Review: Bindle Coffee — The Best Coffee Shop in Fort Collins
Go beyond the Old Town Fort Collins coffee zone and try Bindle Coffee. It’s worth the drive.
Stationed in a small, renovated white paneled homestead house that dates back, Bindle fits into the folksy vibe. It is surrounded by a cluster of fresh and exciting novelty stores on the outskirts of Fort Collins. The word that Bindle embodies is ‘rustic’ – it is welcoming and a gem to stumble upon, and I am going to be so bold as to say they offer the best latte in Fort Collins.
Upon walking in, you’ll notice the homey wooden walls, unique lighting, assorted chairs and various nooks and crannies to get cozy and comfortable in. It is evident that the focus is on the coffee — there is a simple menu. I always think that a simple and straightforward menu means that they specialize in that particular thing, and that they do it well. Bindle is no exception.
I have tried many of the coffee shops in Old Town, like Starry Night and the Bean Cycle, and they certainly have their quirks and appeal. Their atmosphere is unique to Old Town, and oftentimes special events take place there. Their prime Old Town location adds to their much-sought after ambiance, and their coffee is good. However, nothing comes close to the rich, creamy coffee (especially the lattes!) at Bindle. It is somehow sweet without added sugar. It is so good that it invites you to slow down to make it last longer in your cup. There is a special element of care — a special touch — in Bindle’s coffee that other coffee shops lack. Whether it is care in the coffee or customers, it’s noticeable. According to their website, owner Andrew Webb states, “Bindle Coffee exists to provide a space and environment that gives people room to breathe, to dream and to enjoy beautiful food & coffee. Bindle is the forging of artistry and ritual. It is restorative and comforting. It is handmade. Sit and savor.”
Bindle celebrates the simplicity that great coffee can be; it is done well and it shows. Their coffee is purchased through direct trade relationships; one of the ways Bindle buys its coffee beans is through Crop to Cup, quality coffee importers from around the globe. If you decide that you love their coffee so much but can’t make the commitment to visit every day, that’s fine — they roast their own coffee beans and sell them as wholesale.
If coffee isn’t for you, they offer teas and other non-coffee drinks, as well as their homemade pastries. My favorites are the lemon-lime zucchini cake, the cheese biscuit with tomato jam, gluten free muffins and coconut macaroons, among others. The pastries and baked goods change regularly, so visiting each time is a surprise.
The next time you need to escape the hustle and bustle of Old Town, make your way across town to Bindle and get out of the Fort Collins Old Town mindset. You’ll even have a guaranteed place to park. And, if you’re so inclined, check out the boutique store HEYDAY that is adjacent to Bindle, or get a haircut at the barbershop next door.
I cannot wait for fall and winter evenings spent at Bindle by myself and with friends within its comfy confines, and I cannot think of any place better to do so.
