Twelve best coffee shops in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs offers some undeniably outstanding cafés—believe it or not, we live on and around a campus completely surrounded by some of the coziest, friendliest, yummiest, and above all, beautiful coffee shops. After a bit of exploring, I’ve compiled a list of my top 12 favorite spots in the area:

1. Montague’s Coffee House

6 Minute Drive | 37 Minute Walk

This brick-walled, naturally lit gem provides tasty food and drink and an absolutely adorable atmosphere—by far the most snug and homiest café around. The Pumpkin Tomato Soup and Iced Chai with Almond Milk are some of my many favorites. And the dessert selection is nothing short of astounding – cakes, crumbles, croissants, brownies, and muffins galore! 1019 S. Tejon

2. Jives

7 Minute Drive | 45 Minute Walk

This place is big, tall, and full of furniture. It has a great atmosphere for doing homework day and night. Huge windows provide great natural lighting and late night hours mean you can pop into this Old Colorado City classic before or after a dinner in the neighborhood. Try the 4 Berry Smoothie or Pumpkin Spice tea! 16 Colbrunn Ct.

3. Raven’s Nest

6 Minute Drive | 34 Minute Walk

Surrounded by one of the most beautiful subsections of the Old North End, Raven’s Nest provides a super homey environment to get your homework done or to have a great conversation. The furniture is beautiful and the menu is fantastic. The specialty coffees and pastries are as tasty as they are gorgeous. Enjoy the comfy furniture and the relaxing environment, sip a delicious Apple Pie White Mocha and enjoy the gluten-free menu that includes great paninis, cookies, and freshly made chili.   Corner of Boulder and Institute.

4. Good Karma

15 Minute Drive

A hidden gem: spacious and very comfortable atmosphere. The people are kind and offer a great variety of vegetarian and vegan options for the animal lovers on campus. 110 Canon Ave., Manitou

5. Agia Sophia

8 Minute Drive | 55 Minute Walk

Because Agia Sophia has a Russian theme, you may feel like you are in a beautiful, old-fashioned home. Their website says, “we want to inspire the historical coffeehouse culture” and their great selection of coffees and teas does the job. 2902 Colorado Ave.

6. Kawa Cofee

10 Minute Drive | 55 Minute Walk

It’s insanely well rated (30/30 on Google, 92% on urbanspoon) and while it is a bit far from campus, it’s definitely worth the drive. With delicious coffee and delicious tea, this escape from the somewhat unpleasant Union Avenue is more than worth a visit. If you’re ever stuck at the DMV, this place is a 60-second walk away. 2427 N. Union Blvd.

7. Marika’s Coffee House

14 Minute Drive

A truly gourmet coffee house with fair trade organic coffee and tea, Marika’s has homemade pastries that are made from scratch on location, and they are sure to satisfy. Another major perk: all the art on display is local. 739 Manitou Ave.

8. Spice of Life

14 Minute Drive

Calm, full of great work tables and fantastic food. A genuinely friendly, enjoyable café in the heart of Manitou. Enough said. 727 Manitou Ave

9. Dogtooth

4 Minute Drive | 20 Minute Walk

A classic, nearby café that feels like a cross between Colorado Coffee and Starbucks. They have beautiful art on the walls, and a great selection of juices, pastries, and coffees. There is always plenty of room inside, plus an outside space with a set of swings and a nice open park. Just be prepared for them to have run out of a lot of stuff later in the day.  505 East Columbia

10. Gold Hill Java

4 Minute Drive | 17 Minute Walk

Made for coffee lovers, with an insanely impressive selection of coffees. Right smack in the heart of downtown on the same block as Rico’s. 526 S Tejon

11. Pike’s Perk Downtown

5 Minute Drive | 24 Minute Walk

Many will tell you to go here because they serve the best coffee in town. I say, go here because the sitting options are extraordinary: two outdoor sitting spaces, one downstairs and one on the upstairs wooden deck. Couches, tables, chairs, and great views of Pikes Peak. Enjoy it!  14 S. Tejon Street

12. Rico’s

4 Minute Drive | 17 Minute Walk

It may be overcrowded, badly lit, overpriced, and lacking in comfort, but it will forever be a CC student favorite. The location is prime in too many ways to count. Being connected to a great pizza slice shop and bookstore sets it apart from the rest of the choices in a very special way. And the great salads and drinks certainly explain why so many CC students make the quick walk over.   320 N. Tejon

Sam Smith

Guest Writer