Confessions of a Starbucks & Cupcake Addict in Denver Colorado

This is close to Auraria campus so it is has more students as customers. This is where my coffee habit started. The service is generally slower because they aren’t used to cranking out coffee like the stores that are heavy with business people.

I like to go here when I feeling nostalgic. You know, sit outside on watch the people walk around Larimer Square and pretend like I’m a student.

This is right next to the highway and it has a drive through. If I’m early or if it is a holiday I will stop here and hit the drive through on the way to work.

If I need an afternoon pick me up this is generally the Starbucks for me. It is close to work and a nice walk.

I stop here in the morning sometimes as well. If the line is long – no worries they know how to get people through the line super fast.

This is also a great place to meet people. If I’m going to meet someone during the day this will be the place.

I stop by here quite a bit in the morning. Currently, this is the only Starbucks store where the baristas know my name and drink.

It is near the campus so lots of students but they know how to get the students and business people in and out fast and with big smiles.

The walk along the platte to this Starbucks is so nice. If I need to unwind and hear some running water I take an extra long walk to get a coffee here. You can’t beat the atmosphere at this shop inside or out.

This used to be my main Starbucks because I working in the building across the street. Even thought I don’t get to go there as much it still has a special place in my heart and I go here when I have errands to run on the mall.

I haven’t been in this one as much since it has a drive through. This is my stop when I’m out driving the young around so he will take a nap (I know I’m that parent but that is a topic for another guide).

I also stop here on my way up to ski.

I can walk here – it is a long walk but a really nice one if the weather is nice. There is a cow sculpture out front which the kids love to play and talk about.

It is a neighborhood store so slower getting your coffee it just that much slower.

2-25-09: so I went here this morning and man you don’t want to try the neighborhood Starbucks in the morning – the line was out the door.

Head recommended I try the cupcakes at Lovely Confections. I was able to stop by last week and to try out their vanilla and chocolate cupcake. That was a truly lovely cupcake.

I think it all comes down to moist cake and yummy frosting. You give me that in a cupcake and I’m super happy. So two big thumbs up for me on Lovely Confections.

Update August 12, 2009: I just tried their carrot cake cupcake – oh so yummy.

So it is Monday and I want a cupcake. Happy Cakes is closed on Mondays. A friend recommended ‘The Shoppe’ I will have to try this on Sundays and Mondays. I might even switch if they are good!

Their website

They have some cupcakes available all the time but they have new flavors every time I go in.

The frosting on top is massive so sometimes I use a knife to spread it around so I get frosting with every bite.

3-5-09 Off to get cupcakes as my Friday treat.

Happy Cakes Website

A neighborhood Starbucks but they can get coffee out relatively fast in the morning.

One thing I love about this place is the art they have on the wall from a neighborhood elementary school. There are a lot of blossoming artist in Centennial.

They have a drive through. Be careful of this store it can get slammed – with the drive through line snaking through the parking lot.

This one has checker top tables and checkers that are old milk caps. These are great entertainment for the little ones.

It is right next to a high school so you have to deal with that but it makes for fun people watching.

This used to be my home store where they knew my name and drink and my husbands name and drink. We have since moved but I go back here when I use other Neighborhood services in the area.

They have a great seating in the back area. If you want to relax and read a book I highly recommend it. Plus the people who work here are some of the nicest around.

I really like my dentist – Roach. They have a Lone Tree office as well where they have TVs for you to watch while you get your teeth cleaned.

I have visited this one the least, it is newer – I like the location and atmosphere right outside the store. The in store seating is not as nice as some of the other Starbucks stores.