The Denver area has no shortage of local shops that boast delicious coffee — and many of those aren’t Starbucks!
That said, it can be a real struggle to find the right kid-friendly coffee shop where parents, babysitters, or nannies feel free to enjoy a nice brew in peace without having to worry about the kids getting bored or making too much noise. Go to your neighborhood’s quiet little coffee shop, and the majority of your time will be spent wrangling the kiddos and avoiding nasty glares thrown your way. And, let’s face it: That scene will be a total snoozefest for the kids anyway.
The good news is that this area has a ton of great coffee shops that not only go above and beyond to satisfy your caffeine craving, but they are also totally kid-friendly! To help you out, we did some research and put together a list of our six favorites.
Take a look at these suggestions, and let us know in the comments if you think we’ve missed any!
Book Bar
Address: 4280 Tennyson St., Denver, CO 80212
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Sunday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Phone: 303-284-0194
Nestled in the Tennyson Street Arts District of Denver, this mecca for booklovers mixes good reads with coffee and wine, so there’s something for everyone!
The kids can munch on one of the many offerings from the literature-themed menu, such as the “Dr. Seuss” (their signature “pizzetta” margherita with mozzarella), the “Beatrix Potter” (their selection of fresh fruits with whipped cream), or the “Roald Dahl” (their PB&J of the day), while perusing their favorite books in the kids section. Adults can settle down with their drink of choice and enjoy some of their own literary preferences.
Book Bar also hosts events just for kids, including “Happy Hour Storytime” and “Sensory Storytime,” which is geared toward kiddos with special needs.
Zook’s Coffee and Ice Cream
Address: 3156 W. 38th Ave., Denver, CO 80211
Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Closed Mondays
Phone: 303-517-2010
Coffee and ice cream? It’s the perfect pairing for parents and their little ones! Zook’s offers ice cream, coffee, and baked treats, along with lunch fare and a solid kids’ menu with four different types of sandwiches. Bonus: The children’s size scoop of ice cream will only run you $2.50!
Kids will love roaming the secret garden outside, which also includes a back patio, with plenty of seating and a serene fountain. There’s an area full of art inside, where the kids can make their own creations while you enjoy a cup of locally roasted Coda coffee on one of the comfy couches. Stop here for a quick caffeine boost before heading to the Denver Puppet Theater next door, or swing by after the show for a sweet treat.
WashPerk
Address: 853 E. Ohio Ave., Denver, CO 80209
Hours: Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Phone: 720-542-9202
This neighborhood coffee shop is popular for its proximity to Washington Park — or “WashPark,” as the locals call it. Tons of families can be seen flocking to WashPerk on weekend mornings for a quick pick-me-up before starting their day.
There’s a limited food menu, but you can choose from a selection of pastries and light fare, such as breakfast burritos, as you sip your latte of choice or chai tea. To keep the kids entertained, the shop has board games and books sprinkled around as part of its eclectic and colorful décor.
With a sidewalk full of patio chairs and tables, WashPerk is the perfect place to stop for a quick bite and cup of coffee before heading a few blocks over for a morning of fun at the park!
Nixon’s Coffee House
Locations:
- Englewood: 871 Englewood Pkwy., Englewood, CO 80110 | P: 303-504-5224
- Littleton Hudson Gardens: 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton, CO 80120 | P: 303-504-5224
- Washington Park: 695 E. Louisiana Ave., Denver, CO 80210 | P: 303-504-5224
Hours:
- Washington Park and Englewood: Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Littleton Hudson Gardens: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
With multiple locations throughout the Denver Metro area, Nixon’s serves up a whole host of beverages, including coffees from local roastery Kaladi and Chai teas.
Hungry? Well, you’re in luck because no matter if you’re hankering for breakfast or lunch, Nixon’s offers a wide array of tasty treats. Their smoothies are a popular menu item in the summer months, along with sandwiches and pastries that are bound to satisfy both parents and little ones. Some locations even serve dinner. Just make sure to call ahead before you get there.
If you’ve got the kids out on a bike ride on the Platte River Trail, the Hudson Gardens location is the perfect spot to stop, but be aware that it’s only accessible by bike or foot through the gardens. There’s plenty of seating outside and tons of room for the kids to roam around the gardens, which has free admission — perfect to keep the kids busy!
Windy Saddle Cafe
Address: 1110 Washington Ave., Golden, CO 80401
Hours: Monday – Thursday & Sunday, 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Friday & Saturday, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: 303-279-1905
If you’re on a day trip to nearby Golden, about 25 minutes away from Downtown Denver, be sure to stop by the adorable Windy Saddle Cafe. (If you can get the kids past the Golden Goods Toy Store and onto Main Street, that is!)
Located in the heart of Downtown Golden, this shop offers a wide selection of great coffee from local roaster Kaladi and innovative drinks, like the “Gold Digger” (a blended espresso drink with caramel, chocolate, and milk) or the “Chai Charger” (chai tea with two shots of espresso). For parents looking for a stronger libation, Windy Saddle also offers beer and wine.
In addition to its enticing beverage options, Windy Saddle also serves breakfast and lunch, complete with a menu just for the “Little Buckaroos,” like a “Buckaroo Kid Egg’n Cheese Burrito” for breakfast, or the always popular grilled cheese sandwich for lunch.
While you sip, your kids can head over to the “Kids Corral,” a Western-themed nook where they can entertain themselves with a variety of toys and books. I’ve also seen them do storytimes and book readings from time to time, too.
The Noshery
Address: 4994 Lowell Blvd., Denver, CO 80211
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Phone: 720-524-3893
Located just across the street from Regis University, The Noshery is a gem you’ll definitely want to swing by. Despite the proximity to the school, this shop isn’t just for college students. In fact, many local families in the Berkeley neighborhood flock to The Noshery for its friendly service, tasty food, and cute décor.
For food, kids and adults can nosh on their homemade pastries, with gluten-free and vegan options, breakfast sammies, or try their delicious macaroni and cheese for lunch. Be sure to get there early on Fridays for their decadent doughnuts because they sell out by mid-morning!
For drinks, the adults can enjoy specialty beverages and local offerings, such as Corvus Coffee Roastery Cold Brew or Louisville-based Third Street Chai. And there’s tasty lemonade, hot chocolate, and Mexican Coca-Cola for the kids
