Once referred to as “The Harlem of the West,” Five Points neighborhood is one Denver’s oldest and most diverse. Home to over 50 bars and clubs, jazz musicians, especially prolific ones like Billie Holiday and Nat King Cole and Duke Ellington would make their rounds here up until the late 1950s.
As of today, Five Points is a cultural historical district with great restaurants, bars, museums, and music venues, but in the last 3 years, there’s been a high number of businesses that have shuttered. Recently, the Welton Street Cafe (although they’re looking to open a new spot in a different location later this year), the bodega Melody Market, and Mood Beats Potions all closed their doors.
The year is just getting started, but we’re seeing the opening of not 1 but 2 new concepts in the neighborhood that vendors are hoping will help people flock to Five Points.
Marigold is a new bar-meets-plant store that opened last month. The concept is simple, easy-drinking beer plus cocktails amplified by a rooftop patio with stages for live music, but the design is unique. Incorporating nature’s elements and ecosystems into its design, Marigold welcomes Denverites, hummingbirds, and insects alike with planters, mossy layouts, and a zen garden. The reception, so far, has been amazing, with people excited for the chance to drink among plants and leaving pun-filled comments on the bar’s Instagram page. “I’d like to chloro-fill myself right into an empty bar seat,” said one comment.
On the corner of Welton and 22nd, another concept store has recently opened its doors and is bringing a little East Coast vibe to the West. Little Bodega, owned by Natasha Butler and inspired by her time living in NY, is a new community store in the neighborhood that also sells sandwiches.
One of our favorite aspects of Little Bodega is that it really does serve as a community store. She uses local Denver vendors, sourcing from places like 3rd Bird Kombucha, Little Man Ice Cream, Queen City Coffee, Full Stop Bakery, and more. A hybrid convenience store-meets-sandwich shop with a sandwich counter, Butler is hoping to bring a bit more health food into the neighborhood that’s accessible the community without having to drive.
A lot of business owners have been struggling since 2020. With rising inventory and supply costs due to inflation, everyone is feeling the pressure to stay afloat. A recent study showed that inflation has been cutting into profits and has remained the first concern for small business owners, with supply chain disruptions coming in as a second concern.
With all that being said, we’re very excited to see two new concepts get their start in Five Points. It’s our job to help them flourish.
Where and when to visit:
Little Bodega- 613 22nd St. Wed-Sat 11 – 7 pm
Sun 11 – 5 pm
The Marigold-2721 Welton St. Mon-Fri 4pm-2am Sat-Sun 2pm-2am