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eat! drink! shop!: South Platte River

10 reasons to check out Denver's Platte River neighborhood

By Maria Cote, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published October 5, 2008 at 3 p.m.
Updated October 6, 2008 at 9:59 a.m.

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Platte Street teems with shops as diverse as Confluence Kayaks and the Zen Dog Boutique.

Marie Griffin / The Rocky

Platte Street teems with shops as diverse as Confluence Kayaks and the Zen Dog Boutique.

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We're going to give it to you straight.

Now, originally, we wanted to give it to you with a few twists and turns, maybe a jig or jag here and there. But when we set off to explore the area along the Platte River, we decided we had our hands full just describing the shops right on Platte Street. So while we didn't loop over to Little Raven Street to hot spots like Zengo or Cafe Inc., we highly recommend you cross that bridge near Commons Park West and do so.

And please, swerve off Platte down 15th and check out treasures like Scribbles, where you'll find customized address stamps and more than 100 albums where you can order the likes of wedding invitations and baby announcements. Craving fishy goodness? The folks at Sushi Sasa, right around the corner at 2401 15th, will take good care of you.

But, for now, we'll tempt you with descriptions of the shops and restaurants you'll see right along the short stretch of Platte Street that hugs the South Platte River.

If you live in one of the many lofts, flats and townhomes near Platte Street, you've probably tested the lovely waters of many of these shops. But if you're young, edgy and wish you lived in the area, hop on a bike or jump in the car and get yourself down there. Pick up your protein bars and nutritional supplements from the Vitamin Cottage at the corner of 15th and Platte streets - you're going to need energy for this shopping expedition.

My Brother's Bar

A warning. Do not walk through these doors if:

* You're trying to impress your wealthy in-laws with classic French cuisine - or even gourmet burgers made of Kobe beef.

* You're determined to take off 10 pounds before the big wedding next month.

* You're looking forward to catching the big game. There are no televisions in this place.

If you can scratch all that off the list and you love a good burger, come on in. Another warning: It's a little hard to spot. The owner knows that the locals can find the oldest continuously running tavern in Denver, so who needs a sign? Hint: See Vitamin Cottage? It's right across 15th Street.

Once you locate it, you'll enter a dark, cozy bar with a room in the back that's perfect for large groups or families with young children. The menu, posted on several walls, offers cold sandwiches like turkey and Swiss, hot sandwiches like tuna steak, and even vegetarian fare for those of you who can overlook the crowds eating the real specialty of this hot spot: burgers.

Big, greasy burgers, that is, served up with cheese, green onions and other goodies. Try the jalapeno cream cheese burger. Say heck with the diet and ask them to serve it with a fries-and-onion ring combo. Add further damage to your waistline and order one of the many beers on tap to wash it all down.

A few quirky facts:

* Owner Jim Karagas buys up Girl Scout cookies by the dozens, so if you have a hankering for Thin Mints and they're out of season, just ask. You may be in luck.

* Don't expect rock 'n' roll or jazz blaring from speakers. Those in the know understand that only classical music is piped into this establishment. It seems to soothe everyone from toddler to hard-core party animal.

* You're stepping on the same floors, looking at the same fixtures and, heck, breathing the same air as such notable beatniks as Neil Cassady, Allen Ginsburg and Jack Kerouac did.

* Don't miss: The patio out back when the weather is nice. Trees, flowers and vines (including, fittingly, hops) drape trellises, making this the ideal place to scarf down food and beer.

* 2376 15th St., at the corner of 15th and Platte streets; 303-455-9991

Protos Pizza

Owner Pam Proto is dedicated to using only the freshest toppings on her Neapolitan pizzas. This is our favorite of the five Protos in the state 'cause we love the bright decor and eye-catching artwork on the walls. Our advice? Spring for the large pies. They're not as filling - or as fattening - as most pizzas. And you'll be thankful for any leftovers.

* Don't miss: Pizza Margherita - San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil on the restaurant's trademark thin crust. Sometimes simple is best.

* 2401 15th St.; 720-855-9400, protospizza.com

Metroboom

You need a couple of new shirts, and it's been so long since you've had a haircut that you're starting to look like Nick Nolte's mug shot. Oh, and you're stressed to the hilt. Get yourself to Metroboom, men, for custom-tailored shirts, a haircut - and even a neck massage. Ready for this? You'll be served a free brew with every haircut. Sweet deal. While you take your time in here, some of you might want to point your significant other to Common Era across the street. She'll find youthful, trendy clothes and accessories at great prices.

* Don't miss: Need groomsmen gifts for the big wedding? Check out the gift boxes with silk ties and cuff links for $48.

* 1550 Platte St.; 303-477-9700, metroboom.com

REI

Have a seat on a bench or a large rock and watch the street's namesake bubble by outside Denver's flagship REI store. Children and adults wander the lovely grounds outside the massive 1901 building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. If you bike, hike, run, camp or exert yourself at all in Colorado's great outdoors, you've stepped into an REI (which stands for Recreational Equipment Inc., in case you've ever wondered). But if you've missed the state's flagship store near Confluence Park, don't delay. A massive climbing wall inside the entrance reaches up to nearly ceiling level; several floors of outdoorsy merchandise wrap the central fixture. Follow the signs to your passion, be it camping or climbing.

* Don't miss: the bike comparison trail outside. If you're not sure that mountain bike is for you, test it out on terrain that includes uphill and downhill stretches, along with hairpin turns and uneven surfaces.

* 1416 Platte St.; 303-756-3100, rei.com

Paris on the Platte

Depending on whether you stick to the front room, the back room, the patio or the quaint wine bar right next door, Paris is the perfect place to study, sip coffee, nibble a bagel, chow down on a sandwich, light a cigarette (that's right - the back room and patio have met the standards of a "cigar bar") or enjoy a glass of merlot after a long day's work. This business has been around for 23 years; it's the granddaddy of the street. The sandwiches alone will keep you coming back. Although tea is served here, we highly recommend heading back toward 15th Street to the House of Commons if you're craving a true English tea, served up with scones, lemon curd, Devonshire cream and all that other fancy stuff that tempts you to order with an English accent. (But please don't; the owner is actually English, and you'll make her wince).

* Cafe: 1553 Platte St.; 303-455- 2451. Wine Bar: 1549 Platte St.; 303-217-5805

* Don't miss: Head there Sundays, when the fresh beans are roasted and discounts are offered.

Savory Spice Shop

Oh, sweet heaven. Forget a time capsule; the scents in this spot will throw you back to another time. Grandma's apple pie, redolent of cinnamon and nutmeg. Aunt Margaret's pasta sauce, full of oregano and basil. That curry dish you sampled at an Indian restaurant on the first date with the woman who would be your wife. If you love to cook, this is paradise. Prices are reasonable, and best of all, you can buy in small quantities, so you don't end up with 2 ounces of a spice you rarely use.

* Don't miss: The cinnamon is a best-seller for good reason. Think that stuff you buy from the supermarket is good enough? Au contraire. Any baker worth her cinnamon buns knows that fresh is best.

* 1537 Platte St.; 303-477-3322, savoryspiceshop.com

Corks, The Wine Store

What a stroke of genius. Don't bother with this place if you're a sommelier. But if you feel like a cork that sinks in water when hunting for the perfect bottle, this treasure of a shop will have you buoyant in no time. The specialty is wines under $15, and most bottles are marked with a write-up, clearly posted and culled through research by the knowledgeable staff. You'll find out about the vineyard. You'll discover what foods pair well with the wine. You might even find yourself borrowing a few terms to impress your friends at Saturday night's gathering. "Sensuous, don't you think? That fruity taste serves as a perfect foil for the velvety texture. So how 'bout those Broncos, Jim?" Also, check out Wine Complements next door, where you'll find everything from wine stoppers to cork handbags. It's a great place to shop for gifts for wine connoisseurs.

* Don't miss: the 2005 Pertinace Dolcetto d'Alba, from Piedmont, Italy. Mostly 'cause we just love the name. Practice saying it in a sultry voice before you bring it to your latest love interest's home.

* 1620 Platte St.; 303-477-5799

Confluence Kayaks

You can buy a kayak, get one fitted or repaired or sign up for a lesson at this full-service shop. It's been on Platte Street for 14 years, close to Confluence Park - a kayaker's mecca. You'll find kayaks suitable for whitewater, as well as the more mellow touring vessels for lakes and slow waters.

* Don't miss: We admit it's not prime kayaking season, so head to this shop to get your skis tuned up or to rent a bicycle.

* 1615 Platte St.; 303-433-3676, confluencekayaks.com/

Zen Dog Pet Boutique

Bright-colored collars, whimsical dog toys, canine and feline beauty supplies - even Halloween outfits for pooches. This place has it all. Don't believe us? Ask Bob the Chihuahua, the store's diminutive mascot. The grinning pups who crowd the store sniff out the latest squeak toys and beef-hide chews, as their human companions trail behind. We love that owner Alex E'aton has frequent fundraisers for causes such as curing canine cancer. Now, there's a store-owner with a loving heart. And if you don't believe us, again, ask Bob. He'll tell you.

* Don't miss: Wide selection of all-natural dog food and treats.

* 2401 15th St. Suite 180, 303-744-7067; zendogonline.com

Wen Chocolates

Wen has been producing chocolate since 2003, but this sweet little shop has been in existence only a year. Don't pass it by. All candy is handmade, using natural ingredients - sans preservatives. This means you shouldn't store the candy for too long, but one taste of a truffle or chocolate bark and we guarantee stale chocolate won't be a problem.

* Don't miss: The molded products, which are created using antique molds from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

* 1541 Platte St.; 303-477-5765, wenchocolates.com

Comments

  • October 7, 2008

    1:02 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    jamesdenver writes:

    I second the House of Commons. I don't live in the neighborhood -but always make a stop here when biking through the area.

    Wonderful staff and a great place to pass an hour on a sunny, or rainy, Denver afternoon...

    http://www.futuregringo.com/index.php...

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