Boulder is a young college town, full of cozy nooks and crannies, as well as modern, bustling gathering spots. Whether you're looking for a comfy cafe to read a book in while you sip matcha, a lively place to meet a coworker for lunch, or a place to spend all day studying, this guide has you covered.
Wonder
946 Pearl St, Boulder
I always walked by this place, but it took me years to wander in. It’s a little on the pricier side, but it’s also 100% organic. Specializing in cold-pressed juices and nut milks, Wonder will offer you a refreshing and cleansing pause to your day. In addition to their beverages, they also serve specialty toasts, house tea brews, nutrition shots, smoothies, and coffee. They also have a long list of healthy coffee and smoothie add-ons like collagen, plant protein, or medicinal shrooms to customize your order. If you're looking for a nice place to meet a colleague or a healthy smoothie after the gym, stop by Wonder.
Vibe: healthy, social, modern
Try the: Champion (toast with almond butter, banana, honey drizzle, and cinnamon)
Beleza Coffee Bar
2680 Broadway, Boulder
Although located off Pearl Street, this coffee shop is worth the short drive to North Boulder. You’ll want to get there early because this place gets crowded. Grab a coffee and relax with a book in the laptop-free couch zone, or snatch a table in the back and spend the day working remotely. This place is bustling and lively! The kitchen is open until 2 pm and boasts a variety of healthy and affordable breakfasts like avocado toast ($6), chia seed pudding ($4), and gluten-free waffles ($5). As someone who loves the atmosphere of coffee shops, but not coffee itself, I love having tons of non-coffee beverage options like golden milk and matcha lattes.
Vibe: bustling, healthy, hipster
Try the: Smoked Salmon Toast and a Yerba Mate Latte
Alpine Modern Cafe
904 College Avenue,Boulder
There are two Alpine Modern cafes located in Boulder, but I prefer the one on College Avenue. There’s limited seating, so you’ll want to get there early if you plan on staying and enjoying your coffee. I love the open layout of this trendy, modern cafe. The white wall aesthetic, paired with all the natural light, creates a lively and inspiring atmosphere for creating and writing. It's an ideal spot to meet up with a friend for a light breakfast, or sit and journal while you sip on a latte.
Vibe: productive, social, modern
Try the: Prosciutto & Egg Tartine with a Matcha Latte with Oak Milk
Boxcar Coffee Roasters
1825 Pearl St B, Boulder
Although this place is best known for its cold brews and other house-roasted coffee, it ranks among my favorite cafes for its unique assortment of pastries. I can't speak to their coffee (although I hear it's great), but their bakery offers treats like lemon cake donuts with lavender glaze and pistachio rose croissants. This place is pretty small and fills up quickly, so definitely get there early in the day if you want to snatch a table.
Vibe: bustling, hipster, social
Try the: Lord Bergamot Tea with Earl Grey Cardamom Donut Holes
Ku Cha House of Tea
5201, 1211 Pearl St, Boulder
This is one of my favorite spots in Boulder. This adorable tea shop and bar offer exotic teas from all over the world. The front of the business is a store, selling global tea and accessories. As you make your way to the back of the building, you can order a pot or cop from the tea bar. Good luck narrowing it down though, this place has hundreds of teas to choose from. Just beyond the tea bar, you’ll find a tranquil room in which to enjoy your tea. With the soothing sounds of a fountain and a glass roof that offers some much-needed vitamin D in the winter months, you’ll love kicking off your shoes and taking a seat on a traditional Chinese floor mat while you sip your tea.
Vibe: tranquil, zen, quiet
Try the: Da Hong Pao Oolong Tea
The Yellow Deli
908 Pearl St, Boulder
This is less of a coffee shop, but still a great (if not the best) place to study in Boulder. It’s a little hidden, and chances are, if someone didn’t bring you here, you probably didn’t stumble upon it on your own. It will look closed from the outside, but that’s only because of the dim lighting. It’s actually open 24 hours, except for on Saturday when the employees, all members of the religious group The Twelve Tribes, celebrate their sabbath. This establishment, with its psychedelic murals, folksy decor, and delicious homemade bread, is one of the most unique of its kind. Not to mention, the food is delicious. They specialize in soups, salads, and sandwiches, but you really can't go wrong. During college, I spent endless late nights nuzzled into a wooden booth, highlighting my textbook in the yellow light of the basket lamp above me, as I downed mate lattes. If you’re in Boulder, definitely a must.
Vibe: folksy, casual, cozy
Try the: Vegetarian soup of the day or a Honey bun deluxe
Have you tried any of these places? Did any of your favorite spots not make the cut? Let's hear about it in the comments below!
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