81301 Coffee House and Roasters — Restaurant in Durango

Lemme start off by saying this place has rockin’ good coffee, especially for being a relatively lone wolf in small batchery in the area. Unfortunately, I have been disappointed by the staff the past couple visits. As a fellow pour over enthusiast, I love discovering third wave coffee shops and small batch roasters. 81301 was a surprise find when I first traveled to the area earlier this year where the baristas chatted about our mutual love for coffee and how the art of it was slowly crossing the country. Twice I’ve been in the past couple weeks with the first involving a barista slurring profanity from behind the bar right alongside the V60, and the next trip having one of the girls working refusing to “acknowledge” the comment of a friend I’d brought along who was trying to make polite conversation. I totally get some pretentiousness involved in the coffee shop biz (keeps the standards and flavor palettes on point), but to be borderline rude and slightly obnoxious isn’t really an attractive quality. Again, won’t knock the coffee though. Their housemade syrups (especially lavender lattes) are exquisite and americanos are killer. But if I go again, I just won’t...

Diana, another reviewer is correct, if you want to drink high fructose corn syrup coffee flavored sugar water then go to one of the less refined coffee shops in town. 81301 is the only coffee shop around that gets it. They know you don't offer regular priced small espresso drinks starting at single espresso shots! This is just the beginning though. They roast their coffee in house and sell 16 ounce bags for $12 as opposed to 12 ounce bags at $16. This roasting house is run by a couple of young go getters who don't rely on tourists combing through downtown to make it. The coffee is real, the owners are real the atmosphere.... eh. No one is perfect, there are plenty of plugs for laptops here, and good seating for talking to friends, but the comfort level is low for long binges of schoolwork or otherwise. A fluffy chair or a cozy corner would be awesome. You have to hand it to them for making most of their tables though. Last thing, their cold brew would be better if they just charged more and didn't dilute them as much, at least they make true cold brew though, do I see nitro in the future? My #1...

Welcoming experience and environment. Ryan and Matt provided exceptional service. My husband and I are coffee lovers and enjoy local roasters. It was awesome to talk about coffee. We purchased the Columbia Nariño to have at home. I had a vanilla latte and it was the best latte I’ve had in a while. My husband ordered a pour over (Ethiopia) and it was delicious! Ryan made his pour over and it was done very well. This will definitely be our coffee spot moving forward when we visit Durango. Great conversation, love of coffee, welcoming environment; we know people who value coffee & the coffee experience when we see it! I highly recommend stopping by 81301 Coffee House and Roasters whether passing through, staying for vacation, or if you’re local! Thanks again...