The Smiley Cafe
The Smiley Cafe — photo 2
The Smiley Cafe — photo 3
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The Smiley Cafe

1309 E 3rd Ave, Durango, CO

★★★★★4.6(313 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

Tucked inside a beautifully reimagined historic school building in downtown Durango, this cafe creates an unexpectedly calm retreat with thoughtfully designed spaces, quality pastries, and a genuinely welcoming vibe that keeps regulars coming back. Whether you're settling in with a laptop for the afternoon, meeting a friend, or craving a well-made chai boba, the friendly staff and uplifting atmosphere make it easy to linger—and the fact that it doubles as a gateway to local artists' studios means you can browse original work while sipping your coffee.

What to expect

ParkingLaptop friendlyMeetingsFull breakfastSlow sitLight foodTraditional drinksPastries

Google Reviews

reggierules
★★★★★7 months ago

Cute cafe shop that offered Gluten Free items. We arrived around 11am are were disappointed they did not have the Gluten free Quiche, GF Fritatta muffins or GF bacon sausage burritos. So we settled for the veg burrito which was pretty good. The star was the Pumpkin Muffin with Choc bits. That was really good. I had a similar one in Pagosa Springs that was not nearly as good, so kudos for the Smiley for adding Chocolate to the muffin! lol. We ate outside at the tables near the street. It was very nice, quiet and peaceful. A short walk back to town.

Deirdre Sage
★★★★★11 months ago

The appropriately named Smiley Cafe will bring a smile to your face. The atmosphere is welcoming and perfect for studying, work, and chats with friends. I had the most delicious Chai Boba! I also had a delightful connection with the cafe staff and the cafe owner, Grant. You can tell the business is run by more than caffeine and profit, there is a kindness and thoughtfulness in every pour and every smile.

Matt Z3
★★★★★a year ago

Remarkable cafe with more than fair prices. Good and drinks were great. Located in an incredible reimagined high school. Friendly and helpful staff. Uplifting! Parking on the street

Claire Lewis
★★★★2 years ago

SUPER cool location, best part. great lighting, calm music with comfy furniture and open isolated spaces upstairs. the lady who took our order, was not very friendly.. not welcoming - first impressions matter! the menu was very diverse with drinks and flavors, boba options were super cool but didn’t try. I got a Carmel latte, super good espresso quality but I feel like it’s definitely missing something. my sister got a regular latte and as you can see, our lattes looks VERY different and mine was much more creamy. we would not recommend regular latte, it was made much differently. we got broccoli cheese soup, it was very good the texture was interesting. although didn’t fill the cup :/ then a tomato soup, it was much sweeter than salty or basil tasting. I didn’t like it much personally but filled cup!:) other worker took dishes for us kindly. Overall super a unique place and would return.

Carol Bostian
★★★★★2 years ago

The café is located inside an old junior high school building that has been converted into comfortable relaxing coves, the Cafe, a whole section of local artists' studios/wares to browse, and small business offices. Love it! The Smiley Cafe has a limited, but tasty, menu for breakfast and lunch, specialty coffees, a good tea selection, smoothies, and bottled drinks. Highly recommend a unique place to chill.

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