Today’s Cup o’ Tea
Enchanted Grounds Coffeehouse and Gameporium

Ah, the treasures we found inside... ©2011 ANVidean

Perks (what I really like!)
While in Colorado recently, I visited Enchanted Grounds with my brother Paul and his son Blake. I’d describe this charming spot as the ultimate in nerdy coolness. I mean really, a coffee shop and a gaming store all rolled into one? And I thought Souvia was heaven.

Perhaps it appealed to me so much because I’m a closet gamer. I love board games and cards, video games and, especially, role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. My family played D&D every week for years, starting with a group at Borders Books, and then moving to our living room. Our fabulous friend and Game Master Joanne kept the play creative, and rewarded smart and nonviolent decisions. It taught my kids a lot of great lessons about preparation, teamwork, strategic thinking and problem solving. Ah, but I digress…

Blake loves Batman, and I'm partial to Superman (mostly because of Smallville). ©2011 Paul Narcisian

We’d dropped into Enchanted Grounds for a short afternoon of quiet gaming and something refreshing to sip. When we first walked up to the counter, Paul says Dan to the barista, “Hey, great shirt!” He points out that Dan’s T-shirt image sported Blake’s favorite superhero, Batman.

Blake's scrumptious Batman shake. ©2011 ANVidean

We didn’t think much of it as we found a table and laid out our Harry Potter Lego game. But, when I went to pick up my delicious peppermint tea, I discovered a Batman symbol outlined in chocolate syrup on top of the boys’ chocolate milkshake. Blake loved the sweet surprise! (Not to mention sucking the creamy treat down to half full in about 15 seconds flat, at which point his Dad snagged the other half.)

My nephew Blake and brother Paul set up our game while waiting for tea and a milkshake. ©2011 ANVidean

I thoroughly enjoyed our time at Enchanted Grounds. The atmosphere feels energized, but calm. The food and drinks taste delicious. A well-stocked and roomy game-display area allowed for easy browsing. I can easily imagine playing D&D there, as the gaming tables are spacious and pretty comfortable. I especially like the broad variety of people the place attracted: not only gamer types rolling d20s (20-sided die) and pondering miniatures on maps, but families holding quiet conversations, and professionals working away on laptops.

All I want to know is why can’t Enchanted Ground be in my neighborhood? (I guess it’s so I have another great excuse to visit my lucky brother now… Yeah, that’s it.)

Barista Dan and owner Jeff Kokx. ©2011 ANVidean

Share a cuppa (the stories)
Owner: Jeff Kokx
Do you just love how that last name is spelled?

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)

• Specialty coffee and gourmet espresso
• A good selection of teas
• Fruit smoothies, and ice cream shakes (best in town!)
• Sandwiches and burritos
• Pastries and desserts
• Even drink catering (an entire coffee and espresso bar set-up for your private party or office function)

The Grind (what I would change)
It’s Enchanted Grounds. What more is there to say?

Percolation Factor (the activity/environment/energy/service)

• Online community:
  Podcasts
  Blog posts
• Games, toys, puzzles and collectible card games (CCGs)
• Plenty of seating inside and out
• Game, club, and/or other events almost every day
• Free WiFi and lots of power outlets
• Beautiful decor and friendly staff (Dan was thoughtful, helpful…a real charmer!)

The Grounds (location)
8800 S. Colorado Blvd., Unit A
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
303.470.1010

Tea Times (hours)
Open:
M–Th 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
F 6 a.m.–12 a.m.
Sa 7 a.m.–12 a.m.
Su 7 a.m.–8 p.m.

Yelp rating:  4 Stars

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I love connecting people and ideas, so I’ve been creating small villages my entire life. Really, what better places can writers and musicians find to create “village” than independent coffee/tea shops? I wrote most of my Rhythms & Muse novel in coffee/tea venues, so it seemed natural to create this blog. Whether you came here to find a new favorite hangout, or suggest a spot not yet not posted, may you find Coffee CommuniTea exactly to your taste!