Higher Grounds Cafe — Restaurant in Golden

The atmosphere, design and location are absolutely amazing. However, my experience today has me contemplating whether I will be back.

The wait between walking in and ordering was decent, but longer than it really should have been? Both employees walked by my partner and I twice without acknowledgment. A “hi, we will be right with you,” would have been appreciated. But whatever- I’m not complaining too bad.

The older man wearing a headset finally came over and asked “what do you want.” after my almost 10 years of customer service experience leads me to believe that this isn’t how you talk to people?

Based off the vibes of the shop I was under the impression that this was a traditional coffee shop. Yknow, real macchiatos, cappuccinos, etc. not a chain coffee store like Starbucks. I guess not? As when my boyfriend (Barista of 3 years with only traditional coffee experience) asked for a cappuccino, the guy immediately got short with my boyfriend.

“Size? 12 oz 16 oz 20 oz? Flavor? Milk? What do you want” our bad- I guess. He interrupted my boyfriend whenever he tried to speak. My boyfriend is a stronger person than I, and just said “12 oz with whole milk please.”

For reference, my boyfriend anticipated a standard cappuccino. 1/3rd foam, 6-8oz, no flavor, standard 2 shots of espresso. Our bad for not recognizing that this shop is more Starbucks standards than coffee shop standards.

The dude immediately stormed off, before we could pay? Almost as though he was so frustrated with the fact that we came in at all that he couldn’t handle being, not even kind… just. Decent?

The younger guy took my order and made our drinks. He was much, much kinder. Even though our drinks had no foam, substandard espresso flavor, the milk was curdled hot, and my boyfriend cappuccino was simply just a...

Here's a review from a local of 15 years. Higher Grounds has always been my favorite coffee shop in Pagosa. Even now that we have a Starbucks I visit frequently(although I am glad Higher Grounds prices have come down).First, I love the atmosphere. It's homey and everyone knows my name, and on occasion I have taken a nap on their couch while waiting to work. Many of the baristas have been there for several years and the owner is great! Drink quality is better than ever as it appears they recently upgraded their espresso machine. I've been to Boulder Coffee and Riverpointe but they just don't compare in drinks or atmosphere or friendliness. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is the food. A lot of it has remained the same through the years but some of my favorite treats have disappeared(blackberry cream cheese scones?) I can say I've enjoyed the change from Chorizo to sausage in the burritos. But the lunch menu is pretty bland and just too pricey. Change it up a bit, you obviously have someone who is very talented...

I was a student at the School of Mines for over 5 years, and have been coming here almost that entire time. Being a caffeine-fiend engineering student and having grown up in Miami, I'm very very picky when it comes to my coffee. This place was a very short walk from my 2nd apartment in town and it changed EVERYTHING. The all-nighters, near-all-nighters, and rough early mornings of my senior and first grad school years were sustained by this café. You want something simple? Done. You want a crazy latte with all the bells and whistles? Done, they even got an incredible seasonal menu. You want good tea? Done. I haven't been to a chain coffee shop in ages. The quality of coffee and tea selection here is superb, and the pastries are local. The service is excellent as well, with the place being tidy and clean and the baristas courteous. Especially Nate and Jeff, who are here basically every morning as far as I can tell, who know every regular customer who walks through the door. Best café in...