Pete's University Cafe Closed This Weekend. What is Denver Without Diners?
On November 9, Pete’s University Park Cafe served up its last heaping plates of chicken fried steak and souvlaki and eggs, marking the end for yet another beloved diner. With its closure, Denver not only lost an affordable eatery, but a gathering place and community space that served the Mile High for 30 years. So, what is Denver without its diners? Last year host Bree Davies sat down with her friend, poet and educator Suzi Q. Smith, to talk about these losses and discuss the deep feelings Suzi explores in her Denverse Magazine essay “Toast World: Where Have All the Diners Gone?”
Oh, and be sure to grab a ticket to our first-ever The Denver-est Denver Awards, presented by our friends at Denver Health! You’re cordially invited to attend a fancy holiday party slash formal awards show celebrating the very best of Denver on Dec. 18 at The Oriental Theater. City Cast Denver Neighbors will have received a discount code in the inbox, but everyone can buy tickets now! And we need your help picking the winners, too! Nominate your faves in our six big categories!
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If you enjoyed the interview with Dr. Eric Doringer from Blue Sky CBD, learn more here. Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER to receive 30% off.
Learn more about the sponsors of this November 13 episode:
- Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Curious Theatre
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