*This article is originally hosted on Travel Branyik.
Canon City, Colorado, is more than just a gateway to the Royal Gorge—it’s a hidden gem for coffee lovers.
These coffee shops offer more than just a caffeine fix; they provide a cozy escape and a taste of the local culture.
Whether you’re a local resident or just traveling through, these coffee havens are perfect for savoring some morning joe, indulging in freshly baked treats, and soaking in the warm, inviting atmosphere.
Let’s explore the best coffee shops Cañon City has to offer.
Cañon City’s Coffee Culture
Coffee culture in Canon City, Colorado, has grown steadily in recent years. What started as locations for simple coffee runs has now grown into cozy spots where locals and visitors can gathered for long chats and great cups of joe and tea.
With various coffee shop locations available in Canon City, you can find just about any type of coffee imaginable. You may not final viral glitter coffees anywhere, but you’re sure to find cold brews, pour-overs, specialty lattes, and tasty frappes. Some of these locations even offer locally roasted flavors and blends you can’t help but take home with you.
These days, Cañon City coffee shops aren’t just about great drinks; they’re community hubs that bring people together and support the local economy.
So let’s get into the best coffee places in Cañon City.
Top 8 Best Coffee Shops to Visit
This is not an exhaustive or ranked list. New coffee shops pop up in Cañon City all the time, offering fresh new perspectives on the coffee experience, so there is much to enjoy!
Here are some of the best coffee shops in Cañon City.
1. Cafe Belay
Cafe Belay is a charming café known for its cozy, welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal place to relax, catch up with friends, or get some work done.
The interior boasts a rustic soothing modern design, with comfortable seating, warm lighting, and the delightful aromas of coffee.
Cafe Belay is located right off HWY 50 on Fremont Drive in Cañon City just beside Walgreens. It is easily accessible from the frontage road and offers parking in the front and back. It is a short walk from downtown, but the area does become a bit more traffic heavy toward this area, so be mindful when walking.
Spencer, the owner, boasts a kind and welcoming environment and grand passion for exploring all things coffee. From flavor profiles to coffee origins to crafting amazing coffee treats, his expertise is clear in each cup he and his team brew.
His many other passions, world travel, rock climbing, and general outdoor adventure, all enter the picture as inspiration to Cafe Belay’s experience. A portion of his sales are also donated to local and national charitable organizations.
Some of the signature drinks and menu highlights include:
- Pour over, espresso, & latte
- Made in house Chai & Kombucha
- Greek Iced Coffee
- Thai Iced Coffee
- Smoothies
- Breakfast burritos
- Pumpkin bread
- Hearty salad
Among their coffee offerings, Cafe Belay also hosts a plethora of rock climbing gear and essentials. For anyone (local or visitor) enthused by traversing some of the best rock climbing territory in the state, definitely check out their shop.
If you’re looking for a quick stop or a long sit, this is a great place to grab your coffee. And be sure to take home a bag of their locally roasted coffee to enjoy at home.
2. Bean Pedaler
Bean Pedaler is a favorite hangout in Cañon City, known for its chill, welcoming vibe. For many, it’s their first stop of the day before work or a great meet up point between friends. For others, it’s a short stop for bike enthusiasts.
Bean Pedaler occupies two buildings. One side hosts a cafe setting you can drop into, while the other side offers a bike shop and more areas for others to gather. Out back is a patio area where cyclers can enter in and park their bikes. A cute bar area also cozy’s up in the back corner of the building.
Located right on Main Street in downtown Cañon City, Bean Pedaler is very easy to find. There’s plenty of street parking, and there’s a bike rack for those pedaling in. Its central location makes it a popular stop for both locals and tourists exploring the area. The front of the business also offers outdoor seating when the weather is favorable.
Some of their most popular items from breakfast and lunch menus include:
- Cappuccinos
- Wraps and sandwiches
- Breakfast burritos
- Tacos
- Salads
Bean Pedaler also has a bar called Handlebar, which opens at night in the back and serves signature cocktails and light bites.
No matter if you’re visiting the area or stopping in for a local cup to go, Bean Pedaler Coffee Shop is a must-visit in Canon City.
3. City On A Hill Coffee
A newer addition to the Cañon coffee scene, City On A Hill Coffee is the second location in the franchise located in Leadville, Colorado, which originally started as a roastery. People love this place for the local roasted coffee, delicious food options, and donuts!
Located in downtown Cañon City, this coffee shop offers a rustic charm with some modern touches. As you walk in, the interior is bright and welcoming, with a few comfy seating options for those who want to stay a bit longer. There is also outdoor seating available just in front of the establishment.
Its central location allows you to easily pop in while exploring the nearby shops and attractions. The coffee shop hosts variety of art and pottery. And did I mention the donuts?
City On A Hill’s menu includes:
- Espresso and Drip Coffee
- Latte of the Month!
- Lavender or Raspberry lemonade
- Donuts! Oh, so many donuts. (Carried over from the old Rollers Donuts Business in Cañon City)
- Quiche
- Strudel
- Chocolate Croissants
If you don’t want to go donut-less for the day, seriously, stop in here for some sweet and fluffy baked treats, a delicious coffee to wash it down, and good service.
4. Oil City Coffee Bar
Oil City Coffee Bar started in a smaller coffee shack just on main street in Florence, Colorado. This little shack has gained enough popularity for them to expand to their second location in the old Roller’s Donuts.
Oil City Coffee Bar is located on Fremont Drive which runs alongside HWY 50 in Cañon City. Here’ you’ll find a great many of coffee and tea beverages that are sure to delight you, whether you’re sitting in or taking it to-go.
Some of their specialty beverages include:
- Liquid Gold
- Carmelizer
- French Kiss
- Snickers
- Irish Doozy
- Peppermint Patty
Oil City Coffee Bar also offers a variety of pastries, with muffin tops, bagels and cream cheese, and donut holes being main options.
5. Jump Start Java
One of my favorite places to visit for coffee in Cañon City is Jump Start Java. This is a little coffee shack right next to Atencio Glass off HWY 50. This is the perfect coffee spot when you need your coffee quick and don’t have time to sit down. And the staff is super sweet.
On their menu, you’ll find a plethora of beverages and you can even purchase some tasty breakfast burritos.
Here are some of their signature drinks:
- Aztec Mocha
- Special-Tea latte
- Matcha Power Chai
- Gourmet tea (loose leaf)
- Vienna Latte
I love Jump Start Java because they are quick and their coffee is always good, especially their spicy Aztec Mochas, which are my favorite.
I also like to stop here for coffee if I happen to be visiting El Reynaldo’s for a Mexican breakfast burrito since they are in the same location.
6. Cañon City MUGS
Cañon City MUGS is probably the top and only spots in Cañon City for diner-style breakfast. This is a great place to sit down with your family and friends for coffee and breakfast. While their drip coffee is spectacular, don’t skip out on the other coffee treats they offer.
MUGS is located just off HWY 50 in a little shopping mall across from Walgreens and Papa Murphy’s in Cañon City.
Amongst their menu, you’ll find a lot of beverage and food creations to choose from including:
- Tiger Stripe (Mocha)
- Husky Mug (Macchiato)
- Chocolate chip pancakes
- Egg plates
- Breakfast burritos smother in green chili
- Muffins
MUGS is also a bar and grill, so you can expect them to be open for lunch and dinner as well. Some of my favorite dishes to enjoy for lunch or dinner are the Ruebens and the Savory Chicken Bowl.
7. Happy Endings Caboose Cafe
@travelbranyik A quaint little coffee shop in an old train caboose. Near the Royal Gorge Railroad Route in Cañon City! #royalgorgetrain #coffee #royalgorge #canoncity #creatorsearchinsights ♬ Get Ready – SUPER-Hi & NEEKA
Situated just beside the Arkansas River in Cañon City, you’ll see a long train that you just can’t miss. The Royal Gorge Railroad Route is a staple to the area, providing one of a kind train car experiences for visitors. That hospitality extends to their nearby coffee shop, Happy Endings Caboose Cafe.
Two train cars have been refurbished to house a quaint coffee shop and train car style seating for anyone who cares to sit and sip their coffee.
If you’re visiting Happy Endings Caboose Cafe, be sure to try on of these menu itmes:
- Cinnamon roll
- Crepes
- Southwest wrap
- Cappucino
- Coffee & Kahlua or Irish Cream
- Grilled Angus Burger
Happy Endings also provides lot of outdoor seating, a lunch menu, and a adult beverages menu. And if it’s a hot day and you’re in search of something cold and sweet, they even serve ice cream in a cone or cup!
8. Rise and Grind Coffee Bar
Rise and Grind Coffee Bar is a newer coffee shop and fitness cafe located conveniently next to a gym on HWY 115. Owner Rebecca Wallace put this coffee spot in next to her gym as a gathering place for people, tying in that love for health and fitness.
You’ll find they have an expansive menu with your typical traditional espresso drinks. But some of the other items on the menu are unique.
During your next visit, be sure to try:
- Smoothies
- Any of their refreshers
- Mushroom Coffee
- Quiche
- Egg Bites
- Breakfast Sandwiches
If you can’t make it for breakfast, no worries, you can stick around for lunch. Try their paninis or salads with you coffee, smoothie, or refresher.
Other Coffee Shops in Fremont County
Cañon City is located in Fremont County. Two larger towns, neighboring Cañon City, Penrose and Florence, offer other great coffee shops you can visit during your travels.
Here are some of my favorites:
- The Pour House (Florence, Colorado): I grew up in Florence and The Pour House has been around since I was a child. I used to get Italian sodas there! They locally roast their coffee under All Good Things Coffee and have carried over decades-old recipes from former owners. The blueberry scones, peanut butter cookies, and chicken salads are treasured and long-time favorites. (Florence, Colorado)
- Oil City (Florence, Colorado): The first location in the Oil City Coffee franchise! You’ll find this little coffee shack on the corner beside the liquor store on main street.
- Coyote Coffee Den (Penrose, Colorado): Even if you have to make the trip to Penrose, you will not be disappointed with their coffee creations or breakfast burritos. And depending on when you visit during the week, you might be able to catch some live music. If you’re coming in from or going to Colorado Springs, don’t forget to make a stop here.
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Cañon City Coffee Shops Are a Destination
Cañon City is more than just a gateway to the Royal Gorge—it’s a destination for coffee lovers.
Each coffee shop offers a cozy atmosphere, great brews, and a taste of local culture. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these spots provide a perfect setting to enjoy a cup of coffee and some baked treats.
Next time you’re in Cañon City, be sure to visit these coffee shops and experience the local coffee culture.