Where the glitz of downtown blurs into the weary south-end district—a division handily marked by corroded train tracks—there resides a treasured Colorado Springs' staple: Montague's. Stuck in a strip of ever-transient businesses along busy South Tejon St., Montague's is a surprising and thriving teahouse boasting over 80 varieties of teas. But don't get your knickers bunched—they also appease the typical American thirst with delectable coffees and espressos. A stunning
spread of pastries and cakes clutter the length of an entire counter, and the teahouse also is complemented by a full menu (try the brie tomato pie). For your conversational pleasures, Montague's is cozily crowded with overstuffed armchairs and Victorian lampshades, creating a brilliant and eclectic atmosphere. In more ways than one, Montague's is a refreshing change.

And yet the boutique cafe resides in the city's hazy ambiguity, where affluent smudges into derelict. While Montague's immediate area isn't quite considered promiscuous (that would be a few blocks south), it's close enough to make one raise an eyebrow.

But that all depends on the perspective: is the teapot half empty? Or is this a goldmine of an opportunity to invest in a gentrifying neighborhood? According to a couple of Montague's baristas, the teapot is definitely half full. And filling up quickly.

Two blocks northeast of Montague's recently welcomed dazzling, contemporary condos. And there are rumors that new condos will go up across the street from Montague's come 2009. Meanwhile, most of the surrounding neighborhood is graced by affordable housing that feature lush lawns and settled trees. It appears that, like Montague's, this district is becoming a thriving and eclectic area. And where better to watch than from a comfy chair, with a spot of tea, in one of
Montague's spacious windows?