A coffeehouse that does not encourage congregating is one doomed to failure. Sure places like drive-thrus survive solely as a grab-and-go, but that seems to be the exception.
By Bill Walsh
Subject: The Cup
Location: Boulder, CO
Free WiFi ? : yes
Rating: 5+ [see key] 
A coffeehouse that does not encourage congregating is one doomed to failure. Sure places like drive-thrus survive solely as a grab-and-go, but that seems to be the exception. Even if people rarely sit and talk, all folks desire access to an inviting cafe to gather for friendly discourse.
In the lovely town of Boulder, The Cup Espresso Cafe seemed to be the prime spot for the hordes to meet. Open 7 AM – 10 PM daily, the place was genuinely hopping the night I swung by. As the air was warm and the patio doors wide open, both the inside and out were abuzz with patrons. Inside, the many high top tables sat amidst a very brightly lit room, with laptops and small posses dotting the landscape.
The coffee comes from Conscious Coffees, Roast’s 2011 Roaster of the Year. For my evening beverages, I ordered an espresso of the Espresso Mantecca and a drip of their Ethiopian Sidamo. The espresso, pulled short with brown crema, held notes of curry, cocoa, vanilla, pound cake, nutmeg and a little rosemary, proving pleasantly sweet, full and spicy. The Ethiopian smacked of raspberry, malt, licorice, marble rye, sage and sunflower seeds, demonstrating a medium-heavy body with a thick, malty flavor dominating.
In the end, I found The Cup to be a nice spot for an evening meet-up or a late cup of joe. The only detraction I found was that I found my drip of Ethiopian a bit to thick and astringent for my tastes, but even that minor aspect did little to dampen an otherwise ticklish overall coffee experience. Delay not in giving The Cup a visit at their lovely Pearl Street location.
The Cup
303 449 5173
1521 PEARL ST
BOULDER,CO 80302
