Manitou Springs, CO is known for its enchanting small-town charm, lush landscapes, and diverse culinary scene, but did you know it’s also a mecca for coffee enthusiasts? Whether you’re after a steaming cup of artisanal brew to kick-start your morning or a cozy spot to unwind with a book in one hand and an espresso in the other, this picturesque town has got you covered. Among the many gems that line its streets, five coffee shops stand out for their commitment to quality, uniqueness, and charm.
Leigh enjoying no wifi at Loft Espresso
In this post, we’ll be unveiling the 5 best coffee shops in Manitou Springs, CO – each boasting its own distinctive blend of flavors, atmosphere, and community spirit. From the homemade delights of Red Dog Coffee to the bustling environment of Good Karma Cafe, there’s a coffee haven here for every taste and preference. Our top favorite was Loft Espresso - read on to learn why.
Featured Coffee Shops
Loft Espresso
⭐ 4.7 out of 228 Reviews
📍 934 Manitou Ave STE 105, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Escape from your everyday routine and visit us at The Loft Espresso! Nestled in the endearing community of Manitou Springs, Colorado, right next to the Penny Arcade, our café has been a favorite among locals and tourists alike. We are proud of our 5.0 rating, thanks to our 913 loyal followers and the love we have received from all our visitors. Our café features a scenic dine-in space that allows you to indulge in your favorite items from our menu. Try out our new and beautiful summertime drinks, including the rich Hazelnut Rose Matcha, or the refreshing Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade. Locally sourced and affordable, our offerings are sure to delight your taste buds. Don’t forget, we take enormous pride in being a community-focused coffee shop, and we can’t wait to welcome you soon!
Red Dog Coffee
⭐ 4.5 out of 995 Reviews
📍 739 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Located just up the street on Main Street in Manitou Springs, Colorado, Red Dog Coffee offers so much more than just your average cup of Joe. We’re all about providing you with the best locally roasted coffee, freshly baked goodies, and smiling faces. Our menu is full of heartwarming options like sandwiches your mom would love, handmade espresso drinks, and breakfast burritos. Speaking of breakfast, we serve it all day every day! For those with a sweet tooth, we’ve got Josh and John’s Ice Cream, a real treat on any day.
Struggling to choose something from our bakery? Don’t worry, we can definitely give you a recommendation. We’ve tried them all over and over to make sure they’re as scrumptious as can be - a tough job but hey, someone had to do it. So, the next time you’re in Manitou Springs, come on down, our doors are always open. We can’t wait to serve you.
Good Karma Cafe
⭐ 4.3 out of 664 Reviews
📍 110 Cañon Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Nestled in the heart of Manitou Springs, Good Karma Cafe offers a comfy and cozy spot for anyone seeking a chill retreat. We’re all about good times, good environment, good food, good coffee, and good people right here. From healthy breakfast options to tantalizing lunch treats, our menu caters to all your cravings. Oh, and let’s not forget our freshly roasted coffee partnered perfectly with tasty pastries sourced from local bakeries! But we’re not just about the fantastic food and drink - we’re a hub of activity too! Keep tabs on us throughout the year as we host special events featuring music and artists. For updates, you can always follow us on Facebook or check in on our website. Nothing rocks our world more than providing a stellar experience to customers like you and we can’t wait to see you soon at Good Karma Cafe! Have an amazing day!
The Incline Base Camp
⭐ 4.5 out of 121 Reviews
📍 506 Ruxton Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Looking for a challenge that will leave you breathless in more ways than one? Then get your hiking boots ready and head to the legendary Manitou Incline in Colorado. This Incline, famous for its sweeping views and grueling 68% grade in places, gains over 2,000 feet (610 m) of elevation in less than one mile! Truly a must-visit for fitness enthusiasts in the Colorado Springs area. It started life as a cable car railway in 1907, providing aid in the construction of a nearby hydroelectric plant and waterline. Nowadays, it’s transitioned to become a popular hiking trail, inviting locals and tourists to step-up their fitness game. Be advised, this is an EXTREME trail and not recommended if you’re not used to hiking at altitude or have trouble climbing a flight of stairs. To make your visit smoother, reservations are required to hike the Incline. Worried about parking? Makes use of the FREE shuttle service available from late May through early September. Also remember, always carry your water and nutritional bars, and no dogs are allowed on this trail. So lace up, breathe deep, and conquer the Manitou Incline today!
Rocky Mountain Beignets
⭐ 4.7 out of 246 Reviews
📍 724 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Rocky Mountain Beignets (RMB), a family-run coffee shop nestled in Manitou Springs, Colorado, has a unique and delightful offering that’ll transport you straight to The Big Easy, the beloved beignets. These mouthwatering, pillowy treats are made fresh daily from in-house dough that guarantees an authentic experience with every bite. But that’s not all; we have a variety of coffees, lattes, cappuccinos, and might we recommend pairing your beignet with our café au lait? Apart from these staples, we also have an array of unique gifts and certified Louisiana and local Colorado products that you can take home. The journey has been an exciting one for owners Billy and Brandi Chism who initiated this journey from a food truck in Woodland Park back in 2019 and have since turned it into a flourishing café.
If our beignets have caught your fancy and the entrepreneurial bug has bitten you, we have some great news. RMB is all set to serve franchising opportunities! You can grab this chance to own a food truck business and bring our beignets to every event, market, and community across the country. We’re keen on growing our family-owned business, and if you’re ready for a change, we’d love to partner with you. Our franchising model is about to launch, and we welcome brave entrepreneurs who dream of powdered sugar on every street in America.
Where To Go For Coffee?
When it comes to the best communities in Manitou Springs, CO for coffee shops, downtown and Old Colorado City are your top contenders. These two areas are abuzz with activity, filled with unique local shops, beautiful historic architecture, and, of course, a great selection of coffee shops. Each offers a different ambiance.
Downtown
Downtown is more quaint and compact, making it ideal for leisurely coffee dates and people-watching.
Old Colorado City
Old Colorado City offers a slightly more urban feel with its larger, bustling coffee shops and cafes.
Loft Espresso
The History of Manitou Springs and Coffee
The history of Manitou Springs intertwines beautifully with coffee. The town, known for its natural mineral springs, became a bustling resort community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors would flock to Manitou Springs to drink and bathe in the mineral waters, believed to have healing properties. Many would enjoy a cup of coffee at the local shops as part of their day. This love for coffee has remained a constant in the town’s culture, surviving through its evolution from a resort town to a thriving art community.
Miramont Castle Museum
Explore Manitou Springs
Being nestled in the foothills of Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs offers plenty of activities to engage in before or after your caffeine fix. Here are some popular things to see and do:
- Manitou Cliff Dwellings: Explore these fascinating historic structures, then relax in the museum’s cafe with a hot cup of coffee.
- Pikes Peak Cog Railway: Take a scenic ride up to the top of Pikes Peak. The summit house serves delicious donuts that pair perfectly with coffee!
- Garden of the Gods: Hike or drive through this stunning park. And yes, there’s a cafe serving coffee to fuel your adventures.
- Miramont Castle Museum: Step back in time in this Victorian-era castle. Their tea room also serves a nice selection of coffee.
Coffee and Culture in Manitou Springs
There’s also a vibrant art scene in Manitou Springs, reflected in the local coffee shops. Many double as art galleries or host live music, offering a unique blend of coffee and culture. The town’s annual events like the Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival and the Emma Crawford Coffin Races (yes, you read that right!) are also something to look forward to while savoring your brew.
At the end of the day, the charm of Manitou Springs isn’t just in its coffee shops. It’s the perfect combination of small-town charm, natural beauty, cultural richness, and of course, a warm, welcoming cup of artisanal coffee that make this town a must-visit for coffee lovers everywhere. So, take the time to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the town’s unique coffee culture. You’ll be glad you did.
