Higher Grounds Coffee — Restaurant in Pagosa Springs

My family and I visit Higher Grounds every year when on our family vacation to Pagosa. I’ve always had a good experience until today. I ordered an oat milk latte with 3 shots of espresso. (My usual drink I get at every coffee shop I go to). And it tasted burnt. I tasted my moms drink (which was the EXACT same drink as mine - a 12 oz oat milk latte with 3 shots) and it tasted creamy and delicious. By looking at the two drinks you can see that my oat milk was burnt.

I kindly went & asked the barista behind the counter if I could get this drink re-made because it tasted bitter and burnt. She tried to explain to me that it’s because I got 3 shots of espresso so it’s going to taste stronger. I tried explaining to her that my mom got the exact same drink as me and hers tastes creamy but she didn’t listen. She offered to pour more oat milk in but that wouldn’t take care of the burnt taste of the oat milk so I declined. I never ask for drinks to be remade, so it was frustrating to be talked down to by an employee when I know exactly what burnt oat milk looks and taste like.

I have an immense amount of respect for people in the service industry, so it was very disappointing to be spoken down to in that way. I understand mistakes happen in drinks, but I don’t understand why this drink couldn’t be re-made and why she was so rude. Especially when I spent so much on a coffee, pastry, & a mug. This experience makes me hesitant to want to return to this establishment, which was previously a...

Let me start by saying, I honestly love the quality products that come out of this local coffee shop! the breakfast sandwiches are good and so is the coffee. Pastries are also very yummy.

Service used to be always good, done with a smile, but I can’t help but notice they don’t seem to retain workers which means they may not have the best work environment or pay, maybe I’m wrong.. but also the new people usually aren’t very friendly when talking your order..

Only TRUE complaint is the price of everything. It costs $17.50 for a simple bagel breakfast sandwich or a croissant & a medium iced coffee which is way too much. Even a veggie bagel w/ a slice of cucumber & tomato (which I don’t eat but was shocked to see) is $12.. This is a small town.. not Denver or LA, so shouldn’t be priced like a large city… and it definitely shouldn’t cost $17.50 before any kind of tip to have a single coffee & breakfast sandwich.

Would love it if they offered a locals’ discount or punchcard.

The owners also own the boutique next door which is cute but so overpriced I don’t see locals shopping there unless they’re the uber rich ones..

I still come here, to support local and again love the quality, but every time I come I shake my head and wish they would do...

I wish we had one of these in Dallas!! It’s such a cute place with a perfect balance of comfy couches & chairs as well as small tables, perfect for studying or work. There’s also a long table, great for collaboration!

I love that they also have a full food menu with many options for breakfast and lunch - even adult beverages.

My mom and I stopped in for breakfast and both had breakfast burritos. One is plenty for most. We had the sausage/egg/cheese. They also include black beans, tomatoes and green chilis so it has just a hint of heat (that might just be me because I’m a weenie)

We both got lattes, mine with lavender syrup (so interesting!). There’s an extensive list of flavors and milk options. I also love that they have regular coffee cups if you plan to hang out and don’t need a to-go cup.

Another perk - they have a fun assortment of retail items! Various reusable to-go cups as well coffee-table type books, decorative plates, planters w/ succulents, and more.

To top it off, the staff is friendly and helpful in making selections, as they also have exclusive recipes that may require...