Trident Booksellers and Cafe — Restaurant in Boulder

Cozy atmosphere. One of a kind. A must if you were to visit just one café in Boulder. I love the books, the events they hold.

Living in Boulder, I frequent there quite a bit. I enjoy how they have a 2nd bar just for pour overs that most people seem to miss on their way in. Either that or I’m the only one that goes out of my way to grab a pour over.

My only complaint, which I’m hesitant to write because I love this place so much, but appears to be a problem with Boulder in general is the staff I’ve interacted with on bookstore side of the café. I will note the owner and manager are very friendly, well informed, and will geek out on coffee and books. I’ve been coming here for years and there must be a high turnover rate of employees, because every time I go in it’s someone new. Nearly every time I go it takes 8 minutes of me standing at the counter to get their attention that I would like to order coffee or have a question about a book. They’re on their phone or laptop, and always seem to act like I’m bothering them. My wife who usually goes with me, has noticed too, and says I’m not exaggerating. I’m a bit of a coffee nerd, and try to make small talk to brighten their day, but the conversation never pans out. I end up leaving regretting ordering anything or spending money because of the attitude I get there. Not sure if it’s an east coast hipster attitude or what, but just something I’ve noticed about the service industry in general on Pearl Street. Years ago I worked on Pearl Street, I get it, dealing with tourists can be challenging to say the least, but smile, be nice, engage in a conversations - especially related to what you’re selling. I remember one time I had girl who started my pour over, 10 minutes goes by, forgets it because she is chatting with other coworkers. Made a new one once she finally looked over to realize I was still waiting. Maybe the lesson is I should live without my pour over, and start ordering all the sugared-milk drinks on the other side. Note: my experience of the mediocre customer service is just on the bookstore side, I can’t speak to the other side.

I want so bad give this place 5 stars, but had to be honest about my experiences. I’ll still choose to go here over any of other cafés on Pearl...

The event booking Manager Ted has been strangely unprofessional to work with. I've had no problems booking here in the past through Sea and have been offered to come back multiple times based on the successful turnout, bringing in over 100+ customers through my networks across multiple shows. I've attached a screen shot to show the updated terms and conditions for booking or in Ted's words the "recent changes to how we do things." I'm not sure if the owners approved some of this language or are aware of his communication style, but it's noticeably passive aggressive, uninviting, and off brand for Trident.Ted offered me the date I requested, didn't reply for a week, and then booked that date to another band without notice, then repeated this process over a couple weeks with other dates I pitched. Ultimately he said he had no interest in booking my band after I politely asked for swifter notice and more professional interactions because of the ongoing issues. Unfortunately there is no contact information for the Trident's owners on their website, hence my review. In speaking to other local bands who seasonally book here, they've had similar experiences since Ted has been at the helm of booking. I hope Trident finds a replacement for this position, it's unfortunate they are losing out on business because of this individual's ineptness to conduct themselves professionally. I hope Trident returns to form soon, we have a great community of artists and performers that deserve better and Trident has been a special place to work with over the years...

Trident Cafe and Bookstore is a quintessential taste of Boulder, Colorado, blending the charm of a bookshop with the delightful choice of sipping wine or beer in one section or enjoying coffee and pastries in the attached storefront. The fusion of these elements creates a unique and inviting atmosphere.

One of the standout features of Trident is their commitment to art and culture. The local art displays adorning the coffee shop's walls add a touch of creativity and authenticity to the space. It's a place where you can not only read but also appreciate local talent.

The Friday night live music on the back patio adds a fantastic layer of entertainment to the experience. It's the perfect way to unwind after a long week, surrounded by good books, good company, and good tunes.

The staff at Trident is not only friendly but also helpful. They enhance the welcoming ambiance, making you feel right at home. However, it's worth noting that due to its popularity, there may be a short wait at the coffee bar. Fortunately, the wait for a beer or wine on the bookstore side is typically negligible, providing flexibility in your choice of refreshments.

I personally frequent Trident to meet friends and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. It's a place that encapsulates the spirit of Boulder, making it a must-visit spot for locals and visitors alike. If you're looking for a unique and enriching experience, Trident Cafe and Bookstore should be at the top...