Lorelai Gilmore said it best: “I can’t stop drinking the coffee. I stop drinking the coffee, I stop doing the standing and the walking and the words-putting-into-sentence doing.”
We can all empathize. There’s nothing like a fresh cup of coffee to kick off a camping trip, help you focus on the task at hand—or just keep you alive during your morning commute. The Gilmore Girls’ caffeine intake may be a stretch, but to me, a cup of coffee in the morning feels ritualistic.
One thing I love about living in Greeley, Colorado, is our penchant for excellent coffee shops. Our baristas take pride in a well-made drink, and our shop owners have a knack for creating unique and inviting spaces. Our community thrives on fellowship, so our local businesses cater to early-morning hikers, evening studiers, and everyone in between.
The Blue Mug is one of my favorite spots for an authentic Greeley coffee experience. It has not one but three locations throughout the city.
Forgot to set your coffee maker last night? No problem. The Blue Mug roastery on 59th has a drive-thru for all your must-have-caffeine needs. They roast their own specialty beans in-house, and the tantalizing aroma is usually enough to wake me up. If you have a moment to go inside, it’s heartwarming to observe the same-time, same-place regulars and their interactions with the baristas. It’s a great spot to catch up with friends, study, or respond to emails.
Another local favorite is The Coffee Bar at Charley & CO. If you like your coffee smooth and your flavors complex, this is the place for you. The boutique next door inspired the light and airy farmhouse vibe, making it the ideal spot to meet up with friends or get lost in a book. It doesn’t even have to be your book; they have an onsite library!
For a friendly neighborhood coffee shop, you can’t beat Continuum Coffee Co. Located in St. Michael’s Square, it offers a cozy and comforting atmosphere, both indoors and out. The owner, Bob Smith, is often behind the bar, handcrafting drinks and connecting with people in our community. Aside from always-flavorful coffee, I love that drinks are served in real mugs (so long, single-use paper cups) with stunning latte art. Visiting Continuum is more than just “grabbing coffee.” It’s an experience.
If you consider yourself a coffee connoisseur, you have to check out John Galt. They’re known for their high-quality beans, hand-picked from a variety of Colorado roasters like Allegro and Novo. Their space is eclectic and boasts a gorgeous outdoor patio that’s perfect for hosting events. Because it’s near the UNC campus, John Galt has a college-town vibe that I love, and it’s open late, which makes it perfect for evening study sessions.
Of course, no best-coffee-shops roundup is complete without paying homage to Margie’s Java Joint. With over 30 years in this business, Margie’s is a Greeley icon. It’s located directly across from UNC and has a laid-back, vintage feel that’s appealing to students and non-students alike. There’s even a living room space with board games, so bring your friends and make an afternoon of it.
While it’s true that we Greeleyites fuel our adventures with coffee, these shops are so much more than the drinks they serve. The caffeine and antioxidants are nice, but it’s the community that brings a coffee shop to life. Lorelai discovered this at Luke’s. We’re lucky enough to find it all over our city.
For the record, I wasn’t paid to say any of this. I’m just a local realtor who enjoys coffee, and I had a great time revisiting these shops so I could give you the inside scoop. I’m not an expert on coffee, but after 15+ years in Greeley, I know a thing or two about our people. If it has our approval, it’s a darn good cup o’ joe.