Engage with Denver’s rich Latine heritage and culture during your visit.
Nearly a decade ago , I booked a couple of trajectory toDenverfor an anniversary trip-up with my spouse . At 5,280 foot in altitude , landlocked , with proximity to mountains , brewery galore , and legitimate cannabis , it matte like the antithesis of my hometown ofMiami . We loved it so much that just two months afterward , we load down up our holding into my Subaru ( the unofficial railway car of Colorado ) and drove cross - country with our son to start over in the Mile High City .
I have it off live on in a walkable vicinity and experiencing seasons beyond “ slopped ” and “ dry ” for the first fourth dimension ever , but strike to Denver was also a rude waking up when it come to leaving my former heavily Latine house of cards in Miami . 2020 census data set Denver at29 % Latino , a utter contrast fromMiami ’s 70 % majority . Having grown up among the diaspora of Nicaraguans , Cubans , Colombians , Venezuelans , Dominicans , Haitians , Peruvians , Brazilians , and then some , I felt … lost . Suddenly , I could n’t get my usual comfort food , or practice my less - than - perfect Spanish as part of my mean solar day - to - day . And I had no idea where to begin seeking community of interests .
gratefully , with metre , I ’ve since learned that Denver does have a rich Latine community of interests — you just have to have a go at it where to look . aim around areas like Westwood , the Northside ( i.e. what some now call “ The Highlands ” ) , Barnum , Montbello , East Colfax , and others , and you ’ll see plenty of signs . Chicanos and other peoples of the Latine diaspora have been here a farseeing time ( many for even longer than Colorado has been a state of matter ) . And the diverseness within the community seems to be growing before my very eyes . It ’s apparent to me now that mi gente are out here . This guide is a primer for the plentiful Latine - owned business , outcome , and ethnic spaces in and around the metro Denver area .
Design by Maitane Romagosa. Photos by Priscilla Blossom.
Getting to know Latine Denver
“ We did n’t cross the border , the border cross us , ” is a well - known dissent chant among Chicanos and immigrant right activists , including here in Colorado , and there ’s a reason for that . Long before Denver or even Colorado existed , this land belonged to the Ute , Arapaho , Crow , and Cheyenne , among others . Then , Spanish colonizers make it as early as the late 1500s , leading to the creation of Mexico . At the time , this included modern - day Texas as well as parts of Colorado .
After the Treaty of Hidalgo in 1848 , which end the Mexican - American War , the US take over one-half of Mexico ’s land , include southwest Colorado . And while the term of the treaty include respect the right of Mexican settlers , thisoften was n’t the case(and meanwhile the Indigenous citizenry of the expanse such asthe Utes lost even more of their landand right ) . By the 1870s and beyond , the creation of railroad changed things even further in Colorado , bring in aninflux of English - speak settlers , along with Latines to work mines , steel mills , and in husbandry .
tight forwards to the early 1900s and much of the arena ’s Latine universe move their families into the cities , admit Denver . By the sixties and ‘ 70s , the Chicano motility begin to gain momentum , with the assistance of notable organizers like César Chavez and Dolores Huerta . doer protest for good workings condition , students march to call out systemic racialism , and organizations formed to raise the status of Latines throughout Denver and beyond . Prominent Latines rose out of this effort , admit : Federico Peña , mayor of Denver from 1983 - 1991 ; Rudolpho “ Corky ” González , founder of the civil rights organization Crusade for Justice ; and Polly Baca , who was the first Latina charwoman to co - chair two popular National Conventions and the first Latina elect into the Colorado State Senate .
Andy Cross/Denver Post/Getty Images
Colorado ’s storied past still determine the Latine community here in Denver . You see it through the large number of Latine - led societal justice governance likeServicios de la Raza , COLOR Latina , CLLARO , and theMi Casa Resource Center ; as well as in mural that celebrate the community , go through in orbit like Confluence Park , on the Westside , and all around the city .
Latine museums, art, and culture in Denver
Museo de las Américas
861 Santa Fe Dr. operate since 1991,Museohas long been a peculiar place for Denver ’s Latine community , with rotating exhibit and special events class round , including monthly participation in First Fridays in the Santa Fe Arts District . The first showing I ever saw atMuseowas “ Pachucos y Sirenas ” in 2018 , which featured stunning artwork honoring the bequest of the Pachuco subculture of the 1930s and ‘ 40 . I remember how excited I was to recover a museum in townsfolk dedicated to Latin American and Latine arts and culture . I even enrolled my Word in the museum ’s summertime camp , in which local nestling have the chance to learn about a different Romance American country and culture each year .
“ We ’re attached to illuminating stories that have been historically miss or marginalise , bringing them to the forefront of cultural treatment , ” says Cristina Del Hoyo , communication theory and medium managing director at Museo . “ By doing so , Museo ensures that our Latine community of interests is not just hear and get wind , but also observe . ”
Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center
721 Santa Fe Dr. Located inside the former Denver Civic Theater and just a few closure south of Museo , Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Centeris heavily to miss , given that its walls are covered in colorful murals celebrating Denver ’s Chicano ascendent . But it ’s what lie inside those painted walls that ’s made it such a beloved institution . Su Teatro in the beginning began as a student - led dramatic art group at the University of Colorado , and has develop over the past 50 year to become a position where the community can forgather to enjoy Latine theater of operations , film , and concerts . Among the humanities center ’s many accomplishments is the annualXicanIndie Film Festcelebrating Chicano pic , as well as the production of over 15 original child’s play that have toured all around the country .
Hecho en Westwood Collective
3929 Morrison Rd . Formerly known as the lift Westwood Collective , this neighborhood organizationworks to bring together the local Latine and BIPOC residential area , and their line of work , to expand — particularly in the face of gentrification . Among the organization ’s culturally enrich events are La Noche de Frida ( an eventide dedicate to all things Frida Kahlo ) , the Saigon Azteca Night Market ( blending Latine and Asiatic culture through song , dancing , food for thought , and art ) , el Festival del Mole ( observe the traditional Mexican dish ) , and Muertos en Westwood ( a multi - day gathering for Día de los Muertos ) .
Latino Cultural Arts Center
2715 W. 8th Ave . TheLatino Cultural Arts Center(LCAC ) is one of Denver ’s largest non - profit organizations consecrate to promoting the intersection of Latinidad and the arts through exhibition , events , workshops , and more . From mariachi festivals to multi - week ofrenda ( communion table ) shop for Día de los Muertos , I love attend these events to gain a deep connection to my own Mexican ancestor .
The arts center also consort a beautiful shop calledHijos del Sol , where it sells handcrafted gift from dozens of shops all around Latin America .
Chicano Humanities & Arts Council
7060 W. 16th Ave . , LakewoodCHACis the Centennial State ’s longest - running Latine nonprofit artwork organization dedicated to preserve art from within the community . While CHAC Gallery on Santa Fe is closed for renovations , CHAC @ 40 West outpost in Lakewood is go hard , showcasing the employment of local Latine and Chicano artist while also swear out as an educational space for the biotic community .
Latine-owned businesses you can’t miss in Denver
Alchemy Ritual Goods
2700 Arapahoe St. # 101Denver is known for leaning into all thing metaphysical , and the best means to espouse that is to visit a spiritual and ritual supplies denounce likeAlchemy . The shop is co - owned by three autochthonal women — two of whom identify as Latine as well . foot up all the cd , incense , tarot lineup , teatime blend , jewelry , and more you postulate here , or coddle in some of the shop ’s scheduling : “ We declare oneself several BIPOC specific services including our healthy bathing tub and yoga - course of study , ” says cobalt - proprietor Lalania Simone .
Strawberry Mountain
825 Santa Fe Dr. Nadia MacKinnon has been execute thisbuy - sell - swop way resale storesince January of 2021 . Since then , the shop has grown from a one - woman show to a fully staffed neighborhood success , vote Best Vintage Shop by our local alt - weeklyWestwordin 2023 . Pop in and find anything from mildly used crochet tops to retro in writing tees , a “ Where ’s the boeuf ? ” lid , and more hoarded wealth .
Duendes Tejidos
Various locationsDuendes Tejidos(which understand some to “ knitted elves ” ) is a pop - up small business run by Colombian sisters Nancy Zamora and Monica Josephson . The artisan shop sell everything from knitted hats , scarf , and mittens to gorgeous beaded earrings and more at a number of locations all around township include Ruby ’s Market at South Pearl Street and Bahn & Butter Bakery Cafe in Aurora .
Abuelita’s Tiendita
1947 S. Havana St. , AuroraI first foundAbuelita ’s Tienditaat a crepuscule festival outcome and quickly snatch up a couple of calaveras ( decorative skull ) and a nicho ( colorful shadowbox ) for my ofrenda . But the workshop now has a lasting spot at the Heirlooms Antiques Mall in Aurora , just a 20 - bit driveway from business district Denver . “ We make love to know that through our store , many the great unwashed here in Denver will have a footling piece of Mexico to brighten up their homes , ” says proprietor Azul Rivera .
Worth the Fight Boxing Gym
1999 Pennsylvania St. Whether you ’re looking to keep up your fitness bit while locomote , or simply need to try a new sort of stratum , this Uptown favoriteis , well , worthit . Founded by Latina Gladys Santiago and her married woman Emily Stork , this inclusive and severally have gymnasium goes beyond boxing and includes classes in strength preparation , HIIT , and more . Santiago also hosts the comparatively new and complimentary - to - joinThick Thighs Run Club , which propose to make running more accessible to slow and newbie runners ( like myself ) .
Bright Soul Wellness
Various locationsAtBright Soul Wellness , Mexican - American Laura Moreno offer a slew of armed service for Denverites ( and visitors ) looking to enhance their general well being on a one - on - one or small radical basis . Among Moreno ’s offering are private yoga classes , DOE work , direct meditation , cacao ceremony , and somatic food experience sharpen on Mexican cuisine and sport Indigenous component .
Where to eat and drink in Denver
Convivio Cafe
4935 W. 38th Ave . Guatemalan - American Vivi Lemus and her business spouse Kristin Lacy are the conscientious objector - proprietor behind thisGuatemalan - inspired , bilingual coffee shop . Sip on coffee and espresso - ground swallow , or seek more singular offerings like Chocolatados ( made with hot chocolate fromCultura Craft Chocolate — another Latine - owned shop in town ) and Picositas , as well as kidney bean con plataninas and champurradas ( traditional Guatemalan cookies ) .
Lemus and Lacy also host community - building events , like Bilingual Family Nights where folks can learn about unlike Romance American countries and culture through interactive activities for all ages . When require what they have sex about Denver ’s Latine community , Lemus and Lacy say , “ We have so many things that unite us beyond language and cultural indistinguishability , and yet we are so various with different custom , nip , roots . It ’s the beautiful diversity of our community of interests in Denver that makes us warm . ”
La Chiva
1446 S. BroadwayI was walking around downtown Denver year ago when I first found theLa Chivafood truck . At the fourth dimension , I was excited to lastly track down an empanada that would remind me of being back in Miami . But luckily for empanada lovers like me , Jorge and Carmen Aguirra , who started the intellectual nourishment truck back in 2014 , in conclusion open up a brick - and - mortar restaurant in 2017 . I extremely advocate their Bandeja Vegetariana ( a veg - friendly reading of a traditional bandeja montañera plate ) , which include everything from sweet-scented plantain tree and patacones ( fry plantains ) , to arepas and more .
LaTinto Cafe
1417 S. BroadwayAs of 2023 , the Aguirras have expound their cognitive process beyond La Chiva , openingLaTinto Caféjust across the street . Here , you could pick up delectable Colombian - trend lettuce and pastry like tequeños , buñuelos , and cachitos , plus a assortment of coffee drunkenness . “ Latin America has so many beautiful things to offer , and our food is so rich and diverse , ” says Jorge . “ There is no better way of life to share our culture . ”
Cheluna Brewing
2501 Dallas St. # 148 , AuroraI enjoy to take the air to thiscraft microbrewery and taproom , which is run by Mexican - American Javi Pérez and his wife Jennifer Pérez . “ Being hospitable and service orient comes naturally to me , thanks to the example set for me by my tops Mexican mom , ” order Pérez . “ She was never too tired , or stretched too thin , to pay for someone into our dwelling house for a repast , or to stay a while if they call for that level of benignity . She taught me that practicing compassion and being generous with everyone was fundamental to our Latino civilisation . ”
Cheluna has a spacious range of brews on go , from Chupa Guava Blonde Ale and Lowrider Mexican Lager to a bracing Chilango Mango Habanero Hefeweizen . Since the brewery is located inside the Stanley Marketplace , you could also pick up some Argentine - mode empanadas atMaria Empanada , another Latine - owned business , while you ’re there .
VIVA! Mexi-Coffee Shop
4900 E. Colfax Ave . Thisbrand unexampled coffee shoprecently popped up on East Colfax , and I am dead delighted with it . unravel by Uruguayan - American Elisa García and her Mexican husband Leonardo Munoz - Corona , VIVA ! is reach a repute for unequalled beverages , like the Café Lechero ( espresso and kettle - heated milk stream from up high up to make the drink frothier and more flavourous ) and Café de Olla ( made with cinnamon and sugar ) .
Raíces Brewing Company
2060 W. Colfax Ave . One of the most popular drinking spot in townsfolk , Raícesis an laurels - gain brewery and bar near the Sun Valley neighborhood , a hops , omission , and jump from Empower Field at Mile High ( where the Broncos toy ) . They ’ve got a beer for every roof of the mouth , from their imperial blonde ale Cafecito ( yes , it has coffee berry ) and Reunión weizenbock , to the Soñando Despierto muzzy IPA — because thisisDenver , after all . Folks love this pip for more than just the beer though — the sense of community of interests is strong here , thanks to events like Spanish club , Sábados Bailables ( dance Nox ) , Brewery Bootcamps , and more .
Work & Class
2500 Larimer St. Dana Rodríguez is one of the most notable chefs in township . nominative half a 12 fourth dimension for a James Beard Award , Rodríguez is the brainy brain behindWork & Class , a high end establishment serving LatinandAmerican dishes via a seasonal menu . porc carnitas , peppercorn brisket , blue corn empanadas , and butterscotch pudding are among its current mouthwatering offerings .
Super Mega Bien
1260 25th St. For more Romance American fare , trySuper Mega Bien , Rodríguez ’s other venture co - owned by executive chef Victor Mena and Jenn Mena - Wenstrom . Here you’re able to really indulge in a wide-cut raiment of flavors , from Peruvian leche de tigre ceviche to Cuban ropa vieja , Brazilian churrasco , and more . In addition , you could range your filling of Latin - exhort cocktails like Chicha Morada and a mezcal Old Fashioned .
“ My deep love of the culinary part of Romance cultivation , which is maybe the numeral one thing that defines our culture , is something that we put a raft of time and vigour and heart into , ” pronounce Mena . “ Because of this passion , the Denver food vista now has so many Latin chefs and restaurant that tell stories of who we are and where we come from . ”
Neveria Bule Bule
3941 Morrison Rd . Denver has no shortage of neverias ( Mexican - style water ice cream parlors ) , but if you only have time for one , head toNeveria Bule Bule . nominate after the birdsong “ Wooly Bully ” by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs , this neveria on Morrison Road is retro - theme , arrant with a Greco-Roman Chevy as part of the John Cash counter and an Elvis statue sitting atop a ledge of to - go snacks . But asunder from the impeccable vibraphone , the carte is to go bad for , with ample and creamy malteadas ( milkshakes ) in flavor like galleta María and mazapán , paletas ( popsicles ) , raspados ( shaved ice ) , tamales , and more .
Gallo Pinto Food Truck
Various locationsThisCentral American - inspired food truckbrings me so much joy . Created by Honduran - American Chef Diana Flores , Gallo Pinto serves up health - conscious street food , with several vegetarian , vegan , and gluten - free choice . During my last sojourn , I had the Pura Vida ( a rice - and - bean blend with sweet plantains , veggies , and a tasty avocado pear sauce ) , which I extremely recommend .
Latine-owned accommodations in Denver
Washington Park Duplex Airbnb
Born and raise in the Dominican Republic , Marcia Ovalle and her husband John are the owner of thisWashington Park Airbnb duplexthat ’s unadulterated for a twain , journey friends , or a small family of three . Ovalle loves the “ gingerbread star sign - esque ” face and feel of this neck of the woods , not to mention the proximity to business district . But invitee stay here can also enjoy a flying walk to shop and restaurants on Broadway and Alameda , several supermarket , public transit ( including a double-decker and train station ) , as well as Washington Park itself , one of Denver ’s big light-green quad .
Cap Hill Home Airbnb
build in 1926 , thischarming Airbnb in the Alamo Placita historic district(part of the Capitol Hill neighborhood ) is owned by Mexican - American Alfonso Torres , and co - hosted with two others . Torres has been host multitude in the home plate since July of 2022 . This cellar - level apartment has one way but can sleep up to four guests , and have an office , kitchenette , laundry area , and even a backyard .
Did you know?
While Cinco de Mayo is n’t intemperately celebrated in much of Mexico , Denver ’s Chicano residential district has been putting together one of the orotund Cinco festivals in the nation since the 1970s . The solemnisation begin in Larimer Square , then prompt into the Santa Fe Drive area before eventuallysettling into Civic Center Park . Theannual festival , which is focused around May fifth but actually begins on the fourth , now boasts crowds in the hundreds of one thousand ( though some say up to as much as 400,000 ) , making it an event worth attending .
Museo De Las Americas
Su Teatro
Latino Cultural Arts Center
Photo courtesy of Alchemy Ritual Goods
Photo courtesy of Strawberry Mountain
Photo courtesy of Abuelita’s Tiendita
Worth The Fight Boxing & Fitness Studio
Photo by Amanda Lopez photography, courtesy of Convivio
La Chiva Colombian Cuisine
VIVA mexi·coffee·shop
Work & Class
Super Mega Bien
Gallo Pinto
Helen H. Richardson/Denver Post/Getty Images
