Colfax Shops Guide: Why Supporting Mayfair Businesses Matters
- William Friedman
- 1 day ago
- 10 min read
Mayfair is more than beautiful homes, tree-lined streets, and community events. It's also home to a diverse collection of locally owned businesses that help define the character of our neighborhood and make it a vibrant place to live. Many businesses were recently honored by a City Proclamation recognizing their long-term success and impact on our community, neighborhood, and city.
Today, many businesses along Colfax Avenue are navigating the challenges that come with the Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. While these improvements are intended to create long-term benefits for transit users, pedestrians, and businesses, construction can make it more difficult for customers to discover and visit local establishments in the short term. That's why now is a great time for Mayfair residents to intentionally shop at Colfax businesses.
This guide highlights independently owned businesses located within Mayfair and along the East Colfax corridor, organized from west to east. It is not intended to be a complete directory, but a starting point for discovering places to eat, shop, gather, and support close to home.
(To be included, businesses must be independently owned, located within Mayfair’s neighborhood boundaries, and located along East Colfax Avenue. Listings are organized from west to east, beginning near Eudora Street and continuing toward Monaco Parkway.)
Open For Breakfast/Coffee (and more):
This locally owned coffee shop offers a unique blend of coffee, culture, and community. Whether you're stopping in for your morning caffeine fix, or looking for a more complete breakfast with a friend, Viva Mexi-Coffee provides a warm & inviting atmosphere. Open from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm daily.
City Doughnuts is an easy neighborhood stop when a fresh doughnut and a good cup of coffee sound like the right answer. With a wide variety of classic and creative options, it is a welcoming place to pick up a treat for the family, bring something to the office, or start a weekend morning nearby.
Eastside Espresso is a convenient local stop for coffee, espresso drinks, and a relaxed break along Colfax. It is the kind of independent coffee shop that makes a busy corridor feel more personal, whether you are grabbing something on the way to work or settling in for a conversation with a neighbor.
Chili Shack brings a longtime local feel to East Colfax, serving hearty New Mexican-style comfort food - including an outstanding breakfast burrito - in a casual setting. It is a great option when you are craving a satisfying breakfast, lunch or dinner with bold flavors, generous portions, and the kind of character that keeps people coming back.
El Piñon combines great breakfast bites, drinks, and hospitality in a welcoming environment that encourages neighbors to gather, connect, and enjoy time together. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., it offers coffee and breakfast bites to-go in the morning, followed by drinks and a relaxed place to meet later in the day.
Denver Cafe & Kava offers a relaxed place to enjoy coffee, kava, tea, and conversation near the heart of Mayfair. Its laid-back atmosphere makes it a nice option for meeting a friend, taking a break from the day, or trying something a little different from the usual neighborhood coffee run.
While Tessa Delicatessen offers breakfast and coffee (ends at 2:00 pm), their thoughtfully crafted sandwiches, specialty foods, and salads offer a neighborhood-focused experience. They reflect the spirit of supporting local businesses - not to mention their Ms. Pacman Machine.
Open for Lunch:
Jett Sushi is a welcome local option for sushi, Japanese favorites, and an easy lunch or dinner along Colfax. Whether you are ordering a few rolls to share or picking up a quick meal, it offers a convenient way to support an independent restaurant while enjoying a familiar neighborhood dining spot.
BOXBOX brings a creative, casual dining option to the Colfax corridor, with a menu built for a quick meal or an easy stop with friends. It is one of those places worth keeping in mind when you want to try something different while staying close to home and supporting a local business.
Couscous Hice A Break From Rice offers a flavorful alternative to the usual lunch routine, offering a taste of Morocco right off of Colfax. It is a good choice for neighbors looking for a satisfying, approachable meal that feels a little outside the ordinary without leaving the neighborhood.
Supreme Chicken is a familiar neighborhood stop for crispy fried chicken, comforting sides, phenomenal tacos and an unfussy meal that works for lunch, dinner, or takeout. Its casual setting and generous portions make it an easy choice when you want something filling, convenient, and locally owned along the Colfax corridor.
Catfish King brings Southern-inspired seafood and comfort food to Mayfair, offering a flavorful option for neighbors looking to change up their usual lunch or dinner plans. From fried catfish to BBQ and classic sides, it is a welcoming local spot with a menu built around hearty food and satisfying portions.
Abyssinia Ethiopian (vegan friendly) Restaurant is a great place to share a meal and enjoy the rich flavors of Ethiopian cuisine. With traditional dishes designed for gathering around the table (and honey wine), it offers a memorable dining experience and another reason to explore the diverse independent restaurants along Colfax.
Phoenician Kabob offers Mediterranean favorites in a casual neighborhood setting, with grilled meats, fresh sides, and familiar dishes that work well for lunch or dinner. It is a dependable option for a quick meal or takeout, and a good reminder of the variety of locally owned food businesses nearby.
La Finca brings Colombian food and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere to Colfax, making it an easy choice for a casual meal with friends or family. With familiar favorites and a comfortable setting, it is the kind of local restaurant that helps make the corridor feel active, diverse, and connected.
Yaqui Tacos, Tequila and Mezcal offers a lively place to enjoy tacos, drinks, and time with friends close to home. Its menu and atmosphere make it a natural option for a casual dinner, happy-hour gathering, or weekend outing, adding to the range of locally owned restaurants that give Colfax its character.
Open at Night (Ice Cream, Drinks and Taverns):
R&R Denver -- widely recognized as Denver's oldest gay bar -- is a neighborhood gathering spot where residents can relax, catch up with friends, and enjoy an evening along Colfax. With a casual bar atmosphere and a local feel, it is a good option when you are looking for an easy place to meet up without heading far from home.
The Owl Saloon is a classic local bar with a relaxed, no-frills atmosphere that makes it easy to settle in and spend time with friends. With a large drinks and food menu - its the kind of longtime neighborhood spot that adds personality to Colfax and gives residents another nearby place to unwind after a busy day.
Nuggs Ice Cream is a sweet neighborhood stop for a cone, a scoop, or a simple treat after dinner. Its presence along Colfax adds a little fun to the corridor and gives families, friends, and passersby an easy reason to pause, enjoy something cold, and support a local business.
The Abbey Tavern offers a comfortable local place to gather over food and drinks, whether you are meeting friends after work or looking for a casual evening close to home. Its welcoming tavern atmosphere makes it one of the many independent businesses that helps keep the Colfax corridor lively after dark.
The Circular Lounge -- while a new addition -- offers a unique space where neighbors can enjoy craft beer, pool table, arcade games, and a relaxing and welcoming setting. It's another example of the many businesses that help bring life and energy to the neighborhood - offering a weekly run club and open mic.
Groceries, Self Care & Services:
Pangaea Salon provides a polished, welcoming place for hair and beauty services close to home. It is the kind of local business that becomes part of a neighborhood routine, offering residents a convenient way to take care of themselves while supporting the small businesses that give Mayfair its personality.
Tri-Town Brazilian Jiu Jitsu offers a place for people of different experience levels to build confidence, learn new skills, and stay active. For neighbors interested in martial arts, fitness, or a structured workout community, it is a valuable local resource right along the Colfax corridor.
Bikram Yoga Mile High gives neighbors a nearby option for a challenging, structured yoga practice and a consistent wellness routine. Whether you are an experienced student or curious about trying something new, it adds another locally owned fitness option to the neighborhood and helps make healthy habits more accessible.
Dog House Denver provides pet boarding services for neighbors who want dependable care close to home. For families planning a trip or simply needing support with their pets, it is a useful local resource and a reminder that Colfax is home to more than restaurants and retail—it also serves everyday neighborhood needs.
Flycutz Barbershop offers a local place for haircuts, grooming, and conversation in a comfortable neighborhood setting. Small businesses like this help make everyday errands feel more personal, giving residents a convenient option to support locally while enjoying the familiar service and connection that comes with a neighborhood barbershop.
Marczyk Fine Foods is a neighborhood favorite for thoughtfully selected groceries, prepared foods, wine, and ingredients that make everyday meals feel more special. Whether you are picking up dinner, planning a gathering, or looking for something new to try, it is an easy place to shop local and find quality close to home.
Tienda Salvadorena offers groceries, specialty items, and flavors that reflect the diversity of the Colfax corridor. It is a useful stop for neighbors looking for ingredients they may not find at a larger store, while also providing an opportunity to support a small local business that serves the wider community.
Moss Pink Flora & Botanicals brings flowers, plants, and thoughtful gifts to the neighborhood in a way that feels personal and creative. It is a lovely place to keep in mind for a special occasion, a host gift, or simply adding a little life to your home while supporting a local shop.
Ceramics in the City offers a hands-on, creative experience for neighbors of all ages. Whether you are planning a family outing, a date night, or a relaxed afternoon with friends, it provides a welcoming place to make something personal and spend time together without leaving the neighborhood.
Revolution Salon is a locally owned place for hair and beauty services with a friendly, neighborhood-oriented feel. It offers residents a convenient option for self-care close to home, while helping keep the Colfax corridor active with the kinds of independent businesses that build long-term relationships with their clients.
Denver Kickboxing & Fitness offers an energetic way to work out, build strength, and stay motivated close to home. With classes and training opportunities for a range of fitness levels, it is a strong local option for neighbors looking to add movement, structure, and community to their weekly routine.
Mod Livin' is a fun place to browse for distinctive furniture, home goods, and design inspiration. Its curated selection makes it worth a visit whether you are furnishing a room, searching for a gift, or simply enjoying a little window-shopping. It adds a creative, independent retail presence to the neighborhood.
Mouna Hair Braiding & Beauty offers specialized hair braiding and beauty services in a welcoming local setting. It is an important part of the diverse collection of small businesses along Colfax, providing neighbors with a convenient option for personal care while contributing to the character and variety of the corridor.
The Shop Outpost is a thoughtful local retail stop with a selection that makes browsing feel worthwhile. Whether you are looking for a gift, something for your home, or a small discovery you did not expect, it is the kind of independent shop that encourages neighbors to slow down and explore what is nearby.
Antiques Etc. is a great place to wander, browse, and see what unexpected pieces you might find. With the charm of a true antique shop, it offers something different from standard retail and gives neighbors a chance to discover furniture, collectibles, and one-of-a-kind items with a little history behind them.
Vintage Antique Retro is a fun stop for anyone who enjoys unique finds, nostalgic pieces, and the thrill of a good browse. Its collection adds personality to the Colfax corridor and makes it easy to spend an afternoon exploring local shops instead of heading to a big-box store or shopping online.
Park Hill Treasures offers a welcoming place to browse for vintage finds, collectibles, and items with character. It is the kind of local shop where every visit can turn up something unexpected, making it a worthwhile stop for neighbors who enjoy treasure hunting and supporting independent retail close to home.
Ed Moore Florist has long been a trusted local option for flowers, arrangements, and thoughtful gifts for life’s big and small occasions. Whether you are celebrating, expressing sympathy, or simply brightening someone’s day, it is a convenient neighborhood business that helps residents mark meaningful moments with a personal touch.
Pilates Bodies offers a focused, supportive place for neighbors to build strength, improve mobility, and invest in their well-being. For anyone looking for a lower-impact but challenging fitness routine, it provides a convenient local option and adds to the range of health and wellness businesses serving the neighborhood.
The Fly Trap Clothing Boutique is a stylish local stop for clothing, accessories, and gifts with personality. It is a great place to browse when you want something more distinctive than a typical shopping trip, and it adds a creative retail presence that helps make the Colfax corridor feel uniquely local.
All Time Clock Repair is the kind of specialized local business that is easy to appreciate when you need it. From treasured family clocks to everyday timepieces, it offers a practical service with old-school neighborhood character—another example of the independent businesses that make Colfax more interesting and useful.
Denver Bicycle (located above Denver True Value Hardware) is a valuable neighborhood resource for riders looking for bikes, gear, repairs, or practical advice. Whether you commute, ride for exercise, or are getting the family ready for warmer weather, it is a convenient local shop that helps keep people moving and connected to the city by bike.
Denver True Value Hardware is an essential neighborhood stop for home projects, repairs, seasonal needs, and the small items that always seem to come up. Its knowledgeable, local feel makes it especially useful when you need help finding the right solution without making a trip to a large chain store.
Fatima's Best Hair offers hair and beauty services in a welcoming local setting. It is another example of the diverse small businesses that serve everyday needs along Colfax, giving residents a nearby option for personal care while helping maintain the corridor’s mix of independent shops and services.
Why Your Support Matters
Mayfair Neighbors Inc. recognizes the important role these businesses play in our community and wants our local business owners to know that their contributions are valued and appreciated. They help make Mayfair a destination, a gathering place, and a neighborhood we're proud to call home.
The next time you're deciding where to grab a coffee, enjoy lunch, shop for plants, or meet up with friends, consider staying local. You may discover a new favorite spot while helping support the businesses that make Mayfair special.
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