đź“·Â Photo courtesy of Cory-Merrill Neighborhood Association by James Dahlen
Denver’s Cory-Merrill neighborhood is largely suburban and provides residents with convenient access to the University of Denver, Washington Park, and I-25. The serene streets provide a charm all of their own, with many young families and professionals opting to retreat to this quiet setting to escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown living. You’ll find many of your daily amenities, such as eateries and shopping, within an accessible radius, and nightlife options abound in neighboring regions of Denver.
The Best Coffee Near Cory-MerrillÂ
Aside from a moderate offering of chain coffee shops, residents of Cory-Merrill can support locals by heading to A Cheerful Cup. If you’re looking for more options, both Virginia Village and Washington Park have various small coffee businesses that would be more than happy to welcome you in for your latte or cold brew.
A Cheerful Cup
3801 East Florida Avenue
Stop into A Cheerful Cup to grab your morning fix. The coffee shop is located at Belcaro Place and offers a range of breakfast food items, such as burritos, oatmeal, and muffins. Those looking for a caffeine burst to keep them awake can choose from coffees, lattes, teas, and even energy drinks. The star of the show, Sheila, greets customers into this warm coffee sanctuary and provides a smile and excellent customer service. Don’t be surprised if you swing by this shop every morning to pick up a handcrafted drink.
Where to Eat & Drink in Cory-MerrillÂ
It doesn’t matter if you’re in the mood for a rich dessert or a quick afternoon bite — Cory-Merrill has a list of restaurants, eateries, and dessert shops where you can pop in for friendly service and a tasty plate.
Beard Papa’s
1699 South Colorado Boulevard
If you’ve never tasted one of Beard Papa’s cream puffs, you should try one for yourself to see why they’re considered the world’s best. Whether you’re looking for a mid-afternoon snack or an evening pick-me-up, the many varieties of options to choose from make for a delightful treat. The company began in Japan before expanding to over 450 stores across 15 countries and territories. The current lineup includes your choice of shell, with options such as green tea eclair, honey butter, crispy almond, and strawberry. Pair your shell with fillings like vanilla, chocolate, and green tea options, and dig in!
Jaya Asian Grill
1699 South Colorado Boulevard B
Jaya Asian Grill serves up Asian classics as well as dishes with a unique flair for residents and visitors to Cory-Merrill. The restaurant chooses fresh and natural ingredients and prides itself on crafting an inviting atmosphere where individuals can enjoy a nutritious meal with good company. Lunch specials on the menu run between $12.95 to $13.95 and feature favorites such as curry ayam, pad Thai, sweet and sour chicken, and Singapore curry noodles. Other signature dishes feature the grilled salmon teriyaki and the spicy basil shrimp and scallops served with baby bok choy and bell peppers. Don’t forget to grab an order of sticky rice and coconut milk or a Thai iced tea or coffee.
Wahoo’s Fish Taco
1233 South Colorado Boulevard
Wahoo’s has locations across the US and Japan — with two locations in Denver. The Colorado menu features some of the SoCal Classics and a variety of soups, salads, and seafood favs. Guests can choose their protein from an extensive list that features chicken breast, carne asada, shrimp, crispy Alaskan flounder, and wild-caught salmon. If you want to ditch the meat, there are tofu and pea protein options available as well. Pair your protein with a tasty green sauce and a citrus slaw for a refreshing taco or try the 1988 Burrito with cheese, cabbage, and pico and your protein of choice. Don’t worry if you want to skip the carbs altogether as Wahoo’s has a protein bowl that will keep you full and energized all afternoon.
The Bronze Empire
1591 South Colorado Boulevard
Looking for an authentic Chinese hot pot in Colorado? Well lucky you, because The Bronze Empire is conveniently located in Cory-Merrill and boasts of being the most authentic spot in the state. Appetizers include a scallion pancake, spicy edamame, pan-fried dumplings, and crispy pork. Pair your choices of protein with one of the hot pot soup bases, with options ranging from spicy, butter, and an authentic Sichuan pot or a mushroom pot. It’s hard not to order everything on the menu but you can mix and match Kobe beef, pork belly, chicken breast, and the seafood combo that includes seven items. The extensive menu is sure to keep you coming back for more to try new combinations and to snag an order of fried sweet cream for dessert.
Nothing Bundt Cakes
1685 South Colorado Boulevard Suite Q3
If you’ve tried one of the delicious desserts from Nothing Bundt Cakes before, then you understand what all the hype is about. This Denver location has all of your favorites, from the lemon Bundtinis to the confetti celebration cakes. Cater your next event with these professionally decorated desserts that can be customized to your party or theme. Mix and match flavors like red velvet, white chocolate raspberry, carrot, and gluten-free chocolate chip cookies to ensure everyone gets a flavor that excites them.
Can’t-Miss Shops Around Cory-MerrillÂ
Cory-Merrill has an eclectic assortment of shopping and local businesses, with options such as See’s Candies where you can stock up on all your favorites and Runners Roost for those looking to snag a new pair of sneakers.
The Luxe Room
3900 East Mexico Avenue #100
The Luxe Room serves Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins and is one of Colorado’s best med spas that provide a list of aesthetic treatments. The highly skilled team of professionals on staff includes RN nurses and licensed medical estheticians who are excited to help boost your confidence in your skin. Whether you’re looking to discuss injectable treatments or you want to treat yourself to a facial, The Luxe Room has a variety of services to choose from. The signature facials are a luxurious experience that are designed to address a range of skincare goals and are customized to suit your skin type.
Right Time Watches
1485 South Colorado Boulevard #125
This family-owned and operated Denver business is the place to go if you’re in the market for a new watch. Since 1979, Right Time Watches has been taking care of Colorado customers with excellent customer service throughout their watch and clock-buying journey. Their genuine watches come with full factory warranties and at any given time, there are over 4,000 models in stock ranging from Swiss, German, Italian, Japanese, and American watch brands and manufacturers. There is an extensive pre-owned inventory, which allows the average consumer to snag one of the larger name brands for a fraction of the price. Right Time Watches also provides watch repair and restoration services through their in-house certified master watchmakers. If you already have a watch and simply want to switch out the band, choose from leather, rubber, metal, and velcro straps to suit your preferences and tastes.
Runners Roost
1685 South Colorado Boulevard J
Runners Roost has been a fixture in the Colorado running community since the 1970s. The business has remained dedicated to the highest quality of customer service since the beginning and provides the best brands in footwear and apparel. The Runners Roost is the largest locally-owned running store in the state and continues to remain involved in the local community and developing relationships with groups and gyms. Whether you’re looking for a new pair of athletic sneakers or gear, such as a hydration pack, foam roller, or even a whole new running wardrobe — the Roost is here to help. If you’re interested in joining the Runners Roost Run Club, just show up with a pair of shoes and a positive attitude and enjoy themed run club nights while meeting new friends.
See’s Candies
1685 South Colorado Boulevard T
If you’re in the mood for some tasty American-made candies and chocolate, See’s Candies has you covered. The company has been around since 1921 and specializes in friendly customer service and of course, free samples so you can buy with confidence. You can even create your own custom mixed box of all of your favorites or order in bulk. Staff on site are happy to help with organizing business gifts or helping you plan treats for an upcoming fundraiser for your organization. Check out seasonal favorites, such as pumpkin spice lollipops and Christmas peanut brittle, or stick to the year-round classics, such as the soft centers variety pack or the chocolate and crunch collection.
The Nightlife Scene Around Cory-MerrillÂ
Those looking to enjoy the bustling nightlife scene that downtown has to offer won’t find much of anything in the way of bars, clubs, and breweries in the Cory-Merrill neighborhood. However, residents don’t have to drive far to find such amenities. Surrounding neighborhoods, such as Wash Park and University Hills are easily accessible and provide that fun night out on the town that you’re looking for every once in a while.
Check out these local hot spots near Cory-Merrill:
- Campus Lounge
- Reiver’s Bar and Grill
- Dave & Buster’s
- La Belle Rosette Espresso & Wine Bar
- The Dirty Duck Bar
Cory-Merrill’s Outdoor Spaces
Despite not having a green space to call its own, the Cory-Merrill neighborhood is within convenient proximity to some of Denver’s favorite parks. Head over to Washington Park for a few laps around the lakes or to Veterans Park for a delightful afternoon picnic.
Veterans Park
2100 East Iowa Avenue
Despite being located outside of the proper Cory-Merrill boundaries, this Denver area park is a great spot to relax on the weekend or enjoy an afternoon walk. The park features softball fields, as well as a multi-use green space that’s perfect for club soccer games or playing a game of fetch with the pups. There is on-site parking and restrooms open to the public. Surrounding the perimeter of the park, visitors will find trees that cast shade on hot summer days.
Washington Park
South Downing Street & East Louisiana Avenue
Washington Park is one of Denver’s best green spaces and for good reason. The 155 acres of grounds feature not one, but two lakes, and multiple flower gardens. One of the gardens has been thoughtfully designed to resemble George Washington’s gardens at Mount Vernon. There are several multi-use trails, as well as a large open grassy meadow that’s ideal for games or simply relaxing and working on your tan. During the summer, the park is popular amongst barbecuers and stand-up paddle boarders. There is a recreation center on-site, as well as a place to rent boats. Fishing is allowed with a valid permit.
Cory-Merrill’s Points of Interest
Cory-Merrill is home to the Archdiocese of Denver. Cory-Merrill residents will live alongside the John Paul II Center for the New Evangelization campus, which hosts a range of sisters, priests, and the Archbishop of Denver.
John Paul II Center for the New Evangelization
1300 South Steele Street
You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the beautiful architecture of this Roman Catholic institution in the Cory-Merrill neighborhood. The New Evangelization campus is home to several seminaries, including the Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary and the Redemptoris Mater. The campus also serves as the residence of the Archbishop of Denver and the Cardinal Stafford Library, as well as the convent for the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma convent. On the property, there is also a large soccer field and a baseball and softball field.
Want to Learn More About Living in Denver’s Cory-Merrill?
Cory-Merrill has a quiet suburban charm to it that attracts many young families and professionals, as well as those looking to enjoy everything that Denver has to offer while enjoying their quiet slice of the city. Our team at RE/MAX Professionals looks forward to showing you what’s on the market if you’ve decided that Cory-Merrill is where you want to call home.