Each year, while perusing entries for the Best of the Springs magazine, there are always a few spots that come as a surprise — hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Such was the case with Reception, a coffee-and-cocktail lounge at 2460 Montebello Square Drive.

The address might sound familiar to some; it’s the former reception space for Almagre, the event venue known for thoughtfully curated wine, beer and cocktail dinners. The creative force behind both is Grace Harrison, who also owns the nearby Hold Fast Coffee Roasters, making the expansion into a dedicated coffee service a natural evolution.

On a recent Saturday morning, Reception felt almost as quiet as a library. A handful of guests tapped away on laptops while others lingered over artfully prepared espresso drinks. A few couples eased into the weekend with cocktail-style sips.

The overall atmosphere is warm, intimate and inviting, a place designed to encourage lingering. In the evening, the space transitions into a cocktail lounge with a small menu of shareable bites.

Coffee hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, and cocktails are served 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Reservations for evenings are recommended. Details: receptioncos.com.