Greetings coffee enthusiasts! When it comes to the perfect brew, the charming city of Greeley, Colorado, has a rich tradition to offer. This city, nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, has seen an evolution in its coffee culture over the years, culminating in a variety of coffee shops. Each has its unique flair, from The Blue Mug @UNC with its locally-roasted beans and freshly baked goods to Scooter’s Coffee, a renowned spot offering a wide variety of 100% Arabica coffee products. Or perhaps you prefer the quirky vibe of John Galt Coffee Co, promoting personal responsibility and individualism while serving up unique coffee and non-coffee options. With such a wide array of options, it’s no surprise that the city is abuzz with choices.
How We Selected These Coffee Shops
To make this list as comprehensive and authentic as possible, we used the following criteria:
- Quality of their coffee: A great coffee shop is, of course, defined by the quality of its coffee. We considered the bean quality, roasting techniques, and the variety of coffee drinks offered.
- Online customer reviews: We scoured the internet for reviews and testimonials. These first-hand experiences from previous customers played a crucial role in our selection.
- Online customer ratings: Websites like Yelp, Google, and Trip Advisor were indispensable in our research. The overall ratings of these coffee shops helped us gauge their reliability and consistency.
- Environment of the space and is it suitable for work or socializing: A good coffee shop is more than just a place to grab a quick cup of joe. We looked for places that offer a comfortable environment for work, studying, or just hanging out with friends.
A Deeper Look at Our Picks
The Blue Mug @UNC
This cafe is a gem for the academic community, located adjacent to Chipotle and near the UNC campus. It operates with extended hours until 6 pm during the school terms, aligning with the schedules of students and faculty. One of its standout features is the dedicated meeting room, available for reservations. Whether for study sessions, class gatherings, or faculty discussions, this space is a convenient venue. A practical choice for those frequenting the UNC area.
The Blue Mug Coffee Bar 59th Ave
Nestled in the heart of West Greeley, the cafe can be found at the corner of 59th Ave. and 20th St. Sharing its vibrant shopping center with establishments, the cafe stands out with its efficient drive-thru service, catering to those in a rush. For patrons looking for a place to convene, a reservable meeting room is available without extra costs. A highlight of this location is its in-house coffee roasting setup, ensuring that every cup served has the freshest aroma and taste.
Scooter's Coffee
Scooter's Coffee is a renowned spot for coffee connoisseurs. Their motto, "Be Amazing," reflects their excellent 100% Arabica coffee product lineup.
They disclose their business as more than just a caffeine junction; they're also in the people business, prioritizing values of integrity, love, and courage in their day-to-day operations. This spot is the right place for you to immerse in the compelling world of coffee.
The Blue Mug Coffee Bar 35th Ave
Situated right in the vibrant core of Greeley, the central cafe proudly anchors itself in the lively Westlake Shopping Center, right at the intersection of 20th St. and 35th Ave. As dawn breaks, freshly baked aromas fill the surroundings, signifying the cafe's role as the central baking hub. This is where all the magic happens.
The baked goods are then dispatched with care to each store outlet, guaranteeing that customers, no matter the location, receive the same fresh taste every day.
Margie's Java Joint
Margie's Java Joint, a staple in the Colorado coffee scene, has been serving up exceptional hospitality with high-quality offerings since 1992. Rooted in providing a welcoming atmosphere that invites you to grab a mug and stay awhile, this coffee house was founded by Ron and Linde Thompson and lovingly named after Linde's mom, Margie. From the first sip to the last, you'll quickly realize that at Margie's it's not just about serving a great cup of coffee -- it's about making sure that everything from their unique breakfast or lunch options to their handmade gifts from local artists are served with the same care and attention to detail. Trust us, it's worth a visit!
The Coffee Bar at Charley & CO.
The Coffee Bar at Charley & CO. is a casual, homely coffee house. This cozy coffee spot is where friends come together and become family, creating an atmosphere as warm and rich as their brews. The Coffee Bar prides itself on diverse, well-rated coffee offerings that suit all preferences.
Every sip here offers an authentic coffee experience, from classic espressos to creative signatures. Reviewed positively by their numerous visitors, this coffee house has excellent reviews. So, if you're ever in Greeley and craving a good cup of java, it's worth popping into The Coffee Bar at Charley & CO. for your caffeine fix, guaranteed to give you the coffee house vibe you desire.
Continuum Coffee Co
Continuum Coffee Co is a warm and welcoming coffee shop nestled in Greeley. They are known for their specialty drinks that can be enjoyed hot, iced, or blended.
They also offer a unique range of lattes. Besides freshly brewed coffee, they introduce innovative drinks like the Cider my Chai, a flavorful blend of tangy-sweet cider mixed with spicy Chai. Visitors can enjoy a chill time at the shop, surrounded by stunning local art, while sipping their favorite coffee. Continuum Coffee Co is appreciated for its great coffee, homey atmosphere, and friendly staff. Patrons describe it as a perfect community coffee shop where one can take a break from everything else for a solid cup of coffee. Here, they offer more than just coffee; it's an experience that ensures visitors keep coming back for more.
Still Waters Coffee
Still Waters Coffee is a quaint coffee shop brewing something special in Greeley, CO. They offer a cozy environment where patrons can relax with friends over a cup of quality coffee or utilize individual desks, making it an ideal workplace. Notably, Still Waters Coffee is known for its excellent coffee and range of drinks that have helped them become a staple in its community. They recently garnered local attention, getting featured in the Greeley Tribune, a testament to the love and support they have received from their community.
Their unique blend of coffee and focus on promoting community connections set them apart, creating a unique experience for every visitor. They also offer amenities like free Wi-Fi, adding convenience to their patrons. General feedback from visitors describes them as a place with a great family, fantastic coffee, and a good vibe to get some work done. In short, Still Waters Coffee has established itself as a comfortable community space with quality coffee offerings.
John Galt Coffee Co
John Galt Coffee is a favorite, unique coffee shop born from its founder, T.J.'s love for brewing coffee and interacting with customers. Deriving the name from an homage to Ayn Rand's philosophy about personal responsibility, individualism, and integrity, the shop provides a relaxing spot not just for coffee lovers but also for people to enjoy in their own time.
The coffee offerings range from a traditional, dark espresso blend from Allegro to a brighter espresso from Novo, presenting many choices. Their baristas have the art of brewing down to a science, offering a variety of brew methods for their blends and single-origin coffees from their roasting partners, covering everything from French press to cold brew preparation.
They also provide options for non-coffee drinkers, like a chai latte from Third Street Chai, tea selections from Two Leaves and a Bud, and hot chocolate. Though they offer a variety of granola bars and pastries, the focus remains on the quality and range of their coffee, making even a simple visit a full-on coffee experience.
Dive into Greeley's History
Greeley, Colorado, was founded in 1869 as the Union Colony, which was an experimental utopian society, but was later renamed after Horace Greeley, who coined the popular phrase “Go West, young man".
The city is located in northeastern Colorado, approximately 50 miles northeast of Denver. As of 2020, the population was just over 110,000 people.
Greeley has a rich coffee culture with many locals being avid coffee enthusiasts. The city is filled with several exceptional coffee shops, each offering a unique blend of ambiance, friendly service, and, of course, great coffee.
Top Spots for Coffee Lovers
- Downtown Greeley is the epicenter of coffee culture in the city, boasting an array of independent coffee shops serving artisanal brews.
- The University District is another popular area, with numerous coffee shops serving as a meeting spot for students, faculty, and visitors alike.
- West Greeley has also seen a rise in trendy coffee spots, each offering a unique atmosphere and a wide variety of coffee beverages.
Wrapping Up
Greeley, Colorado, boasts a vibrant and diverse coffee scene that reflects the city's dynamic and evolving culture. With a variety of shops spread across the city, there's a place for every coffee lover.
Whether you're a local or a visitor, each coffee shop in Greeley offers a unique experience that's bound to leave you craving for more. So go ahead, explore these coffee shops, and find your new favorite. Enjoy the rich, bold flavors of Greeley's coffee scene, and make sure to try a local specialty while you're at it!
Meet the expert
My coffee journey spans 15 years of diverse experiences. Starting from those first sips, my passion for the industry has grown steadily. I've enjoyed working at a local coffee shop, exploring cultures worldwide, meeting incredible farmers on plantation tours, and helping launch a family member's coffee roasting venture. Throughout this journey, discovering and buying coffee from local roasters to support community businesses has been a pleasure. Through Roast Love, I aim to create content that informs, raises awareness, and helps you, the reader, buy and brew that perfect cup of coffee.
