Less well-known is Telluride’s thriving coffee culture, centered around a collection of cozy coffee shops and roasteries. These local establishments serve up freshly roasted coffee, baked goods, and unique dining experiences that capture the essence of mountain living.
In This Article
From the slopes of Mountain Village to the historic streets of Telluride town, coffee shops dot the landscape, beckoning visitors to slow down and savor a cup of joe. Patrons can soak up the mountain views on a sunny patio, gather around a crackling firepit as snowflakes swirl, or simply enjoy a quiet moment indoors with a steaming mug and homemade pastry. Behind the counters, passionate baristas craft specialty coffee drinks with locally roasted beans, adding their own creative twist.
TL;DR
- Telluride's coffee shops spotlight locally roasted beans and range from casual cafes to upscale eateries with bespoke dining experiences.
- Mountain Village and Telluride each have distinct coffee scenes but share a focus on quality, community, and celebrating mountain lifestyle.
- In addition to great coffee, these shops entice visitors with patio dining, firepits, fresh baked goods, small-batch spirits, and more.
Mountain Village Coffee Experiences
Perched at 9,500 feet overlooking the spectacular San Miguel River valley, Mountain Village lives up to its name. This pedestrian-friendly ski resort community provides stunning alpine views from every angle. Patrons stop in to warm up by the fire with a steaming latte or snack on breakfast burritos before hitting the slopes. Telluride Coffee Company uses locally roasted beans from its flagship cafe and roastery located downtown in historic Telluride.
Over at the Madeline Hotel, visitors can get their caffeine fix at the cozy
Starbucks
outlet. The familiar green mermaid logo beckons travelers to enjoy signature coffee drinks, teas, and pastries inside the elegant hotel lobby or on the sunny patio. For beers after a long day on the mountain, the
Telluride Brewing Company Taproom
across the street offers locally brewed craft beers on tap and pub fare in a relaxed setting.
Telluride Coffee Company and Roasters
As the original coffee roaster in Telluride,
Telluride Coffee Roasters
has been sourcing and roasting top-quality coffee beans since opening its doors in 1996. It now supplies beans to many local cafes and restaurants in town. The company’s passion for the art of coffee roasting results in smooth, well-balanced blends that shine in specialty espresso and drip coffee drinks.
Their flagship downtown cafe on Fir Street features the full range of Telluride Coffee Roasters’ offerings, including the popular Avalanche Blend, Black Canyon, and Mountain Harvest. Visitors can sample different beans in pour-over coffee flights or take home whole bean bags. The cozy space filled with vintage ski decor exudes small-town charm and epitomizes Telluride’s enduring ski culture.
Creative and Cultural Coffee Spots
Beyond just great coffee, several cafes around Telluride stand out for blending coffeehouse culture with the town’s vibrant artistic community. These spots showcase local art and host live music events while also serving as casual gathering places.
On historic Colorado Avenue,
The Steaming Bean
has been a beloved neighborhood hangout since first opening its doors in 1995. Local artwork adorns the rustic wooden walls inside. Out front, patrons lounge in Adirondack chairs facing the bustling main street, making it a choice spot for people-watching. The cafe also frequently hosts open mic nights and musicians, giving it a creative, bohemian vibe. Cozy leather couches and works by local artists invite visitors to curl up by the stone fireplace with a slice of freshly baked pie or focaccia pizza. On Friday evenings, acclaimed musicians like Otis Taylor take the intimate stage, blending blues, rock, and funk into the coffeehouse scene.
Breakfast and Baked Goods
Ski town life demands early mornings and hearty breakfasts. For freshly baked pastries to go with a perfect cappuccino, several coffee shops shine. The
Steaming Bean
offers an extensive breakfast menu alongside freshly baked muffins, scones, and cinnamon rolls that fill their glass display case daily. At
Baked in Telluride
, locals line up for the massive breakfast burritos smothered in green chili sauce.
No visit to Telluride is complete without a pilgrimage to the
Telluride Bakery and Cafe
. Their legendary baked goods include oversized cinnamon rolls, savory breakfast sandwiches on house-made biscuits, and the decadent chocolate cake that won them Bake-Off glory. Locals and tourists alike flock here for the cozy diner vibe and hearty, affordable mountain town fare.
Unique Dining Experiences
Beyond the slopes and historic main street, several coffee shops around Telluride provide uniquely memorable dining experiences that connect coffee to the surrounding landscape.
Out in the remote hills of Lawson Hill,
Telluride Distilling Company
crafts premium spirits from local ingredients. Their tasting room overlooking the San Miguel River valley feels worlds away yet is only minutes from town. Visitors can sample their award-winning gins, vodkas, and whiskeys neat or mixed into handcrafted cocktails that perfectly complement the mountain scenery seen through the soaring windows. Small bites like cheese boards and sandwiches soak up the spirits.
In Mountain Village,
Coffee Cowboy
at the Inn at Lost Creek draws travelers in off the slopes with its cowboy-themed decor and lively atmosphere. But it’s the sweeping views of the San Sophia Ridge from the outdoor patio that steal the show. On colder days, the indoor fireplace and leather armchairs entice visitors to linger over a slice of homemade pie or coffee drink doctored with house-made syrups.
Down valley in Lawson Hill,
Lilypad
provides a more intimate experience within the remote riverside setting. Owners and husband-wife duo Lily and Padrig first opened the cafe in a vintage camper before upgrading to a tiny timber and glass cottage. The serene location, smell of fresh coffee and baked goods wafting through the air, and connection with the friendly owners make this unique coffee shop a local gem.
Culinary Arts and Local Brews
Coffee culture intersects with Telluride’s celebrated culinary scene at several cafes that highlight locally sourced ingredients and artisanal production methods. At the cozy
Baked in Telluride
bakery, owners Keith and his wife whip up incredible focaccia pizza, sourdough bread, and pastries using stone hearth ovens, wild yeast starters, and high-altitude techniques. Their dedication to traditional artisan baking infuses the entire cafe.
On the craft beverage side,
Telluride Brewing Company’s downtown taproom
offers the chance to sip award-winning beers like the Face Down Brown ale or Black Line stout paired with beer-friendly bites. Their outdoor beer garden comes alive with live music and festive vibes during events like Bluegrass Festival. Across town,
Telluride Distilling Company
produces an impressive lineup of spirits, including vodka, gin, and moonshine crafted from local grains and mountain spring water, which visitors can sample during tasting room visits.
FAQ
Where can I find the best coffee shops and cafes in Telluride?
Some top spots include Telluride Coffee Company, Baked in Telluride, The Steaming Bean, Lilypad, and Telluride Bakery and Cafe. Mountain Village also has great options like Telluride Coffee Company’s ski-in cafe and Coffee Cowboy.
What is there to do at Telluride coffee shops besides drinking coffee?
Many coffee shops offer patio dining, firepit hangouts, baked goods, gourmet breakfasts, craft beer and spirits tastings, artisan pizza and bread, live music, local art, and more. The alpine views from several mountain-based cafes also steal the show.
What makes the coffee culture distinct in Telluride?
Attention to quality coffee and dedication to community are hallmarks of Telluride’s coffee shops. The incorporation of local art, music, ingredients, and brews into the cafe environments also makes them feel like cultural institutions where both locals and visitors mingle.
Where can I buy locally roasted coffee beans during my visit?
Visit Telluride Coffee Roasters downtown to browse beans and take home bags of their signature blends, such as Avalanche and Black Canyon. Their beans are also served at Telluride Coffee Company and many other local cafes.
