Dusky Grouse Coffee — Restaurant in Colorado

Just popped in. First thing I look for when traveling is a local coffee shop. I always order a half sweet iced mocha for 2 reasons. 1, it's delicious and 2 it lets you know about the coffee shop. Some shops used chocolate milk and just throw in coffee (so 100% not an Iced mocha latte!) other shops use a milk chocolate concentrate with the latte. Usually I know the drink will be poor if I don't see or hear a proper machine. And the half sweet is a way to know if the barista has made enough mocha or tasted enough to know what half sweet means.

I say all this to shout from the nearest hill that this place nailed it.

The half sweet mocha I ordered was excellent. On the lighter side of sweetness which I assume means they aren't using an off the shelf milk chocolate syrup. It's more of a semi sweet dark and I wouldn't be surprised if it must some homemade blend of dark cacoa. A perfect balance of flavor.

I keep a running chart of my favorite coffee spots I've been to and this one has cracked the top 5

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Dusky Grouse is my number one all time favorite coffee shop ever, I’m serious. For one thing- it is so much more than a coffee shop. It has community resources for mental health, living sober, and personal betterment in general readily available and posted to assist anyone who might need it or just be interested. They clearly do so much for the community- probably more than is even public. Besides the cozy environment and nostalgic Seattle radio station, the staff is always kind and they are also beautiful. The coffee is SO GOOD, and they take care with ingredients, going above and beyond to make all their own syrups and creatively special drinks. I truly feel like the owner is doing her part to heal the world at this special little corner in Steamboat. I wish I was in town longer to rent the podcast space. Thank you...

Updated 9/28/25: what was said below still stands. They've opened up the back for relaxing and made the space more welcoming. Still super nice folks with good coffee, a few snacks/food options, and local art/music, etc. There's a recording studio upstairs.

Previous post: Great little spot that's a bit off of the beaten path, but well worth the trip! An excellent place for your caffeine fix and a light snack (including some gluten free options). A few tables and seats outside with a view of the ski hill. Plenty of parking when we were here. Not a lot of kid friendly options. The folks were very kind. They've also got art and local items for sale. Definitely will be back again!

Thanks...