Downtown Coffee, Breakfast and "Quickies"

There are many Starbucks around the downtown area and although this is OK (lately they have done some great things for our community) but, I wanted to offer some alternatives. I also find if you want something to eat with your coffee that is more than just a muffin or scone, Starbucks can be a bit lacking.

Located on 14th and Curtis Street, Backstage Coffee is on the same block as the arts district, just around the corner from the small Garner Galleria Theatre. The coffee they serve is exceptional (local roaster Pablo's) but you can also get something great to eat besides the usual coffee shop fare. Things like empanadas, sandwiches, breakfast burritos (including a vegan variety) pizza and even some occasional gluten free items.  They even serve beer, wine and some cocktails. Easy, tasty and the service is very friendly. Great people watching too!

CLOSED-The Market on Larimer square (14th and Larimer) is also a great place for a quick coffee, but they are also a deli, bakery, and specialty food shop that will give you lots of variety; Breakfast, hot food, sandwiches and salads. They have yummy desserts too. Have a seat inside or on the patio: http://themarketatlarimer.com/

Sam's #3 is a local diner with ties to the theatre district and our community. They are local, family owned and serve Greek, Mexican and American diner classics. You can get breakfast, lunch and dinner but they also have a full bar if you like a bloody mary or mimosa with your breakfast or burger. Good food, and really close by at 15th and Curtis Streets:  http://samsno3.com/

CLOSED-Also close by the arts district and convention center in the Spire building at 14th & Champa is Crave Dessert Bar & Lounge.   Like Backstage they also serve excellent local coffee (Nova Roasters) with sweet and savory pastries, afternoon high tea / light lunch fare and unique specialty cocktails and snacks for night time. This is a great place to unwind any time of day: http://cravedenver.com/about/about-crave/

Bye bye for now, but I welcome comments and questions.

Early Planning

Right now I am sure you are planning for your trip here, so here are a few online places to check out the Denver dining scene. As I said before we are an underestimated culinary city. In reality we are a diverse, cosmopolitan dining mecca. We are not just steak and potatoes, no cow town food here. We are home to super star chefs cooking some great food in restaurants with atmosphere, personality and charm. We also have some great ethnic food, diners and coffee houses.

Some resources I have made available (links are also listed to the right): Westword Magazine just came out with their "best of" edition for the year: http://www.westword.com/bestof/2012/section/food-and-drink-35100/ . Here you can see staff picks for things like best wine bar or best late night happy hour. Very useful especially when you want brief descriptions and you want to get your appetite going. It's also good for preliminary planning and seeing what is available.
On the Cafe Society Blog you will find restaurant reviews and gossip from the Denver culinary community. Here is a link to their picks for Denver's top 10 New restaurants:
http://blogs.westword.com/cafesociety/2012/03/denvers_ten_best_new_restauran_1.php
Also check out Table Talk, 5280 Magazine restaurant blog: http://www.5280.com/blogs/tabletalk.
Now that you have some resources you can get started on your culinary journey deciding where you might want to sing for your supper. The Diva will have more to come soon.