The Smiley Cafe - Review - The Grid - Durango - The Infatuation

"There’s something distinctively Colorado about a cafe housed inside of a former junior high school, that also shares a space with an art collective. When you walk through the doors, the space opens into a large, welcoming seating area spread across several rooms with plenty of couches and tables. Take a cue from the local college crowd and get some work done or catch up with your yoga buddies after a class over a glass of housemade chai. The menu includes things like quiche and breakfast paninis, and there’s a lovely bakery case holding giant cookies, muffins, and other treats. The entire menu (including all the baked goods) is gluten-free or can be prepared so. While you wait for your order, stroll through the shared art workshop space that doubles as a gallery where you can buy paintings, pottery, jewelry, and more from the local artists and watch them work." - Kristin Smith