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City Cast Denver

Keep It Local features spotlights on a local businesses we love and a timely set of personal, curated and neighborly recommendations that will help you live your best Mile High life. So, if you’re ready to ditch the national chains, e-commerce giants, and big box stores,

 sign up now for the new weekly newsletter from City Cast Denver

Michelle Polizzi

Gina Solomon’s favorite crochet project is a Pooh Bear lipstick holder keychain. Pooh is just one of the many tiny characters she teaches people how to make at 

Starting the club was Gina’s way to build community when she moved to Denver from Los Angeles County to be closer to her daughter, Sam Solomon. The mother-daughter duo already had the perfect location in mind: the coffee shop Sam started with her husband, Jason Haygarth.

Moonflower began as a coffee cart inside a food truck concept on West Colfax, but it’s now a full-service coffee shop with a large outdoor patio and a focus on bringing people together.

“We wanted more gathering space for the community to share a skill or idea or resources,” Sam said. “I think community forms on its own anyway. We just wanted to kickstart that process.”

Now, every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m., the crochet club meets at Moonflower’s cozy couch area for creativity and conversation. “We welcome everybody, all ages and skill sets,” Gina says. “You could be beginner or advanced. We have people that knit, people that do felting.”

Gina points out a child who once saved up all of her coins to buy two crochet Pooh bears, one for herself and one for her little brother, which were available for sale in Moonflower’s small crochet shop. She’s since come back to learn how to crochet herself from some of the grown-up members of crochet club, who are happy to show her the ropes while sipping on one of Moonflower’s signature drinks.

“They get together and have great conversations,” Gina says of the club’s regular attendees. “They talk about books, music, current issues; it’s not just a place where they come to crochet. They make friends. I enjoy seeing that part.”

Moonflower Coffee will soon open for evening bar service, serving alcoholic beverages, mocktails, and a wide selection of teas. There’s talks of a nighttime crochet club and an evening offshoot of Moonflower’s Wednesday 

And if another hobby is calling? Moonflower Coffee has an open invitation to start a club yourself ✨

Why Denverites Love Moonflower Coffee

Keep It Local

Perhaps it was the isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Or, maybe it’s the frustration that AI seems to be taking over all things human-created. Either way, third spaces are having a major moment right now. Today we’re highlighting some venues around the city that serve as hubs for creative community-building — string included!

🐈 Cat People (Washington Virginia Vale) 

Cats? Crafts? Cozying up inside? Sign me up! 

 is a community-centered cat café with games, crafts, movies, and other activities for “indoorsy folks.” If you’re feeling social, 

 and choose from options like pet portrait painting with 

, friendship bracelet making (happening tomorrow!) and Doodle in the Daytime.

This café opened in late June, so cats aren’t available to adopt yet, but will be by the end of the summer — and there’s still a resident cat to pet!

Upcycle old clothing into a new creative piece or find your perfect artmaking accountability buddy at 

 — a creative café in Denver where you order projects, rather than dinner. The philosophy behind this space is to help people experience the beauty of creating things without the pressure of a perfect end product. They even encourage you to put your phone in a box, ensuring the experience is screen-free.

Bars and pubs have long served as community gathering spaces, but for people who don’t drink, 

 has all the social elements without the booze. Here, order from a selection of curated meat and cheese boards, like the Savory Garden, which features semi-soft cheese, olives, and a subtle sweet heat. Moxie Social has movie and game nights, 

 is one of the best around, with fizzy fruit drinks, citrus and chamomile cocktails, and zesty turmeric shots.

Trash Stitch is a community cross stitching event every other Thursday at 

 tavern. Held for three hours and hosted by experienced stitchers, this is a great place to learn cross stitch or improve your skills. Use the basic supplies provided or bring your own project to this "stitch and bitch” event that’s equal parts creative outlet and social event.

There’s usually a food truck on Thursday nights, too, so you can plan on eating dinner there.

🪡 Denver Cozy Craft Collective (Various Locations)

 is what some are now calling a “fourth space,” which is essentially a community that people can belong to, rather than a place they can go. This inclusive craft club meets up at different places throughout the city, but their next event is a 

, the social club known for its Italian brick oven pizza, pickleball, and community parties.

Community Arts and Crafts Spaces

John Chapman began screenprinting on thrifted apparel as a summer job in high school. So when he opened his own clothing store years later, he wasn’t learning the trade entirely from scratch.

“I retaught myself how to do the whole screen printing thing,” Chapman says. “I messed up a lot, actually. the first ones that I did, I actually burned, because the only way that I had to cure the ink was in the oven.”

Those initial bumps in the road gave way to smoother waters.

 clothing shop in 2015, and more than a decade later, he’s known around town for his collaborations with brands like Levi’s and Urban Outfitters. He’s also the brain behind iconic Denver-inspired designs, like The Colfax Athletic Club T-shirt, and a coveted Arthur Ashe sweatshirt for Black History Month.

“A lot of our items we do are very exclusive, to where it might be 25, no more than usually 50, of them. I like the exclusivity,” Chapman says.

Turns out, the exclusive nature of Lawrence and Larimer’s drops is good for business, too. For a recent collaboration with the Denver Art Museum, Chapman curated 

. While the pop-up was supposed to be on display for at least a month, Chapman’s pieces didn’t last.

“Twenty-five of each of those items were made, and I think everything sold out in about a week and a half,” Chapman says. “I was like, ‘What? You got to be kidding me.’”

The best way to stay updated with Lawrence and Larimer’s latest designs is to follow their Instagram, 

. You can expect new drops and collabs, and updates on public events.

“We're just kind of just really keeping the community active as much as possible, especially because we have this construction here on Colfax right here in front of the shops,” Chapman says. “It’s about looking for different ways to bring the community in and keep them coming in, and sharing our experience and stories with them.”

Why Denverites Love Lawrence and Larimer

Be it a bar, a coffee shop, or a back patio, every neighborhood needs a great place to gather. In Sunnyside, that place is 

. Opened in 2025, this design-forward cocktail bar is inspired by 

, a French-Swiss architect who married functional design with beautiful form.

This inspiration is apparent through the warm interior of Semiprecious. The retro wood paneling with red and blue accents is reminiscent of the after-work scenes in “Mad Men.” That 50s era decor isn’t just about Le Corbusier — it’s also a nod to the building the bar is housed in, which was once a showroom for midcentury furniture.

That history creates the perfect backdrop for Semiprecious’ streamlined drinks program, which uses advanced technology for a consistent experience guests can rely on. For instance, they carbonate all their sparkling drinks in house for the freshest, most bubbly drinks. They’ve also put extensive thought into their cocktail batching and refrigeration process, so mixes stay cold without the need for ice.

The result? Cocktails that are just right, every time.

Opened in 2025, this design-forward cocktail bar is inspired by Le Corbusier, a French-Swiss architect who married functional design with beautiful form. 

How Semiprecious Neighborhood Bar Became a Denver Favorite

Why Denverites Love Semiprecious

Inspired by the Southern roots of local restaurateurs Mclain Hedges and Mary Allison Wright, 

 is focused on pairing late-night wine and cocktails with elevated homestyle cooking set to swampy tunes. Their Vieille Tomate is a tomato-y, citrus-y, cocktail with wine and tequila, while their mai tai supreme blends lime, multiple rums, and salty almond over crushed ice. Which is to say, there’s something for everyone.

There’s live music every Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. in Le Rougarou’s backyard.

Cold foam fanatics, rise up! RiNo’s Filipino-inspired café, 

 has iced coffees swirling with foamy flavors like pandan, ube, white chocolate, and lavender — yum! On their matcha menu, you’ll find a matcha-mansi soda, which combines honey, soda, matcha and calamansi, a citrus fruit from the Philippines, in a frothy green tea drink.

In the evenings, this coffee shop transforms into 

, where you can order martinis and margaritas flavored with calamansi.

Polynesian-inspired libations and tropical island vibes run the show at 

, a longstanding South Broadway tiki bar. Adrift’s signature cocktail, topped with mint and served in a tropical motif cup, is just one of many transportive drinks on the menu. Choose from daiquiris, margaritas, chi chi’s, and all other varieties of boozy bevs, blended or on the rocks. Their selection of N/A drinks isn’t bad either, with a painkiller, a mai-tai, and more.

Learn the history and craft behind the legendary scorpion bowl cocktail from Trader Vince, Adrift’s bar manager, at their 

🌵 Desert Social Bar and Lounge (Platt Park)

Denver has been feeling as hot as a desert lately, so why not lean into the theme and hit up 

? Minimal adobe walls, rustic wood beams, and straw furniture create an aesthetic that begs for a refreshing drink. Whether you order their Argentinian tequila batanga or the creamy coconut ube colada, let the limes — and the good times — keep you cool.

Customers say they love the extensive and delicious mocktail menu here, too, so it’s a perfect spot that groups with drinkers and non-drinkers can enjoy.

From coffee to cocktails, these are the best cold drinks in Denver.

Denver's Most Refreshing Drinks

Really Good, Refreshing Drinks

In a world where big corporations seem to get a slice of all our paychecks, it’s nice when we can pay someone directly for the services they provide. That’s exactly what Keep it Local is all about. So enjoy this roundup of independently owned cabins and mountain getaways near Denver, all of which you can book directly with the owner.

🏕️ The Cabins at Country Road (Evergreen)

The Lariat Loop is a scenic byway connecting historical landmarks between Evergreen and Morrison. 

 are the perfect place to stay while exploring this iconic route, which stretches about 40 miles. Each of the eight cabins in this resort has a unique interior with different offerings. Stay in The Columbine Cottage for a steam shower and a luxury kitchen, or opt for The Dreamcatcher for an adults-only escape with cathedral pine ceilings and forest views.

, like breakfast baskets and party decor for special celebrations.

 is a spacious getaway tucked between aspens and evergreen trees. Just a 90-minute drive from Denver, this retreat sleeps eight people and has three bathrooms — plus a fireplace and a hot tub for chilly mountain nights. It’s common to see wildlife such as moose, deer, and birds of prey from the large front windows, and the easy access to hiking, plus views of Mount Blue Sky, make this the perfect escape.

This cabin caters to families with small children with a high chair, bassinet, and other essentials provided.

 is situated in Big Thompson Canyon, just a few minutes outside of Estes Park. With easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park but enough distance from the crowds, this property includes seven cabins that were built in the early 1900s but have been upgraded with modern amenities like private hot tubs, Wi-Fi, and flat-screen televisions. Owners Jeanine and James Pruitt welcome guests with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, and each cabin has its own name with a coordinated quilt pattern on the beds to match. Plus, there’s 16 acres of hiking trails steps outside of your door.

All the cabins here are pet-friendly, but require a $35 fee per pet.

🏜️ Cliff House Lodge & Hot Tub Cottages (Morrison)

Nestled in the quaint town of Morrison, the 

 has shared common spaces in the historic home, plus eight hot tub cottages. The close proximity to Red Rocks makes this a popular place to stay after a concert at the iconic venue; however, it’s also a prime spot for exploring the local art galleries, eateries, and events that take place in the town of Morrison, which is often overlooked by concertgoers.

There’s an on-site wellness coordinator who provides massages and therapeutic add-ons, like cupping and reflexology.

Independently Owned Mountain Getaways in Colorado

Independently Owned Mountain Getaways

Vintage. Nostalgic. Cozy. That’s the vibe you’ll find at 

, a group of four historic wooden buildings in Clear Creek County, Colorado.

They’ve been in operation as nightly rentals since their construction in 1951 by Vera and Edgar Scott, and the cabins hold much of their original charm. Today, owners Lindsay and Alex Dalton are following in the footsteps of the Scotts, creating a place where people can relax, escape from the stressors of everyday life, and get in touch with the beauty of Colorado's nature.

“We closed on the property at the end of March 2020, standing outside the title company wearing masks and gloves as COVID was just beginning to change everything,” Lindsay says. “It was a strange time to start a new business, but looking back, I can't imagine this story starting any other way.”

The location near Idaho Springs means Flying Moon Cabins are less than an hour's drive from Denver on I-70. Still, they feel a world away. Each of the four cabins has the same size and layout, plus all the essentials — dishware, a living and eating area, a stall shower, and a french press. But they all have different decor and original names that define their identity. Still, Lindsay says the creek is the heart of the cabins.

“Being tucked into this narrow mountain canyon makes the whole place feel hidden away from the rest of the world. It's peaceful in a way that's hard to explain until you're sitting outside with a cup of coffee just listening to the creek.”

Flying Moon Cabins are pet friendly, too, and they’ve hosted everything from birthday gatherings to tiny elopement ceremonies. They start at $140 a night and sleep two people, making them an affordable alternative to major booking sites.

Best of all, there’s no cell service and no televisions, meaning you can truly disconnect. Yes, there’s Wi-Fi — but chances are, you probably won’t need it.

“We feel incredibly lucky to be the current stewards of this little piece of land,” Lindsay says. “Caring for it and sharing it with others has truly been the opportunity of a lifetime, and it's something we'll never take for granted.”

Why Denverites Love Flying Moon Cabins

Disco balls, refined cocktails, and rainbow jello shots are an unexpected pairing with the game of golf.

In 2022, when the world began opening up after the COVID-19 lockdown, bartenders Samantha Menendez and Jason Danielsen decided that Denver needed a more elevated, inclusive golf bar that redefined what the sport can be — and who can participate.

“You don't have to be a good golfer, you can just come in and hit a couple of the balls and play fun games,” Menendez says. “So if you are a serious golfer, you can bring your clubs and also play courses [virtually]. It's kind of the best of both worlds.”

One Shot Back has multiple bays (semi-private areas) where up to eight people can play at a time, but unlimited people can gather. Comfy couches and wooden bars provide a welcoming area for lounging while you watch friends compete on Trackman devices — some of the highest-tech golf simulators that exist today.

Non golfers can sip on craft cocktails, play games like shuffleboard, darts, or cornhole, and take part in one of One Shot Back’s many summer specials — from half-off golf every weekday to ladies’ nights and all-day happy hour on Thursdays.

“It's definitely more than just a stand around golf simulator type of place, which a lot of them are,” Menendez says. “We're trying to make it more fun for everybody.”

Denver's One Shot Back Has a Golf Simulator, Arcade Games, and More

Why Denverites Love One Shot Back

Husband-and-wife team Matilda and Kelly started 

 because they saw a need for high-quality, affordable backpacks that travelers could rely on. Today, they donate 25 meals to families in need for every backpack sold, bringing their mission to a whole new level. In addition to weatherproof and vegan backpacks, they also sell slingbags, duffels, and accessories.

Shop online worry-free with their lifetime guarantee.

 was founded in 2015 with the mission of making the world a better place. Over the past decade, what started as a sticker has since expanded to all kinds of apparel, from hoodies and hats to jewelry and joggers. They’ve also 

, along with multiple local sports teams, like the Broncos.

Their HQ store on Santa Fe is a great place to browse their current collection and try some things on.

. Inspired by the culture of the Mile High City, this BIPOC-owned social awareness brand and clothing line opened in 2022 to help preserve local history despite gentrification. Sport their trucker hats, tanks, and tees with phrases like “Denver Made” and “Yo Soy Denver” to join the community movement in a stylish way.

There’s no brick and mortar store to visit, but shop online or follow their Instagram 

 to keep up with pop-ups and events to shop.

Selvedge flannel shirts, heavyweight hoodies dyed in Los Angeles, and double-knee strider pants are among the garments for sale at Berkeley Supply, a menswear and accessories store on Tennyson Street in the Denver highlands. Owner Eli Cox hand selects high-quality clothing 

 to curate the store. Berkeley Supply also 

 of graphic tees, hoodies, hats and beyond.

The store is open 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Denver's Best Local Clothing and Accessory Brands

Shop These Local Clothes and Accessories Brands

850. No, that’s not how many mph you’re gonna go on your new e-bike (why does it *actually* feel like that though??). Rather, 850 is the number of miles of 

 in the Denver area. With a number like that, there’s really no reason not to get around on two wheels. Below, read up on some of the best locally-owned bike shops in town — and we’ll see you out there 😎

Collins’ Bike Shop opened on East Colfax Avenue in 1934, and while it’s now called 

, that space has remained a bike shop for 92 years. You can find remnants of this history sprinkled throughout Z Cycle, from retro Schwinn merchandise on display to the old brick walls that have housed bikes in repair for nearly a century. They’re open daily, and a safety check to evaluate brakes, drivetrains, and other key functionality starts at $66.

Z Cycles services e-bikes, but they must adhere to their 

, you can test drive an e-bike for yourself, get a quick flat fix for your friend for $25, or shop their selection of used kids' bikes. In other words, there is something for the whole family here. This shop also hosts a monthly bike ride for kids and families called 

, where designated route leaders take participants on a safe community ride between a bakery and a park.

They repair all kinds of standard bikes but can only service e-bikes that are Bosch, Shimano, and Flyer.

What’s better than getting your bike tuned for summer? Learning how to fix it yourself. In addition to fixing and selling bikes, 

 provides a variety of bicycle maintenance classes and repair clinics. This nonprofit also offers 

 nights, which are free, volunteer-run, and open shop hours for women, transgender, and non-binary people who want to learn to fix bikes in a safe, inclusive space.

If a bike feels out of your budget, Bikes Together sells cost-flexible sidewalk bikes starting at $75, but can also teach you how to fix one at a 

Were you lucky enough to get an e-bike voucher this year? Good news — you can use it at 

, which specializes in selling e-bikes (and if you didn’t get a voucher, but you qualify, you’ve got 

). This bike shop began building custom e-bikes 13 years ago, making it an expert in the Denver area. Browse their 

 offers the unique service of converting your regular bike into an e-bike.

 is to help you have your best adventure. Whether you want to get some mountain biking gear or service your road bike, Yawp can help. And if you’re wondering what amount of whimsy to expect alongside this expertise, consider that their name comes from a Walt Whitman poem: “I sound my barbaric 

, but carry other brands, like Salsa and Otso, too.