Independent Coffee Shops
Away from the hustle and bustle of big metropolises, it is often assumed that coffee is a simpler affair. Yet in the Uncompahgre Valley, chain coffee joints are heavily outnumbered by small, homegrown operations that differentiate themselves by offering roving coffee connoisseurs a unique experience.
Delta
Doghouse Espresso’s artsy punk-rock aesthetic goes a long way. With friendly and knowledgeable staff, a cute , comfortable lounge space, and fabulous rotating artwork from local artists, the space is more than a little charming. The glamour extends beyond the physical space, with some of the most consistent and beautiful latte art on the Western Slope. The pastries are equally enticing, with seasonal flavors and cafe mainstays like their green chili quiche.
Across the street from Doghouse is Moca Joe’s Espresso. Not only does Moca Joe’s have comfy indoor and outdoor seating, but there is a convenient walk-up
order window. From smoothies and Italian sodas, to the local favorite ,“John Wayne,” Joe’s has a consistent and well-rounded menu.
Fuel is a convenient drive-thru coffee shop that is a home-run with locals (it is more often than not one of the busiest coffee shops around). It’s one of the only shops in the region to carry local roaster Lone Cone Coffee’s robust brews.
Java Hut is another convenient drive-thru at the south end of Delta. Java Hut offers all the classics, as well as some more unique offerings like Macadamia milk as a non-dairy option.
On the east end of town, heading towards Hotchkiss, Bee Hive is a cute drive up coffee shop that has everything you expect, from lattes to frappes, as well as Pup Cups for your four-legged friends.
Montrose
Cimarron Coffee Roasters is a local coffee roaster with a quaint indoor and outdoor space. They specialize in single origin coffees and precise pulls of espresso. Their fabulous menu of pour-overs encourages a detailed deep-dive into all the individual roasts and regions, allowing the drinker to taste the nuance and character of each variety. The roasters are diligent, and the care is evident in every bag of coffee.
A local legend with three Montrose locations (including the airport), Coffee Trader’s flagship Main Street location has a variety of drinks and snacks that are only made more delicious by the beautiful Victorian home and outdoor garden which houses them.
A brewhouse in the truest sense, San Juan Brews is home to great coffee and beer. The brewery’s license also puts them in the unique position to offer some amazingly delectable boozy coffee drinks! It also has a thriving nightlife, with food trucks and events cycling through the space on a regular basis, making it one of few coffee spots in the valley to offer espresso beyond the afternoon.
Longtime local roaster Looney Bean has a convenient drive thru and cozy indoor atmosphere. What really sets the Looney Bean apart, however, is their huge variety of baked goods (oh the croissants!)
Ridgway
Provisions at the Barbershop is unique in that it is a full service restaurant with a walk up coffee bar. It features some amazing house baked goods (some of the best croissants around) paired with beans from popular Denver coffee brand, Pablo’s. The space is cozy, with a great deli counter, and good selection of quality spirits at the bar. The food shines, with an amazing breakfast and dinner menu to further round out this classy neighborhood favorite.
Cimarron Coffee and Books offers the Montrose location’s amazing beans paired with some amazing views of the eponymous Cimarron range. The cozy patio, great lattes and bookstore make this a coffee shop worth sitting and staying a while.
Ridgway Natural Foods is a health food store, deli, and coffee shop all in one. What could be better than picking up a latte, groceries (including some very fine tea and herbs), and delicious cold case deli favorites in one spot? A great place for finding locally produced wares of all sorts.
Ouray
A cozy neighborhood favorite right off Main street, Mojo’s sources some fabulous Colorado beans from the likes of Kiln (Grand Junction roasting royalty). Then they treat the beans with respect by pulling some of the best shots around. With quality teas, including a delicious chai, as well as pastries and breakfast burritos, it’s an easy place to snuggle into on a cold Ouray day. A wall of community mugs, a sweet little shop-dog, and loyal locals (including the bears), make it easy to see why the relatively new Mojo’s has become synonymous with coffee in Ouray.
Mouse’s Chocolates and Coffee offers coffee, ice cream, and chocolate. Mouse’s shines best in their delectable sweet concoctions. From strawberry hot chocolate to coffee spiked milkshakes, Mouse’s has a seemingly innumerable number of creative combinations.
With a full service coffee counter, Artisan Bakery and Cafe shines with its baked goods and breakfast items. With fast service, homemade breakfast sandwiches, and lattes, it’s no wonder locals line up outside well before the doors open.
The Uncompahgre Valley’s coffee shops are as varied as the terrain. Whether you’re in search of a delicate cortado, a heavy drizzle of chocolate syrup, or a flakey pastry to dip in your drip coffee, there are options along the length of the valley.