Just southeast of Ballpark and butting up against the edges of Five Points, there is Arapahoe Square — an unofficial downtown neighborhood known mostly for being the longtime home of community mainstay Mercury Cafe since 1990. But with the recent announcement that the Merc is up for sale again, we found ourselves reflecting on how much has changed in the area over the last decade and a half — for better or worse — including the appearance of several new businesses bringing some fresh charm to this unique little slice of downtown.
Formerly a go-to gathering spot for Denver’s LGBTQ+ community, the space at 2036 N. Broadway was last known as Triangle Bar. The popular gay bar permanently closed last year, citing safety concerns related to homeless encampments in the area. In May of this year, the space came alive again, this time as a Latin dance club committed to spinning the hottest reggaetón, banda, and salsa tracks, as well as hosting concert after-parties.
The Lobby opened in the historic structure at 2191 Arapahoe Street in 2009, but the buzzy brunch spot is celebrating a more recent victory. The owners, Cory Schwab and Christian Batizy, now officially own their real estate — all 6,000 square feet of it! Keep an eye out for big plans and renovations to come.
Arapahoe Square official boundaries. (Peyton Garcia / City Cast Denver)
This local brewery made its big debut at 2210 California Street back in 2017. The taproom is expansive, beautifully decked out with polished redwood furnishings, and has developed a following for its weekly in-house happenings. In 2021 the brewery was able to expand, growing its square footage with a music venue, more event space, and a canning line.
Touted as one of the most promising new businesses reinvigorating the area, this one-stop-shop for eclectic snacks, fresh deli sandos, and a few household necessities launched in March 2023 at 613 22nd Street. It came at a time when the Five Points community was still mourning the loss of two other local fixtures, Welton Street Cafe (reopening soon!) and Coffee at the Point.
