Editor’s note: This is part of The Know’s series, Staff Favorites. Each week, we will offer our opinions on the best that Colorado has to offer for dining, shopping, entertainment, outdoor activities and more. (We’ll also let you in on some hidden gems).
For some, a cup of coffee in the morning, poured from a pot that occupies space on the counter, is where the relationship starts and ends. For me, coffee is a lifestyle — not in a shaky hands, caffeine junkie way, but rather a true appreciation of this cultivated bean.
I often find myself researching the next best local cafes to add to my travel itinerary. To name a few places, coffee shops in Palma, Rochester and Portland, Oregon are at the top of my list.
But all travel aside, there’s something to be said for the abundance of coffee shops in the quaint neighborhoods of my hometown of Denver. An experience nonetheless, waking up to a crisp, cool morning with distant views of the Rocky Mountains as the sun cascades over the skyline, a hot coffee is the first thing on my mind pre-hike.
A short bike ride away from my apartment sits Huckleberry Roasters on the corner of Pecos and 43rd street. Its newly remodeled patio and open-window bar catches the eye. A now faded painting of the word “hope” inside of a heart by Koko Bayer is covered by a community refrigerator. It’s been a long year.
At Huck, I’m prepared to spend $8 on a rosemary-lavender oat milk latte. It’s no longer just about the pick-me-up. Aromas you’d typically find in a garden are suddenly overwhelming my senses, which somehow pair well with the bold espresso and plant-based foam. I come here for the experience.
Stop by in the afternoon and you’ll most likely miss the Rebel Bread cinnamon-sugar morning buns and twice-baked blueberry almond croissants. But the full menu, featuring avocado toast and vegan options, is still available.
Behind the La Marzocco espresso machine, Jess Wilson carefully crafts the perfect beverage. The espresso she pours is bold but smooth and perfectly balanced. Almost every table is occupied by someone with a laptop. Succulents, coffee mugs and other coffee-related accessories decorate the shelf.
I take another sip of my drink and think to myself, “the Huck beanies for sale are cute.” The next time I’m in, I might just buy one. When I finally get home, I realize I forgot to buy a bag of coffee beans. Time for a trip to Leever’s Locavore.
Huckleberry Roasters, 4301 Pecos St. and 1800 Wazee St., huckleberryroasters.com
