Steamboat Springs serves up cozy cafés, fresh pastries, creative lattes, and plenty of mountain charm. This guide rounds up the best spots in town for coffee lovers who want great drinks, good vibes, and a tasty start to the day.
When you're on vacation, be it in the mountains of Colorado and Tennessee or along the beaches of the Gulf Coast, a little break for a cup of joe, a refreshing beverage, and a delicious treat is always a good idea.
If you're heading to Steamboat Springs soon, this Colorado gem will keep you busy and happy with so many outdoor activities and adventures that you might find yourself craving a little burst of energy. A great cup of coffee is the perfect way to get it. Steamboat Springs is buzzing with coffee culture, and new spots pop up every season with fresh ideas and fun twists on an already thriving scene. These cafés not only serve excellent caffeinated creations but also offer tasty food to fuel your day and a welcoming ambiance where you can unwind and chat with locals.
Here's a tiny taste of what's ahead:
- Duskie Grouse Coffee Shop: Cozy hangout with handcrafted drinks, tasty pastries, and ski-hill views.
- Seedhouse Coffee: Small-batch roaster known for rich flavors, ethical sourcing, and sustainability.
- Off the Beaten Path Coffeehouse: A bookstore-coffeehouse combo with specialty lattes and fresh pastries.
- Beard & Braid: Plant-filled café serving homemade pastries, creative lattes, and warm, comforting treats.
- Causeway Coffee House: A rustic, friendly spot with seasonal drinks and boba tea.
- Riverside Cafe: A community favorite inside the library with plant-based dishes, rotating pastries, and great coffee.
At Retreatia, we have extensive local expertise in luxury rental properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown lodging. Many of our rentals are pet-friendly, and all are perfect for any time of the year!
We also consider ourselves local experts, and in our destination blog, we cover everything from hidden gems and indoor attractions to wonderful coffee shops around town. You'll find plenty of tips that will help make your stay in Steamboat Springs a memorable one, no matter the season. Pack your bags, bring your curiosity, and get ready to make memories in this unforgettable corner of the American West!
In this blog post, I'll be your guide to the top coffee shops in Steamboat Springs, where you can get cozy with a good coffee, great treats, and plenty of mountain charm.
Ready? Join me for a coffee adventure through the city!
1. Duskie Grouse Coffee Shop
Handcrafted drinks and cozy and creative vibe.
With more than 15 handcrafted coffee drinks, including lattes, espressos, and Americanos, as well as a selection of iced drinks like smoothies and green juices, Duskie Grouse Coffee Shop is a must-visit coffee spot in town. The vibe is cozy and creative, with records, art, and local goods adding personality to the space. On sunny days, the outdoor seating gives you a clear view of the ski hills and plenty of fresh mountain air.
Highlights
- Handcrafted drinks, including lattes, espressos, Americanos, smoothies, and green juices.
- Breakfast burritos, croissants, muffins, cookies, and gluten-free bites.
- A fun record selection with rotating albums.
- Local art and goods that support Steamboat's creative community.
- Outdoor seating with ski hill view.
2.
Seedhouse Coffee
A local favorite with a strong focus on quality, flavor, and community.
This small-batch roaster has become a favorite in Steamboat for its strong focus on quality, flavor, and community. Beans come straight from farms in Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, and Ethiopia, and each roast is handled with care to bring out its best character. You can taste little flavor surprises in every cup, like blueberry notes in an Ethiopian roast or a soft nuttiness in a Peruvian. Their coffee shows up all over town since many local shops brew their beans, and their commitment to sustainability and local partnerships gives the whole operation a warm, grounded feel.
Highlights
- Ethically sourced beans from Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, and Ethiopia.
- Local roasting with a focus on unique flavor notes.
- Wholesale beans used by cafés across Steamboat.
- Strong sustainability efforts and thoughtful packaging.
- Community-focused partnerships that support the local scene.
3. Off the Beaten Path Coffeehouse
Shelves of books mix with the smell of fresh pastries and good coffee.
Off the Beaten Path Bookstore and Coffeehouse is a cozy spot where shelves of books mix with the smell of fresh pastries and good coffee. It has been around since the 1990s and still keeps its warm, homey charm. You can sip a classic drink or try a fun latte flavor, browse the aisles, and settle into a calm corner for a little break. The vibe is friendly, relaxed, and full of character, making it an easy stop during any day in Steamboat.
Highlights
- A mix of classics and specialty lattes, including standout flavors like vanilla cinnamon and dark chocolate lavender.
- Fresh pastries baked locally: muffins, scones, cookies, quiches, and more.
- A quiet, comfortable space for reading, relaxing, or chatting.
- Seedhouse Coffee on the menu for an extra local touch.
- Shelves filled with books, plus greeting cards, puzzles, games, journals, and unique gifts.
4. Beard & Braid
A relaxing stop for anyone craving a good drink and a homemade treat.
Follow the smell of warm pastries, and you'll land at Beard & Braid. This cozy café is known for its fresh coffee cakes, flaky quiches, and a menu filled with fun drinks you'll want to try more than once. Everything is made daily by the owner and her friendly team, and the space feels calm and sunny with plenty of plants and natural light. It is a relaxing stop for anyone craving a good drink and a homemade treat.
Highlights
- Fresh-baked coffee cakes, quiches, and pastries made daily.
- Creative drinks like Cinnamon Toast Latte, Harvest Spice, Hazelnut Mocha, and Matcha Latte.
- Tasty classics with homemade syrups.
- A warm, plant-filled space with big windows and lots of light.
- A great stop for both coffee lovers and hot chocolate fans.
5. Causeway Coffee House
Seasonal creations, fun specials, and a menu full of thoughtful touches.
With a cozy and rustic ambiance, Causeway Coffee House is one of Steamboat's most loved coffee shops. The team here puts real care into every drink, and the whole place has an easygoing charm that keeps people coming back. Seasonal creations, fun specials, and a menu full of thoughtful touches make it a great stop for a cozy break. Both indoor and outdoor seating give you plenty of space to settle in and enjoy the moment.
Highlights
- A locally owned coffee house with friendly, personal service.
- Creative drinks made with locally roasted Seedhouse Coffee.
- A seasonal sopapilla latte that regulars rave about.
- A fun menu that also includes boba tea.
- Fresh baked goods and pastries, including gluten-free choices.
- Comfortable indoor seating and a covered outdoor area for sunny days.
6. Riverside Cafe
Focuses on wholesome, plant-based food and reliably good coffee.
Want a tip for a local hidden gem? The Riverside Cafe at the Bud Werner Memorial Library is a small, independently owned business boasting a friendly, down-to-earth vibe. The café focuses on wholesome, plant-based food made completely from scratch, so everything feels fresh and comforting. The menu changes often thanks to their love for experimenting, and there is always something new to try. Pastries tend to disappear fast, the coffee is reliably great, and the space has an easy community feel that fits perfectly with its library setting.
Highlights
- Fresh, house-made food with a plant-based focus.
- A rotating menu filled with creative snacks and meals.
- Pastries, including vegan and gluten-free options.
- Veggie sandwiches served on homemade bread.
- Excellent coffee and smooth drip decaf.
- Tasty chai and golden milk for non-coffee drinkers.
- A relaxed, community-centered atmosphere.
Top Spots in Steamboat Springs Perfect for Both Coffee and Breakfast
Adding to its thriving coffee shop scene, Steamboat Springs boasts an abundance of breakfast options that not only serve nutritious and delicious breakfasts but also offer excellent coffee. Some of these spots are open all day, providing a perfect place to grab a mug of happiness and perhaps a snack or two. Here are some of our favorites:
Winona's
Winona's stands out as one of Steamboat Springs' best spots for that classic American breakfast everyone loves. This charming cafe and bakery offer a cozy atmosphere and lip-smacking options, from cinnamon rolls to omelets, huevos rancheros, breakfast burritos, and much more, all crafted with the freshest ingredients around. Winona's also houses an espresso bar serving exceptional coffee.
Creekside Cafe
Famous for its Eggs Benedict as well as the charming patio overlooking a creek, Creekside Cafe is an excellent choice for a classic breakfast. The indoor space is equally inviting, with a cozy, bright atmosphere and an abundance of greenery providing a perfect setting for chilly days.
Their coffee bar includes classic picks like Americano, Espresso, Cappuccino, and Latte. You have the option to have their drinks with coconut, almond, or oak milk if you are dairy intolerant. They also have Chau, Dirty Chai made with espresso, and Matcha Tea Latte.
The Shack Cafe
For over 50 years (yes, half a century!), The Shack Cafe has been a hotspot for traditional breakfast in Steamboat Springs. Even under new ownership, it continues to offer hearty portions that will fuel you up and energize you to start the day like a champion. Their protein-filled breakfast options are delightfully generous. The welcoming staff creates a homey atmosphere, and everything gets even better with a delicious and hot cup of joe or creamy cappuccino.
Enjoy every moment of your Steamboat Springs escape
While in town, why not stay in style with the great backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in one of the most iconic rental properties and complexes that Steamboat Springs offers?
Retreatia offers luxury properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown lodgings, many of which are pet-friendly. Staying in one of our properties, we guarantee you'll have nothing less than a 5-star experience, something that will definitely enhance your Steamboat Springs vacation.