MiddleState Coffee

"Black and white and green (in the form of plants) all over, this light, bright, industrial-chic Baker roastery supplies many a local cafe while welcoming its own customers with attitude-free service — the baristas can ably walk you through the offerings, be it a straight-up espresso or a Creamsicle latte. Bonus: Both it and its Highlands sibling double as bottle shops featuring natural wines." - Ruth Tobias, Eater Staff

10 Best Coffee Shops in Denver | Condé Nast Traveler

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"It’s all about the classics at this beloved roaster, no operating its own café space. Think cortados, cappuccinos, batch brews and espresso tonics. That’s to keep the focus squarely on the house roasts. As detailed tasting notes suggest, the Ethiopian Landspeed blend boasts flavors of “toffee, stone fruit, caramel, and apple candy,” for instance, while the single-varietal Moises Herrera from Honduras delivers hints of “marshmallow, pear, milk chocolate, and orange zest.” That said, the team makes its own syrups and ganache to give you the sugar rush you need when and if you need it." - Ruth Tobias

16 New Coffee Shops to Seek Out in Denver - Eater Denver

"Denver roaster Middle State just moved to the Santa Fe Arts District and is in the process of building out a fresh new retail shop, which should open by spring. For now, fans of the brand can swing by the roastery Monday through Wednesday “or whenever the front door is open” to buy whole beans to take home with them." - Rebecca Treon, Josie Sexton

Noah

Google

MiddleState is my favorite coffee shop I’ve tried in Denver! Loved both the affogato and dalgona. Good coffee comes first, BUT I really like the interior decoration with awesome local art, plants, and skate themes.

maria panchal

Google

The workers were so sweet and but not very helpful! The coffee was average and super expensive with not much of a drink and more ice than anything. I would stick to somewhere that you know will be good. The ambiance of the coffee shop is very monotone and calm. Overall just very average.

Cristina Del Hoyo Espinar

Google

Always delicious coffee and nice atmosphere! They serve the coffee in beautiful mugs and have great art on the walls.

Tom K

Google

Had a great latte. Liked it so much, I purchased some Landspeed for home. Inadvertently stepped past an invisible line by the counter to ask the barista a question and got growled at. Neat space.

Kevin F

Google

Diggin this spot located on the very south end of the Santa Fe artwalk circuit. Neighborhood is warehouse-industrial and they’ve done a good job incorporating that into the cafe where they make the most of the space with tiered seating/working options. Local art is alive and well with pieces hung on every wall. Brewed coffee was quality light roast and the baristas upheld the shop vibe without being too serious about it.

Wei Zhao

Google

My new favorite local coffee shop! The vibe is so low key and chill, filled with sunlight, greenery and simple yet chic interior design. Love the coffee and other coffee drinks, I got the coffee milkshake and it’s an amazing ‘pick me up’. Staff are nice and well skilled at making delicious coffee. Such a hidden gem, feel I don’t even want to share with others, but here you go, highly recommended!

Lisa J. Shultz

Google

Not a happening location on Santa Fe, but parking was easy on the street. Once inside, interior is a nice place to hang out. I had a latte, which was good. They have the ability to roast on site. Coffee lovers may want to check it out.

Julia Dinmore

Google

I come here all the time, so I'm sort of a regular at this point. The baristas are SO amazing. A lot of them have made the effort to learn my name/tell me theirs, which I find so kind. I tried to order something new today because I was feeling a little adventurous, but I didn't like it very much (just wasn't for me), so the barista made me my usual iced oat milk matcha—no extra charge. Seriously, I haven't been to a better café in Denver, and I've been to A LOT. It's not just the service. Their espresso is top notch, their seasonal menus are fun and interesting, and their syrups are all house-made. If you consider yourself a coffee aficionado, you've got to check this place out. 11/10

Rika M.

Yelp

The always happening Highland neighborhood is a favorite of Denver tourists and locals like me. And it's so ever changing when it comes to food and drinking in mind. New stores continue to pop up with the blink of an eye. And it's been hard to catch up with it. Not sure when this shop opened its doors but it sure didn't escape my notice when I was in the neighborhood for a facial earlier today. This place is petite. I tend to like this size of a store more than larger counterparts to be frank. I guess I like the personableness that makes me feel like I can be cozied up with my drink so I can do some pondering. There are some seatings available just outside of it along the store as well. The lady barista was friendly to me. She complimented my hair to start with and asked me if I was visiting (as I was taking a lot of photos; I guess I looked like a tourist!!) The size of the menu matches with the size of the store. I've been liking simple more than anything lately. Since I ordered a latte, she showed me the flavor add-ons I can do to my drink. Since I don't like overly sweet drinks I asked her to go easy on the flavor (Rosemary Vanilla to be exact). She did exactly just that by putting a hint of it. The flavor was truly subtle which I could barely taste it. This was perfect for me. Let's not forget to mention about the wines they serve here. Per the signage outside, their coffee is radical and their wines are magical. Can't wait to find out about the wine part soon. This was a nice discovery. I might start a membership at the facial place so if I do that then I'll be able to stop at this coffee shop after my appointment. This is a win win for me!!

Hanh P.

Yelp

Hip little coffee shop. Hung out with my kids and got my caffeine fix. Everything was decent. Cornbread waffle had a slight raw flour/dough taste. But the spicy jam was awesome. Veggie burrito is pretty much cheese and potatoes, didn't taste actual veggies. Coffee was good and matcha lemonade was not obviously artificial tasting but could use sweetener, but I felt healthier drinking it. My biggest annoyance is the tip request. I agree that there is a service. Tuổi order at a counter... they bring it to you, most people return their cups and plates to the bus bucket themselves. You also get your own water. So the tip request was 18, 20, 22%... that is what I give when I'm at a fine dine restaurant when I'm truly being served for hours. Not a coffee shop. Tip culture in America is ridiculous these days. Chick Fil-A has way better service and friendlier and doesn't ask for tip.

Karen S.

Yelp

Middle State is another great coffee shop to add to the mix! This is a fantastic place to spend a Saturday afternoon. The place gets busy, but there's a lot of seating. I enjoyed my espresso and my son loved his hot chocolate. Highly recommended!

Kelly O.

Yelp

Such a great spot on Santa Fe. Service was awesome. The iced mocha with rosemary vanilla and oat milk was delicious. And I would stop here anytime just for the lemon cronut. So good.

Nick B.

Yelp

Middlestate is one of THE BEST coffee shops in Denver, hands down. I've been here probably 100 times in the past few years and I've never had a bad cup of coffee. Espresso is delicious, the milk is carefully steamed and poured near perfectly everytime. And the vibe inside is great! Natural light, plants and rotating featured artwork. It's just a phenomenal shop that deserves some serious love. Last thing: I love that they bring your drink to you. It's a small thing that makes a big difference. I haven't found a better coffee shop in Denver.

Mo F.

Yelp

I had a decaf cappuccino and it was delicious. The service was quick and pleasant, atmosphere was super cute, and parking was easy!

Kelly K.

Yelp

Absolute favorite coffeeshop in all of Denver! Their seasonal flavors are very unique and their coffee is quite flavorful. The inside is adorned with a variety of plants and makes a great space for studying. The staff is great too!

Gabrielle S.

Yelp

First time here and it was really nice. We ordered one of the seasonal drinks - pumpkin latte with whole milk and a pour over coffee (Colombia). The pumpkin spice latte wasn't overly sweetened. The pour over was delicious. The barista was super kind. I would definitely come back here.

Renee G.

Yelp

Super delicious coffee, super delicious breakfast. We were in town for vacation and went every morning! It was a great environment for the entire family!

Alison C.

Yelp

I have half written reviews waiting to be posted ,but I had to write a review for this place immediately. I honestly know nothing about coffee ,but I can only judge the drinks by what I enjoy. This place has high reviews on Google and yelp and usually when that happens (rarely),it means you gotta try it. As soon as you step in, it's industrial and quaint. It's not just one big open space. There's a high top counter and then 2 sections of normal tables to sit at too. There's a straight forward menu(that's how you know they're serious about coffee). I got a decaf latte and my husband got a vanilla espresso shake?? Yes, a shake. The barista making the drinks was calculative and precise. We both decided to try the shake first and o,my heavenly coffee. It was creamy and silky smooth. It was the perfect amount of cold and the coffee flavor wasn't burnt or bitter. I have never had such a smooth shake before. Get it. The decaf latte was also highly satisfying with the right amount of sweet and ice. If we lived closer we'd be coffee poor. I'll definitely be recommending this spot to people.

Nicole R.

Yelp

Perfection. On every level. The ambiance, music, decor, coffee, sweet treats, staff that know how to make a cappuccino. It's a hell yeah for me. 10/10.

Kylie S.

Yelp

If you want solid third wave coffee in Denver, this is the place. All the times I've been here, it's been very low key but the beans make a singing cappuccino. They also have a selection of rotating drinks that have always come through. Since it's a little off the beaten path, every time I've come to work on things it hasn't gotten too busy.

Aundya A.

Yelp

Even though it's 18 degrees in Denver today, I was craving iced coffee. I loved the Espresso Tonic I got from @middlestatecoffee

Deya Z.

Yelp

Had a bit of time to kill between meetings & decided a chai was in order. It was later in the afternoon & this place was pretty quiet. The barista was quick and friendly! Definitely not a comfy cozy coffee shop to hang at. It's a modern, wood & metal feel you typically see 'round these parts. It had a few small laptop sized tables, simple enough to take a quick zoom meeting.

Lauren M.

Yelp

One of the quality coffee roasters hidden away in Denver with some of the best beans and brews around. Solid breakfast pastries and even more incredible breakfast burritos - with a vegan options for those who are. Take some beans home, maybe some instant coffee in the origin of your choice but only after enjoying a fresh cup in the cafe. Great space, chill vibes, good people.

Rachel M.

Yelp

Middle State truly holds their own as one of the best coffee shops in Denver. Their selection of drinks is thoughtfully curated, and the hospitable staff preps them with care, professionalism, and love. The interior includes a beautiful plant backdrop amidst an industrial ambiance! Trendy, eccentric music played in the background and this place was a great venue for people watching. I'll definitely return!

Tyler D.

Yelp

Sweet spot for a quick cup. Chill chairs for study or just to chill. Brew guys hooked me up with a couple stickers and good conversation.

Trip L.

Yelp

Fine coffee and fine prices. Service has been consistently a little rude or on edge against the customers.

Craig Z.

Yelp

I'm a big fan of middle state coffee...served at other cafes...I have never been to their roastery store. I loved the layout of this coffeeshop, including the water top I have added a picture of (not only is it a cool set up, but having water available at coffeeshops is essential in my opinion.) Tough to rate a place after just one visit, but here's the breakdown of my rating: -staff was great -again, loved the store itself -masks enforced -cold brew was great...nice and strong! -my cortado just left a little something to be desired: I got a single origin, and it seemed unextracted. It was fine, just didn't get much sweetness, any of the flavors in the description, or much nuance at all. I have pretty good confidence that everything is outstanding there, and there is enough "extra credit" in the cold brew to make up for the cortado coming in at a B-. Worth noting that SOME of the drinks are very expensive, including drip coffee.

Lindsay A.

Yelp

Great service and delicious latte! The staff was very friendly, and the rosemary vanilla latte was delicious!!

Andrea S.

Yelp

Middle State Coffee was the perfect mid day pick me up! I had just finished lunch with a friend nearby and decided why not try Middle State. I got my usual, iced chai latte and it was perfection. Sweet, spicy, and smooth. Great hip interior and super friendly staff. If I happen to be in that part of town again I'd definitely go back and try one of their coffee shakes I've seen others raving about!

Carlos I.

Yelp

Heavenly even on a rainy day. The espresso is extraordinary and the people are kind. Take a peak at the coffee roaster in the back through the glass-it has its own laptop which it uses to search for cat photos online and chat with other roasters around the world.

Shin M.

Yelp

This place has a very industrial interior with pipes hanging out everywhere- very unfinished look. It's a small place with lots of nooks with a small variety of bar tops and tables. There's parking on the side streets. I got the snickerdoodle coffee ($5). It was very tasty - I would go back to try more of their flavored coffees!

Kacee F.

Yelp

Middle state just has great coffee. Their bagged coffee is absolutely worth it. So are all of their handcrafted drinks, I personally love their house made rosemary vanilla syrup in a latte. The shop is beautiful although during prime time it can be tough to find a table to hang out.

susie s.

Yelp

I love the friendly staff, the tasty chai, and the general atmosphere. Great light and fun art, all within walking distance.

Michael N.

Yelp

Middle State Coffee is a charming coffee shop that definitely deserves a visit. The cappuccino and shot of espresso that I ordered were simply amazing - the coffee had a smooth and rich flavor that left me wanting more. The aroma of the coffee was delightful and it was served at the perfect temperature. The atmosphere of the coffee shop was really great. The decor was trendy and modern, which made for a great ambience. The music was also perfect, they had Eminem playing and the feel in here had everyone happy. While the coffee and atmosphere were excellent, the customer service could have been better. I didn't receive a very warm welcome and had to wait a bit longer than I would have liked to be served. However, once my order was taken, the staff were friendly and helpful. Overall, I highly recommend Middle State Coffee for their delicious coffee and great atmosphere. While their customer service could be improved, it's a small price to pay for the fantastic coffee and overall experience

Steve M.

Yelp

excellent coffee shop with in-house roasting. they supply beans for quite a few shops around denver. their location is a little of an industrial neighborhood, but it's close and convenient to get off and on I-25 when traveling. great place to sit and visit, or work. my favorite drink is the rosemary vanilla latte with oat milk. they always have an interesting seasonal offering like lavender or maple. their matcha lattes are yummy. the interior's modern and creative. the baristas are very nice and good at what they do.

Michaela T.

Yelp

I stumbled into this coffee shop to warm up on a cold walk and I loved it. It was tiny and cozy with a simple, modern feel. I ordered a latte and got some stickers while chatting with the cashier who was super welcoming and informative on the business. They also had a great wine selection. I'm excited to go back there!

Luayy A.

Yelp

love the coffee, i love barista and how are great to serve everyone, please come to denver try this place seriously are amazing. i think service was wonderful. i enjoy the place and the ambience was excellent.

Patrick B.

Yelp

// Summary Excellent quality coffee and a great shop overall to get a small bite or extra beans for the house - probably one of the better coffee joints in Denver. // Experience I ordered a pourover and wanted to order a waffle, but I had just eaten lunch. When I went, they had several single origins available, along with some blends. The coffee was delicious, well roasted and expertly brewed. It was thoroughly enjoyable. // Service The baristas were super helpful and answered my questions with kindness and patience. // Ambiance They have a great vibe to them that I don't know if I can do justice in describing. There's plenty of indoor seating for the small kind of shop it is, both table and bar seating. It may feel a bit cramped, but hey, at least there's options. // Convenience It is kind of in a weird/non-ideal location, and there seems to be limited street parking, but it's worth it. They do have wifi and clean bathrooms, so if you find parking, it's definitely a place you can probably work at.

Therese S.

Yelp

Yum tried the rosemary vanilla oatmilk latte so good- they have pastries too and breakfast items

Karsten B.

Yelp

Super cool atmosphere. Super sweet espresso; tastes like fruity pebbles. Friendly service!

Nhan T.

Yelp

This place is definitely a hidden Gem! I absolutely have loved coming to Middle State Coffee! All Espresso based drinks I've had from here have been perfectly Dialed in to perfection! The Matcha is also super yummy and the Strawberry croissants are magnificent! Everyone that works here is super lovely! There's plenty of seating! Cool aesthetics, PLANTS! And they Roast! Super duper cool! Definitely check them out ASAP!

Danielle M.

Yelp

I love coffee but truly was dissatisfied with my iced coffee here. It was so bitter that I could not drink it. I also found grounds in my coffee and the vanilla syrup didn't seem to have much flavor here.

Seth M.

Yelp

Had such a great experience at Middle State! I think I would put their beans in the top three roasters in Denver proper! Highly recommended. Great spot to stop and study too.

Emily C.

Yelp

One of my favorite coffee shops in Denver! Middle State really knows what they are doing and brews some insanely tasty coffee. I don't know a lot about coffee, but I could tell after one sip that Middle State's coffee beans were top quality. The interior has an impressively aesthetically pleasing industrial-meets-greenhouse-chic vibe, packed with moss, plants, and trendy art. I stopped in during COVID while there were restrictions on dine-in, but I could otherwise easily see spending a whole day here getting some work done and people watching!

Cherie C.

Yelp

They've outdone themselves. Middle State already makes the coffee I enjoy at some of Denver's best coffee shops. With the cafe at their roasting facility, they've hit a hipster coffee home run. The stark decor features some cool green walls of moss, a turntable with records, lots of green plants, and some funky old industrial furniture pieces mixed in with the plywood-looking benches. The coffee counter serves great pastries as well as made-to-order waffles. And delicious coffee of course. The baristas know what they're doing. Our espresso drinks were excellent. I expect things to evolve at this new joint, but for now they'll bring you your drink. So grab a seat and get comfy. Parking out front was easy on a weekday morning. Staff was welcoming and eager to chat about their craft. This will surely make it onto my coffee shop rotation.

Amanda L.

Yelp

Really enjoyed this space. The coffee, drinks and decor are thoughtfully made, and the roaster is behind a floor to ceiling glass enclosure so you can watch the magic being made. It's an oasis in the middle of one of the most industrial areas of Denver. I felt only mildly uncomfortable as one of the employees, when I stood to walk to the bathroom, before I had even spoken or made eye contact to her, barked loudly at me: "WIFI! On the wall! By the ladder!" It made me feel as if I had somehow done something wrong. I turned on my heel and sat back down. Everyone has a bad day tho, and I will be back to enjoy the coffee.

Audrey M.

Yelp

So my boyfriend roasts coffee and once roasted a batch of Ethiopian natural process beans. It was AMAZING and literally tasted like chocolate covered strawberries. I've been on the hunt for that impressive fruit-forward taste for months. Why am I telling you this? I found it at Middle State!! I was visiting Colorado to do some camping and we stopped by for cappuccinos. The space inside was clean and well decorated. Their merch was super cute (I definitely regret not buying one of their cute fanny packs). I picked up a bag of their Columbia Medina Espejo beans and was totally blown away when I tried it. It legit tastes like a chocolate covered cherry! Although I'm located in California, I will definitely be placing orders online :) P.S. Come to the Bay, please!

Balou F.

Yelp

I'm visiting from California and this is hands down, the best coffee I've had in Denver so far. The shop itself is so cute and the service was fast/friendly. Usually vanilla lates are too sweet and this one was just right

Gabriela L.

Yelp

So glad i finally had the chance to try out middle state coffee. Absolutely love the location! I asked the barista to surprise me with a latte. When she told me it was a Rosemary latte, i was hesitant to try it. I'm not a Rosemary fan, i am so glad i did because it was absolutely delicious! Def would order it again. The shop inside it's super cute with plants little plants everywhere. I cant wait to come back.

Teresa L.

Yelp

This coffee shop is so aesthetically pleasing Not to mention the coffee is delicious. I appreciate their strawless caps. Great find in Denver and highly recommended.

M. J.

Yelp

Spendy but one of the few places in Denver worth the price! Best coffee and breakfast burrito I've found in Denver so far!!

Dina B.

Yelp

A must in Denver! It has everything you'd ever want; incredible coffee (their rosemary latte was exceptional), gorgeous atmosphere (bright & green) and really nice baristas.

Jeff H.

Yelp

If a "large" (meaning 12 oz) $4 cup of joe strikes your fancy, this is the place for you.

Jason S.

Yelp

I was impressed from the moment I walked in the door. Really cool industrial vibes. The coffee was exceptionally brewed and the waffles were top notch. Will be coming back tomorrow!

Andrew W.

Yelp

Very cool environment! I cannot believe I didn't know about this place sooner. Tucked aside on Sante Fe, MiddleState is an artsy coffee shop harboring not only great coffee, but a really cool ambience and a host of beautiful plants(!). Happy that this little cafe is mask enforcing. They also put in their due effort to make sure guests are distancing and not rummaging through merchandise unnecessarily. Something off the menu that I rather enjoyed was the Espresso Tonic! Already a fan of coffee soda's but the tonic felt like an interesting summer touch. And it's served with a candied orange. Overall, the drink is a bit sweet but I can say it was worth the try. As for parking, all I saw was street parking but there was plenty of it east of Santa Fe. Stop by and give them a try!

Kassie H.

Yelp

I have been a big fan of Middle State coffee sold at various spots around Denver, so I was stoked to find out that they had opened a cafe. The cafe is at their roasting facility, giving it a unique industrial vibe. Upon entering, you're greeted with lots of plants and the friendliest staff. The baristas make an effort to know you which is important to me. My go-to is a batch brew coffee which is always great, but I also can attest that the almond croissants are some of the best I have ever had. I haven't had anything that I haven't loved; from drip coffee to cortados. I would recommend this shop to anyone who cares about coffee and aesthetic.

Melody T.

Yelp

I need to start by saying that Im totally a coffee nerd. I can never drink Starbucks coffee, always just locally and freshly roasted beans.Middle state is hands down the best coffee in colorado. They know exactly what they are doing and they roast the beans with love, care and Passion . Middle state is just heavenly and it always makes me smile. They are truly artists and they deserve an Award for sure( I will look in to that for sure) Thank you, you guys rock.

Kelsey P.

Yelp

Middle State is very high quality! I came here on the recommendation of a friend for the best coffee in Denver, and truly, this is the best. I got an oat milk latte, and I was in heaven. It wasn't convenient to come back during our trip, otherwise I would have been back every day. Next time I am in Denver, I will be back. I want to try other drinks, but man I am still dreaming of that latte. I've contemplated buying their coffee online but I know I don't have high enough quality of a brewing setup to give this coffee the justice it deserves. Also, this place is super modern and cute. You must check this out! You will be hooked.

10 Best Coffee Shops in Denver | Condé Nast Traveler

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16 New Coffee Shops to Seek Out in Denver - Eater Denver