Durango Baristas

Marley Roberts, Barista at Coffee Bear

Michael Clarke, Barista at Taste Cafe

THE COFFEE SHOPS OF DURANGO ARE IN ABUNDANCE, AND THANKFULLY SO.

The town is home to a vast array of unique coffee shops, each bringing something different to the Durango community. The common theme is the beautiful “Wild West” setting that is historic downtown Durango. This ideal location could not be a better spot to cozy up to a cup of the highest-quality specialty coffee as you work to meet that deadline or simply sip on as you meander through downtown and the variety of charming shops. Each coffee shop takes what is beloved by so many (good coffee) and offers its unique twist to the experience. It’s impossible to go wrong when choosing between the different Durango shops. However, each one is unique and special, making the decision undoubtedly difficult. Why not try them all? Remember, there is no rule limiting anyone to just one favorite coffee spot.

TASTE COFFEE MICHAEL CLARKE

1101 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301 970-234-3841 • tastecoffeedurango.com

What is your favorite coffee drink? My go-to is a short drink called a long black. It is two ounces of our single-origin organic espresso and two ounces of hot water. What is your favorite snack to eat with your coffee? My favorite snack with coffee is one of our delicious, ooey-gooey house-made Belgian milk and dark chocolate-chip cookies. It is everything you want in a cookie. Do you like tea? Why or why not? I am British, born and raised, so my first love is a good strong cup of English breakfast tea. What is your favorite winter activity in Durango? My favorite activity is snowshoeing the mini trails near our house at Lemon Reservoir and cozying up with a dirty chocolate chai.

81301 BRICE, JULIA & MATT

3101 Main Ave #1, Durango, CO 81301 970-385-1941 • durangoartisanfoods.com

What is your favorite coffee drink? Brice Ward: A proper cappuccino. What is your favorite snack to eat with your coffee? Julia Ion: A warm pumpkin muffin made by our very own baker Joie Gates. How many cups of coffee do you consume a day? Matt Steffens: Anywhere from zero to 10. What is your favorite season in Durango? 81301 staff: River season… obviously.

920 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301 970-317-5761 • animaschocolatecompany.com

What is your favorite coffee drink? I love single-origin coffees, especially from Africa. I prefer to make them as a pour over or AeroPress so that the bright, fruity flavors come through. Do you like tea? Why or why not? Truman Capote said, “Coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon,” and I agree. Especially as we transition into fall and winter, tea in the afternoon becomes all the more crucial. What is your favorite season in Durango? What’s not to love about fall? The air is getting cooler, the afternoons are still sunny and gorgeous, the trees are exploding with color… and it’s time for sweaters! Black coffee? Or what do you put in your coffee? Black. Without reservation, hesitation, or compunction.

COFFEE BEAR MARLEY ROBERTS

1309 Greene St, Silverton, CO 81433 970-710-8182 • coffeebearsilverton.com

What is your favorite coffee drink? Dirty Chai What is your favorite snack to eat with your coffee? Peanut Butter Bar How many cups of coffee do you consume a day? Hopefully only 1, sometimes more. Black coffee? Or what do you put in your coffee? No way, I don't drink any regular coffee. Dirty Chai for life!

Cyle Talley, Barista at Animas Chocolate & Coffee Katherine Walker, Barista at Durango Coffee Co.

DURANGO COFFEE COMPANY

KATHERINE WALKER

730 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301 970-259-1011 • durangocoffee.com

What is your favorite coffee drink? I love a black cup of light roast every morning. My favorite is a natural process; I love tasting the fruitiness of the coffee cherry. If I’m in the mood for something with milk, my go-to is a cortado. What is your favorite snack to eat with your coffee? I love having a gluten-free pumpkin muffin from Serious Delights Bakery. Do you like tea? Why or why not? I only drink tea if I’m sick. Why drink tea when you could drink coffee? Black coffee? Or what do you put in your coffee? Black... “like a doll’s eyes.”

Sophie Snyder, Barista at Hermosa Cafe

HERMOSA CAFE SOPHIE SNYDER

738 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301 970-259-2059 • hermosacafedurango.com

What is your favorite coffee drink? Iced double shot of espresso. Do you like tea? Why or why not? I love tea! I like the darker teas with woody notes, especially in the winter. What is your favorite winter activity in Durango? I love to hang out with family and watch the snow fall. Snowshoeing is on my bucket list. Black coffee? Or what do you put in your coffee? A little cream, honey and cinnamon.

SMILEY CAFE STELLA LAZARE

1309 E 3rd Ave, Durango, CO 81301 970-844-0771 • thesmileycafe.com

What is your favorite coffee drink? My go-to when I’m somewhere new is a lavender oat-milk latte, but when I’m working, I make myself anything with too much cinnamon and vanilla. Do you like tea? Why or why not? I love tea! Peppermint is basically a cure-all for any sickness, so I always have some at home. What is your favorite winter activity in Durango? Sitting somewhere warm and reading a book. I’ve never been one for winter sports, but I can still enjoy the snow from afar. Black coffee? Or what do you put in your coffee? I load my coffee with cinnamon and sugar, topped with a healthy serving of whipped cream. I might as well start the day with something unnecessarily sweet – gotta have something to look forward to!