Grab-and-go coffee is certainly convenient, but nothing beats a slow-sipping cup. Local coffee lovers looking for exquisitely prepared java in a sleek, peaceful atmosphere should head to Little Owl Coffee, a newly-opened coffee shop in LoDo’s Sugarcube Building.

Owner Seanna Forey serves up traditional Italian brews made with beans from local company Corvus Coffee Roasters. The shop’s name is a tribute to Forey’s favorite Tokyo bar, whose owner served lovingly-crafted cocktails in the company of a tiny pet owl that would fly around the room.

Forey brings an equal devotion to her craft with highly-skilled baristas brewing each drink. “We want to have an unpretentious conversation about specialty coffee,” Forey says, “and help people decide what they like.” Little Owl’s menu lists an espresso-to-milk ratio for each drink, a handy guide for customers unsure of what to order.

On your first trip to Little Owl, order the velvety latte to stay and grab a perch on the design-forward—and comfortable—wooden stools. The quiet, sun-filled (and tiny!) space is a perfect place to relax, people-watch, or catch up on reading.

Bonus: Improve your home-brewing routine with beans from Method Roasters. The Highland-based company debuted last Friday at the Skyline Farmers’ Market, featuring locally-roasted beans from Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Colombia. If you’re looking for a summer alternative to your morning drip, Method also sells a cold-brew toddy in 5-gallon kegs and 4-pint growlers.

Little Owl Coffee, 1555 Blake St., littleowlcoffee.com

Method Roasters, 970-618-3457, methodroasters.com