Denver Central Market | Denver

Denver Central Market is a vibrant, upscale food hall and gourmet marketplace located in the heart of Denver’s RiNo (River North) Art District. Housed in a restored historic 1928 building that once served as a H.H. Tammen Curio Company warehouse, it combines the charm of an industrial setting with the sophistication of artisanal food offerings. The market opened in 2016 and quickly became one of Denver’s most popular culinary and social hubs.

Layout and Atmosphere

The building's original brick façade, high ceilings, and exposed wooden beams have been preserved, creating a spacious, light-filled interior with a stylish industrial aesthetic. Inside, the open-concept layout blends more than a dozen individual vendors around communal seating areas, giving the space the feel of a modern European market hall.

There are a mix of counters, display cases, and open kitchens, allowing visitors to see chefs and artisans at work. Seating is available both inside and along the outdoor patio area, with a laid-back yet energetic atmosphere, especially during evenings and weekends.

The market is known for attracting a mix of locals, professionals, artists, and tourists. During peak hours, it becomes a buzzing venue for lunch, happy hour, or casual dinners.

Vendors and Culinary Offerings

Denver Central Market offers a curated selection of gourmet food vendors, each focused on a specific cuisine or product. The vendors are not just casual eateries but highly regarded artisan businesses known for quality and creativity.

Key highlights include:

Temper Chocolates and Confections – Offers hand-crafted truffles and sweets using fine ingredients and elegant design.

Curio Bar – The central bar offering creative cocktails, local beers, and wine. It serves as a social anchor within the market.

Culture Meat & Cheese – A full-service charcuterie and cheese counter with high-end sandwiches, artisan boards, and cured meats.

Izzio Bakery – Known for its sourdough, pastries, and Viennoiserie. Everything is baked fresh daily and beautifully presented.

Crema Bodega – A micro café offering craft coffee and espresso drinks from the Crema Coffee House team.

SK Provisions – A rotisserie-focused eatery serving spit-roasted meats, hearty side dishes, and sandwiches.

Tammens Fish Market – A fresh seafood vendor and oyster bar with ceviche, sushi rolls, and shucked oysters on ice.

Vero Italian – Offers wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and fresh pasta dishes, all prepared in an open kitchen format.

Green Seed – A juice and salad bar focusing on cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and plant-forward meals.

High Point Creamery – Small-batch, gourmet ice cream shop with creative flavors like basil with blackberry swirl and Earl Grey with shortbread.

This diversity allows guests to sample a variety of cuisines within one setting, from casual snacks to full meals and desserts.

Community and Events

While it operates as a food hall, Denver Central Market also plays an important role as a community gathering space. It regularly hosts:

Art walks and collaborations during First Fridays, aligning with the RiNo district’s broader focus on arts and culture.

Pop-up events featuring local artisans, seasonal tastings, or new product showcases.

Evening DJ sets or live music during special events, particularly in the warmer months.

Because it is located in RiNo, an area known for vibrant street art, creative spaces, and urban development, the market often reflects this energy through its collaborations and cultural tie-ins.

Surrounding Area and Accessibility

Denver Central Market is centrally located in the RiNo Art District, one of the city’s most rapidly developing neighborhoods. The area is known for its colorful murals, converted warehouses, art galleries, boutique breweries, and tech start-ups.

The market is walkable from many downtown hotels and neighborhoods.

It is accessible via RTD bus routes and light rail stations nearby.

Bike racks are available, and the entire district is pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly.

Limited street parking is available, along with paid lots in the area.

Visitors often combine a trip to the market with exploration of RiNo’s galleries, bars, and outdoor murals.

Design and Restoration

The building’s transformation was led by Ken Wolf, a longtime Denver developer, with a vision of preserving the industrial charm while adapting the space for modern use. Original architectural elements such as clerestory windows, brickwork, and wood trusses were preserved, giving it both authenticity and visual warmth.

The market's design fosters openness, allowing natural light to illuminate the entire interior. The absence of full walls between vendors encourages flow and interaction, making it feel more like a European-style market than a mall-style food court.

Summary

Denver Central Market is a standout example of adaptive reuse and culinary innovation in an urban setting. It’s not just a place to eat but a curated cultural space that brings together some of Denver’s best food artisans under one roof. Whether for a casual lunch, happy hour, dessert stop, or full dinner, the market offers variety, atmosphere, and quality. Its location in the heart of RiNo only enhances its appeal, making it both a dining destination and a cultural experience.