Offbeat Finds
By Ephraim Mallery, Citysearch Contributor
Tired of frequenting the same old hangouts? Walk on the wild side with strange brews, outlandish eateries and odd establishments of all kinds with our list of Denver treasures that offer a few surprises.
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Mercury Cafe
2199 California St, Denver, CO
Punks, tattooed bohemians and hippies of all ages gather here for tasty food, live jazz, poetry readings and dance lessons. -
Bastien's Restaurant
3501 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO
One of Denver's best steaks, paradoxically served in '60s-era, Vegas-themed opulence--on East Colfax. -
Karma
1575 Boulder St, Denver, CO
This all-natural vegetarian coffeehouse serves raw living foods; organic coffees and teas are also available. -
Chedd's Gourmet Grilled Cheese
1906 Pearl St, Denver, CO
Eclectic deli highlights Wisconsin-cheese sandwiches and soups; build your own sandwich from 35 cheese, eight meat and 12 bread choices. -
Bonnie Brae Tavern
740 S University Blvd, Denver, CO
The oldest standing pizza parlor in Denver--this joint predates WWII, as does the longevity of some of its regulars.
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Cruise Room
1600 17th St, Denver, CO
An exact replica of the lounge on the Queen Mary, and every bit as classy. -
El Chapultepec
1962 Market St, Denver, CO
Home to a killer burrito, this bar has set the stage for countless impromptu jazz jam sessions, featuring everyone from Branford Marsalis to Max Roach. -
The Fort Restaurant
19192 Hwy 8, Morrison, CO
Sure, this place is mostly about wild western food, but where else can you drink black powder-infused whiskey? -
Lola Restaurant
1575 Boulder St, Denver, CO
Enjoy delicious red or white sangria and excellent margaritas in this remodeled mortuary. -
Double Daughter's Salotto
1632 Market Street, Denver, CO
A gothic-inspired martini lounge in LoDo where revelers drink concoctions, not cocktails.
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C Lazy U Ranch
3640 Hwy 125, Granby, CO
Live out your dude ranch dreams at this 40-room guest house--complete with spirited horses. -
Stanley Hotel
333 Wonderview Ave, Estes Park, CO
The setting for the movie "The Shining," this hotel, located in the resort town of Estes Park, stands as an elegant reminder that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. -
Mon Chalet
12033 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO
A naughty urban hideaway for couples looking to kick their love lives up a notch. -
The Oxford Hotel
1600 17th St, Denver, CO
Built during the Silver Boom, this is Denver's oldest standing luxury hotel, designed by the same architect as the Brown Palace.
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Brown Palace Hotel & Spa
321 17th St, Denver, CO
This grand hotel was built in 1892 and was once used as President Eisenhower's summer office.
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Black & Read
7821 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO
When it comes to books and music, this store's messy stacks of goods hide just what you're looking for. -
Pandora Jewelry
220 E 13th Ave, Denver, CO
Classic camp and irresistible kitsch for the hipster or toy collector. -
Red Door Swingin'
2556 15th St, Denver, CO
Locally owned North Denver store offers eclectic items including fashionable messenger bags, vintage clothing, local artwork, jewelry and more. -
Cargo
210 S Broadway, Denver, CO
South Broadway's craziest spot for Indian, Thai and Nepalese imports, groovy clothing, aromatic incense and boldly designed, graphic-inspired T-shirts.
