Located in an old-timey building off of bustling Lincoln Street, Roostercat Coffee functions as a fantastic space for delicious coffee and treats in the Mile High City.
Roostercat’s main, “OG” shop is located in a perfect spot for Denverites, straddling the Cap Hill, Golden Triangle and Speer neighborhoods. This means it is surrounded by cultural institutions and a myriad of nightlife, dining and shopping on South Broadway, making it the perfect coffee shop to enjoy on a day out in the city. The location can be a little tough to reach for the DU student, however, as its location on Lincoln Street means that it is far from a light rail stop and parking is paid/street only. However, it is well worth a visit even if that means walking a bit from a train stop or taking the bus.
Roostercat occupies the bottom level of a beautiful pre-war building near the Colorado History Center. The space is a mixture of the old and new; exposed brick is garnished with local art and photography and reclaimed wood lines the walls. A light breeze blows in through the front door of the coffeehouse, while its two outdoor patios, one with a fire pit, allow patrons to relax and enjoy occasional live music in the open air. The interior has a slight “Western” feel, matching the aesthetic of the old building’s exterior. This is formed through the previously mentioned exposed brick and reclaimed wood, along with the mixed seating of big, old and comfy leather chairs and couches. The space feels as if it would be the coffeeshop for the weary 19th century cowboy.
On a warm spring Saturday, the inside of Roostercat is full of customers conversing and tapping away on laptops. If it is the perfect day for a delicious iced drink, Roostercat, is there to provide with their small batch, sustainably roasted coffee.
The drinks menu is pretty simple. There are the standard espresso based drinks: Americano ($2.65 for a small), cappuccino ($3.60), mocha ($4.25), and then the more innovative drinks such as the dirty chai ($4.25), lavender latte ($4.25), Ying Yang (coffee with tea $4.25) and the store’s eponymous “the Roostercat”: a spiced mocha ($4.25). Roostercat also serves up delicious food offerings such as chorizo or veggie breakfast burritos ($4.50), waffles ($6) and paninis ($6-6.50). This reviewer had an iced dirty chai as suggested by the friendly barista. The dirty chai was a delicious,highly caffeinated refreshment. Roostercat’s small batch roasted coffee to this reviewer tasted similar to other Denver options such as Corvus coffee, as it was slightly nuttier tasting than an average roast, and paired very well with the chai. Along with in-house food and drinks, Roostercat sells their roasted coffee both in shop and online.
Bluntly, Roostercat is pretty similar to many other Denver spaces, but that shouldn’t mean it is not worth a visit. It’s an inviting location and space with great coffee, and its outdoor patio and late hours offer a great place to spend some time in the upcoming warmer months.
3/5 Stars
Cost: $$
Suggestions: Dirty Chai, Ying Yang, Caprese Panini
Location: 1045 Lincoln St.
Hours:
Sat-Sun 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.
