Denver's ten top coffee shops for conversation

As a follow-up to our list of productivity-inducing coffee shops, we wanted to highlight a few of the many Denver coffee shops that celebrate the exchange of ideas as well as the simple pleasure of sitting down, enjoying the atmosphere, and sipping on a cup of coffee.

Here, in no particular order, are some of our favorite spots to meet, chat, and linger.

See also: Denver's ten top coffee shops for work productivity

10) Little Owl 1555 Blake Street Pint-sized Little Owl is an unexpected respite from the midday LoDo bustle. Tucked into the bottom floor of a high rise, the space manages to be both immaculately designed and inviting. Although there's not enough room to spread out and work, it's perfect for conversation that feels protected from the noise and distraction of downtown Denver. Enjoy a hand-crafted cup of Corvus Coffee and try their house-made almond milk. 9) Common Grounds 2139 West 44th Avenue The new Sunnyside outpost of Common Grounds continues this institution's tradition as a community gathering place, with a sprawling outdoor patio and a signature coffee blend -- called "The Radiator Blend" -- named after the buildings initial incarnation. Common Grounds is conducive to work or play, but its versatility makes it a great place to settle in for a meeting or to hang out with a friend. 8) Denver Bicycle Cafe 1308 East 17th Avenue We featured Denver Bicycle Cafe on our work-productivity list for providing a comfortable space to tackle tasks -- but it also has a relaxing side. The side patio offers shaded tranquility for kicking back with a well-curated multitude of draft and canned beers, as well as coffee, tea, and local pastries. Patrons get also get a bike tune-up while they chill out. 7) Stella's Coffehaus 1476 South Pearl Street Stella's, a neighborhood anchor, breathes life in to the term "coffee house," since it is actually located in an old Victorian. With a porch, gracious patio seating, and a library-mimicking lounge filled with books, you could easily rotate from zone to zone for hours, morning or night. Converse, grab a book, or people-watch. And as a bonus, the fire pit is a great place to linger as the chill starts to set in. 6) Weathervane Cafe 1725 East 17th Avenue With its rustic wood seating, framed vintage prints, and nostalgic knick-knacks, Weathervane feels like a combination between a tiny alpine cabin and your grandma's house. Walk upstairs, and you'll find yourself in a cozy living room, complete with plush sofas and an in-house thrift shop. Weathervane offers a small (but delightful) menu, with breakfast burritos and sandwiches, Beetbox pastries and a Sunday-only pop-up from Glazed and Confuzed doughnuts. 5) Bardo Coffee House 238 South Broadway When we named Bardo as the Best Coffeehouse for Conversation in 2012, we praised its interchangeable ambiance, one that is conducive to both all-night study sessions and boisterous reunions of friends. Bardo has an inviting coffee house vibe, and your choice of tables, booths, or comfortable sofas, perfect for quiet or conversation at all hours -- and those hours are impressive: from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. on weekdays, and until the unheard of hour of 3 a.m. on weekends. 4) Crema Coffee House 2862 Larimer Street Crema recently cracked down on "campers," -- those who overstay their welcome -- freeing up tables that would normally be occupied for hours for other patrons looking to enjoy a chat along with Crema's superior coffee brewing methods. The cozy space is well-appointed with the work of local artists. Enjoy coffee from several local and legendary coffee legends, as well as an incredible food menu, with items like sweet potato waffles and pork belly banh mi. 3) Roostercat Coffee House 1045 Lincoln Street Roostercat is the ultimate coffee house if you're looking to hang out. And while you'll see plenty of the laptop-toting crowd, it's hard to imagine being able to concentrate with three patios calling your name. Roostercat boasts a front patio complete with fire pit, a quieter back patio, and a rooftop patio with a dazzling view of of the city. And they're open late - -from 8 a.m. to midnight daily -- so you can soak up the sun (and the moon) and hopefully one of their waffle sandwiches. 2) St. Mark's Coffeehouse 2019 East 17th Avenue Keeping with true coffee house tradition, St.Marks is not only a place to work quietly, but a place to exchange ideas. And on any given day, you'll find the front patio consistently buzzing with the conversations of friends and colleagues. The relaxed vibe, coffee drinks a-plenty, an abundant pastry case, and the Thin Man (a bar next door) are just a few reasons why you'll want to stick around. 1) Pablo's Coffee 630 Sixth Avenue 1300 Pennsylvania St. The steady stream of caffeine-seeking patrons that filter into Pablo's on a daily basis -- despite the fact that the coffee shop doesn't have Wifi -- is a testament to this spot's bean-roasting skills and the desire of patrons to engage in conversations. And you'll find an eclectic feel, a cozy atmosphere and attentive baristas at both locations.