Flying out of Denver International Airport first thing in the morning? Or just need a caffeine boost to get you through the day?
If you’re a savvy flyer, you avoid airplane coffee at all costs. That makes it all the more important to grab a great cup of coffee before you take off. (If you don’t know why you shouldn’t drink hot beverages on an airplane, click here for all the gory details.)
Here are six top places to get your coffee fix at Denver International Airport.
Caribou Coffee
Locations: A, B, and C Gates and Jeppesen Terminal
Yes, it’s a chain, but Caribou Coffee serves up a dependable cup of small-batch roasted, organic fair trade coffee. They also have baked goods and other snacks, yogurts and juices, and everything else you expect from a coffee shop. Best of all, they have four airport locations so you’re never too far from that critical cup of joe.
The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Location: C Gates, near C29
The name says it all — go here for coffee and tea. The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf has been in the biz for over 50 years. As proof of its ongoing success, this is the highest-rated coffee shop in Denver airport across review sites.
Dazbog Coffee
Location: C Gates, near Gate C47
Dazbog is a Russian-themed coffee shop that also serves tea, smoothies, pastries, and other snacks. Whether or not this is your go-to place depends on how dark you like your coffee. Many reviewers think this is the best espresso in the airport (but some think it tastes burned).
Happy Cakes Cafe
Location: C Gates, near Gate C24
Happy Cakes Cafe serves coffee from Allegro Coffee Roasters, a Boulder-grown local favorite that has since found success in competitive coffee markets including Brooklyn, NY, and Berkeley, CA. This is also a great place to find vegan and gluten-free baked goods.
Roasting Plant
Location: Hotel & Transit Center, Train-bus platform level
Coffee snobs, this is the place for you! Opened earlier this year, Roasting Plant is a coffee/tech company that offers a unique experience: the chance to watch coffee beans be roasted right in front of your eyes. You can also completely customize your order, creating your own blend to suit your exact taste. Learn more about it in the Denver Post.
Woody Creek Bakery & Cafe
Location: B Gates, Mezzanine, and C Gates, near Gate C46
For those of you who want something more than a muffin to go with your coffee, Woody Creek offers a full menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This local Colorado shop is well regarded for its baked goods, sandwiches, and salads, but, most of all, for its cookies (hint: every sandwich comes with a free cookie).
Finally…if you really just need a Starbucks, you’ll find two of them at DIA: B Gates, near B83 and B90. Happy sipping!
