In Sweden, “fika” (fay-KAH) translates basically to coffee break, but also implies a reprieve from the daily grind. A moment to slow things down, sip, and savor.
Thanks to Fika, the new Denver Coffee Passport, we have 24 excuses to make like a Swede and chill. We already love the Passport Program’s annual summer two-for-one drink Passport and Winter Warmer, but this is a lovely, caffeinated addition to the lineup.
[The Denver Passport Program Returns]
The Fika Passport features two-for-one coffee deals around Denver, and costs a mere $20. The passports went on sale April 1, but don’t expire until October 1 so you have plenty of time to spend all summer and early fall checking out Denver’s best coffee shops.
Here are three things to drink when you get your Fika Passport.
1. Share-O-Press at Stowaway
The café: This RiNo gem opened up this past September and is way more than just a coffee shop. Stowaway Coffee + Kitchen {2528 Walnut Street; 720.636.2374} also serves up mean breakfasts and lunches with dishes like Shakshuka, and baked goods, including a Cashew Brownie that 5280 writer Amanda Fiason raved about.
The coffee: To some coffee connoisseurs, the AeroPress is the only way. Rapid, total immersion means a smooth, flavorful coffee minus any bitterness. It takes a hot minute, so this is a true fika situation. Settle in, people-watch, and chill. You’ll get to try two different roasts, too, so come with your tasting hat on.
2. Specialty Coffee at Allegro
The café: Allegro first started under the name of “The Brewing Market” in Boulder in 1977. In 1985, Owner Jeffrey Cohn sold the shop to go into wholesale under the name of Allegro. The company now has shops in New York, California, and Colorado, including the Berkeley location opened this past fall. Allegro Coffee Roasters {4040 Tennyson Street; 720.630.8157} has a huge café space, baked goods, and a roasting room wherein it often hosts free Community Cuppings.
The coffee: A 16-ounce specialty coffee made with Allegro’s own beans will definitely make your day. We went with a latte with soy milk and a cappuccino.
Latte art on point at Black Eye
3. Espresso Drink at Black Eye Coffee
The café: The Black Eye Coffee location in LoHi has been around for a few years, but when the Capitol Hill location {800 North Sherman Street; 303.955.1205} opened earlier this year, it was love at first sight for Denver. A sharp, smart space welcomes you in and strong coffee pours, but Black Eye is so much more. Come afternoon, coffee turns to cocktails, and anytime of day, you can get crazy good food.
[Black Eye Gets New Chef]
The coffee: Any espresso drink that your heart desires will be made with Black Eye’s own exclusive roast. We went the latte route and wished we hadn’t eaten breakfast so we could have taken advantage of the tempting Avocado Toast or pastries.
By Maya Silver | Editor
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