Laughing Goat Coffeehouse at Norlin Library — Restaurant in Boulder

The Laughing Goat coffee shop in Norlin is truly dedicated to the students at CU Boulder. They adjust their hours based on student need, like being open much later during finals and adjusting their summer hours for those classes. The espresso drinks and iced coffee are exceptional, but for some reason the regular drip coffee always seems watered down. I would have probably given 3.5 stars but since you can't, and I'm a fan of rounding, they get 4. Being on the CU campus does up the price a bit, but nothing outlandish compared to other coffee shops on campus. The fact that you get even half a smile and good service from the staff is amazing considering the insane amount of traffic (most of it mindless zombies in need of caffeine injection and some of it rude entitled students) is amazing. I've never seen the staff have a melt down and goodness knows I've wanted to have one for them. (Side note: if you've been waiting 10 minutes in line at a coffee shop and still don't know what you want and you see the line growing into a chinese dragon please just do us all a favor, practice at home and be...

Occasionally getting an americano there (it has been $2.70 including tax for a medium with a single double shot of espresso) and it has been tasting good consistently -- coffee blend they use has a creamy taste and just right degree of roasting. Their measurement unit of espresso shots is a double (get ready to get caffeinated!). Shortest or no lines are during class times. In the fall semester of 2015 they had early bird special of $1 medium americano before 8 am. Several tables nearby provide a nice spot for a chat or an informal meeting. Art work on the walls (courtesy of the library?) is often thought provoking. This coffee shop is usually open during a school year but closed during the breaks. UC libraries website has an up to date schedule of the days and hours the coffee...

This used to be my go-to, before I discovered Pekoe in Atlas (sadly closed as of Fall 2024). I've consistently waited over 20 minutes here (lines are even longer than this now that Pekoe's closed) for less friendly service by distracted employees who just want to chat loudly with their friends instead of working, poorly made americanos (but a pretty good cold brew), a higher price, crappy music, and occasionally no lids..?! These guys also contribute to much of Norlin Common's sound pollution; it's also difficult to get in/out of the library at the entrance/exit nearest them because of customers that don't understand what a queue is, and improper stanchion setup that bottlenecks...