I often marvel at the number of independent coffee shops in Bozeman. They line the streets, each with a welcoming door open to passersby. Each has their place – students looking for a place to study, young professionals meeting with clients, and old friends wanting to catch up over a cuppa joe. Each coffee sanctuary has a different charm and feel – each its own personality. There are nighttime haunts, busy morning places, and shops suited to strolling the streets of downtown.
This week I have been fully submerged up to my ears in coffee. I’ve been hopping from place to place, sipping on lattes, mochas, tea, blended frappes, chai, and the basic black cup of coffee. I’ve put together a guide of some local coffee hot spots to carry you through the fog of your caffeine induced cravings. Ready, set caffeinate!

Zocalo Coffee House:
A recent addition to both the coffee brigade and the downtown scene, Zocalo Coffee House opened its doors in the fall of 2012. Its name, Spanish for “a public square or plaza”, is fitting. This public meeting place is welcoming, and plays host to friends catching up, business meetings, and the like. A skylight fills the long brick and wood room with natural light, and local art and photographs line the walls. The service is friendly and relaxed, the espresso is top notch, and a community bookshelf holds up one wall. What’s not to love?

Not To Miss: Three varieties of made in Montana chai tea, ranging from sweet to spicy. The middle variety, Five Sparrow Chai, is a perfect blend of sugar and spice.

Address: 117 E Main St.
Phone: (406)404-1036
Hours: Mon – Sat 6:30am – 7pm; Sun 7:30am – 7pm

International Coffee Traders:
Selecting the finest green coffee, and roasting it onsite in a small batch artisan roaster, International Coffee Traders has its sights set on serving the perfect cup of coffee. They come close, and are a great spot to stop by on your way to work or class to power up for a busy day. The large space and its proximity to campus makes for a great study spot.

Address: 720 S 10th Ave.
Phone: (406)522-0239
Hours: Mon – Thurs 6:30am – 10pm; Fri 6:30am – 7pm; Sat 7am – 7pm; Sun 7:30am – 9pm

Wild Joe’s Coffee House:
Wild Joe’s has established itself as Bozeman’s renaissance coffee shop. From music to food, art to community events, Joe’s does it all. There is a back room used for live music shows, and intimate musical gatherings are held in the coffee shop itself. Keep an eye on the fliers posted near the door to stay caught up on events. Joe’s works with many local Bozeman vendors to carry lunch and snack options, including pizza, doughnuts, bagels, breakfast burritos, and 24 flavors of ice cream. The service can be brusque, but the tables are always full and the coffee is good. Wild Joe’s brings a hopping city vibe to our little town.

Not To Miss: Not in the mood for coffee? Try one of 6 flavors of hot chocolate. Spicy Mexican and White Chocolate are prime.

Address: 18 W Main St.
Phone: (406)586-1212
Hours: Mon – Sat 7am – 10pm; Sun 8am – 7pm

Rockford Coffee Roasters:
Parked at the intersection of 7th and Main, Rockford serves excellent coffee and espresso drinks. The shop is an open area with a bar counter, a few tables, and two couches. The coffee speaks for itself, robust and flavorful. Rockford roasts its own coffee beans, and sells bags of freshly roasted beans for home coffee drinkers. With another location on East Main, that rush of a perfectly brewed cup of coffee is never far away.

Not To Miss: No unnecessary frills here. Quality brewed coffee and espresso drinks are key. Pick up a perfect latte to start your day.

Address: 628 W Main St.
Phone: (406)556-1053
Hours: Mon – Fri 6am – 8pm; Sat – Sun 7am – 8pm

The Leaf And Bean:
A locally owned Bozeman business since 1977, the Leaf And Bean has always been a favorite with the Bozeman crowd. It offers a relaxed, hippy vibe, and is a cool, shaded haven from summer heat. While you’re picking up a drink, browse the shelves that are filled with jewelry, cards, and humorous novelty items. Leaf And Bean is the go to choice for a quick grab and go lunch. Office workers run in to grab a sandwich or a container of pasta salad to take back with them to their desk. Don’t forget to grab dessert. Their bakery selection is the most delicious and most visually stunning in town. The cupcakes, dessert bars, and impressive layered cakes beautifully displayed by the register are difficult to resist. Why try? Everyone deserves a sweet treat with their coffee.

Not To Miss: A raspberry thumbprint cookie or a beautifully frosted buttercream cupcake.

Address: 35 W Main St.
Phone: (406)587-1580
Hours: Mon – Sat 6:30am – 6:30pm; Sun 7am – 3pm

The Daily Coffee Bar and Bakery:
“Drink coffee daily, drink daily coffee” is a directive that is easy to follow. The Daily sits in the North side of town, serving up excellent Yellowstone Coffee and an extensive lunch menu, including sandwiches, quesadillas, soup, breakfast burritos, and desserts. Downstairs are a few tables, but space is limited. Upstairs is roomier, with several cozy couch corners, and a huge window overlooking the industrial looking, yet trendy North end of town. If you choose to enjoy your coffee there in the shop, it will be served in a beautiful locally handmade ceramic mug. If this location is out of your way, worry not. The Daily has another location on the MSU campus which serves up quality coffee and snacks with flair.

Not To Miss: Summer is quickly approaching, and the Daily is the place to go for cold and refreshing frappes (in mocha, chai, greet tea, and vanilla).

Address: 1203 N Rouse Ave
Phone: (406)585-4574
Hours: Northside Location: Sun – Sat 6am – 7pm; College Location: Mon – Fri 6:30am – 7pm; Sat -  Sun 7am-6pm

Cold Smoke Coffeehouse:
Cold Smoke is the newest addition to Bozeman’s collection. The shop is set up in an open and airy bright red barn, with wood floors and a moose head on the wall. Open until midnight seven days a week, Cold Smoke has seized upon a brilliant idea – one that I think has been a long time coming to this university town. The espresso drinks are average, and rather pricey, but the idea of having a late night study spot is appealing. Paninis and waffles are made in house, and will please discerning taste buds and satisfy a hungry belly.

Not To Miss: “Pour-Over” brewed coffee can be made to order, individually poured over a filter straight into your cup. Fresh and delicious.

Address: 1530 W Main St. Suite C
Phone: (406)404-1471
Hours: Mon – Sat 7am – 12am; Sun 2pm – 12am

A coffee shop for every Bozemanite, every drink, and every mood. Take your pick, and wake up in Bozeman!

A Bozeman native, Chelsea Hunt has witnessed an explosion of good food in the valley in recent years. Reading about, writing about, and eating good food make her happy.