Poor excuse for a coffee shop right in downtown Golden. They don't offer pour over coffee, all they have is drip coffee that was brewed way too hot. Ordered a breakfast burrito and the gentleman pulled a frozen burrito out of the fridge and microwaved it. Customer service was good and it's a cool shop but the coffee and food suck. read more

We came to this cafe for the first time. The small words on the menu made me a little nervous. I ordered too many for my breakfast, and the medium cappuccino was too big for me. I should just order a small one. My husband's order was totally successful. The ice tea was so good. And I miss the burrito a lot. read more

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After years of going to the Windy Saddle (I still do), decided to try Higher Grounds Café as it was right next to my hotel (literally). Service and fare was very good for me and my family - highly recommend the Apricot and Almond Scone and, if weather permits and seats are available, sitting outside. A new haunt when I'm in town! read more

Love. This. Place!!! The owner, Jeff, is the definition of "cool, calm, and collected" and such a pleasure to just talk to. Nathan, the head barista is nothing short of a great human and makes the BEST coffee read more

Each morning for the time I've been in Golden, I have gotten my morning hot chocolate from his cafe. I can sincerely state that it was the best hot chocolate I've ever had the pleasure of tasting. The barista remembered my order and was conversational! The whole experience was simply phenomenal! read more

Higher Grounds Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Golden, Colorado

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Stopped for a coffee when passing through. Got a mocha and my wife got a vanilla latte. Both the guys behind the counter were fairly rude, and the people after us got their drinks before we did. The mocha was thin and seemed like there was no milk at all, and the latte had no foam. Neither were up to even the low Starbucks bar. Don't recommend. read more

I have been a grad student at Mines for several years now and High grounds has always been my go to coffee shop. The staff is so friendly and fun! It's a great place for your morning coffee or an afternoon pick me up. I am not much of a coffee drinker and so one of the reasons I love coming here is because I can get a super tasty Yerba matte or green tea latte. I personal like the Yerba matte latte the best. I usually ask for a pump or two of the vanilla syrup. That makes it just the right amount of sweet for me. There are a good amount of seats inside and a few outside on the patio which is super nice on a warm day. I will definitely miss this place when I graduate! read more

I love this little coffee shop! It has a great vibe. Every time I have been here, my order was perfect and the customer service was beyond wonderful. I love good coffee and therefore I love this place! read more

Not very kind. My boyfriend walked in and recently found out he has a gluten allergy. He mustered up the courage to ask if they had gluten free options, only to be mocked by the staff behind the counter. Allergies happen. Making fun of others doesn't have to. Especially if you're running a business. read more

Barista was so rude, insulting our choices of drink as she made them. Totally ruined what could have been a good experience for us.

After 2 AMs at Starbucks, decided to try a local place. Very friendly staff. Scrambled eggs made from real eggs and made to order for my breakfast bagel. Latte was good too. Everything served on real tableware. Nice! read more

Friendly atmosphere conducive to quiet chats with friends and studying! Prices are reasonable and they offer basic pastries by local bakeries and non-coffee items such as Italian sodas, nom! There is free wifi and the mountain-vibe music is soft enough to tune out but not so soft it's awkwardly quiet. I love that they showcase local artists works: you can tell Higher Grounds cares about the local community and want to be a part of it! They have a mix of small tables of regular and bar height, and a small sofa for those just wanting to chat, but I love their patio the most! It's north facing but gets plenty of sunshine! All around solid coffee spot! :) read more

Super friendly staff, they just seem to be under staffed, 2 people isn't enough on a Sunday morning. They also use a microwave to cook the eggs and heat up certain items like the burritos, it might just be me but I prefer a pan and stove top over a microwave, I can heat a store bought burrito in the microwave at my home for way less. read more

Cute little spot, great Americano (2 shots) and perfect breakfast bagel sandwich for quick grab n go!!

Went in with my brother this morning as he was visiting Mines. The staff was extremely kind, funny and personable. Plus, they had great coffee to boot! read more

Fantastic coffee in a great little shop near downtown Golden. Nathan (barista) was exceedingly friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. If my daughter goes to Mines, this place will be a regular spot for me. read more

Stopped in finally after driving by numerous times. Could this place be any cuter? Great coffee and awesome vibe. Free WIFI. Excellent customer service too.. the gentleman servinf me was super sweet helping me clean up when I spilled my coffee everywhere! Whoops. I am also celiac, and they have gluten free burritos! I can't wait to come back and try them out. Thanks for the great coffee and for being so patient with me! read more

Great coffee. Amazing cookies. Love the outdoor patio. Would highly suggest when stopping in Golden.

Neat little coffee shop, by far preferable to SixBucks. A little quirky, good coffee and nice proprietor -- very helpful and welcoming. We sat outside on a beautiful day and sipped our mocha and frappuccino and it was delightful. My husband thought his frap was a little tasteless, but my mocha was great. I'd definitely go back, and probably will, soon. read more

We're visiting Golden Colorado and we need to try out all the local favorites. A quick search in town made this an easy choice for a place to try. We scored parking and had a nice short walk to the storefront. Fast and friendly. Good price for strong bean! read more

Higher Grounds Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Golden, Colorado

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This place has been one of my favorite places to study in Golden. I work up the street as a graduate student at Mines. We have used Higher Grounds as our meeting place for studying to playing cards many a time. The staff here are always friendly and have gotten to know us well as frequent visitors. I have regularly gotten their chorizo breakfast burritos and bagel sandwiches. It's an awesome place to study- lots of tables and plugs. We love coming here for the natural light because our grad student offices don't have windows! Their flavored lattes aren't overly sweet and their iced toddy is one of my favorite things in town for an afternoon caffeine boost. I would definitely recommend! read more

This is my go to coffee shop in Golden. Everyone is really nice and the coffee is quite good! Nothing to write home about on the pastries/burritos but it is adequate sustenance if you're feeling hungry. Come in on an afternoon before tests and you'll find hordes of Colorado School of Mines students (myself included) hanging around and studying over a cuppa joe (or two!). That being said, Higher Grounds has a great atmosphere due to its proximity to CSM. It's my favorite place to study because I feel like I can still be a part of society even though my head is buried in book. While the cafe itself is small, it is laid out with students and other workaholics in mind. There is one outlet about every six feet on the far wall--plenty of space to plug in that laptop or tablet. It's local business like these that make Golden the gem that it is. PRO TIP: As of the Spring 2014 semester, Mines graduate students can get a medium coffee or tea or small hot chocolate for $1 on Tuesdays! read more

Cozy spot to work or catch up with a friend. The only thing better than the coffee here is the owners. These two gentleman really make sure that you're comfortable and happy, without being too overbearing. I frequented this coffee shop as my go to place to get work done (while enjoying a chai latte in a cute mug). If you're feeling cheeky try one of the monster cookies with your drink, they're to die for! read more

We went here New Year's Day and we were greeted by the most friendly Barista ever. He was seriously the nicest guy and seemed genuinely happy to be working there, even on a holiday. Our coffee was great, as was the freshly made cinnamon roll. The barista even helped us out without being asked when my two year old spilled his hot cocoa on himself. We will be back. Gladly. read more

Higher Grounds was the high point of my trip to Golden. The guy working the counter was friendly and helpful. Poor guy thought I was a lost student or something. He helped me with directions to campus and worried about my walking there in below zero weather. Somehow, I survived. Anyway, I had a breakfast burrito both days I was in Golden. Very inexpensive and quite good. Nothing fancy, not spicy, even, but just some good eggs, ham and cheese. Sometimes, that's all you need. As for drinks, I got an Italian soda one day and a steamed milk the next, so I can't comment on the coffee. But what I had was good. read more

Such a cute coffee house! The Barista is fun and charming - I appreciate anyone who makes me laugh first thing in the morning :) and it was quiet enough for us to work, we will definitely be back! read more

Inside was way too crowded, the baristas were a bit snobbish about their pastries, other patrons seemed to think that it was their private living room and their children could push and shove anyone to get what they wanted. I think next time I am in Golden I will by pass this place and settle on Starbucks or try to find another local coffee shop. Oh the chocolate chip stone was great, but not worth getting shoved around by a ten year old! read more

As far as coffee shops go,this place is pretty cute. It's got a great atmosphere if you're a mines student looking for something better than the on campus Starbucks. For those of you that like sweeter coffees (aka myself), this might not be the place for you. The place is a quaint little hole in the wall right across from Table Mountain Inn. The seating is cozy and there is even a couch in the corner. A friend of mine frequents the place probably twice a week and the owner and most of the baristas know her name and drink order by heart. I even saw them ask of she was intentionally departing from her usual drink because she looked a little frazzled and they didn't want her to mess it up. Overall, the place has it charm and I see why it's an alumni favorite in the area! read more

I'll start off by mentioning the staff was rather friendly and kind. With that said, I have no idea how this place is in business. I've worked in coffee extensively over my life. The latte was the worst I have ever had in my life. The worker "tamped" the espresso in mid air which is a huge no. The latte literally tasted like dirty water. We also got a drip coffee, which was incredibly watery. I've had better coffee from a gas station. Hopefully this place brings in a training crew for how to make coffee. Unfortunately, I won't ever go back to find out. read more

I love the atmosphere here - and the owner is a wonderful man who loves to crack jokes! My favourite place to hang out in golden.

Very good coffee and friendly workers!!! Lots of drinks and pastries to chose from. There is something for everyone here!

I love Higher Grounds. The baristas and owners are always friendly and helpful and my peppermint and vanilla lattés are delicious. I get so much work done when I visit Higher Grounds. Wifi is great and the vibe is conducive to my writing. Nothing fancy. Cozy, warm, and welcoming. There's a nice deck for summer sipping. read more

The "gentleman" behind the counter was fun and engaging, coffe packed a punch (I asked for it strong) Patrons seemed comfortable and happy! read more

This is one of my favorite places. The staff are wonderful, the coffee is great. Higher Grounds has lovely outdoor seating. I no longer live in golden and I still come get coffee here at least once a week. This place has always felt complete. i'm grateful i get to enjoy it. read more

The single star review from Jordan in 2008 is way off. Or they were talking about a different place and we're mistaken. The owner is American as far as I can tell and I have never been mistreated here. The comment about the owner and staff (?) "Wanting to eat their dogs" is way racially stereotyped also. Just saying. Anyways!! The place is always clean if a little cluttered by the many tables that accommodate nearby Mines students at all times the shop is open, and I like the feel of the place. The only place in Golden, also, that I can seem to find a decent espresso that isn't over steeped and bitter. If you were thinking of going to Starbucks across the street, try this nice cozy local place instead. You won't be disappointed. I would recommend just a nice plain latte with whole milk. Good coffee and milk steamed perfectly. Not bitter and lightly sweet from just the milk-- the way espresso in a latte SHOULD be. read more

The best locally owned coffee shop in Golden. I love the fact that they cater to the needs of the whole community with great coffee, pastries and friendship. read more

Super friendly staff. Great atmosphere. Caffe latte was perfect, the chai latte was the best my daughter has had, and the cheese danish was very tasty. read more

A pleasant small coffee shop. They offer an wide selection it all of it has been goo. Some small lunch options if you are short on time an on a budget. Service is attentive, but occassinally distracted. Just stay with them and you will hav what you need. A hangout of students and professors from the Colorado School of Mines, my alma mater. This is one of my go-to places in golden. Better than charbucks by far, not as fussy or contrived as others. Lid-back atmosphere. read more

The coffee is delicious! But the cashier who was a younger looking man, literally mocked me when I was talking with my dad. Terrible, terrible experience. read more

I drove past two Starbucks from the freeway to try this hole in the wall coffee shop and I'm glad I did the coffee was complex and delicious and I had a cinnamon roll that was also better than something you would get at Starbucks. read more