The Market, which celebrates its 34th anniversary this year, is a Denver institution that brims with old fashioned coziness and down-to- earth sensibilities. This European flavored space is part espresso bar, deli, bakery and wine & beer bar. The Market is a historical space that deserves a spot at the top of any downtown adventurer’s list.

Located in the upscale, beautiful and historic Larimer Square, The Market breaks from the mold of its expensive culinary neighbors to offer an affordable, old-school homely atmosphere. The Market has occupied its space as a grocery store in Larimer Square since 1978, before the area was struck by gentrification in the 90s. This unpretentious, familiar character has remained unchanged since The Market was taken over by two brothers from New Jersey, the Greenbergs, who turned the downtown grocery store into a full-scale deli, bakery and coffee bar in 1983.

The space is very welcoming; the inside brims with old school excellence, as well as new-school aesthetics such as indoor plants and succulents. Old-fashioned wood and brass railings mix with beautiful cast iron upholstery and industrial lighting. The old-school aesthetic is completed without effort because it’s real. The interior is bustling with people of varying types; mid-day one can run into downtown businessmen working out deals, young creatives tapping away on Macbooks and old school regulars who are greeted with warm embraces by The Market’s loyal, long-serving staff (on their website they brag about their employees, with 50% of their staff working there for over eight years). The Market doesn’t advertise, and their success is completely based on customer loyalty and word of mouth.

On the drink side, the Market provides typical European espresso drinks, juices, old-school specialties and alcoholic wonders. There are the classics; Americano ($2.25), cappuccino ($3.25) and cafe latte ($3.25). There are also more eccentric drinks such as the Californian cappuccino ($3.65), a normal cappuccino in structure but made with sweetened condensed milk. The shop also offers delicious old-school cornerstore drinks such as Egg Creams ($2.20) and Italian sodas ($1.85). For the 21+ crowd, The Market offers a wide range (13 to be exact) of Hot Toddies. There’s the Black Buttered Rum, featuring rum, black tea, spices and butter, or the Night Cap, made with rum or brandy, hot milk and spices. They also offer multiple varieties of wine and beer for purchase, including prosecco and mimosas for brunch.

On the food side, The Market offers a relatively massive menu. Enjoy deli staples such as the morning favorite egg sandwich ($7.49), or later in the day a classic deli reuben ($10.50). There’s also a wide collection of sides and salads and hot meals to order. The bakery offers delicious pastries (including a $48 Tiramisu that can feed 20) and made to order cakes, apparently some of the best cakes in the city.

Besides the coffee, alcohol, food and pastries, The Market also still serves its original purpose as a downtown grocery store, and they carry a range of deli offerings such as specialty candies, condiments and coffee.

The Market is a shining jewel in Denver’s culinary crown. Its unpretentious, homey and welcoming atmosphere makes it one of the best locations to spend your money at in one of Denver’s most gentrified and expensive neighborhoods. It’s a historical location that deserves business and continued existence much more than the newest gastro-pub on the block. The Market is the perfect place to stop by for a bite, a coffee, to study, on a date etc. Just whatever you do, get there soon.

5/5 Stars

Suggestions: Iced Coffee, California cappuccino, Reuben, Egg cream, hot toddy

Location: Larimer Square, 1445 Larimer St, Denver

Hours: Friday and Saturday: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday – Thursday: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.