Whether you're a casual latte sipper, a dark roast devotee, or an espresso fanatic, finding the best coffee shops in Colorado Springs can feel like a campaign in itself. So we’ve rounded up some of our favorite local favorites, from cozy cafés with classic cappuccinos to specialty espresso bars and game-friendly gathering spots.
Roll for initiative and start brewing your route.
1). Switchback Coffee Roasters: Elevating the Art of Espresso
Multiple locations
Best for: single-origin espresso, slow mornings
Minimalist spaces, meticulous baristas, and elegant espresso bar service define Switchback Coffee Roasters. Expect light roasts, careful extraction, and a calm atmosphere for reading, writing, or planning your next quest.
Each location carries its own distinct energy — sunlit corners, clean wood tables, and the quiet hum of grinders creating a meditative rhythm for regulars. The décor feels intentional and inviting: white tile backsplashes, soft greenery, and just enough bustle to keep things lively without interrupting the peaceful flow. Whether you’re meeting a friend or simply enjoying the craft of coffee, it’s a space that encourages you to slow down and savor every note in your cup.
Order this: Ethiopia natural pour-over and a scone.
2). Building Three Coffee: Industrial Charm, Serious Coffee
2727 N Cascade Ave
Best for: warehouse aesthetic, seasonal drinks
Inside a converted industrial space, Building Three offers bright cappuccinos, house syrups, iced tea, and weekend-worthy treats. The vibe is equal parts cozy and creative, with rotating features to keep regulars curious.
Exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and steel beams give the space an industrial café feel, softened by local art and the comforting scent of freshly ground espresso. The baristas here are known for their craft — they roast their own beans in small batches and love to experiment with house-made syrups and inventive seasonal flavors.
Large communal tables make it easy to strike up a conversation or spread out your laptop, while the soft background playlist keeps the atmosphere balanced between focus and flow. It’s a great coffee shop for afternoon reading, catching up with friends, or planning your next creative project.
Order this: Lavender latte and a breakfast sandwich.
3). Dungeons & Javas: Coffee, Campaigns, & Community
7495 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs
Best for: Red Bull potions, board-game nights, co-working
Part coffeehouse, part game lounge, Dungeons & Javas is one of the best coffee shops in Colorado Springs for lattes and late-night gaming sessions. This popular board game cafe serves signature lattes, americanos, iced coffee, and pastries alongside Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, Magic: The Gathering nights, and casual board-game sessions. It’s equal parts café and community hub — welcoming every kind of adventurer, whether you’re grinding XP or grinding through homework.
Order this: Vanilla cold brew and a breakfast burrito panini.
4). Third Space Coffee: A True “Third Place”
5670 N Academy Blvd
Best for: events, art, relaxed conversations
True to its name, Third Space Coffee exists exactly between home and work — a comfortable, welcoming hub where conversation flows as easily as the lattes. The interior feels cozy and lived-in, with mismatched chairs, soft lighting, and walls adorned with rotating displays of local art. The hum of espresso machines mingles with acoustic guitar notes from open mic nights or the quiet chatter of regulars catching up between classes or errands.
This coffee shop thrives on connection. There’s always something happening — book clubs, poetry readings, trivia nights, and a community bulletin board overflowing with flyers for neighborhood events. The staff know their regulars by name, and the menu keeps things simple but satisfying, featuring classic drinks, iced coffee, and hearty pastries made for lingering a little longer than planned.
Order this: Dirty chai and a muffin.
5). Jives Coffee Lounge: Character and Craft
16 Colbrunn Ct
Best for: live music nights, retro lounge energy
Jives Coffee Lounge is the kind of coffeehouse that feels like it’s been part of Colorado Springs forever — in the best way possible. It’s colorful, a little quirky, and full of personality from the moment you walk in. Mismatched furniture, vintage décor, and local art line the walls, creating an inviting, slightly bohemian atmosphere that encourages creativity. The space is cozy but never cramped, filled with the scent of fresh espresso shots and the low hum of conversation that builds as the day rolls into evening.
By night, the café transforms into one of the city’s most beloved live-music venues, hosting local musicians, open mics, and themed performances that draw a loyal crowd. Whether you’re working on your next big idea, reading a novel, or meeting friends before a show, Jives strikes the perfect balance between laid-back and lively. Their drink menu includes everything from mochas and iced coffee to sweet pastries that pair perfectly with the rhythm of the room.
Order this: Hazelnut mocha and a cinnamon roll.
6). Hold Fast Coffee Co: Drive-Thru Fuel and Friendly Service
Multiple locations
Best for: quick stops, dependable menu
Hold Fast Coffee Co. has built a loyal following across Colorado Springs for one simple reason: they make quality coffee fast — and with genuine care. Each location has its own neighborhood personality, but the energy is the same everywhere you go: upbeat, welcoming, and efficient. Whether you’re pulling through the drive-thru on your way to work or sitting inside to catch your breath between errands, Hold Fast always delivers consistency and comfort.
Their espresso drinks are rich and balanced, and their iced lattes and seasonal specialties keep the menu interesting year-round. Pair that with smoothies, breakfast burritos, and baked goods, and it’s easy to see why locals stop here as part of their daily rhythm. The décor is clean and modern, with natural wood tones, a touch of industrial flair, and enough seating to linger a while if you’re not in a hurry.
Order this: Salted caramel cold brew and a breakfast burrito.
7). Carnelian Coffee: Old Colorado City’s Quiet Gem
2428 W Colorado Ave
Best for: journaling, slow afternoons
Tucked along the historic streets of Old Colorado City, Carnelian Coffee is a peaceful retreat from the bustle of downtown and one of the best coffee shops for those who crave a slower pace. The space feels intentionally calm, with warm lighting, cozy seating, and the faint sound of vinyl spinning in the background. It’s the kind of café that invites you to exhale, open your notebook, and stay awhile.
Their drinks reflect the same care as their atmosphere — crafted with precision, from smooth espresso shots to seasonal lattes that never feel overdone. The baristas take pride in sourcing thoughtful beans and preparing each cup to highlight its unique flavor profile. You’ll often find locals tucked into corners with laptops, books, or sketchpads, savoring the quiet hum of a place built for reflection rather than rush.
Order this: Honey-cinnamon latte and a chocolate muffin.
8). Loyal Coffee: Barista-Owned, Community-Driven
Downtown & North
Best for: beautifully balanced espresso and a proper sit-down
Loyal Coffee has become a staple of the Colorado Springs coffee scene — and for good reason. Founded by local baristas, the shop embodies what a coffeehouse should be: intentional, community-centered, and consistently excellent. They roast all their beans in-house, crafting blends that are smooth, bright, and perfectly balanced for any brewing style.
Each location feels open and inviting, with modern design, plenty of natural light, and the faint sound of steaming milk mingling with quiet conversation. The seating is spacious and comfortable, ideal for both solo work sessions and long catch-ups over espresso and toast. Loyal’s menu also goes beyond beverages, offering wholesome bites that feel just as crafted as their coffee — everything from artisan pastries to creative breakfast plates.
Order this: Flat white with avocado toast.
8). Dungeons & Javas: Coffee, Campaigns, & Community
7495 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs
Best for: Red Bull potions, board-game nights, co-working
Part coffeehouse, part game lounge, Dungeons & Javas is one of the best coffee shops in Colorado Springs for lattes and late-night gaming sessions. This popular board game cafe serves signature lattes, americanos, iced coffee, and pastries alongside Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, Magic: The Gathering nights, and casual board-game sessions. It’s equal parts café and community hub — welcoming every kind of adventurer, whether you’re grinding XP or grinding through homework.
What makes this spot stand out is its attention to the craft. Every espresso shot here is “pulled” correctly — a barista’s term for drawing the perfect espresso under just the right pressure, temperature, and timing to achieve balanced, flavorful results. You can taste that precision in every cup, from their classic breves to their rotating seasonal creations.
Beyond espresso, Dungeons & Javas also caters to non-coffee drinkers with a lineup of creative “Potions” — colorful, Red Bull-based drinks mixed with syrups and flavor shots that look straight out of an alchemist’s lab. They even serve cocktails for evening hangouts and campaign nights. For those who love surprises, there’s the legendary Adventure Potion, where you roll a D20 to determine your drink — a mystery beverage chosen by fate and a bit of barista magic.
The experience goes beyond the menu. Guests can rent board games for free or reserve private rooms for co-working sessions, meetings, or group game nights. It’s the perfect gathering place for both productivity and play.
Order this: Direwolf Breve and a Bonfire Breakfast Burrito Panini.
Why These Spots Make the Cut
Beyond great espresso, each of these coffee shops leans into what a café does best: conversation, creativity, light bites like sandwiches, muffins, cakes, and pastries, and a welcoming space for small groups. Many function like modern “internet cafés,” offering Wi-Fi for remote work and study sessions, while maintaining that timeless coffeehouse mix of community and craft.
Plan Your Coffee Crawl
Start at Dungeons & Javas for a warmup round, then head downtown for a classic espresso bar experience, and finish with Old Colorado City’s calm. However you map it, this guide to the best coffee shops in Colorado Springs is one of the best quests you’ll go on all year.