When Conar Ehring moved from Dallas to Denver nearly two years ago, it wasn’t just a change of scenery—it was the start of an entirely new chapter. Drawn by the city’s creative energy and the pull of the mountains, he saw the move as a chance to pursue something more meaningful. What began as espresso tutorials on Instagram quickly grew into a loyal following, and soon, The Caffeinated Cowboy was born. Conar began hosting pop-up cafés in friends’ homes, building both buzz and his barista skills along the way. Today, he’s the go-to mobile coffee shop (track his location at @caffeinated_cowboy_) for everything from weddings to fitness studios—and he’s currently scouting Denver for the perfect permanent location to put down roots. With a vision that’s equal parts cowboy charm and specialty coffee know-how, Conar is on a mission to make every cup count. Fully caffeinated, we caught up with him to hear his fresh take on the city—and his favorite places to eat, drink, and hang out in and around Denver.
Dining + Drinks
Most indulgent dish in Denver: Bone marrow birria tacos from La Diabla
Best spot for locally sourced ingredients: Farmers markets, hands down
Best hole-in-the-wall gem: Velvet Banjo
Favorite dive bar: Toss-up between Dirty Duck Bar and Velvet Banjo
Favorite coffee shop: Metropolis Coffee on Broadway (but hopefully the Caffeinated Cowboy Café soon)
Favorite comfort food: House pho from The Pho and Bar
Top restaurant for a special occasion: Angelo’s or Odyssey
Favorite spot for a romantic dinner: Urban Cowboy
Most anticipated opening: F1 Arcade Denver
Out of Town
Favorite weekend getaway: Steamboat—great in both winter and summer
Favorite place to clear your head: Deckers, fly fishing, or camping
Favorite out-of-town festival: Stagecoach or Austin City Limits
Around Denver
Denver’s most defining trait: Its raw, unfiltered refusal to be pretentious. No matter the restaurant, event, concert, or gym—nothing here tries to be something it’s not
Most underrated aspect of the city: The ability to be in the mountains in the morning and at a club or dive bar that night
Next big trend: Coffee-fueled day raves and house music
Favorite place for inspiration: Making a coffee and walking the city, ending up at a park to people-watch
Favorite park: Cheesman Park
Favorite museum/gallery: Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Favorite annual event: The opening of the Pearl Street Farmers Market
Favorite spa: Any beer spa
Favorite barber shop: Techniques Hair Shop
Favorite fitness studio: Traverse Fitness
Favorite place to dance: Grizzly Rose
Most excited upcoming show: When Rezz Rocks returns to Red Rocks every year, it’s the highlight of the season
