Even the most devoted of caramel macchiato addicts might ditch the Starbucks routine when they check out the new Platform T. The budding concept with two new Denver locations combines a hip verve with a tastefully honed menu of boutique teas, espresso drinks, infused cocktails, and small plates. It’s the perfect spot to meet a friend or cozy up to your laptop any time of day.

Owners David Wilkins and Jeremy Law opened the Denver spots as a launching pad for a major expansion—they hope to open 30 more outlets in and outside of Colorado within the next 10 years. With standout interior design that mixes the warmth of a cozy coffee shop with the sleek decor of a modern eatery, Platform T gets an A in ambience, and the menu offers plenty to love as well.

The extensive list of boutique teas is grouped into user-friendly flavor profile categories like fruity, chocolate and spice, classical, and tropical. Each variety is brewed in a state-of-the-art vacuum system known as Reverse Atmospheric Infusion, or RAIN, which boosts flavor while drastically reducing steeping time. The teas are obviously given center stage here, but a strong selection of espresso drinks, wine, spirits, and tea-infused cocktails contends for equal billing.

On a recent visit to the Speer location, I found a sunny spot on the patio and enjoyed a variety of sweet and savory treats. My tea-infused Prosecco had the softest suggestion of citrus and marigold black tea. It was the perfect accompaniment to the white-chocolate filled green tea macarons. Other standouts included the molten chocolate cake with dark chocolate-chai sauce and the delicate tea sandwiches. My favorite small plate, however, was the buttery mushroom truffle flatbread topped with sautéed mushrooms, white truffle oil, cave-aged Gruyère, paper-thin slices of red onion, fresh arugula, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.

Glendale location: 682 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver, 303-756-1464

Speer Location: 95 Lincoln St., Denver, 303-777-5786