The Chautauqua Café
Relax and enjoy the views!
As part of Chautauqua’s commitment to historic preservation, the Colorado Chautauqua has reconstructed the historic 1899 Chautauqua Café. The Café, based on archival photographs, will benefit the thousands of visitors who cherish and adore the Chautauqua National Historic Landmark. Its tented seating area has prime Foothills views and will be a great place to enjoy ice cream, coffee, salads and sandwiches from the General Store. In Summer 2023, Chautauqua Cafe will feature Tails By The Trails story times for young children every second Tuesday at 10am and live acoustic music, beer and wine every other Saturday afternoon – 1PM – 3PM – from June 10th.
Tales by The Trails
FREE EVENT, 10 AM
Bring the kids to the Chautauqua Café for storytime! Parents can relax with a beautiful view and coffee from the General Store while the little ones enjoy a storytelling adventure with beloved local storyteller, Judy Volc.
Upcoming Dates: 8/1, 8/15, 8/29
Space is first come, first served.
Pop Up Farmer's Markets
9 AM – 2 PM
There’s a cool new farmer’s market in town! Discover locally grown produce and curated artisan goods at two Sunday pop-up markets being held at Chautauqua Café (next to Chautauqua Dining Hall). Enjoy an iced coffee, sandwich or ice cream, welcome shade and gorgeous Foothills views while browsing seasonal fruit, flowers, vegetables and one-of-a-kind creations from local artists. Don’t forget to spend time in the cute Chautauqua General Store and feel free to add on a playground visit, hike or game of frisbee!
Vendors: Three Leaf Farms, Erin’s Beeswax Candles, Taurus Moon Curiosities, Art by Gillian, Thalweg Designs & The Chautauqua General Store
Sunday, September 3
The Original Café
SERVING COFFEE, SHORT ORDERS, AND COLD MEATS
When the Colorado Chautauqua was established in 1898, the Chautauqua Dining Hall was the first building completed. In 1899, Cottage 100, commonly known today as the “General Store” was built west of the Dining Hall and functioned as the Chautauqua Secretary’s office. In 1899, the open-air wooden pavilion known as the Chautauqua Café was built between the two buildings. This structure functioned as an adjunct to the Dining Hall, serving as an informal dining space and offering “coffee, short orders and cold meats.”
The Reconstructed Cafe
EVERYONE IS WELCOME
After receiving approval from the City of Boulder Landmarks Board and the State Historic Fund, Chautauqua recreated the Chautauqua Café in the original location between the Dining Hall and the General Store with one modification – the addition of ADA walkways. This allows visitors to access the space through the existing ADA ramp at the west end of the General Store porch.
Stop by Anytime
The Chautauqua Café will be open to the public year-round. It is the perfect place for meetups, storytime, listening to live music or just gathering with friends and family. Guests are welcome to relax while enjoying coffee, ice cream, and healthy take-out food from the adjoining General Store. The Café will also soon be available for small private events, which can be arranged through Chautauqua’s friendly Guest Services team. Just fill out the Inquiry form here.
Quick Links
THE CHAUTAUQUA CAFÉ
Chautauqua History
Archival Photos