Nestled among the towering mountain peaks, Aspen, Colorado, is not just known for its ski slopes and golden aspen trees; it’s also a haven for coffee aficionados. The city’s vibrant coffee culture is steeped in a rich history that dates back to the Gold Rush era. Pioneers of the period brought with them a love for the beverage that quickly took root, transforming the city into a hotspot for exquisite coffee. From ethically sourced beans to the artistry in every pour, Aspen’s coffee scene is as diverse and captivating as the picturesque landscape that surrounds it.
As part of this blog post, we’ve handpicked the 5 best coffee shops in Aspen based on the quality of their coffee, online customer reviews and ratings, and the environment they provide. Each of these establishments has a unique atmosphere that is equally suited to both work and socializing. Two coffee shops that immediately stand out are the Rooftop Cafe at the Aspen Art Museum and Unravel Coffee + Bar. The former boasts a farm-to-fork experience featuring local, organic food and an early bird special, while the latter provides a novel coffee experience with a focus on agriculture, technology, and sustainability.
Featured Coffee Shops
Rooftop Cafe at the Aspen Art Museum
⭐ 5 out of 11 Reviews
📍 637 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO 81611
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Come and join us at the Aspen Art Museum’s Rooftop Café, where you can not only appreciate art but also savor local, organic food made with exceptional love and care. Our new delightful menu, mastered by the fantastic duo, Joey Scarlett & Tiffany Pineda-Scarlett from The Farmer & Chef, ensures yummy and unique farm-to-fork experiences. The Rooftop Café is now home to Harbour’s luxury outdoor furniture, curated by Interior Designer Margarita Bravo, adding an elegant touch. From Classic Croissants to tasty Avocado Toast and wholesome Salmon Toast, our menu is wide-ranging and innovative. We also have a refreshing selection of drinks including espresso, lattes and our unique Spicy Sherpa Chai. And don’t overlook our special Love Your Farmer treats like the Carrot Ginger Soup and Spring Carrots! Our café also hosts a vibrant wine and beer list for those looking for a little tipple. Stop by between 10 am - 12 pm for our Early Bird Special - Buy 10 get one free, $4 latte or cappuccino! Come experience the synergy of art, food, and community in our unique setting.
Unravel Coffee + Bar
⭐ 4.6 out of 77 Reviews
📍 315 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO 81611
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Imagine being nestled within the mountain community, sipping on a perfectly brewed coffee in comfort and style. Welcome to Unravel Coffee + Bar located on 315 E. Hyman Avenue, Aspen, Colorado. Open from 8am to 3pm daily through May 22. Get ready to enter a realm of passionate conversation about coffee, outdoor adventures, and the anticipation of the next thrilling expedition. Our tasteful décor will embrace you, letting you soak in the invigorating vibes of an authentic mountain community. Experience an exciting collaborative coffee endeavor which weaves in elements of agriculture, technology, sustainability, and the human spirit. Don’t forget to pick artisan snacks perfect for the slopes or trails, load up on organic farm fare, and stash away Colorado-made goodies for your pantry. All this because, at Unravel, coffee is leveraged to unite and uplift communities. We are more than just about rich brews; we’re transforming the coffee experience into a mission for a more sustainable and compassionate world. You can also host your own events at our location, bringing more of that community spirit to life. Ready for a coffee experience unlike any other? We’re waiting for you at Unravel Coffee + Bar!
Spring Cafe
⭐ 4 out of 235 Reviews
📍 119 S Spring St, Aspen, CO 81611
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Welcome to Spring Café, your haven for nutrient-rich cuisine that tastes as great as it feels! We pride ourselves on our beautiful and fun meals that are sure to leave you feeling energetic and at peace. Each dish is a testament to our dedication to health, vitality, and well-being - using fresh, naturally delicious ingredients that taste extraordinary and are great for you. Equally important is our commitment to the environment: being fair, equitable, inclusive, and low waste remains at the core of our operations, starting from sourcing local ingredients to our cooking processes.
Our menu is meticulously curated to cater to diverse palette preferences. Find your day’s joy in our health-conscious breakfasts in Aspen and New York, light lunches, delightful baked goods, handcrafted drinks & smoothies and so much more! Each visit promises a different gastronomous adventure.
You can experience our inventive plant based and nutrient-dense cuisine at our locations in Aspen, Colorado and New York. Our Aspen café is open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm from Monday - Friday and 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekends. And if you’re in NYC, don’t forget to stop by our café, we’re open daily from 8:00 am till 9:00 pm.
At Spring Café, it’s about much more than just the meals; it’s about the entire health-conscious lifestyle. Our founder, Sabrina Rudin, started the café in 2013 with a heartfelt vision of providing locals and visitors in Aspen with food that fuels an activity-driven lifestyle. And we’ve been feeding souls ever since with our organic and nourishing vegetarian food, seasonal, local and biodynamic ingredients, non-toxic materials, compostable to-go containers, and filtered water.
Looking to spruce up an event? Our team in New York is equipped to cater diverse events – offering both private event services and reservations. We truly hope to see you soon, and add an undeniable spring in your step!
Here House Aspen
⭐ 4.1 out of 302 Reviews
📍 614 E Cooper Ave, Aspen, CO 81611
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You’re invited to explore the vibrant social scene at Here House and Alpina, a chic, inter-generational social clubhouse situated in the heart of Aspen, just steps away from the renowned Silver Queen Gondola. We’re more than just a coffee shop – we thrive on fostering connections through distinctive events, interactive programs, and sumptuous dining experiences, all the while offering members access to exclusive benefits extending across the globe. Our calendar is loaded with diverse events on everything from psychonautical discoveries to intimate wine tastings and progressive discussions on gender equity. Savor exquisite cuisine crafted by illustrious chefs at our private Patron Circle dinners, and delight your taste buds at Alpina, our latest daytime dining venue. We also have unique offerings like a dedicated workspace for our working members, valuable insights into love and relationships, and an opportunity to mingle with other members during our monthly coffee chats. Dive into our global experience by taking advantage of reciprocal access to over 40 international clubs! Whether you’re a local or a visitor, at Here House, there’s always something intriguing to partake in. So come join us, and amplify your Aspen story!
Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar
⭐ 4.4 out of 7 Reviews
📍 520 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO 81611
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Dive into the delightful world of Sant Ambroeus in Aspen. We serve an exciting mix of indulgent coffee drinks and Milanese grab-and-go bite options. Not only that, but our lunch and cocktail menu also promises to tantalize your taste buds. Don’t forget to treat yourself to our acclaimed desserts, featuring popular choices like the Gianduia, a pleasing hazelnut sponge cake, and our irresistible Tiramisù. We have uniquely accentuated our space with an Alpine modern design inspired by the Aspen’s serene environment. Crafted with care by Giampiero Tagliaferri Studio, our stylish settings also host vintage Italian décor elements, including Le Bambole sofas by Mario Bellini, chic 1950s Carlo Ratti chairs, and classic 1970s wall sconces. Come be a part of this amazing experience and enrich the essence of Aspen at our charming coffee bar.
Aspen’s Past: From Silver Mining Town to a Premier Ski Resort
- Aspen was first settled by the Ute Indians, who gave it its name due to the abundance of Aspen trees in the area.
- The city is located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA, and has a population of just over 7,300 people.
- Once a booming silver mining town in the late 19th century, Aspen has transformed into a world-renowned ski resort and a hot spot for the rich and famous.
Silver mining in 1894 in Aspen, Colorado
Aspen’s Deep-Rooted Affection for Coffee
- Aspen’s love for coffee dates back to the mining era, when miners would start their grueling day with a strong cup of coffee.
- This love has grown with time, and today, Aspen’s coffee scene is as vibrant as its ski slopes, filled with a variety of coffee shops each offering unique blends and cozy atmospheres.
Where Locals in Aspen Love to Sip Their Coffee
- Downtown Aspen: With its close proximity to the ski slopes and plethora of boutique shops, it’s a popular spot for a post-skiing coffee break.
- West End: This residential neighborhood is known for its quiet, relaxed coffee shops that are perfect for a leisurely morning coffee.
- East End: A trendy area filled with art galleries, restaurants, and coffee shops, it’s a popular spot for a mid-day coffee break.
Fireworks in Aspen at night.
Conclusion
Aspen’s vibrant coffee scene is a reflection of the city itself - diverse, dynamic, and inviting. Each coffee shop has its own charm and unique offering, catering to the wide-ranging tastes of its residents and visitors.
Whether you’re a local looking for a new place to get your daily coffee fix or a visitor eager to explore the city’s coffee culture, Aspen’s coffee shops will not disappoint. Find your favorite spot, order a cup of joe, and enjoy the vibrant ambiance that these coffee havens offer. Happy coffee hunting!
Gondola chair in Aspen, Colorado.
