Windy Saddle Cafe — Restaurant in Golden

*This review is based on two visits over the course of one week. Windy Saddle is a locally owned coffee shop in the heart of Golden, Colorado that is a mix of rustic western and retro chic design. Inside you will find a large, open space with old, exposed brick, dark stained wooden beams, and corrugated metal accents on the front of the bar and counter. The large plate glass windows let in lots of morning sunlight, which made the space feel even more warm and inviting. There was a good variety of music playing over the sound system with the buzz of coffee beans being ground, espressos steaming and the occasional name being called out amidst the clinking and tinkling of dishes and utensils, and the low murmur of patrons chatting. A great spot to breakfast, lunch, read, write, draw or whatever. On one wall there is a shelf of books, which patrons are free to read. Next to that is a shelf of Windy Saddle branded merchandise, which you are welcome to purchase. There is plenty of indoor seating with two-top and four-top tables, as well as bar seating toward the back of the coffee shop. Outside there is even more seating on the sidewalk and in the former parking spaces out front. Food: Their coffee is roasted by OZO Coffee Roasters in Boulder, Colorado. I ordered a dark roast drip coffee and it was excellent. Very good with or without cream. They have a small menu of hot food items as well as a good selection of pastries. I ordered a croissant. Not bad, but I have had better. It’s hard for me not to compare. I asked for it to be warmed up, and it arrived slightly over toasted. And they sliced it in half before they toasted it, so it was very dry and crispy all the way thru. A croissant should be slightly crusty and flaky on the outside and a little soft on the inside. Additionally, my croissant was served with a fork, which I found amusing. I did not eat my croissant with the fork; however, maybe next time I’ll give it a try. On my second visit to Windy Saddle, I ordered the Meat Burrito. It was huge and delicious and was served with a green chile sauce. Highly recommend. If you’re not a big eater, this one could be shared with one other person. Service: I was initially greeted with a non-friendly, but not unfriendly attitude. Not mean or unkind, just indifferent and detached. That being said, I did witness the staff being very friendly and warm with regulars. And as I was in there for quite some time, I did have more warm and friendly interactions with the staff before I left. So I’ll chalk that up to it being a busy morning and not everyone was adequately caffeinated when I arrived. The kitchen staff and baristas were as busy as bees behind the counter. It took about ten minutes before my drip coffee was ready. There were several folks who ordered coffee after I did whose orders came out long before mine did. And my croissant came out well before my coffee. Maybe they had to brew a pot of coffee? Maybe they forgot my drink order? I don’t know. But after ten minutes I did ask someone about my coffee. It was brought out immediately after that.

If you’re wondering if your Littles are welcome here, Windy Saddle is very family friendly. There were folks with little ones here during my visit. There was one in particular who was busy pushing a tiny shopping cart around the coffee shop. They also have a small area at the back of the cafe that is just for kids. It’s colorful and bright and would be a fun spot for the toddler set to hang out and channel their inner cowboy or cowgirl. Overall, Windy Saddle Cafe is a great place to grab a cup of coffee and relax. I would definitely recommend a visit here when you are in...

I went here with my mom for lunch, it was great. We walked all around Golden, and after seeing all the menus we ended here.

She first found this place because of their delicious coffee. I got their brie, pear, chicken, and arugula sandwich - my mom got the quinoa bowl of the day. Heads up, it’s not the bowl of the day - they have that bowl every day, it’s pretty much on their menu. I don’t know what they call it that.

I docked a star because despite enjoying the location very much, that quinoa bowl is a loser. The egg is supposed to be medium boiled - it was past hard boiled. There was supposed to be pesto throughout the bowl, it was clumped into a little corner of the quinoa and my mom had to mix it all herself. The actual bowl they put the food in is too small so you couldn’t really mix it, and even when you do mix it..not so much flavor. So I took a star away. However, that sandwich is delicious!

Funny side note though, they say on the menu that the sandwich I had is served on ciabatta - but, it’s focaccia. I didn’t mind, just thought it was funny. Either they ran out, changed the menu and didn’t update, or don’t know what ciabatta is. Oh well! Still a lovely restaurant in Golden - recommend the sandwiches...

Food and drinks are great! We've gotten a number of things here and they're always good. The environment is also great with relaxed music playing regularly, and great spots to sit and do work.

The one thing that really sticks out like a sore thumb, though, is that, in the number of times I've visited, not one employee seems to be happy to be there. I've received lots of blank stares and short questions while I'm ordering, with little explanation for how/where I get my drink when it's done, and no "thank you," smiles, or really anything. I mean they're usually busy, especially on the weekends, so I get the stress, but just a smile here and there isn't going to kill anyone. There was a specific time that I ordered a drip coffee, I waited 15 minutes and nicely asked where it was, only to receive a stern "we still are making the coffee." 5 minutes later my coffee was done, with no apology or recognition of its delay.

I'm not normally bothered by poor service, but the people working consistently seem like they don't want me to be there. This is unfortunate, because this place is otherwise cute and a nice place to...