Happy Mountain Bean and Bistro

You can’t beat them fresh dropped eggs! Seriously the best breakfast sandwiches and house made pastries!

I’d love the like this place since it’s a small business in Niwot but it’s awful. The man gave us a half eaten muffin, chais instead of the cocoas we ordered for the kids and a gross, watery, cinnamon something instead of a large chai. We ordered a breakfast burrito and he said it would take a really long time so after everything else was a disaster we just got a refund. They need to get their act together and if he needs more help, hire another person to help!

The Happy Bean is decent, the problem is the time it takes for anything to get prepared. More than once I’ve waited for about 15 minutes for something that should really have taken closer to 5 minutes. Being one of the only spots in Niwot to get homemade pastries and sandwiches, it’s really too bad the service can’t be a little quicker. Wouldn’t recommend for a quick lunch stop in, but for a long coffee date or premade pastry, it’s fine. Err on the side of caution with the coffee though– espresso is fairly good, but the house brew isn’t great. It’s hard to tell if the coffee isn’t made fresh every morning, or if they’re just using bad beans. Hours of operation can be a little erratic as well.

I’ve lived in Niwot for 5 years and now Nicole has created this cool little oasis in the middle of town. Ozo coffee, updated homemade menu options and hiring Alex who is a barista, sandwich chef, and retro Betty Crocker all rolled into one.
My weekend morning routine now includes a late morning walk with the dog, then having a scone, muffin or one of Alex’s tasty breakfast (or lunch) sandwiches with an espresso in hand. This is a bean & bistro I would expect in a cool little hideaway in Denver or even Austin, TX, but what a treat to have it here in downtown Niwot!
BTW, you’re on Niwot time when you enter through the front door. It’s not the ‘turn and burn’ franchise mentality here. You may have to wait an additional minute or two while your barista takes out fresh cooked goodies from the oven. Even so, take a breather, enjoy a muffin or a slice of cake and be prepared to be transported back in time when grandma’s baking suggested all is right in the world.
Happy Mountain in addition to other mom-​and-​pop businesses such as Little Bird, Rockin’ Robin, Wise Buys, Powder Keg makes downtown Niwot extra special and a nice retreat from the multi-​tasking county we live in.
BrianC (Charles)