This is a great place to study, browse books, and get good coffee! They are usually busy, but for good reason!

A place with integrity. These guys not only publish cool books, but they also serve really fine teas and freshly roasted coffee. We'll be back! read more

Phenomenal coffee and a great work environment. The book store provides a unique twist on a traditional style coffee shop.

Tl;dr tea is great, skip the espresso It would be nothing short of a tragedy if something were to happen to Trident--it's an institution! A great space, and the book collection is curated and interesting. Their tea selection is the highlight of the cafe side (aside from the community space, which is very functional and eclectic). Tons of selections and the baristas are usually able to steer you in the right direction if you'd like to try something new. The new tea cups are really cute too! At $3.50 a pot for most options, I think it's a no-brainer. That said, there are some hiccups with the coffee/service. Espresso is usually burnt/bitter and the baristas seem to have a range of espresso experience. Overall, Trident is a must-visit when in Boulder! read more

This is my favorite coffee shop in Boulder, and anyone who is looking for a cozy, eclectic spot would not be disappointed. It is located on pearl street and I love to go here in the afternoons to get work done. My favorite part about this is the back patio area. It is shaded, and great for kids! Another huge bonus to Trident is that they also have a book store. Here you will find all kinds of reading as well as the cutest greeting cards! read more

Great place to come and get work done, went there last night and made two spontaneous friends, very nice, very nice. Only thing is I've been there twice now and twice I have gotten a burnt-tasting, nasty cup of coffee. I'll keep going but somehow I have to find a concoction to buy that doesn't kill my stomach. You know how a cup of coffee is supposed to be sublime, a beautiful thing? Both the coffees I had were "one sip and God, this is awful." The first was a latte I asked for "Extra hot" and it wasn't, so the guy steamed it again for me but it was just lame-o, Starbucks knows how to make a kick ass latte. Anyway, don't want to complain too much because it's such a sweet spot, plus the barista was friendly which really helps, I dumped a buck in his tip bucket, and they stay open until 11 which is very cool. But, jeez, man, the coffee was el sucko. Next time, tea! :) read more

This place is so cute and cozy! Love coming in during my breaks when I work a double. Great vibe and good coffee :)

Small coffee cafe inside the Trident bookstore on the right side. Prices are reasonable. All expresso coffees come with 2 shots of expresso. Extra shot is actually 2 pulls which means you get 2 shots for the price of 1 upgrade fee :) Delicious large upgraded skim latte! Friendly barista/cashier. read more

Trident Booksellers and Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

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I'm not in Boulder much but when I do come, I always make a visit to trident because their used book selection is awesome, but I had an unpleasant experience today, after I made a purchase, I found a book behind the counter that got my attention, asked to view it which the employee let me, I found the price a little too high and wanted put it back, but when I said I'd look elsewhere, the employee tried to shame me for not purchasing the book through them, when I literally just bought one and even left a tip! read more

A great coffee shop is a gift. A great local coffee shop is a blessing. A great local and independent coffee shop that's seen multiple generations create community around is an institution. Thank you Trident! read more

Come to Trident if you want to drink delicious coffee and settle in with your laptop or a good book.

Favorite cafe in town hands down -- amazing coffee/teas, friendly vibe, and good art on the walls every month

This is my go to study on a weekday or chill on a weekend spot. Meaning everyday. The coffee here is immaculate and the ambiance is great. The hours are convenient for studying because it is open later than any other coffee shop around Boulder. So many different characters walk through these doors, thus the people watching at this spot is awesome. Great location and seating variations. Could s-end my whole day here! They also have little shows fro, time to time that are local and entertaining. read more

I come to the Trident Coffee Shop and Bookstore almost every weekend. I usually order oolong and green teas. When it is warm out, stand-up comics, musicians, and Turkish coffee tasters can be found in "the sandbox" which is the nickname for the back patio. The bookstore is attached to the coffee shop. Here, you can find hiking guidebooks, poetry, philosophy and an ever-changing shelf of leatherbound books. The entrances to both the bookstore and the coffee shop are constructed entirely of window panes. At the top of the building on the other side of Pearl Street is a clock face that beams directly into the coffee shop. This is a great place to work, read or unwind! read more

Trident is the best hangout/study spot on pearl street without a doubt. They have good coffee, a solid selection of your most recent reads, and great vibes. With its rustic charm and relaxed demeanor, trident makes for a great place to hang out with friends and enjoy the street-life. read more

Trident is Boulder! No matter if you are visiting or just need a cup of coffee, this is the place to be!

This is an amazing and wonderful place to go and study during this pandemic when everything is closed. They practice safe social distancing and are very clean and hygienic. I have a really hard time focusing at home and learning online has been a disaster for me since CU shutdown. I am so thankful for this place and the mellow environment it offers. They also have a decent selection of wine and beer as well. I literally just created this Yelp account so I could specifically leave a positive review of this place! read more

Trident Booksellers and Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

I think this was my favorite chai of all the places I tried in Boulder, though it was disappointing they didn't have more food options. It was easy to find a stool since I was on my own but seating was rather tight on this Friday midday. read more

You'll love the Trident if: 1) You are such a hipster that you think you're THE original hipster. 2) You want to be served a decent cup of coffee while being treated like complete GARBAGE by a hipster barista who thinks he is both THE original hipster and the inventor of coffee itself. My experience went like this: Barista: "What beverage can the glory of my genius bestow on your poor underdeveloped palette which won't even appreciate my art?" Me: "I'll have a triple grande iced latte, please." Barista: "UM, do you mean a SIXTEEN OUNCE?" Me (in my head): "YES YOU FUCKING EGOMANIACAL TWAT NUGGET, every other barista on this planet who doesn't have their head shoved up their ass knows I mean a 16oz when I order a grande! I hate Starbucks as much as the next bonafide coffee lover but sometimes it slips out ok?!" Me (out loud): "Yes, I mean a 16oz. Thanks I guess?" In short, you will get a good cup of coffee (not incredible, and not even approximating the mind-blowing awesomeness that their baristas clearly think they impart on their drinks). Also, once you get your coffee the environment in the store is great for sitting and reading or having a chat with a friend. But the bottom line for me is that you can get equally good coffee at many other places in Boulder without being subjected to such a jackass behind the counter. Take your money elsewhere, and give it to someone who has a pleasant attitude and treats you like a human being. read more

BAD BAD Management!!! I went to Trident today, sat down, started my laptop and received a phone call. As I am on the phone the owner comes by and says "you sit you buy something" (I paraphrase). I nodded and continued my call. Following my call I decided to leave - on the way out I stopped the owner and wanted to provide feedback - I said: "I don't mean to be defensive, but I think that most people will eventually buy something and your comment made me feel unwelcome." He immediately blew up - saying that I "should never come back" and that I am a "complete rip-off". Then he stormed back into his shop. Regardless how you feel about this policy, this is no way to treat a customer (I have been there often before). Coffee shops are places to meet and hang out, to feel welcome. I neither felt welcome nor did I get any customer service. (Never mind respect as a human). I was left standing - speechless - I didn't know what to say anymore. Here I was trying to provide some customer feedback. With this many coffee shops in Boulder, there is a choice - DON'T go to the Trident until the owner decides to provide customer service. Apparently he doesn't need any more customers. Maybe he had a bad day - but this is no way to treat any human. read more

Unfriendly staff. The barista stabbed my bagel with a knife and was uncommonly rude. With so many beautiful people in Boulder, why start your day with an "ugly" one? read more

Snobs, Snobs, Snobs. The coffee is nothing special, the atmosphere is of a true Boulder Snob, the prices suck. I recently was harassed by the management, after cleaning up my cup they informed me that if I didn't buy some I had to leave, come on. Trident is okay at best if you want to sit and do only computer work. I dare you to take a phone call, dare you, the true Snob colors will come out. read more

I love the environment of this cafe! However, I notice that about half of the time I come in, the batista is rude and seems to hate his job. Maybe they need to get paid more? But I come in sweating because it's a hot summer day and the barista notices me but doesn't acknowledge me so I have to say what I want. He gives me a streaming hot tea while I'm sweating... maybe he needs a different job or a raise but I'm happy to go to ozo. Born and raised- boulder read more

Cozy little store with hardwood floors (I don't know what it is, but wooden floors just add to the mystique of a genuine bookstore). Great for people watching and just taking in the whole "scene." You can meet up with friends or conduct a quick, casual business meeting. The selection is small, but is quite interesting. I like a place where I can pick up John O'Hurley's latest book, right next to a used copy of Voltaire's Candide. I wasn't looking for anything in particular. Lots of random selections, but I wouldn't recommend going in for anything specific. Just go in to browse, but you might get some foul stares from other customers if you brush up against them in the cramped space. When looking at the books, I got a dirty look from some man who worked there. I don't think I was doing anything wrong (authorities may say differently). Perhaps I just caught him at a bad part of his day. I guess we've all been there. I found my favorite thing here... POSTCARDS! I couldn't really give them a good look though because someone was trying to read, and the postcard rack was all up on his table. But I like what I see, so far. I didn't go to the café since I already had coffee plans, but I might stop in next time. While there was nothing happening in the book section, the café seemed jumping. And people here on Yelp seem to enjoy the coffee/tea. Seemed to be a definite lack of seating. For some reason, there's some little tables and chairs in the bookstore, but I think they're in the way of the bookshelves. You might be able to share a table with someone, or you might want to take it outside. Just a reminder... no cell phones here. There's a sign on the door when you come in. I was in the bookstore when I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket, indicating that I had received a text. I was tempted to reach in my pocket to see who texted me, but I refrained. I was a bit scared as to what might happen to me. read more

Me: "You have a list of your teas?" Barista: "Nah, we change 'em all the time" Me: "Um, okay... got anything like an Assam?" Barista: "We got 5 Assams" Me: "What's the strongest?" Barista: "The CTC" Me: "Let's do it." Boom. Done. I love interactions like that. Quality teas and a laid back atmosphere. Great low key place to go have a drink and catch up with old friends. read more

My wife loved the mocha she got here. She said it was the best in town. We both enjoyed the cups they use - very neat! Bathrooms are very nice. Like the interior overall - cool old building. Wife had a scone and she loved it. It was mixed berry and cream cheese. Sadly for me, they were out of blueberry muffins, which really chapped my ass. Raspberry just doesn't cut it. Their menu overall is fun though, with a lot of cool options. Wife and I found it a bit odd that some filming was taking place last time we were there, felt a bit violated. Gave four stars because we couldn't find any free newspapers to read. read more

I've come to the Trident for coffee and to read magazines for as long as the Trident has existed, and for as long as I've made trips back to Boulder. I was one of the first customers in here this morning. You'd think the help would greet the customers well, especially the early customers. But the stone face kid behind the counter just stared at me when I said "hello" and ordered a cup of coffee. Then, with a blase attitude that dripped with faux Boulder chic, he asked: "Just a cup of coffee?" "Yes, is that not enough?" "I meant like do you want a latte or something." "Just a cup of coffee." The coffee was very good. I had a refill and returned to reading the May issue of the Progressive. The coffee was so good I returned for a third refill. Stone face said: "50 cents." "Excuse me?" "The third refill is 50 cents." Hmmmm. I see. At a cost of 4 cents a cup or less, we'd better not lose money on a 3rd refill. Cheap! But I paid it because the coffee is really good, and I wasn't done reading yet. Plus, I was having fun counting how many customers could greet this twit before he could smile. I got up to about 20 customers before I quit counting. read more

This place has an awesome Boulder vibe. Great location on the west end. Lots of regulars. Lots of seating. Gets busy. Outdoor seating is awesome people watching. read more

Trident Booksellers and Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

I've been studying/thinking/reading/talking/drawing at Trident for almost 20 years, and I can honestly say it's my favorite coffee shop in the world. Though I don't live in Boulder anymore, whenever I visit Colorado I always make sure to stop in and sit down with a pot of tea. I love that the space can be energetic and relaxed at the same time, affording patrons whatever vibe they need. The recent renovations (made under the new ownership) solve a number of spatial problems that I had accepted as unsolvable quandaries since my time at Trident as a teenager. The bathrooms are logically placed in the same space now, and the extra counter that houses coffee and hot water refilling stations is much appreciated. The coffee and tea selection has only improved with the new ownership, providing an excellent selection no matter what your brew of choice may be. Scanning the crowd at Trident, I have always loved the off-beat mix of regulars and recent residents of Boulder. It's as assuring to see familiar faces (20 year patrons) as it is to see new CU students getting familiar with their new home. I'm a book hog, and have purchased a number of my favorite tomes from Trident's bookstore. Maundy, by Julian Gloag, remains a treasured purchase, I can still point to the exact shelf on which I found it 10 years ago, on a night when I needed a good story more than anything else. I have to stop typing now, because I'm back in LA (after a recent trip to Boulder) and am tearing up remembering all the wonderful nights spent at Trident, deep in conversation with best friends, books, and my own inner monologue. Trust me, this place is for you. read more

the best coffee shop and bookstore in town. one of the few places that is still authentically Boulder.

I love the bookstore. I took a matcha workshop by the Japanese artist and tea practitioner in the book store section of the shop. it was very inspiring. Staff was very friendly and good local place to spend time. I was able to find parking relatively easy. read more

Great ambience. Plenty of seating indoors and outdoors. There's an additional hidden outdoor area in the back. Be sure to check out the bookstore. Great place to relax. Coffee itself was average. I enjoyed the drip coffee but the espresso was over extracted and steamed milk was a little disappointing. read more

I love that Trident feels like waking up on vacation in a quiet, remote place, and the room you'd find downstairs when you're ready to meet the day with coffee and the paper. It's one of the quieter shops, and definitely the most charming, reminding you of Boulder before it was Boulder. Their coffee is fantastic and notably less expensive compared to a lot of other shops in town. And, while quiet, you'll still find small tables of chess games and conversations on philosophy, and outdoor silent movie nights throughout the week. On top of all that, their outdoor area out back (there's also one out front) is one of the best outdoor spots in Boulder. Away from the bustle of Pearl, it's both spacious and intimate. And, being covered, is a great place to spend a rarely-rainy day, or commonly-gorgeous day during any of the four seasons. I'm glad to be moving closer to this shop from the other side of town and looking forward to stopping in each day. read more

Trident is a boulder phenomenon. It's in an old building with creaky floors, and barely manageable but well serviced barista bar, old tables and only two plugs to service 20 tables of computer bound patrons. The coffeeshop shares space with the book store next door, and has outdoor tables both in the back and out front. I regularly go to Trident to study in a cute coffee shop with good music, friendly staff and the amusingly entertaining regulars. Old hippies, hipsters, wannabes, boulder wierdos and cute studious types are found here. When it's warm, I sit out front and watch the passersby from the best vantage point in Boulder. Good stuff. However, either make sure you get there early to get a plug for your computer, or come with your computer fully charged as there are limited places to plug in and people fight over them. read more

Five stars for a sweet atmosphere, good coffee, interesting selection of baked goods (blueberry tea cake, apple coffeecake) and back patio complete with sandbox. Hell, let me in the sandbox. Excellently cozy feel. Reminds me of that one little cafe in Montecito, but without all the pretention or Oprah. Guy behind us in line didn't have cash to pay for his coffee. Girl behind the counter said "Are you coming back tomorrow? You can just bring it then." Equal Opportunity Coffee. FIVE STARS, TRIDENT, FIVE STARS! read more

This is a review for the coffee shop, not the bookstore. There are a lot of independent places to get coffee along Pearl St., and this is one of my favorites although it does have some warts. The coffee is good, not mindblowing, not amazing, not awesome, just good. I've found that they can be pretty inconsistent, so eventually I decided to stick with getting a Mocha there (the chocolate can drown out the flavor of beans which are over roasted or have been in the press too long). It's also kind of annoying that I'd consider myself a "regular" there and they still ask me for my drink order every time. I like that it's got an older, worn feel to it, and there is almost always a short line which is usually a good sign for a coffee shop. As others have mentioned, it does have an eclectic bunch (and sometimes hipster-snobbish) as clientle. The price is certainly refreshing however-- it's probably at least a $1 cheaper than most other coffee shops. One note of warning, the pastries there look super delicious, but have in general been pretty terrible each time I've had them. I've had several things there, and I've ended-up throwing them all in the trash except for a cookie. Maybe they are vegan or something, I don't know, but I personally didn't like them at all. I don't know that I would go out of my way to get coffee at the Trident, but it's a good choice if you're at the West end of Pearl St. read more

Trident has the flava. I've been to many other coffeeshops in Boulder and sampled their wares with optimism and open-mindedness, but few of them can come close to that Trident finesse. Tasty bevs, quick service, assured and winking staff - I approve this message like what-what. Trident operates as any good coffeeshop should - with a focus on smart, quick efficiency. They won't hold your hand and coddle you. In fact, they might slap your hand if you bring that attitude. But they are the best hand-slappers in Boulder, so you should be honored. If you order an Izze, don't let them put it in a glass. That's weird. read more

Trident has a great atmosphere, it's right off the Hop so it's easy to get to, and the employees are friendly. The drinks are a little expensive, but it's pretty much like that every where. Their coffees are delicious and I highly recommend these. The tea comes in a mini-tea pot, but they let the leaves stew too long and get bitter. The seating is limited so if you want a spot, get there fast or prepare to wait. They have outdoor seating, but I never used it because I preferred inside. Still, this restaurant attracts the pseudo-philosophers (ho ho, what else do you expect in Boulder??) at night. These "intellectuals" are the best entertainment I've received in a LONG time. I tried browsing the bookstore, but selection is limited and I didn't find anything I was really interested in, so I can't comment on this area of the store. read more

Favorite. Place. Ever. Literally and literarily. If Trident were a person, it would be best man at my wedding. Great staff, real human beings...one or two of them are on the ornery side or ornery...but on some level that's why the place is so good--they ask you to buy something if you're loitering, they ask you to get your feet off a chair...the place has manners, it's uplifted, no dust on the bookshelves, they offer Third St Chai (local, now national quality brand) Bhakti chai (local strong chai) and Jam Dandies (vegan and yummy, a rare combo)...it has a sandbox in the back for children, movies and music in the backyard come summertime, it's all maroon and wood, beautiful...the place is Boulder's oldest, it does have ghosts of Trungpa Rinpoche and Allen Ginsberg in there, it's where I practically lived for first years building my business...oh, Trident, may you last forever and ever. read more

When I was a wee lass, I dreamed of owning a bookstore one day that would sell coffee and have cushy places to sit and interesting people to talk to. And Trident totally stole my idea, and I am currently working on a lawsuit. Until then, I frequent the place. But under protest. There are quite a few people who are here all the time, and they're pretty devoted to making new friends, but it's easy enough to look unapproachable if that's how you're feeling that afternoon (I usually wear a headband that says 'I voted for Bush AND Cheney', and then nobody WANTS to know me). Above all, though, Trident is a place for conversation, for random encounters, for commenting on the drawing the guy next to you is inking. Internet's free, but you won't find that many people tapping away on laptops all day. The bookstore is wonderful for the random read, but lousy if you're looking for something in particular. Try something new, though. Try that random Chekhov novel. And the lemon myrtle chamomile tea. Gods, it's good. My only real complaint about the Trident is that the help is unfriendly. Not rude, just not friendly either. But then, you only have to talk to them long enough to get your coffee. Then you can find a table and ask the girl next to you where she got her boots. read more