The Smiley Cafe

Coffee shop · Durango

The Smiley Cafe

Coffee shop · Durango

2

1309 E 3rd Ave, Durango, CO 81301

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The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null
The Smiley Cafe by null

Highlights

Nestled in a reimagined junior high, this cozy café flaunts an eclectic menu of specialty coffees, delicious bites, and a vibrant art scene—perfect for chill vibes.  

Featured in The Infatuation
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1309 E 3rd Ave, Durango, CO 81301 Get directions

thesmileycafe.com
@thesmileycafe

$1–10 · Menu

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1309 E 3rd Ave, Durango, CO 81301 Get directions

+1 970 844 0771
thesmileycafe.com
@thesmileycafe

$1–10 · Menu

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outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

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@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

The 15 Best Restaurants In Durango, Colorado
View Postcard for The Smiley Cafe
@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

The Smiley Cafe - Review - The Grid - Durango - The Infatuation
View Postcard for The Smiley Cafe

Deirdre Sage

Google
The appropriately named Smiley Cafe will bring a smile to your face. The atmosphere is welcoming and perfect for studying, work, and chats with friends. I had the most delicious Chai Boba! I also had a delightful connection with the cafe staff and the cafe owner, Grant. You can tell the business is run by more than caffeine and profit, there is a kindness and thoughtfulness in every pour and every smile.

Matt Z3

Google
Remarkable cafe with more than fair prices. Good and drinks were great. Located in an incredible reimagined high school. Friendly and helpful staff. Uplifting! Parking on the street

Barbara Grist

Google
The Smiley Café is always a great place to relax and unwind, meet friends, work remotely, or just have a nice cup of ancho chili mocha coffee or homemade chai. I am cozy here this morning, sipping this coffee, enjoying the art, the music, and the peaceful vibe it always emits.

Rachael Nevsimal

Google
If I lived in Durango, way too much of my money would go to this establishment. Tons of options for coffee and food and baked goods, and lots of gluten free options. Cute cafe located inside of a school. Lots of seating options and very welcoming. A must try for coffee in the area!

Claire Lewis

Google
SUPER cool location, best part. great lighting, calm music with comfy furniture and open isolated spaces upstairs. the lady who took our order, was not very friendly.. not welcoming - first impressions matter! the menu was very diverse with drinks and flavors, boba options were super cool but didn’t try. I got a Carmel latte, super good espresso quality but I feel like it’s definitely missing something. my sister got a regular latte and as you can see, our lattes looks VERY different and mine was much more creamy. we would not recommend regular latte, it was made much differently. we got broccoli cheese soup, it was very good the texture was interesting. although didn’t fill the cup :/ then a tomato soup, it was much sweeter than salty or basil tasting. I didn’t like it much personally but filled cup!:) other worker took dishes for us kindly. Overall super a unique place and would return.

Markus Dewire

Google
Went in this morning to get some coffee and I was helped by a nice young man. I think he said his name was Writer?? He was helpful in giving menu recommendations and made me a great coffee drink. With many syrup options, I chose to get an iced lemon latte. Surprisingly good! Apparently they make their own lemon syrup in house!! I would recommend Smiley cafe for those looking to get a quick bite or do some remote work.

Stacey Shaver-Matson

Google
Delicious food (even has vegan offerins), great coffee and a chance to check out the local art for sale.

Carol Bostian

Google
The café is located inside an old junior high school building that has been converted into comfortable relaxing coves, the Cafe, a whole section of local artists' studios/wares to browse, and small business offices. Love it! The Smiley Cafe has a limited, but tasty, menu for breakfast and lunch, specialty coffees, a good tea selection, smoothies, and bottled drinks. Highly recommend a unique place to chill.

Katrina S.

Yelp
Absolutely phenomenal coffee shop! Their coffee menu is what brought us to the stop on our drive to Mesa Verde and I couldn't be happier. The spot was the most unique I've been into all over the US. The address leads you to a middle school building, which left us a bit confused. However, upon entering you walk into the cutest and quietest working spot. Not only that the Art Collective is attached with art featured throughout the coffee shop supporting local artists. Gorgeous! The coffee and food were just as great! We ordered the Ancho Chili Mocha, Oat Milk Latte, Sausage Quesadilla, Plain Bagel, and Tomato Bisque. The food was phenomenal and all locally made. Truthfully, a sign didn't even need to tell us the flavors were clear that it was local, fresh, and delicious! The coffees paired perfectly. My dad loves Mexican Mochas and was excited about the Ancho Chili, which was spiced and well balanced. This a must spot for a quick coffee and food or for a local work spot!

Sherise R.

Yelp
I wanted to give zero stars but couldn't. Awful service. We asked them to not add mango juice to the Durango Smoothie and they refused. They said they pre package their smoothies and can't take out the juice. We asked why the smoothie below allows "milk of choice", and they responded with a sassy attitude, and said they can add milk but won't take out the mango juice. We tried asking more questions to understand how they blend the frozen ingredients, but the girl was really rude. She wouldn't explain why. Will never return.

Corinne M.

Yelp
Stopped here while passing through Durango and found it via Yelp. Cute coffee shop nestled inside what appears to be an old middle school. Staff was kind and made our almond milk lattes and matchas wonderfully. As someone who eats gluten free I really appreciated the variety of gluten free options from the baked goods, wraps, macaroons, and prepackaged sandwiches! I also appreciate how their coffee is Organically sourced which is rare to find nowadays at a lot of coffee shops. If I'm ever in Durango again, I'd come here.

Anna R.

Yelp
A little off the beaten path but if you want a peaceful, creatively inspired and more "local" experience it's worth the two block jaunt off Main. The gluten free baked goods are the best in town, and the owner has a thorough understanding of and respect for avoiding cross contamination. I'm celiac but I trust this place 100%! The coffee, baked goods and vibes are excellent.

Kate B.

Yelp
Such a cute space. Loved the coffee and the ambience. Everyone was super friendly and the breakfast wraps were great.

Pam M.

Yelp
Great allergy-friendly options for both food and drink (I'm both gluten AND dairy intolerant and got to enjoy yummy breakfast and latte.) Adorable location in a restored middle school. Lots of nostalgia. PLUS, the working art coop made for great browsing while waiting for my order. Comfy seating indoors and out.

Jesse L.

Yelp
This place is so cute! The coffee and breakfast items we delicious (we got the sausage quiche and the coffee cake muffin) and they were gluten-free! We loved looking on the boutique area that was attached as well!

Darika S.

Yelp
Great work ing coffeeshop. GF quiches. Sandwiches in frig were not fresh and couldn't eat. Good golden chai was good though. Nice people and a large space.

Lacey R.

Yelp
Great coffee, laid-back vibes, lots of gluten-free options, and the staff is incredibly nice! 10/10 recommend

Christa L.

Yelp
Really loud and not fully gluten free. Offers full wheat sandwiches in plastic boxes every lunch and day. Claims outside food can cross contaminate but it's likely that their own food is the problem. Prices are also high

Mikayla W.

Yelp
I went here recently and the service was very poor. The girls that helped me were not nice and providing inadequate foodservice. They messed up my order and I think overcharged me because of not being a local customer. Cute place but poor service.

Jaidon D.

Yelp
Great, open place to do work and enjoy a really good snack or drink. All of their bakery items are gluten free, which is super nice to see!! This café does have internet, and it suffices for the things I did when there (Conference call, emails, write ups). I ordered a Brown Bear boba drink which had honey popping pearls, which was really nice. Nicely kept, clean bathroom (which had a kiddie toilet and sink which I thought was cute!!) and opened up to an art gallery that local artists had their work showcased and for sale.

Jzika H.

Yelp
Fantastic coffee shop! Solid coffee and good range of eats including gf baked goods, fresh veg & protein options. Comfortable seating and chill music, temperature just right. Very kid friendly, with the perfect amount of ambient noise. Clean restrooms. Art, whimsy and a building full of healing arts and non-profits. What's not to like? I posted the front doors because at first I was confused by a repurposed school. This coffee shop ranks perfection in my book, and I visit buckets of coffee shops. Bravo!

Cee T.

Yelp
I want to love this place but the black boba pearls are so inconsistent. One day they will be perfect and delicious the next day dry and chalky. They told me they don't have a set schedule of making fresh boba (so I could show up then) the latest visit the employee got frozen boba out and microwaved it for my drink. She mixed it with the last half scoop of boba they had. I should have just left when she said that was her plan. Really awful.

Mel M.

Yelp
Eeeek! My expensive tiny curry sandwich is so green! Bit into it and it was sour. Why must you be so tiny, cost $10.50 and be old so now I have to throw you away? Won't be back Smiley cafe, can't afford to support this poor quality.

Sara P.

Yelp
We stop here every time we come into town. Love all the gluten free options. Staff is very friendly and the atmosphere is cozy. An added bonus is that they have a little potty & sink for kids. Every public bathroom needs this to help us mammas out! Love this place.

Jaye W.

Yelp
Allergen friendly, quiche to die for, a whole case of delicious goodies, the best coffee-shop atmosphere, and the nicest girls at the counter. The Smiley Cafe has quickly become my daily breakfast stop with their vegetarian quiche and yummy coffee selection

Gaby R.

Yelp
Best coffee shop in Colorado in my opinion! Really good hang out vibe, super health forward gourmet food, really great decor, the coffee is out of this world. Kid friendly! The bathrooms have an actual children's toilet and there's a room totally painted with fishies and sharks! When in not around this coffee shop for long periods I miss it. Total locals gem

Chan J.

Yelp
My teenage daughter and I have an ongoing Wednesday lunch date and have for 2 years now. Smiley Cafe is always our first choice. We appreciate their GF and vegan options. Their creative soups are our favorite (along with an amazing muffin or cookie for dessert.) Fast, fresh, healthy, and friendly! Plus, my great grandfather built the Smiley building, my dad went to high school there, and my husband went to middle school there...so it holds a special place in my heart.

Harrison K.

Yelp
Best coffee shop in Durango. So many coffee blends to choose from. Plenty of space both downstairs and upstairs. If you're looking for a place to hangout, study, or get some work done, while drinking some great coffee this is the spot. Locals favorite.

William B.

Yelp
Great little spot for breakfast. The breakfast burritos are small but tastey and the mocha scones are delicious!

David R.

Yelp
I really love this place. Excellent coffee the frittata muffins are delicious and a really cool space to relax and enjoy a nice cup of coffee on top of this the staff and the owner are wondering . This is next to a school so be aware that schooldays mornings there can be a few kids running around usually not too annoyingly though (a side from the ones with the hippy my child is special parents). Also ample outlets if you need to plug in.

Yire M.

Yelp
It was amazing but the guy that worked there made mine better then some other girls but it was still really good.

Julie B.

Yelp
This is a great little cafe. Great space and good food! So big inside with lots of comfortable seating and for meeting up with friends. I highly recommend.