Subjective Coffee
Subjective Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster and cafe in Westminster just north of Denver. It sits in Valente's Piazza on West 72nd Avenue and it is much more than a neighborhood coffee stop. Behind the cafe counter is a working roastery and a green coffee warehouse that supplies small roasters across the Front Range. Out front is a retro cafe with vintage charm and board games and a relaxed crowd. On the third Tuesday of the month the room stays open late for one of the most welcoming open mics in the north metro area.
The Story Behind the Coffee
Subjective Coffee opened in March 2023 as a joint project from a group of Denver coffee business owners. Jeff Bebout of Glass Arrow Coffee and Roostercat Coffee teamed up with Nick Lowary of Ground Shark Coffee to build a central hub where the local coffee community could buy and sell and network. The team took over a 7500 square foot building that was once the Joyful Ballroom event venue and turned it into a roastery and warehouse with a public cafe up front.
The mission is simple. By cutting out middlemen in the supply chain Subjective aims to get more money back to the farmers who grow the coffee. The company handles collaborative buying and brokering and importing and climate controlled storage so that small roasters can split container shipments and buy only what they need. A cupping lab and barista training room round out the space and industry professionals are welcome to use the lab to taste and practice.
The Vibe
Step inside and the first thing you notice is the look. The 1200 square foot cafe leans into mid-century and vintage style with Googie inspired details and a mirrored backsplash and half-back bar stools and cushioned benches and surfboard coffee tables. Antique pieces and plants fill the room and visitors often describe it as a 90s vibe with a modern twist. Owner Jeff Bebout has even taken on a vintage 1968 Wurlitzer jukebox as part of the retro theme.
The space is built for lingering. There are work friendly tables near outlets for laptop sessions and a lounge area for catching up with friends. Gaming tables come stocked with board games and cards so it is easy to turn a coffee break into an afternoon. Reviewers regularly mention the chill music playing in the background and the friendly baristas who are happy to talk about what is in the cup.
Coffee and Drinks
Everything served in the cafe is freshly roasted in house. The menu covers a full espresso program and drip coffee along with seasonal specialty drinks and Italian sodas. Baristas like to talk tasting notes so do not be surprised to hear about hints of wine or fruit in your americano. Pastries are available for a quick bite.
Beans are sold by the bag in the cafe and online with blends and single origin coffees to choose from. A subscription option offers a discount on regular deliveries. The shop also carries handcrafted goods such as candles and bath salts which make easy gifts. Subjective roasted coffee also shows up at other Denver area favorites including Roostercat Coffee and Violet Peak and Dragon Roast and Mutiny Information Cafe.
Queer Joy Open Mic
Music lovers and performers should mark the third Tuesday of every month. That is when Evelyn Evermore and Bison Boy present the Queer Joy Open Mic at Subjective Coffee. Doors open at 7:00 PM and the show runs from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Sign-up happens in person at the door and a five dollar cover is suggested.
The night is built around inclusion and celebration. Singers and songwriters and instrumentalists are all welcome and so are poets and storytellers and other performers. Whether you want to debut an original song or play a favorite cover or read something you wrote last week the room is ready to cheer you on. It is a supportive setting for first time performers and a fun night out for anyone who wants to hear something new.
Why Musicians Like It
A coffee house open mic has a different feel from a bar gig. The audience is there to listen and the retro room gives every set a warm and intimate backdrop. Acoustic players and singer-songwriters will feel right at home and the evening slot after regular cafe hours means the space belongs to the performers and their friends. The mix of music and spoken word keeps the night moving and gives everyone a chance to discover new local talent.
Community Hub
Subjective Coffee was designed as a gathering place from day one. On the business side it connects roasters and importers and farmers. On the cafe side it welcomes remote workers and board game fans and neighbors and now a monthly community of performers. The Queer Joy Open Mic fits right into that spirit of bringing people together.
Good to Know
Subjective Coffee is located at 3695 W 72nd Ave in Valente's Piazza in Westminster CO 80030. The cafe is generally open daytime hours from about 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM with the open mic running in the evening on third Tuesdays. Call (303) 872-7199 or visit subjectivecoffee.com for current hours and follow the cafe on Instagram and Facebook for event updates. Schedules can change so confirm with the venue or host before heading out.
