Pearl Street is one of the most underrated neighborhoods in Denver. Located just blocks from campus, the street is lined with everything from Kaos Pizzeria to small retail stores to a meditation sanctuary, giving you no shortage of activities for all times of the day. One of the newest additions to Pearl Street is Steam, an espresso bar started by a DU alumnus that certainly sets itself apart from many other coffee shops in the area.
The atmosphere of Steam gives off an industrial feel combined with an old farmhouse. Exposed brick on all the walls and classic metal light fixtures above the bar contrast with fresh flowers on the distressed wood tables, the concrete bar and unpainted wood floor only further the aesthetic of the inside. Several old chandeliers lighting up the back seating area complete the decidedly modern look of Steam.
Music like Radiohead and the Pixies play quietly in the background, and you certainly won’t find any radio hits playing over the speakers here.
A quick look at the clientele says something about Steam as well: couples on dates and professionally dressed men and women keying away at their laptops lend to a feeling of it being more of a destination rather than a place to stop for a casual cup of coffee.
The most important part of Steam (the coffee, of course) doesn’t disappoint in the slightest. Using Boxcar beans — a local roastery in Denver — the baristas pride themselves on being extremely knowledgeable and accommodating with their coffee. They’ll make whatever your particular drink of choice is while striking up a casual conversation with you. There are no baristas halfheartedly making a flat latte here. Dressed in button up shirts and vintage-striped aprons that somehow perfectly fit with the interior, every barista in Steam has the same friendly glow about them.
In addition to being able to make (almost) every coffee drink you could want, Steam also has a selection of food. Various pastries and cakes line the glass case set into the counter, while small glass-covered plates of macaroons and cookies sit temptingly next to the register.
However, their drink offerings don’t stop at just coffee. Small jars on the counter contain various blends of tea that are mixed in-house and brewed at the proper times to get the most flavor out of the tea. The resulting cup of tea is sure to please even the most particular of tea drinkers.
Only open until 5 p.m. every day, Steam is much more suited to a professional meeting or a daytime coffee date rather than studying (for a late night study place, try Bardo, a coffee shop on Broadway open until 1 a.m. every day). With a bright, open atmosphere, tasteful interior and, most importantly, great coffee, Steam is sure to please just about anyone who walks in the door.
