Your Local Coffee Tour in Highlands Ranch

What’s the best way to get a feel for a new town, especially when you’re moving to Highlands Ranch?
Spoiler: it involves coffee.

Take it from us, Megan Freedle and Jake Freedle, your go‑to Highlands Ranch real estate experts—one of the things we love most about this area is how many fantastic local coffee spots there are. Not just the chains you see everywhere, but hidden gems run by passionate folks who live, work, and breathe in Douglas County family‑business mode.

In this “coffee tour,” we spotlight not just where to get a great cup, but where you’ll feel part of the community. If you’re settling in or just wanting a taste of local life, these are things to do in Highlands Ranch you won’t want to miss.

☕ Why Go Off the Starbucks Path?

When we first moved here, we were looking for more than a “just okay” latte. We wanted character, warmth, and familiar faces. That’s exactly what these local coffee shops offer.

Every shop below has:

• A unique vibe and story

• Great coffee (obviously)

• Friendly faces who’ll remember your name

• A setting that makes you want to linger

Let’s dive in.

Lost Coffee (Springer Drive / Roastery Location)

This is where it all begins. The roastery location on Springer Drive has an open‑air, industrial feel that blends production with experience. You can smell the roasting beans while walking in, and there’s plenty of seating to settle in.

The folks behind Lost Coffee live by their mission: “love coffee and love people.” You’ll see that in how they serve you, in the tours they give, and in how they invest in the community. (Bonus: they have a program employing young adults with cognitive disabilities.)

If you want to dive deeper, check out episode 6 of the Heartbeat the Highlands Ranch podcast for a full look behind the bean.

Lost Coffee (Back Country / Hidden Location)

This one’s tucked away- so discreet that many locals don’t even realize it’s open to the public. Come here when you want more peace than buzz.

You’ll find:

• Plenty of seating

• A quiet atmosphere

• Outdoor seating by a pond

• A laid-back environment perfect for conversations

It’s one of those places where time seems to slow. Bring a friend, bring a laptop, or just bring yourself.

303 Coffee (Lone Tree / East Side)

Okay, this technically steps just outside Highlands Ranch, but it’s close enough to count as part of your rotation. Right across from Park Meadows Mall, 303 Coffee is reliably excellent.

If your errands pull you eastward, swing by and grab a cup of something delightful. It’s also a fun stop if you’re exploring coffee “things to do” beyond your immediate neighborhood.

Monk & Mongoose (Lone Tree)

This one’s a little gem near Sky Ridge Hospital- which makes it especially nice if you’ve been at the hospital (for whatever reason) and need a warm, friendly spot to reset.

You’ll find:

• A lively, bustling environment

• Friendly chatter

• Great coffee

• A place that feels alive, even when life feels heavy

If you want to surround yourself with a little energy (in a good way), this is your spot.

Gelato & Co.

One of our personal favorites. This spot blends a cozy coffee experience with dessert options that are frankly too tempting to ignore.

What to expect:

• Stellar pastries

• Ice cream and gelato 

• Creative menu combos

• A warm, indulgent vibe that feels celebratory

It’s a hybrid stop: coffee lover’s paradise + dessert destination.

Nixon’s (Inside Cherry Hills Community Church)

This is a coffee shop you might walk right by without noticing. Silently tucked inside a church building, Nixon’s is a quiet gem.

What makes it special:

• Peaceful, cozy interiors

• A fire you can sit next to

• Views you don’t expect from a coffee shop

• Lower-key energy, ideal for conversation

It’s a place where you can slow down, think, or meet someone without distraction.

Black Rock Coffee (Just Over 470)

Again, technically stepping just outside Highlands Ranch’s border, but worth writing about. The staff here always go above and beyond, and the location is beautiful.

We also hear they’re planning a spot soon in Highlands Ridge, which is a win for locals.

This place has more than coffee. It’s a full experience. Great outdoor space, great energy, friendly smiles.

Happy Crew Coffee House (Lone Tree Hidden Building)

Don’t judge this one by the façade. From the outside, it looks like an office. Inside, it’s a community hub.

Cool facts:

• Founded by Amy, with a mission to support youth and mental health

• Once a week, high schoolers hang out, get mental health tools, just be kids

• Membership model: you pay monthly; part of that covers coffee, and the rest supports their mission

• Outdoor patio coming soon with views of Park Meadows, Front Range

This is community-driven coffee in action.

Enchanted Grounds Coffee (Highlands Ranch)

This is where you’ll find us most Thursday mornings. It’s quiet during daytime, but lively evenings thanks to board games, Magic the Gathering nights, and table rentals.

Why we love it:

• Friendly staff (you’ll hear your name soon)

• Lots of table space

• A place to linger, coffee + games

• A hometown feel

It’s simple, but it’s home.

☀️ The Bigger Picture

Each of these shops is more than just a stop for a latte. They tell a story about Douglas County family business roots, community connection, and the kind of humanity you don’t always find in chain shops.

If you’re exploring things to do in Highlands Ranch, make this coffee tour part of your checklist. It’s the kind of local discovery that makes you feel like you belong.

If you’re moving to Highlands Ranch (or thinking about it), these are some of the first places you’ll want to know, visit, and love.

Ready to Explore with Us?

We’d love to walk you through neighborhoods, local gems, and the best coffee stops around when you move here.

Call, text, or email us anytime:
📞 720‑934‑6583
✉️ [email protected]

We’re Megan & Jake Freedle, your Highlands Ranch real estate experts, and we can’t wait to share more local favorites with you.