Talk of the Town-Denver

The coffee:  Great.  Roasted by Pablo’s off-site.  Couldn’t get info about free trade or organic issues. 
Ownership:  Independent
Friendliness of the baristas:  Excellent
Hipness:  Extremely
Parking:  Ample.  There is a lot on the south side of the shop and street parking
Seating:  Excellent; lots of space with lots of bar tables and chairs next to the all-glass north wall
NO Wi-Fi (you read that correctly.  They do not have internet access.)

I met a good friend here on a Friday morning.  Our appointment was for 9:00 but I arrived early.  It’s a good thing I did because the line was out the door by 9:00 and there were no tables left.  After spending an hour and a half at Pablo’s, I learned why it is so popular.

Pablo’s has the best vibe of any coffee shop I have reviewed so far.  The customers were mostly locals who walked there from their capitol hill homes.  Everyone is very friendly and I had no problem striking up a conversation or two to find out about the clientele.  People were journaling (with actual pens and paper!), reading books, reading the newspaper, and mostly having conversations with each other.  Only one person had a laptop out (besides me with my iPad).  The dearth of laptops was in stark contrast to St. Marks where virtually everyone sat alone hidden behind their laptops.  The reason became clear when I tried to get Internet access—they don’t have Internet!  This is the only coffee shop I’ve reviewed that didn’t provide free wi-fi.  Perhaps that explains the hum of pleasant conversations and contributed to the wonderful vibe.

The décor is, well, unique.  There are five antique-looking crystal chandeliers mixed in with modern pendant lighting.  The red velvet wallpaper on the west wall was an interesting contrast with the modern black and white ceiling tiles.  The fantastic atmosphere stems in large part from the northern wall which is a giant window facing out to 6^th Avenue.  Lots of light comes in, people-watching is superb, and there is something to stare at when your mind is searching for that right word for your journal.  Bar stools and chairs line the window.  There are three sofas, a communal table, and about seven smaller café size tables with an assortment of chairs, some of which could have come from the alley near the dumpster—they were well worn.

All age groups were represented.  However, the majority of the patrons appeared to be in their mid-thirties and a bit younger.  I was told by a regular that artists and writers love to hang out at Pablos.  Tattoos were the norm rather than the exception, especially on the three very caring, well-trained and friendly baristas.  Not a single person donned a suit or even business casual attire.  Yes, it was a Friday, but still!

Along with Kaladi’s, Pablo’s goes on my list of absolute favorite coffee shops.  I can’t wait to go back.