Mercury Cafe

Food is meh, décor is weird, staff is friendly but service is soooo slow. Probably won’t be back.

Ok, if I’m completely honest this place is just not my scene. So, take what I have to say with a grain of salt. I said «What IS this place» several times when we came here Lol
–Décor is what I imagine a hippy’s dream garage (like painted murals of jungle scenes and christmas lights everywhere)
–half the menu included the words «organic» or «wilted chard.» I’m used to brunch menus focusing on words like «bacon» and «hollaindaise»
–The sink was behind the toilet and you had to flush the toilet to use the clean, incoming water to wash your hands.
OK, I’m done hating. All that being said, I am always down for something new. I got the huevos rancheros because I really wanted something with meat and the options were slightly limited. for being so healthy, they were better than I expected haha. The free trade coffee was yummy and service was on point. They split the check between 15 people which was very convenient.
What a unique, eclectic, place. It wouldn’t be my first chioce, but I wouldn’t mind a return trip if one of my vegetarian friends was craving this place!
Cash only

When my wife was in college she used to swing dance upstairs on Sunday nights, while I was performing poetry in the room below. We didn’t realize this until we were planning our wedding, and we both suggested the Mercury as our first choice for a venue. There’s an absolutely magical vibe there, and it made perfect sense to both of us.
Marilyn, the owner, sat with us personally to help us plan out the whole event — from what we’d have for dinner to what color flower we’d have in the centerpieces (she was able to provide enough orange roses for all the tables — from her own garden!). The price was incredibly reasonable — we had both the ceremony and reception there, with a full bar and a buffet-​style dinner of Indian food that people still talk about. We were able to get a tarot card reader to do readings during the reception, and the staff was super prepared and courteous. They even stopped a guest that arrived late from using the elevator so it wouldn’t interrupt the ceremony — it felt like they had our back and that we could actually relax and enjoy the day.
I could go on and on, but suffice to say everything went perfectly. Not only did they provide a service for us, they made us feel like family while we were there. The personality, community, and color of The Mercury Café is one of the best things in Denver. I can’t recommend this place highly enough.
(Also — a video from the wedding:
We didn’t decorate at all, this is just what the venue looks like. Absolutely gorgeous.)

This is a review on policy only, not on the actual place. But because I wasn’t able to get in, it’s the only review it gets. I came in for a swing dance lesson tonight, and was turned away at the door because I don’t have cash or check. The bouncer told me that there’s an ATM downstairs. I could be wrong, but when looking at swing dance lessons in the site, I didn’t see anything about cash only.
Look, I know it costs money to accept credit cards. But there are people out there who have handled money for a living and would prefer to never touch a dollar bill again. And between the fees that your ATM charges, and the fees my bank charges me on the other side, I’m paying $ 6 to get $ 20. That’s a 30% surcharge. So a company’s desire to save 2−3% on transaction fees means that I pay 30% if I want to enjoy your establishment.
I can find swing dance lessons anywhere. I’d like to get lessons at the Mercury Café, but until they join the 21^st century, it doesn’t look like that’ll happen.

Ok, I’ve been there twice in the last two weeks so clearly I keep coming back for a reason. Overall, I love the place. I love the lighting, the sparkly, the shiny and the various entertainment that’s going on constantly. I LOVE their message: The Mercury Café is powered by the Wind and the Sun. We serve Local, Organic Food, and Community is our purpose. — fabulous
That being said, the service and the food are a bit spotty.
Last week I had the turkey stroganoff which was great going down, FO SHO. The service was a little slow even though it was not busy. But the wait staff are super friendly.
I headed back in to Mercury Café again last night for another crack at the menu. It was another slow night but the staff was still a little slow to come over and get our drink order (I’m a boozehag so I love having my drinky order delivered right away).
I ordered the Sauteed Chicken Breast With Mushrooms, Wine and Garlic and it was delivered very quickly… too quickly unfortunately because the chicken was not done. Luckily I caught it before I started eating. Once the dish was redelivered, it was delish!
The dessert selection is amazeballs — I had the chocolate cake with blackberries & more — delish!
The place overall definitely needs an update. The décor is a little worn. But, at night, with all the sparkly lights? I love it. The sink/​faucet behind the toilet is also a cool concept but for germaphobes, it may not cut it. But VERY cool reuse of toilet water.

Sorry, Merc, but you’re rating is NOT GOOD. The décor is fun, the staff tried really, really hard, but the food isn’t good and the prices are way too high. I was attending and event there, and after reading other reviews, I decided on the cheesy potatoes. They weren’t good. Not hot, greasy, no flavor, very small portion and the potato wasn’t even completely cooked. I felt like I spent $ 6 for half a potato and a slice of generic «cheese». Friend had the enchilada and barely touched it. Other friend was also disappointed. The place was close to empty, so there was no excuse for the sub-​par food.
The annoyance of having to use cash didn’t help matters. I’m assuming that Marilyn doesn’t bother to read Unilocal reviews, is ready to retire, has checked out and is just floating along until she can find a buyer. It’s sad, but in the meantime I suggest you spend your money elsewhere.

I’m conflicted… this place is so cool but I had a few problems with it that a feel like I need to voice.
Entering this restaurant is a feast for the eyes. Probably the most interestingly decorated dining space in town. It’s like something from alice in Wonderland with different intriguing sounds and music coming in from all directions. An adjacent room for poetry readings, and the above space has dancing.
Unfortunately the food wasn’t nearly as good.
It needs serious work. The only person at our table who was happy with their meal just had potatoes covered with melted cheese. I had a hamburger that was tiny and the bun was extremely tuff and dry… the veggies were good but I was disappointed especially since it cost nearly $ 20.
Also my bike was locked up right in front of the door and was vandalized when someone tried to steal the saddle bag. They have bike hooks inside but they were occupied.

Very cool eclectic atmosphere. Lots of Vegan/​gluten free options including deserts. The service is excellent and the quality of the food is great! The only gripe I have is that the portions are a tad bit too small. However, with that being said there will definitely be room for desert so maybe that’s not a bad thing after all!
Btw bring CASH or a Check as no credit cards are accepted. They do have an ATM onsite but they charge $ 2.25 for the transaction fee.

Mercury Café has potential to be a great venue! The décor is fun and I enjoy their beer. They also have a variety of shows and performances, which is nice.
Where they fall flat is the slow service and rude performers, especially the poetry slam hosts/​creator. Unfortunately, it’s a difficult thing to manage performers. However, when the performer berates patrons leaving in front of other guests, that reflects very poorly on the café. This is the main reason we won’t be back. Who does that person think they are???
Furthermore, the amount of times that the poetry slam hosts asked for money was ridiculous. We get it… You need money to go on xyz trip to compete in a poetry competition. You are also an adult, who should be able to manage their own money to accommodate your hobbies. If they were fundraising for a group of teenagers… Different story.

I love this place. It’s fantastic. Everything about it makes me smile and leaves me full of happiness. Try out a nice book and take it home if you want! Tarot readings, dancers, and musicians bring a very awesome energy to the Mercury! Love it!

This place is funky in the best way possible! The whole place is painted red inside, with christmas lights, a fortune teller, and you walk through a curtain to get in. Vegetarian options are extensive, with my absolute favorite being the Vegetarian Chef Salad! Everything you can imagine is in this crazy salad and it goes very well together… my favorite salad in all of Denver (probably the world). The desserts range from chocolate to fruit, vegan & gluten free, pies, cakes, etc. and are absolutely delicious. I love that you can go up and pick out which one you’d like from the dessert case (although some are left in the open air which seems a bit unsanitary to me).
The rest of the food is average, and the service can be slow and lacking in energy. I believe they only accept cash.

Love this place! Great brunch, always something interesting going on and the owner is a peach!

This place is awesomeness my mother and I came here for Mother’s Day and we ordered the eggs florentine and the quiche Jessica the quiche was very interesting let’s just leave it at that and the eggs florentine was absolutely scrumptious my mimosa was very delicious and the pomegranate one was very yummy. I will definitely be coming back here again that’s for sure!!!

I walked in to see a friends band. I was late, simply because I was checking out the awesome walk into the space! Art and creativity everywhere! I had to stop, explore and take a few pictures!
As I headed inside, there are three parts to this space; restaurant/​bar, small stage downstairs and HUGE /​concert space upstairs! Honestly, each area had a totally different vibe. I can see lost of fun nights here and lovely family brunches as well.
As mentioned, CASH ONLY! Also, you can’t run a tab on alcohol… You have to pay as you drink. The food is super healthy, you won’t find fries here (that’s probably my ONLY complaint).
Overall, a very intriguing place!!! Grab a calendar and jump in!!! Don’t pass by the bookshelf too quickly on the way to the restrooms ladies, the books are all FREE!!!

The Merc is the heart of culture, arts, and community in Denver. Great food, dancing, music, poetry, and theatre. This is a Denver staple and a must see for visitors! It’s a one of a kind!

Love this magical locally owned and operated hot spot!
In high school, my friends and I would come here for coffee and concerts. Now I attend events and love to go for brunch. They have a jam packed calendar of events including poetry, dance classes, live music and more. I even attended a wedding here that was out of this world!
Warning — bring your cash! No cards or cheques at this joint! It has so much personality and is about to celebrate its 40^th anniversary! Their food is excellent (although a little more hippy than most places) and they too make their own sodas! Yummo! And although it is listed as vegetarian, I have had bacon here with my deliciouis brunch numerous times. The menu changes regularly, so there are plenty of options.
They have a full coffee bar, a full booze bar and a full menu! Plus, they have water efficient toilet/​sink combos and the most charming ambiance! This place hasn’t changed much, and I hope it never does.

It’s a classic Denver Moulin Rouge feel. Décor looks as if thoughtful Gypsies created this warm and inviting bohemian restaurant, endearingly lit stage room and upstairs dance hall with all kinds of dance lessons.
Personal expression is nurtured here, pulled out by the eclectic crowds.
Great healthy menu options.
Abundant drink choices of tasty spirits and spirit — cleaning teas.
The fun, flowing party lights float upon the ceiling in red and white like a bayou bedroom.
There are at least 42 reasons to visit. Ashitanza!

An interesting and eclectic place to visit. Overall not that impressed. service was horrible food was average at $ 13-​$ 20 a plate.
After being seated, we did not see a waiter for over 30 minutes. Another 30 minutes before we received our drinks and gave our orders. food too slow, salads came out after desserts.
We were given the excuse that serval wait staff never showed up the Saturday night we went. Bottom line still poor service and overpriced.
The highlight of the evening was the in house tarrot card reader. $ 10 would get you a reading.

Man alive this is a fun place to see a show! This review is solely for the upstairs concert venue which should be an entity all its own. I have to say that it is a great space and I’ve had an incredible time at this place. There’s so much fun to be had I can hardly stand it!
First, the physical set-​up is incredible. As you walk up the stairs you see a large open area which is perfect for dancing and acting a fool. The stage is at the front of the room. I really enjoy that there is seating all along the outer walls and a ton of tables and chairs at the back. Plus, there’s a little perch at the back so you can look down your noses at all the weirdos. But hey, I love weirdos so it’s the perfect spot to watch them!
The bar is located at the back of the room and it’s cash only. However, there is an ATM downstairs in the restaurant. The bartenders are always so much fun and polite. It’s a good party vibe and I really enjoy that they are big on customer service. The drinks are decent and fairly priced but it’s not the best deal in the world. However, the time spent here is worth the money spent.
The possibility for great shows are endless at this venue. I attended a wedding here and it was incredible. Any type of interactive show would be right at home. It can be an intimate evening or a fun-​filled party time. It all depends on the attitude with which you arrive. Hopefully, it’s a good one because this place has a great spirit that can’t be silenced.

What a fun weirdly wonderful eclectic multiplex of healthy choices!
Over the last 15 years, I have come to the Mercury a dozen times, mostly for the dancing in the upstairs ballroom. Swing, Salsa, Flamenco, Big Band, African, Tango — all fun!
I have had dinner here a few times, mostly for the entertainment… say, Belly Dancing and various other entertainment options. I remember not being really crazed about the food… And today, I came for Brunch.
Today’s Brunch entertainment was the Denver String Quintet jamming’ out some chamber music a la Schubert and Hummel. We sipped mimosas, poinsettias, and hibiscuses and then, as a group, dissected the handwritten menu. I enjoyed the Cuba Caribe (black beans, avocado, and polenta in green chile) while my neighbors all tried items off the special menu. Oh my gosh was it good! There were no complaints at all. The place was packed and seems like Brunch is the meal to come to the mercury!
On another note, I had a group of 12 and was super pleased that our table was ready and they were expecting us! We had no issues at al with service– it was excellent! I am really glad to have rediscovered the Mercury!