Mylon P.
Yelp
Order: Ice Ice Berry Latte, Cappuccino
Price: $8
Positives: Several unique drinks, they make their own syrup, the espresso was really good, they have cool seating, and I LOVE that they are working to do good in their community.
Negatives: Not a lot honestly (especially regarding things they can control; thanks COVID -_- )
Summary: Prodigy Coffee is a must try! They have a super nice staff, they make their own syrup, their coffee is on freakin point, and they have a reasonable amount of cool seating!
Thoughts: As always, anytime we are moving through a city we try to find some of the best coffee we can get our hands on. Prodigy was the first stop on the list and honestly we probably could've stopped the list there. The storefront has a very unique design, it almost looks like it's converted from an old drive-through oil change place or something. Two of the sides of the buildings have roll up shutter style doors that allow the building to be opened up and get a cool cross-breeze through it. It's a fantastic way to keep the interior cool and still feel like you're not stuck inside a building.
Unfortunately we didn't have a lot of time to hang out so we talked to the two barista's on staff, they made a few recommendations, and from there we narrowed it down to their current special, the ice ice berry latte, and one of our standard picks, the simple cappuccino. While we waited a few minutes for our drinks we took a look around and read the story of Prodigy Coffeehouse and we were honestly both blown away by its history just as equally as we were the coffee. One of Prodigy's main objectives is to provide another path of young adults that don't connect with the typical school/career paths. Rather than try and explain it I'm going to include their own statements at the bottom of the review. Needless to say though we were beyond impressed.
If all that wasn't enough, the drinks were fantastic. The cappuccino was everything you would want; strong, small, the espresso was pulled expertly, and the foam was done very well. The big surprise was the ice ice berry latte which we got on their recommendation. Normally we are not sweet coffee drinkers, at home we will often only go as sweet as a half vanilla latte from our local coffee shop. Somehow the ice ice berry latte found a perfect balance between sweet berry notes and the strong punch of the espresso. When they serve it they pour the espresso over the top of the milk and flavoring allowing it to trickle down into the drink. It's honestly fantastic. We almost went back a few hours later to get the same drink but decided just to try a new coffee shop.
I will 100% recommend that everybody in the area go try Prodigy Coffeehouse. Not only are you getting amazing coffee you're also supporting an incredible company that is pouring its time, money, and expertise into a new generation of young adults. With that in mind here's a little bit about what prodigy has to say for itself. (All statements below come directly from Prodigy's website)
The Challenge
Our country's education and employment structures are largely outdated, ineffective, and inequitable, especially for youth on the margins. This leaves us vulnerable and inefficient as we train the next generation for the new economy.
The Work. Prodigy Appreticeshipts
Young adults disconnected from school and/or work are invited into a year-long apprenticeship as humble learners of life, self, and craft, within a high standards enterprise.
The Outcome: Personal Growth
Through deep work and deep learning, apprentices build skills, mindsets, networks and economic capital for sustainable careers, and most importantly, discover their own inherent greatness.
The Impact: Personal & Community Transformation
Apprentices have secured meaningful, sustainable employment and are leaders in their community. This, in turn, builds wealth for marginalized Northeast Denver residents.