Daren C.
Google
When I travel, I spend an unreasonable amount of time searching for good coffee. I read reviews and try to separate places loved by people who care about coffee from mass-market caffeine delivery systems. Anyone who loves coffee knows this frustration. Many shops source excellent beans, yet choices behind the bar flatten everything into generic “dark chocolate, earthy, graham cracker” territory. I enjoy dark chocolate, but espresso should carry origin, processing, and character. I want flavor shaped by climate, soil, plant, cherry, and method.
Glissade delivers much of that experience.
The space carries a minimalist, garage-style aesthetic that still feels warm and inviting. I arrived shortly after opening on a Sunday morning with only one other customer present. Over the next hour, a steady flow of people filled the room without crowding it. The layout supports conversation, quiet work, or solitude with ease. Music stays low and unobtrusive. The café fronts the roastery behind glass, creating an authentic, working-coffee atmosphere. Stacks of green coffee, roasted bags ready for sale, and a small roaster reinforce that sense of intention.
Espresso service focuses on a single option, supported by one hopper-style grinder dialed in for the day. During my visit, the espresso blend combined Ethiopian Guji (light, natural) with Brazilian Canaan (medium-light, natural). The barista pulled my first shot using their standard automated profile at 17g in and 34g out. The cup showed quality roasting and solid beans, though the extraction blurred some of the more distinct notes. Nothing tasted off, but clarity took a back seat.
I followed with a pour over. Glissade offers several single-origin options and uses an automated pour-over system, likely chosen for consistency. I selected a washed Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, and the cup impressed immediately. The bergamot note came through clearly, supported by clean aromatics and excellent separation. Pour over rarely draws me in, but this one held my attention. Full disclosure: I enjoy Earl Grey tea when I want a break from coffee, and this profile landed squarely in that wheelhouse.
Curiosity pushed me to ask for a shorter espresso shot, stopped early at 25g. The barista kindly accommodated. That decision unlocked the coffee. Blueberry led the cup, followed by subtle praline and a milk-chocolate finish. The flavors showed precision, balance, and intent.
I can’t speak to milk drinks. The latte art and presentation looked excellent, but I don’t order them.
I can't speak to the food either, though the pastry case looked amazing.
Glissade clearly values coffee, roasting, and thoughtful sourcing. Anyone who appreciates clean flavors, expressive beans, and a calm, spacious environment should make time for a visit. If you don’t live in Denver, or simply want to brew at home, I strongly recommend their Ethiopian offerings.