St. Mark’s Coffee House opened its doors in 1993, just months before Pope John Paul II visited Denver. The shop is named after St Mark because he is the Patron saint of Venice, and the Venetians were the first group to import coffee to Europe.
With this connection to Catholic history, the owners of the shop wrote to the Vatican, not expecting a response, inviting His Holiness to visit them. Have you heard of the quality of coffee beans Sumatra is producing?
A Blessed Coffee Shop That Has Successfully Served Coffee Since 1993
While they didn’t get a visit, they did get a letter and a blessed rosary thanking them for their kindness. To this day, the owners of the shop attribute this interaction (and a whole lot of hard work) to the success they have had with St. Mark’s.
The shop sits on 17th Street in the City Park Neighborhood of Denver, serving coffee and providing an exhibition space for local artists.
Decorated and Influenced With A European Flare
The decor of the cafe is varied and bright. White and green tiling, wood elements, and a garage door set up the space for creative success. The main decorating elements are inspired by Italian artwork.
A large painted sign sits above the counter, an obvious nod to the great Italian painters featured in Venice. Other hints of European influence are also scattered around the shop.
It’s Also An Art Gallery
The art gallery aspect of the shop also gives St. Mark’s a lot of variety in their decorating potential. New and beautiful works in a variety of mediums adorn the walls. This shop is huge! Offering both indoor and outdoor seating depending on the season. You are sure to find space to enjoy your beverage, chat with friends, and get some work done during your visit.
The Coffee is Great but the Customers Say the Cold Brew Is Amazing
St. Mark’s offers a standard array of coffee shop beverages in hot and iced varieties. While they get great reviews on all their drinks, their cold brew coffee is highly endorsed, with some going as far as to say it is the best cold brew they have ever had.
They Offer A Full Panini Menu and Baked Goods
They also boast a full panini menu for those who visit during meal times, or choose to stay and hang out all day! And if you are just looking for a snack, you can browse a variety of baked goods that they have on hand. You are sure to find some sort of goody during your visit to St. Mark’s!
Open Seven Days A Week Into Late Evening
If you are itching to check out this shop, you’ve got plenty of time to do so during the week. You can stop by any day between 7 am and 11 pm to grab a cup of coffee and take in some art.
There is only one location, so if you want to visit you will have to make the trek to Denver to do so. However, this quaint coffee shop and art gallery is certainly worth seeing.
Not only can you enjoy a great drink, but you could even leave with your very own piece of art. So, if you want to feel inspired, head on down to St. Mark’s, drink a cup of coffee, and appreciate some art, you won’t regret it!
Address
You can find St. Mark’s at this address: 2019 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80206
