob, perhaps I should have upgraded. But I am still not sure how to make decisions about how to upgrade.  I ended up thinking that the espresso was a little too strong...but I think it is because I didn't like the espresso as much.  I will have to identify the factors that I like in espresso so I can become even more selective.

There was extra sour taste in the drink, and I'm pretty sure it was from the espresso.  That was most of what I didn't like as much.  The foam was okay, but not spectacular.  It was a little thinner, as opposed to creamy.  The foam didn't pair as well with the liquid (like when taking a drink, it didn't enhance the experience to mix them) as some other.  Other than those detractors, it was quite good.  So even though there were detractions, it held it's own.  I wouldn't go out of my way for it, but I liked it.

Okay.  This shop.

I unashamedly selected this place for its gimmick.  But it's NOT just a gimmick because it seems to pull everything off well.

It is a full-fledged bicycle shop and a full-fledged coffee shop and a full-fledged bar.

There are actually three adjacent areas that make up the business.  The subsets also have varying hours (the bar is open later, the coffee shop is open earlier), although there is a lot of overlap.  Still, it is clearly one business.  And there were totally bikes in my coffee shop.

There is a bike shop in the middle, where they do bike things (repair, tune-ups, parts, etc.), and on either side there is a coffee shop and a bar, where they do coffee shop and bar things!  There is also overlap in that people ordered beer in the "coffee shop", so the areas are not restrictive.  There is also a decent food selection.

So, anyway, I have been to a bicycle cafe.

It was a decent place to hang out.  Unique atmosphere.  But mostly like a normal coffee shop.  I am enthusiastic about having experienced the bicycle cafe, but I don't feel the urge to rush back and make it a habit or anything.  I can also see how people would regulars,though, if convenient.  It's fun.  Nice windows.  Seating options.  Pretty social place.  There is some outdoor seating set a little back from the road, but still too noisy/busy for me.

No wi-fi issues.

They don't have a parking lot.  There is 2hr street parking around, but it is also annoying because of the semi-busy through-streets and one-ways all around.  My time there was limited by the parking time limit (this is annoying).  I didn't want to deal with moving my car and going back.  But I was also okay with leaving.  I got the experience and t wasn't somewhere I particularly wanted to spend a while.  I was parked within a block, and I would have been able to park close again on another street if I had wanted to.

31 - Keith's Coffee Bar, Denver (University)

Coffee Shop:
Keith's Coffee Bar
http://keithscoffeebar.com
2450 S. Downing St
Denver, CO 80210

Date Visited:
Thursday, June 30, 2016
About 2:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Purchased:
small (12 oz) soy latte: $3.85
.70 cent charge for soy milk

I haven't had a soy latte in a few months, which is part of the reason I tried one again today.  It tasted a bit weird at first, but after I got used to the taste it was pretty decent.  I have also grown to prefer less milk with espresso, but 12 oz was the smallest size they had.

They make cappuccinos the same sizes as lattes, but with more foam, basically (the barista said).  She did say that they have 6oz glasses if I wanted a more traditional cappuccino.  (I liked that she knew what she was talking about.)  I was leaning toward this, but then I asked about how their almond milk foams and stuff and got the impression that it is "the best they can do" but it's subpar.  This made me lean back toward just getting a latte, but then the barista also mentioned that she doesn't personally like steamed almond milk because of the background roasted nut flavor - which I am guessing is the gross flavor that I don't like either.  Of course she said some people like it, but I was pretty sure I was not going to be one of those people.  I still don't know how to distinguish between when I like almond milk lattes and when I don't.  In some shops they have been soooo good.  But I am glad that the barista here mentioned the taste because I guess that I would have been disappointed.

At this indecisive juncture I asked if they cold brew their iced coffee, thinking I had made the decision to get that.  But then she said they actually hot brew it.  This is normally disgusting.  It's just coffee with ice in it.  But she said they use a particularly smooth blend and let me try it.  It was not entirely disgusting, but it wasn't very good.  So I didn't order that.

And I know at this point I sound like a totally obnoxious customer, but there was no one in line.  And I would have been content to look a the menu and think for a minute (because I had no idea what I wanted when I came in), but the barista was trying to be attentive and helpful...so then there was a conversation about me not having decided yet.

So I thought for a few more seconds and decided to get espresso since that did sound good, and to get soy milk since I hadn't tried that in a while anyway.  (I prefer almond milk and it is healthier, and I just generally avoid soy, mostly processed, although I happened to notice that the carton they had said organic, which means it is from a minority of crops that are likely more okay to eat than average, and I think that's cool.  I think they should make a note of it on the menu, because if they're using higher quality ingredients then they should let people know.  But maybe they vary it.)  I think that soy more universally handles the steaming better as well.  I haven't had a soy drink with a weird taste.

I should point out that I think they would have made me whatever drink I wanted, however I wanted. But since I was trying this place out...the point is to try out the place, so I didn't want to go off menu. So I am completely aware that I could have ordered a drink that I would have liked a bit more, and that this is a self-imposed restriction.  But...it's significant how they present their products on menu.  So this is why I got a 12 oz soy latte (as opposed to having them make a "short" 8 oz latte or something, without filling the mug).  Also...if it's going to be the same price I am annoyed with telling them to put less in it and getting charged the same.  So this way I got something on their menu and wasn't annoyed.

Okay.  So then I had my drink!

It's funny because there is a picture of latte art. But no actual latte art.

I do love that they have customized mugs.

Since I hadn't had soy in a while, there was a different flavor factor involved.  It was fun to try again. I don't like it as much as the best almond flavor, but it was decent.  The drink seemed a little weak to me, mostly from the more diluted espresso, which makes total sense.  The milk flavor was emphasized more that way.  It tasted a little weaker than other 12oz lattes I have had as well, though.  I think overall it would have melded better with stronger espresso.  I don't have strong feelings about the soy taste, it's just kind of there because that's what it is.  I guess that is part of why I don't seek it out.

Overall it was a decent drink.  It wasn't my favorite, but it wasn't bad.  Even considering that it's not my favorite kind of drink, I don't think it was particularly well-crafted.  But again, it also wasn't bad.  As you can see above, the latte art was a blob.  Although I didn't have any big complaints, I just...didn't like it very much.  I would not pay for the experience again.

The barista did ask me if it was for here or to go and gave me a mug.

The coffee shop is a pretty nice place to hang out.  It's quite large, with a lot of nice, two-person tables and like eight big comfy chairs with useful end tables (this is always a significant factor), and a couple other seating styles.  It has lots of nice windows and a spacious/comfy style.  All of the furniture matches and stuff.  The art was nice.  The music was a good background.  There is an outdoor seating area, but it is next to a pretty trafficked road, so it didn't appeal to me.

Overall, it was nice to try, but I wasn't particularly attached to anything.  Decent drink.  Decent space.  Better than some, but nothing stood out to me.  The baristas were friendly.  This is definitely a good place to go in order to not be overwhelmed by craft coffee atmosphere if that sort of thing concerns you, but not because they don't know what they're doing or it's bad or something.  It's a chill place that has coffee and drinks and nice places to sit!  Personally, I wouldn't seek it out.

No wi-fi isses.

There is a small parking lot behind the coffee shop.  There are only a few spaces there.  There is free street parking around to.  Parking was not an issue while I was there, but it is summer and Keith's isn't very far from University of Denver, so the traffic (for the coffee shop and in general) might fluctuate upward a lot during terms.

30 - Fluid Coffee, Denver (Uptown)

Eclectic, nice, and chill.

Coffee Shop:
Fluid Coffee Bar
http://www.fluidcoffeebar.com/
501 E 19th ave
Denver, CO 80203

Date Visited:
Friday, June 24, 2016
About 5:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.

Purchased:
8 oz Almond Milk Cappuccino: $3.50
.50 cent charge for almond milk

The cappuccinos on their menu are the same sizes as their lattes.  I asked and they are more foamy (as expected).  However, the smallest size on the menu was 12 oz and he said they also have an 8 oz.  Even though in this case I usually go for a latte, this time I got the cappuccino and went with the 8 oz.  (A .50 cent charge is really annoying when you get the smallest amount possible of the liquid in question.)  I am glad because the foam layer was my favorite part.  It was soft and snowy.

See?  It's soft and snowy.

Okay, that's mainly a cosmetic description, but it probably aided the taste as well.  It still think it tasted soft and snowy.  So my initial impression was good, but then when I started drinking mainly liquid under the foam I didn't think it was very good.  It was bland and a little sour in a weird way.  The foam was heartier and sweeter.  I quite liked it.  I tried to be better about mixing foam with liquid while I drank, which made the experience more enjoyable.  But the initial potential was not lived up to.

The atmosphere was pretty cool.  And literally (that was not intentional) - they had nicely functional air conditioning and it was also not on too high (which happens way too often...I don't get it).  It was hot outside, but I was comfortable inside without having to put my sweatshirt on (which I was only carrying around for that annoying eventuality).  There were three seating areas, which is perhaps intentional, as their door said, "meet | work | relax" and I could see how each space may theme into one of those categories.

I didn't like the area just inside the door as much.  It's really basic, just some small two-person tables organized around the floor and few seats by along table in front of a window.  I mean, totally functional.  I'm not going to knock it a lot.  It just seemed to me like seating in one of those places where people normally get stuff to go, but they have a couple of token tables just in case that no one ever really uses.  And if you sit there it's weird and not comfortable.  Maybe this is because the area is by the door and in between the barista area and the napkin/sugar/trash/etc station...so it maybe it just seemed in the middle of things.  It was a reasonably sized area though, as big as some (small) shops entire seating selection.  I am pretty sure it would have had a different mood to it if the shop had been busier.  There were only a few people there while I was, and the front area was completely empty.  With a bunch of people sitting and talking I'm sure it's nicer.

I sat in the middle area, which was super-super cool.  I don't know if they actually use it, but I sat next to a fireplace (it looked like it might be a functioning electric/gas one) with bookshelves on both sides!  In a comfy chair!  The end table where I set my coffee was the perfect height.  There was a comfy carpet.  There was also a couch and some other little tables in this area.

I was really comfortable and relaxed.  It was a really nice place to hang out.

I really liked the art hanging on the walls as well.  It was being sold, so no idea how consistent it is, but it aided the comfy/relaxed/classy atmosphere.

They also have what looked like a serious work space in the back.  I just looked in briefly while I was choosing my seat, but it contained a number of tables with single office-style chairs.  A good touch for people who want that kind of thing.  I think that this is the "meeting space" mentioned on their site that they rent by the hour.  I don't know if people can work there if it's not being used.

Overall, my drink was decent and I thought it was a really nice place to hang out, and I love the variety of atmospheres.  The music was maybe a bit loud, but not enough to be a major complaint.

They have really good wi-fi.

They don't have a parking lot, but I didn't have trouble with street parking.  I parked about a block away.  It was free and un-timed.

29 - Europa Coffeehouse, Denver

Lots of potential...but I ended up not loving it.

Coffee Shop:
Europa Coffeehouse (Cafe Europa? ...as listed on google maps)
https://www.facebook.com/europacoffeehouse/ (This is all I saw as far as web sites go.  I think they also have an instagram, maybe some other pages.)
76 S Pennsylvania St
Denver, CO 80209

Date Visited:
Thursday, June 23, 2016
About 2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Purchased:
Small (8 oz) Almond Milk Latte: $3.50
No charge for almond milk!

Europa Coffeehouse was almost really nice so I would rave about all the nice things, but it wasn't quite there.  First though - it's nice.  They have outdoor seating with a large overhanging tree, which makes it pretty and shady.  There is also a large amount of seating in the sun.  And there is also ample seating inside!  So there are plenty of options.  Inside there are booths, some little tables, a long table, a bar by the window, and some soft chairs (they didn't look that comfortable to me, but I didn't try).

They also have plants!  Mostly succulents.  There are large windows that take up the front of the store and they have a variety of plants in front of the windows - a few large ones on the floor, some planter boxes in front of the bar-height seating, and some littler pots.  I love this touch.  There was also some interesting art, some unique hanging sculptures, and quirky stuff like exposed brick.

Despite all of this though...I just didn't find it that comfy.  I mean, it was adequately comfortable, but perhaps my expectations were raised by all of the potential added awesomeness.  I guess it was a variety of things - the seating wasn't that comfortable.  The chairs were all awkward aluminum-or-something one that I think I have seen before.  They feel too lightweight and uncomfortable.  There were also some other cheap-chair options.  Kind of an amalgamation.  Some of the tables were an almost-interesting polished wood, but there wasn't a them happening.  The booths looked almost good, but I saw some holes with stuffing coming out and the cushions looked a little old and lumpy (but I did not sit there, so they could be amazingly comfortable for all I know).

And worst...my table was sticky. :(  I didn't think it was too bad and it was in a nice location (I don't know, just one of those places that felt comfortable and not too exposed, okay relation to other people...coffee shop dynamics).  So I sat there.  And then I tried to wipe it with a couple napkins and it didn't help.  And like...my computer and cup and things were sticky when I moved them.  Not to complain and do nothing about it, I moved...and I had to go was my forearms before I felt reasonably not gross, because they had rested on the sticky table while I typed a little before I moved.  And I still felt sticky. :(  And then a bit later I saw someone quickly wipe a table or two...and they didn't do the sticky table.  Maybe it is hidden.  Maybe that's why I sensed I would be safe there.

Anyway, so it was little things like that - nothing individually huge, but there were some crumbs on tables, the sticky table, the old, mismatched stuff, multiple chairs and benches were off balance so they would rock back and forth, and it felt kind of dusty and not clean.  And the cool art was kind of weirdly placed.  Things were haphazard instead of awesome.  The bathrooms, while not "gross" were not really "clean".  My water cup smelled weird...I don't know.  In general it seemed like the place lacked care, but with care it could be cool.

Some of the music was nice and chill, but it seemed a little too loud and changed a little too often.

My latte was really good.  And they didn't charge for almond milk! So that injected a dose of positivity into my impression.  The latte had a distinctive layer of good foam, and a nice, strong espresso taste.  It was creamy and not sweet, in a good way.  In general, this place seems to know what they are doing, but not quite on the amazing craft coffee side of the spectrum.  I thought my latte was among the better that I have had, but not at the level of "amazing and special."

The latte art wasn't amazing.  She did ask if it was for here or to go, and gave me a "for here" mug.

The barista was friendly.  I asked about the cappuccino as well.  Here they come in the same sizes as lattes, but are foamy.  The latte that I had was basically how I like cappuccinos, just a little weaker on the espresso side (since it was 8oz instead of 6oz).  I was a bit indecisive because I was thinking espresso, but then I saw that they have matcha/green tea lattes.  The barista said they were new.  So I almost got one of those!  But went with the latte.

Overall, this place was worth seeing and I'm glad I had a good latte, but I wouldn't rush back.

No wi-fi issues.

There is free parking on the street and there is also a lot across the street from the coffee shop.  They share it with other businesses and I think one side was exclusively for a different place.  But there is a sign that says parking for Cafe Europa.  I was a little nervous parking too far away from the sign because there was another sign for a different business down the line...if there is supposed to be a distinction, it wasn't clearly marked.  But in general parking didn't seem to be too much of an issue.

28 - Novo Coffee, Denver (Downtown)

I had high expectations.  I found those expectations well-deserved!

Coffee Shop:
Novo Coffee Glenarm
http://novocoffee.com
1600 Glenarm Pl
Denver, CO 80202

Date Visited:
Sunday, June 12, 2016
About 9:45 a.m. -  1:30 p.m.

Purchased:
Cappuccino: $4.00
(.50 cent charge for almond milk)

Mmmmm this was a delicious cappuccino.  When I say I want a cappuccino, this is what I want.

I asked how they made it and they said it was in a 6 oz cup (2 shots espresso, like normal) and didn't have a lot of foam.  This sounded good so I tried another cappuccino!  And it was DELICIOUS.

Novo Coffee is a pretty big deal around here.  Pretty big roastery, lots of places use their coffee - I had high expectations.  The high expectations were MET.

The espresso taste was amazing.  The blend of espresso with the milk was amazing.  This was an amazing cappuccino.  Even though I'm not a huge fan of the foam idea in general, this was the sort of foam that I get that one would want a tangible amount of.  Or maybe it was the perfect amount that I didn't get sick of and left me with a nice strong drink.  But I think I would still have a liked more foam (though didn't actively want it, just if it was there that would have been cool too).

It had a weirdly awesome sour taste in it.  I don't think I've noticed this since I got the latte at Corvus.  I don't know that I would like this feature all the time (and it's totally not the same as bad sour, which unfortunately I think I have run across more times for the whole drink), but it's been really good the times it showed up, like this one.

Almond Milk Cappuccino

As is apparent...the latte art was seriously lacking...  So it wasn't beautiful, but it was still delicious.

So yes, their coffee lives up to their reputation.  At least what I thought their reputation was.  It was really good.

The shop was a pretty nice place to hang out.  A decent amount of seating, but still managed a spacious feel.  There was some outdoor seating, which was pretty popular, even though I wouldn't like it since it's next to the street.  It was mostly little table/booths or bar seating.  I really liked their big windows.  I thought it was relaxing, but don't know if that would be the case on a busy weekday or something.  I liked hanging out.

One sad point - they have vegan empanadas and I wanted to try one!  ...But they didn't have any when I was there. :(  They did have a vegan poptart thing, but I just decided not to get food.  Wasn't as in the mood for something sweet.

Parking was ridiculous and difficult.  It's downtown off the 16th street mall.  This is why I went on a Sunday morning.  (Most people would not go only to get coffee.  Indeed, I also walked around the 16th street mall afterward for a bit, but this journey was mainly to finally try Novo Coffee.)  It was a Sunday morning (to reiterate).  Parking was still ridiculous.  I had to drive around for 7 minutes to find a parking space and it was 3 blocks away.  I did time it, and I especially noticed because traffic getting there was so good, but parking was STILL ridiculous.  I mean, I probably could have paid $12 for a garage, but I was not going to do that.  Anyway, they don't have a lot, so it's metered or garages.  I at least eventually find the "metered" spot, but since it was a Sunday it was free and I could stay there as long as I wanted.  So it's understandable why everyone else was doing the same thing. :)

No wi-fi issues.

27 - Weathervane Cafe, Denver

Great place!

Coffee Shop:
Weathervane Cafe
http://www.weathervanecafe.com
1725 E 17th ave
Denver, CO 80218

Date Visited:
Saturday, June 11, 2016
About 4:45 p.m. -  6:00 p.m.

Purchased:
Medium (12 oz) Cold Brew: $3.00

This place is awesome!  I would have loved to hang out for a long time, but I didn't stop by until later and they close at 6:00.  It's so cute and great.  The building is sort of older, so it has that kind of character - like creaky wood stairs.  But mainly it is so styled with the BEST character.

There are multiple rooms, all pretty small, and an upstairs balcony.  Each room has its own little cool feel and the whole shop feels like a great little nook to curl up in with a book or something. AND COFFEE.  I was actually there on a really hot day and DEFINITELY ordered a cold brew.  While I was there it was nice and cool inside.  Such a great place to escape for a while.  I loved it.

This actually isn't where I was sitting, but here is one of the awesome rooms.  IT'S GREAT.

I didn't take a good look, but it seems like they have a decent selection of food, as well.  And lots of drink options.  I was definitely getting cold brew.  And it was good cold brew!  I don't think it was especially special, but it was fairly dark and strong and it was really great to blend with a bit of cream and sugar.  I got my sweet/bitter/awesome cold brew flavor going on.  It was really good for that.

Especially good on a hot day.

It was pretty quiet while I was there.  And there was just one person working, but she was friendly and it seemed to have a friendly vibe overall.  Just a cool place!

Parking was kind of hard, though not overly difficult.  They do no have a lot.  It seemed to be all 2 hr parking in the vicinity, but it wasn't metered.  I was there for less than 2 hours this time, but it would be annoying in general.  The main annoyance (after not having a lot and having to deal with 2 hr street parking) is that they are on a one-way street, so I ended up accidentally circling the block a second time...

No wi-fi issues.