From cortados to kebabs, here are 8 of Colorado tech's favorite coffee shops and lunch spots

by Jess Ryan
December 12, 2016

Though catered lunches and in-office coffee are starting to become common perks at Colorado startups, many of us still head out of the office to grab our fuel. We asked a few members of the tech community to share their favorite coffee shops and lunch spots — along with some inside tips for first-timers.

 

Cara Anderson, director of people and culture

Favorite spot: Amethyst Coffee

Distance from the office: Two blocks

Why Cara loves it: "It's small but not cramped, the coffee is amazing and they make their own cashew milk which is delicious!"

Cara's go-to order: Decaf latte with cashew milk

Tip for first-timers: "Go early, as it tends to get crowded by late morning."

 

Matt Prater, SEM specialist

Favorite spot: Shondiz

Distance from the office: Three blocks

Why Matt loves it: "Great service, and great food. If you go more than three times, he remembers your order!"

Matt's go-to order: Doner kebab plate, extra meat with falafel

Tip for first-timers: "The shawarma is a good intro."

 

Hillary Hendrix, director of QA and adtech

Favorite spot: Protein Bar at Glenarm and 16th

Distance from the office: Just under half a mile

Why Hillary loves it: "It's a delicious, healthy option that allows me to order online for pick up. I can get there and back, lunch in hand in 20 minutes. Perfect for my crazy schedule!"

Hillary's go-to order: Buffalo Bowl

Tip for first-timers: "Try one of their blended drinks; the HI-5 is fantastic!"

 

Lynn Regnier, HR and accounting

Favorite spots: Spruce Confections and Via Perla

Distance from the office: Five minute walk

Why Lynn loves them: "Spruce has delicious pastries and a great selection of coffees and espressos. I like the atmosphere and seeing all of the dogs sitting outside with their owners on nice days. Via Perla has some of the tastiest Italian food I've ever had. Their chef seems to put a lot of thought into using fresh ingredients and creating delicious combinations of flavors in all of their dishes."

Lynn's go-to orders: A latte at Spruce, and any of the lunch specials at Via Perla

Tips for first-timers: "At Via Perla, close your eyes and point to something on the menu, and you will love it!"

 

Jamie Schuster, corporate counsel

Favorite spot: Zoe Ma Ma

Distance from the office: Half a mile

Why Jamie loves it: "Simple food with lots of love."

Jamie's go-to order: Szechuan braised beef soup (Jamie says it's "life changing")

Tip for first-timers: "Order one of everything on the menu."

 

Ben Kamphaus, machine learning engineer

Favorite spot: Ozo

Distance from the office: A block

Why Ben loves it: "Best coffee in Colorado."

Ben's go-to order: House special

Tips for first-timers: "Come to the brewing methods tasting on Fridays."

 

Shauna Stout, operations and event manager

Favorite spot: Wonder Juice Bar

Distance from the office: Three minutes walking

Why Shauna loves it: Instead of coffee, I can grab a fresh pressed juice for a pick-me-up. Although, they also have a full espresso bar.

Shauna's go-to order: "A Brite Juice... If I want a real treat the Smashing Pumpkins."

Tip for first-timers: "Try a juice instead of caffeine!"

 

Morgan O’Malley, co-founder

Favorite spot: Crema

Distance from the office: About a mile

Why Morgan loves it: "It's clearly a homegrown local spot with an incredible 'urban,' artistic vibe. They have, by far, the best espresso I've had anywhere in Denver, and their food is honestly next level."

Morgan's go-to order: Almond milk Cortado with the sweet potato waffle or breakfast burrito

Tip for first-timers: "Stop by Crema when you have the time to sit down and enjoy it; the service is not particularly fast, from my experience."

 

Photos via featured individuals and social media.

What’s your favorite coffee shop or lunch spot? Tweet us or tag us in an Instagram photo and use #BICOfuel.

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