The Beat Generation was a social movement that took place during the 1940s and 1950s and began among writers in New York City, most notably Jack Kerouac, emphasizing individuality, adventure, and a rejection of corporate industry. Denver is often thought of as the epicenter of the Beats because it’s the hometown of Beat Neal Cassady, who inspired Kerouac's “On the Road.”
Lean into the unique counterculture that Denver inspired and make sense of your deepest thoughts with these local businesses.
👓 Queen City Optical Provisions (Berkeley)
Every good Beat poet had a cool pair of specs. Find something stylish, yet timeless and one-of-a-kind at Queen City Optical Provisions. This independently owned eyewear shop curates bespoke brands like Theo for your browsing pleasure. Because seriously, how could you not feel hip in glasses like these?!
Know before you go: Don’t wear glasses? Help someone you love look like a Beat with a Queen City Optical Provisions gift certificate.
📚 Capitol Hill Books (Capitol Hill)
When Neal Cassady wasn’t wandering the U.S. in search of inspiration, he had his nose deep in philosophy books at the Denver library, which was then housed in today’s McNichols Building. Retrace Cassady’s footsteps through Civic Center Park and dive into some philosophy works at nearby Capitol Hill Books, a longstanding used bookshop known for its eclectic selection, affordable prices, and excellent service.
Know before you go: Capitol Hill Books will trade your gently used books and give you store credit in exchange, so consider bringing a stack of your well-read faves.
✉️ Pen Pals (Englewood)
Neal Cassady wrote Jack Kerouac a very long letter that later inspired “On The Road” with its "spontaneous prose.” Our takeaway: Hit up Pen Pals to find all the stationery you need to write a letter to a friend of your own. Think artsy greeting cards designed by humans and colorful, satisfying pens that meet your snail mail dreams (just add stamps!).
Know before you go: Westword may have crowned them “best store for paper snobs,” but don’t be intimidated — the folks working here are anything but snobby.
🥃 Williams & Graham (Highland)
Jack Kerouac and Neal Cassady were both born during Prohibition. Toast to that while keeping things classy at Williams & Graham, a speakeasy known for having a long list of classic cocktails and some of the best bartenders in the biz. What should you get? Maybe you’ll order one of Kerouac’s favorite drinks: A shot of whiskey with a beer chaser, known as a boilermaker. I’ll have the mac and cheese, please 🧀
Know before you go: Reservations are recommended at this popular spot, which also expects visitors to wrap up within two hours.
