The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Latine Side of Denver
Engage with Denver’s rich Latine heritage and culture during your visit
Denver is a city of contrasts and vibrant cultural intersections. It may not have the overwhelming Latine presence of places like Miami or Los Angeles, but it boasts a dynamic and ever-growing Latine community. From Chicano activism to Latin American cuisine and contemporary arts, Denver’s Latine influence is woven into the fabric of the city. Whether you’re a tourist or a local looking to deepen your connection with Latine culture, this guide will show you where to go, what to see, and where to eat in the Mile High City.
A Brief History of Latine Denver
Before Denver became the city it is today, the land belonged to the Indigenous Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne peoples. Later, Spanish settlers arrived, followed by Mexican and Chicano populations that have had a lasting impact on the region. By the 1960s and 1970s, the Chicano Movement gained momentum here, with leaders like Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales and Dolores Huerta advocating for civil rights and community empowerment. Today, you’ll find evidence of that activism in Denver’s murals, community centers, and cultural institutions.
Where to Immerse Yourself in Latine Arts & Culture
Museo de las Américas
861 Santa Fe Dr. For over 30 years, Museo de las Américas has showcased Latine and Indigenous art, featuring rotating exhibitions and workshops that celebrate Latin American cultures.
Su Teatro Cultural & Performing Arts Center
721 Santa Fe Dr. This theater has been a hub for Chicano arts for over 50 years, offering plays, concerts, and film festivals that amplify Latine voices.
Hecho en Westwood Collective
3929 Morrison Rd. Formerly RISE Westwood, this collective organizes events like Frida Kahlo Night, Mole Festivals, and Día de los Muertos gatherings.
Chicano Murals & Street Art
Denver’s walls tell stories of migration, resistance, and identity. Some notable spots include the murals in Confluence Park and the Santa Fe Arts District.
Where to Eat & Drink
Convivio Café
4935 W. 38th Ave. A Guatemalan-owned, bilingual café serving traditional treats like champurradas and atol, along with community-building events.
La Chiva
1446 S. Broadway A Colombian eatery offering empanadas, arepas, and bandeja paisa—perfect for an authentic South American meal.
Cheluna Brewing
2501 Dallas St. #148, Aurora Denver’s first Mexican-American-owned brewery, specializing in craft beers inspired by Mexican flavors.
VIVA! Mexi-Coffee Shop
4900 E. Colfax Ave. This café serves classic Café de Olla alongside Mexican pastries in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Raíces Brewing Company
2060 W. Colfax Ave. A Latine-owned brewery and cultural hub offering live music, dance nights, and community events.
Super Mega Bien
1260 25th St. Chef Dana Rodríguez blends flavors from across Latin America in this high-end eatery serving everything from Peruvian ceviche to Cuban ropa vieja.
Where to Shop Latine-Owned Businesses
Alchemy Ritual Goods
2700 Arapahoe St. #101 A metaphysical shop co-owned by Indigenous and Latine women, offering spiritual tools and workshops.
Strawberry Mountain
825 Santa Fe Dr. A funky, Latine-owned vintage store with a mix of curated thrift finds and fashion-forward pieces.
Don’t Miss This! Denver’s Iconic Cinco de Mayo Festival
Denver’s annual Cinco de Mayo Festival at Civic Center Park is one of the largest in the U.S., attracting over 400,000 attendees. The event celebrates Mexican culture with mariachi performances, Aztec dancers, and the famous taco-eating contest.
Want to explore Latine Denver the right way? Order a GreenDoor box before you go!
Visit www.greendoorbox.com to learn more.
Denver’s Latine scene is thriving—you just need to know where to look. Whether you’re here for the food, the art, or the history, embracing the Latine side of Denver will leave you enriched and inspired.
