Travelin', Sippin', Bloggin' + Spill The Beans in Steamboat Springs, CO

Day number 2 of our Steamboat Springs hang out weekend. We have had a nice time so far and everyone has been friendly. Happy 4th of July We had a chance to head downtown to watch the parade. It was long! It was cool to see all the people and I am always one for community events around any town - mountain towns are the best though. I am sitting in Spill the Beans doing some work and taking a break from walking the streets. I was excited to try it out, especially after the comment that was left for me a few days ago: By far the best is Spill the Beans, located on 13th st across from the Art Depot (old train depot). I like the fair-trade thing and the coffee & espressos are the best in town. I also play acoustic guitar there during the First Friday Artwalk (each month) , so if you are in town stop by… I will tell you that when I walked in, the place took me by surprise. I was expecting a bit of a trendy, more coffee house flavor but found it to be more of a small place with only a few tables and a couch - more like walking into someone's living room. There were a few people hanging around and there was a bit of retail available for purchase. Here is a bit about them from their site: From its meager beginnings in an 8x10 foot shed in front of a grocery store in 1998 (with no heat, plumbing ... or floor, for that matter!), to a full-fledged espresso bar in 2004, Spill the Beans has always been committed to serving the finest gourmet specialty, organic, fair trade and shade grown coffees available. At our new location at 1051 13th Street, Spill the Beans is still the locally owned, owner-operated coffee shop you've come to know and love. We pride ourselves on getting to know our customers, their likes and dislikes, and being able to accommodate any special needs. It's the personal touch found nowhere else in Steamboat Springs. And with a mind-boggling menu of lattes and cappuccinos, including as many as fifteen sugar-free flavors, we offer a plethora of alternatives to that plain, vanilla latte you've been ordering! We also serve organic teas and tisanes, a variety of hot chocolates, and flavored whipped cream that is to-die-for! In the summer, beat the heat with your own custom-made Italian soda (mix up to 4 flavors!) or an ice-cold smoothie. And be sure to try one of our fresh-baked scones, muffins or breakfast biscuits! Check back often, as we continue to add to our menu. I was taken back a bit by the open stock room doors - made the place seem a bit messy but put that aside as it was a slow afternoon after the parade and the place was getting ready for the art walk that is to happen tonight. I ordered a cappuccino and luckily caught her before she put it in a huge 16 oz cup. I would have preferred to have it "for here" but again had to have it in paper. No problem. I, again, was asked if I wanted it "wet", "dry", or in between. I asked for the later. Again, not overly impressed. The shot was way off (super fast) and the milk was clumpy. I try not to hold judgment on one drink but that is all I have to go on at this point. I may need to give it another try before we leave. I think just cleaning up the place (grinder, shot glasses, steaming pitcher, etc) would help with flavor. The people at the place were friendly and great and I know they care about what they are doing. They do have breakfast menu and it is probably a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon. Great work to the group for participating in the area art walks. We love it! We wish them luck. ...be bold Tagged: cafe evoke, coffee catering, steamboat springs, steaming bean coffee co Our friends at Ideal Bite have free, fun eco-living tips! Delivered daily via email!