Best Independent Coffee Shops in Denver (Downtown and Uptown)

In a writer's ambivalent quest for the "Best Independent Coffee Shop" in Denver or any city, it can be a calorie ridden dose of caffeinated confusion. In the McDonaldization of coffee houses, it might seem the less stressful choice to go with the unpredictability of a Starbucks, yet a writer's spirit is conducive to an independent coffee shop.

While Denver's metro area is a sprawling geography, it's an interspersed Mecca of some of the best independent coffee houses in the west. Maintaining a less-than flourishing career of freelance writing, this coffee shop nomad keeps a mental rolodex of Independent houses that nourish taste, atmosphere and free wireless connections. While a freelance writer may have certain contradictory criteria, (good affordable coffee, quiet distractions and nocturnal hours without crowds), this guide will suit anyone in search of Denver's Best Independent Coffee Shops

Downtown
Common Grounds Coffeehouse - Downtown Location
1550 Wazee, Ste. 110 (17th and Wazee) (303)296-9248 www.commongroundscoffeehouse.com
Relocated cater-corner from their older spot, the downtown Common Grounds may have lost its rickety coziness with walls lined with books, yet better suits the professional scene downtown. A good amount of seating offers a good work environment and it's not out of place for those wanting to just sip and chat. A decent selection of sandwiches and breakfast lures the downtown crowd, so busyness can be expected. Later hours make this a retreat for those trying to cram out a paper or just enjoy good espresso and tea without having to choose between one of the Starbucks on every corner downtown. Free wireless.

The Market (at Larimer Square)
1445 Larimer Square (303)534-5140 www.themarketatlarimer.com
A staple of the Larimer Square experience, The Market is a sanctuary for those desiring the buzz of downtown without having to hit the bar scene. The coffee bar greets you with a little outdoor patio perfect for people gawking, yet a world of gourmet goods awaits you in the back. A full shop of tasty treats and deserts, plus a full deli keep The Market in full swing day and night. It's not at all a studious coffeehouse; it's more a study break with decadent drinks like the Black Forest Latte.

Tattered Cover Book Store
1628 16th St. (at Wynkoop) (303)436-1070 www.tatteredcover.com
The ultimate alternative to Barnes & Noble-bucks, Tattered Cover Independent book stores is one of Denver's best. The historic LoDo store creaks with authenticity as you walk into two stories of books and their dependable little coffee bar. Food and snacks, coffee and teas, and all the reading material you could every need, what more could you want? It might be tough to find a nook to lay down your laptop, but even more so it's tough to stay focused when you're surrounded by shelves of browsing temptation. Free wireless

*There is also a newer Tattered Cover location: 2526 E. Colfax Ave. (303)322-7727, in the little Entertainment outcropping off Colfax at Elizabeth St., same story, just newer surroundings and different layout.

Uptown
Caffe Sanora
1245 East Colfax Ave. (303)860-7511 caffesanoradenver.com
It's just feel good coffee; organic beans, Rainforest friendly purchasing and a patented coffee roasting technique that brings out the antioxidants. A laid back coffee shop that's a destination to gawk at the usual unusualness on Colfax. It's somewhat conducive to a work/study environment, but better suited for casual coffee with a conscientious twist. Free wireless.

Fluid Coffee Bar
501 E. 19th Ave. (at Pearl St.) (720)519-4681 www.fluidcoffeebar.com
The uptown uber-cool storefront looks like something outside the normal coffeehouse, but inside it's just a relaxing and well-maintained spot. Fluid is often quiet for the study/work crowd, but still caters to meet and greeters who may want to pull out an in-house game or surf the onsite computers. They use Colorado's own Novo beans, good teas and a few food items. Free wireless.

Illegal Grounds
925 E. 17th Ave. (b/w Emerson and Ogden) (303)860-7166 www.illegalgroundscoffeehouse.com/events.html
Disguised in an old brick house, it's easy to miss Illegal Grounds, but is well worth making it a destination. A spacious outdoor patio and cozy seating give freelancers and students a home away from home. There's a good amount of work space, but it fills up leaving you to nestle on a coach end. They serve Illy coffee beans, which is some of the best espresso on the plant. A small selection of food items will keep you fed, ensuring you are absorbed by a comforting atmosphere to while-away the time. Free wireless.

St. Mark's Coffee House
2019 E. 17th Ave. (at Race St.) (303)322-8384 www.stmarkscoffeehouse.com Good coffee and good food offers a cursed combination for a coffeehouse, good for business and bad for crowds. Not that St. Mark's is an untouchable hotspot, it just always seems busy. It can be tough to haul in a laptop with the expectations of embellishing productivity. Suggestion: grab a friend or a book for lunch and caffeinate relaxed. Their outdoor patio is often littered with locals enjoying a lazy afternoon uptown. St. Mark's strives to create the coffeehouse culture too; live acoustic room, local artists and cinema events. Free wireless.

I will be updating and adding to this guide as often as possible, also look for my guides to the Best Independent Coffee Shops in other Denver areas: Best Independent Coffee Shops in North West Denver