Creature Comforts, Boulder’s first (and only) no-tipping cafe, has quietly but confidently woven itself into Boulder’s daily rhythm. On any given morning, sunlight pours through its expansive windows as neighbors gather over coffee; by evening, the same space hums with conversation, wine glasses, and a sense of ease. For owner Jess Liu, this fluidity was always the point.
“Creature Comforts is first and foremost a gathering space,” Jess says. “A place where people go to enjoy a drink or treat, to meet up with friends, to have a meeting, or simply enjoy a moment of quiet or creativity for themselves.” She sees cafés as cultural mirrors—places where many purposes coexist—and takes particular joy in watching regulars make the space their own. “I love when I see our regulars hop around their favorite seats in the cafe depending on the day… from the community table to our couch, to our corner L-bench (my favorite).”
Designed for Connection and Calm
That sense of belonging is no accident. Jess personally designed the interiors, guided by a deep belief in environmental design. “I’m a huge believer in the power of environmental design on experience,” she explains, noting that she knew she needed to lead the process herself rather than hand it off to a designer.
Natural light was non-negotiable, driving her to seek a corner location and open up the building with expansive east-facing windows. “This focus on natural light is why I knew that I would open up as much of the building as I could,” she says, an architectural decision that has since become one of the café’s defining features.
Equally important was openness. Inspired by hotel lobbies Jess frequented while living in New York City, she envisioned “one big room” that feels like “a giant living room.” Varied seating, from lounge areas and large tables to bar seating designed for connection or individualized space, supports different rhythms of use.
“By having our seating spaced out more, I think it creates a sense of calm—people not on top of one another,” she says.
Layered green tones, flowing murals with natural lines, abundant plants, and playful details add warmth without clutter. A space that feels intentional yet lighthearted.
An All-Day Rhythm Built Around Community
Creature Comforts’ seamless transition from morning coffee stop to late afternoon gathering place was always intentional. “I always envisioned an all-day cafe,” she says, inspired by New York cafés where coffee naturally gives way to wine or cocktails as the day unfolds.
What has surprised Jess most is the depth of Boulder’s business community. “The way everyone is just cheering everyone else on, sharing advice, is truly amazing.” That spirit echoes inside the café, where regulars form connections with one another—and with Jess herself—often extending beyond the café’s walls.
That sense of camaraderie is especially present each February, when Creature Comforts hosts its Chinese New Year seated dinner in collaboration with Rising Tiger and chef Devin Keopraphay. As the Year of the Fire Horse begins, Jess is leaning into experimentation, creativity, and joy. “Play is calling,” she says, referencing one of the phrases on the café’s exterior mural—a fitting mantra for a café designed not just to be visited but truly lived in.
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Celebrating Chinese New Year and Upcoming Collaborations with Rising Tiger
Now in its 3rd year, Creature Comforts and Rising Tiger’s annual Chinese New Year Dinner is known for offering a unique dining experience. The dinner, known as the “8 Treasures 八宝 (Bà Báo)” Dinner, is an 8-course tasting menu featuring dishes inspired by traditional foods associated with good luck and prosperity.
This year, in addition to their “8 Treasures” Chinese New Year dinner, Rising Tiger will be hosting a weekly brunch takeover, every Saturday, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., through March at Creature Comforts. At this weekly takeover, Rising Tiger fans will be able to get a taste of Devin’s delicious creations outside of farmer’s market season. Instead of the scallion pancake breakfast sando he’s become known for, Devin’s excited to share his sticky rice bun breakfast sando with lemongrass breakfast sausage and Thai chili jam.
Find tickets at CreatureComforts.Cafe.
I’m a huge believer in the power of environmental design on experience. — Jess Liu
Play is calling. — Jess Liu