(…and outside of Boulder. Many of these places have multiple locations; the one we went to is noted. Additional recommendations would be welcomed!)

Atlas Coffee (Littleton): Cute, industrial-yet-homey, large space often with a guitarist/singer. Large latte menu; I liked the one with honey and cayenne pepper. Their breakfast burritos looked and smelled good, but alas, I did not partake. Highly recommended.

Lost Coffee (Littleton): Fantastically crafted micro-batch roastery and cafe in what appears to be a repurposed car repair facility. Good amount of outdoor seating. I should have gotten the overnight oats. Highly recommended. (At the time of writing, a new brewery, the Littleton Brewing Company, is building a large taphouse across the street).

BREW Due South (Lafayette): Really fantastic coffee in a shop, attached to a kitschy gift and clothing store, and with lots of varied seating in two rooms. The apple hand pie I had was phenomenal, as was the cappuccino, but I think Yuko’s flavored cold brew was out of this world. Highly recommended.

Sapor Coffee & Concepts (Denver): A really neat coffee shop offering unique concoctions. The brewhouse itself is industrial-chic with a light Star Wars theme. We enjoyed sitting at the counter on the high stools and watching the baristas work. The owners were really nice to us and gave my daughter a purple lightsaber sticker, which made her day, and offered us a free drink once they restocked with ingredients to make the drink my wife asked for first. A great place to stop before an early Meow Wolf experience. Highly recommended.

Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters (Westminster): Well-designed cafe with very tasty beans and meticulously made coffee. Highly recommended, especially if on the way to the nearby H Mart.

2914 Coffee (Denver): Very good neighborhood coffee shop right off of I-25. I enjoyed sitting at the counter next to the window. Recommended.