Calling all peace-loving folk singers, salsa dancers, organic junkies, horoscope believers, activists, vegans, vegetarians and slam poets: the Mercury Café has created a second home for you in downtown Denver. If you’re looking for a place to outdo your last socially responsible, eco-friendly, hip hangout spot, then the Mercury is your place.
Located on 2199 California St. in Denver and easily accessible by light rail, the Mercury has an atmosphere that is difficult to forget. Bright red Christmas lights droop from all corners of the ceiling and various eccentric pieces of art decorate the walls. In the back, you can see a tiger (a common theme at the Mercury) statue that appears to be jumping out of the wall. Signs on each table indicate that you can purchase a tarot card reading for $10. Soon enough, you’ll spot the self-proclaimed “wizard” (long beard, robes and all) wandering the crowd. His services are popular—there is often a wait list.
Venture into the Jungle Room to enjoy an artistic event on any given night. While this usually requires a cover charge of about $5, it is worth it. Events range from theater performances, to musical shows and open-mic slam poetry events. Musical performances include everything from folk bands to single cellists. Head up the stairs to the studio if you’re looking for a more interactive experience with the Mercury. Here you can find salsa, tango, swing and belly dance classes, as well as yoga and zumba classes, usually for a drop-in charge of around $10.
With all that is going on at the Mercury, one might temporarily forget about its main attraction: the food. Its extremely vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu has an array of organic options (even organic beer), and includes off-beat dishes like the delicious “Grilled Tempeh with Black Bean Sauce,” (a small cake made from fermented soybeans) or, for those hipsters who have yet to adopt the vegan lifestyle, the “Ground Elk Burger.” There is also a large coffee menu, appetizers and a full bar to choose from. After dinner, head up to the dessert bar to choose from a wide selection of treats, including vegan cake and ice cream options.
Entrees lie a bit on the pricy side, ranging anywhere from $10-$16 but they are worth the money. The Mercury uses almost entirely local ingredients bought from farmers markets, and even grows their own vegetables if you’re into that kind of thing.
But the Mercury’s menu isn’t the only way it is socially conscious: all of the building’s electricity is sourced from wind turbines and solar panels on the café’s roof.
In addition, it uses LED fluorescent light bulbs and live vines that grow on the walls outside to minimize electricity use from lighting and cooling. It also has its own composting system, and encourages employees to walk, bike or use public transit to get to work.
However, for all it’s “progressive” features, The Merc still has it’s drawbacks. With despondent and often rude wait staff, be sure to leave your short temper and expectations of serving-grandeur at the door. Similarly, be sure to bring cash, the Mercury is notorious for not accepting credit cards.
Meant to be a place where the community can come together, The Mercury finds its strength in the classes offered and the atmosphere surrounding the visitors. If you want feel good about what you are eating and enjoy every bit of the experience, spend an evening at the Mercury. You [probably] won’t regret it.
