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16th Street Mall
Categories: Local Flavor Shopping Local Flavor, Shopping [Edit]
16th StDenver, CO 80238
Neighborhoods: Northwest, CBD
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 9 am
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street, Private Lot
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
94 reviews for 16th Street Mall
Review Highlights
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"The free bus is an added bonus." In 17 reviews -
"Also they have horse drawn carriages and pedicabs." In 3 reviews -
"I love the 16th St mall its great for people watching." In 14 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: 40-somethings think this is a nifty spot. See more places they like.
94 reviews in English
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Review from Michael F.
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix/Tempe has Mill Avenue, but Denver has 16th Street which is a lot more interesting.
Just like any other major city, there are vagrants in this shopping district.
The hotel that I stay at is close to this tourist place, so it is great to be able to explore places to eat within walking distance.
Bars, Nightclubs, Shopping, Theatres, Museums and Bookstores are located here, so there is always something interesting to do.
If you don't feel like walking the long strip, you can ride the complimentary hybrid electric bus. I like that they have the B-cycle program here. I wish we had that in Phoenix because we need it!
They also have pianos outside, but just make sure you carry Purell if you want to play the pianos.Listed in: Traveling to Denver
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Review from Mary S.
5/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
My biggest gripes about the 16th Street Mall:
1. the panhandlers - they are on every block and if you walk more then 2 or 3 blocks it gets old
2. the smokers - they use the mall as their own personal ashtray - seems like I'm always behind someone two fisting cigarettes trying to get their addiction in before going on the bus or going back to work
3. they shouldn't call it a mall - confuses out of towners as if there is some good shopping - in a pinch it works but the shopping is not great
4. how about a major department store - I'd take a Macy's - even a Kohl's at this point
5. a real supermarket
6. the scary almost thug gang members that hang around and sell drugs
7. Greenpeace, I like them but come on....they bug you at every corner....I'll give to your cause but I'm not about to give you my credit card number on the mall.
My likes:
1. the mall bus is ok especially when you have been walking a while in your cute heels - it has it's draw backs but that's another review
2. it's fun for people watching
3. restaurants - not necessarily on the mall but close to the mall
4. the pianos and other fun things
5. the Holiday lights
6. the entertainers are fun as long as they don't beg you for money which most don't
7. the food carts are great -
Review from Carolyn N.
Sacramento, CA
5/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
The 16th street mall was about 2 blocks down from my hotel. This is an outdoor mall that consists of about 40 stores or so. It's tiny but I had fun shopping at H&M. :) They have a free mall shuttle that takes you down blocks and blocks that runs until midnight (I believe). This prevents you from having to walk super far because you may have parked far or something.
I came here on a Saturday night around 8:30 p.m. SHAME ON ME! The mall closed at 9:00! I forgot that this isn't Vegas and things don't STAY OPEN until tomorrow. LOL So I only got to shop in one store. But I did get to ride the shuttle up and down. It's really pretty there with lots of places to eat. If I stayed around the area again, then yes, I would come here again. However, I wouldn't make a trip out to this area for this mall. -
Review from Amanda M.
3/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have walked/shopped/eaten at 16th Street Mall numerous times.
During the day it's a vibrant, bustling city street that's reminiscent of other big cities. Men and women in business suits, moms and their babies, teenage girls shopping and flirting, friends getting together for lunch.
At night it turns into a scary shit hole and it makes me feel genuinely afraid for my safety and well-being. 16th street is well lit and there are always tons of people walking around. The only problem with that is:
-7 out of 10 people are drunk or high on something.
-2 out of 10 want to rob you, hurt you, or ask for money.
-The last person out of 10 just wants to get the hell home.
Tonight we walked 10 blocks up and down 16th street. One block I was afraid a gang of 10 teenagers was going to jump me (@ Stout St.). For two blocks I watched some guy wobble in and out of the street eating a salad with his fingers and making a trail of garbage. We were asked for change 3 separate times.
The whole center median had people in their sleeping bags, tucked in for the night. I understand homeless people need places to sleep, but this makes Denver look really, really crappy.
Not once on our "stroll" to Pinkberry did I see one security guard or police officer. This is ridiculous considering there have been numerous instances of people being mugged on 16th street, and when there are roving packs of 10-15 people looking for trouble, there should DEFINITELY be some police presence.
I am really not one to get scared walking around town. I live downtown (just 2 blocks away from 2 shelters) and feel plenty safe walking by myself at night. It just seems all the derelicts of society congregate on 16th Street Mall after 9pm.
Recommended during the day. Not so much Sunday-Wednesday nights.Listed in: 100 for 100
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Review from Chuck B.
Center Valley, PA
4/29/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Interesting collection of stores, restaurants and more interesting collection of people. Best thing to do here is people watch. Don't go late unless with a group. You will feel slightly uncomfortable. Free shuttle runs throughout for those not wanting to walk. But the walk is worth it. You can't really experience the mall unless walking.
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Review from Patrick S.
Denver, CO
2/6/2012 8 Check-ins Here
It's fun
It's over-rated
It's a great place to people watch
It stinks
It's crowded
It full of energy
It's long
It's outdoors
It has pianos for your playing pleasure
It has bums galore
It's novel and it's all ours!Listed in: 365 in 365 rev.2.1. 2012, Denver Icons, Public Transport ROCKS!
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Review from Kristen W.
Castle Rock, CO
2/9/2012
I want to love the 16th Street Mall and it has a number of great attributes but it needs to attract more unique stores back to the Mall. The 16th street Mall has been described as the spine of downtown and I would agree with that analogy. The shuttle and pedestrian walks flow uptown all the way down to Union Station and Lodo. The street lights and center plantings are beautiful and the people watching is great.
There are some nice restaurants to sit outside and enjoy the hum of downtown. Rialto Cafe, Appaloosa Grill, Panzano (one block over) to name a few. The street players, old timers playing chess, horse drawn carriages are cool. The litter and vagrancy is all part of the downtown experience. My chief complaint is that there are so many chain stores along the Mall that I often feel like I could be shopping anywhere. Franchise shops and restaurants threaten to drown out the more unique and boutique shops.
Larimer Square, basically a few blocks away, attracts more unique shops and purely Denver destinations. I would love to see more small businesses encouraged to open along 16th Street. I occasionally enjoy Starbucks, Walgreens, the Gap, Chipolte's, Victoria's Secret and the Cheesecake Factory but IMHO we need more small businesses to avoid the homogenization of the 16th Street Mall. -
Review from Nancy F.
3/25/2012
The mall area has been going down hill in recent years. We can't go down here anymore, without panhandlers asking us for money, sleeping in the store fronts at night.. Never used to be this bad. The economy has had a lot to do with it, and I always bring extra dollars to give out, but I think they could use more police officers walking the beat. Don't really like to be down here late at night anymore. The mall ride does not run as often at night. Please, Denver, learn what Chicago has done with Michigan Ave. This could be a wonderful place again. Would not recommend coming here after say 9 p.m.
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Review from Clarice C.
Scottsdale, AZ
10/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I don't get it...was expecting a mall mall like an indoor one. Parking is also confusing/expensive. taking the train with a lot of homeless people...no thanks
on the flip side, there are decent stores where normal people shop like express, forever 21, victoria's secret, etc. for a mall in the middle of the city, im glad it wasn't window shopping stores like prada, louis vuitton, burberry, etc. there are also lots of places to eat/grab a snack. -
Review from David P.
Denver, CO
9/13/2011 35 Check-ins Here
This mall is getting worse every day , too many homeless there , allies and the crossing streets stein so bad ( like pee and worse stuff lol) . I live there and honestly I don't like it anymore .
Restaurants are just too dirty for me now . -
Review from Jillian T.
Los Angeles, CA
9/6/2011
I'm still baffled as to why it was recommended that I visit this place. What a horrifying experience on every level.
The stores: what a dismal selection of retail (including Ross, TJ Maxx, Payless Shoe Source, et al.) - no eclectic/interesting shops. Ann Taylor (yuck). I tried to go into Famous Footwear but they wanted me to put my large purse behind the counter while shopping, which I refused. They would alternately have to search my bag on the way out then. I told them 'forget it' and walked out. Which is the perfect segue into the main problem with this place...
The people: having lived in cities world-renowned for their unsavory characters, I have to say I have never seen a larger gathering of shady individuals in one place, at one time as I did at this "mall". Every manner of hoodlum and freak out in force. And I can't believe how many people SMOKE here.
The buses: the only thing this place has in common with the 3rd St. Promenade in Santa Monica is that they're both outdoors. You don't have to worry about being struck down by buses at the 3rd St. Promenade (I can't get over these buses - would it kill anyone to walk a few blocks?) and there are decent shops at 3rd St. (Nothing against Ross, I actually like stores like that, but they seem inappropriate at outdoor pedestrian malls that tourists flock to hoping for something a little more interesting).
Sucky restaurants too (unless you enjoy generic, fattening TGI Fridays-type food).
Ugh, avoid this cesspool. -
Review from Jon K.
8/5/2011
If you visit Denver, you almost HAVE to visit the 16th Street Mall. It's not a typical "mall" as you might imagine a mall to be...i.e. a giant building with floor upon floor of stores in a well air-conditioned artificial environment. Rather, it's outdoors, centered on one long street (guess which one), and is simply block upon block of stores, eateries, and more. It's also quite aesthetically pleasing and theres a lot to see (not at all a bad place to take a date).
DAYTIME:
Hand painted pianos strewn throughout 16th street.
Stationary chess/checker tables (BYOP: bring your own pieces).
A free shuttle that runs through 2AM.
Limited street food.
Tons of restaurants ranging from dives to the Chipotles of the world.
Lots of locals (you know someone is a local vs. a tourist bc they jaywalk without hesitation).
Tons of stores to check out and explore.
NIGHTTIME:
Lots of homeless people. (some scarier than others).
Live music/Karaoke at (near movie theather) -- really lively, sounds fun!
Semi-homeless people asking for leftovers: my friend Gary A. literally got approached as we were walking down 16th street by a guy who was clearly not homeless but perhaps a little hungry that night and without the means to buy his own food. Weird. But hey, it's Denver.Listed in: Road Trippin': Los Angeles to…
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Review from Rebeca R.
The 16th St. mall is crazy awesome!
The people watching is super fun, there is everything from fast food to old locally owned hot spots to fancy expensive cuisine. The shopping ranges from touristy shops to decent clothing to general stores to miscellaneous makeup or electronics. I can't wait for the H+M to open! And I don't even like shopping!
Everyone who criticizes, should just go back to the suburbs and hang out in their air conditioned big box retailer infested anytown-USA lameness. Yes, there are many beggars and street performers. Yes there are annoying business types and teenagers smoking everywhere. And yes, there is an eclectic mix of weirdness that I love!
I dare you to find somewhere that has such a well evolved pedestrian thoroughfare! It connects the capitol to union station in an excellent manner. The only criticism I have is that the ground gets slippery when the weather makes the sidewalk wet - hazardous! Especially when drinking!Listed in: I Dare you Denver, 2011 Challenge!
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Review from Leena V.
8/14/2011
The 16th Street Mall is full of restaurants and has little bit of shopping between. For those who like to buy clothes, it offers an outdoor mall with two levels for shopping and one level for entertainment. I liked the fact that the 16th Street Mall is kind of by itself; one street, lots to look at and tons of places to eat, with the only traffic on the street itself being the free mall buses that go up and down 16th Street.
The shops in the outdoor mall range from Ann Taylor to HM and Forever 21 with a Barnes and Noble. The other stores I noticed along the street were sparse and catered to the tourist. I was impressed by the amount of restaurants along this corridor. I saw an Irish tavern, various coffee shops, frozen yogurt, and different types of foods, such as Thai, Vietnamese, and French.
I think I would like to come here again without kids because, although they enjoyed the bus and looking at all the stores and restaurants, I think it is more of an adult space with all the bars dispersed on the street.
Also, if you come from out of town, parking is done at the various lots or garage which you must pay to park in. -
Review from Eve L.
7/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'll be honest with you, I did not enjoy this mall for the shopping or the food. And yes, reviewers before me do not lie, there are some characters roaming this "mall". We had a guy with a plastic costume hand prop try to tell us he needed money because he burned his hand, a black dude dressed up as a robot (Afro-bot on Youtube) tell us he's Michael Jackson and he's turned black again, a bearded man yelling "arr! arr! arr!", and a punk angry we weren't Catholic approach us all in one visit to this interesting mall. Sure, the food and the shopping do not compare with Times Square or with San Francisco, but the people watching did not disappoint. The people watching alone warrants the 5 stars.
I've heard Salt Lake City's Gateway Mall be compared with the 16th street mall. Oh no. Not even close. Even though the 16th street mall contains crappy chains just like our Gateway mall, what the 16th street mall has over us is that each of the shops is located in a unique and sometimes historical building, more along the lines of Times Square. Gateway Mall is just a stucco, suburban looking mall in the middle of a city. So, more points for 16th Street Mall for some visual interest from a pedestrian mall.Listed in: Denver...I love you.
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Review from Tim K.
9/6/2011
This is no San Antonio River Walk or even Boulder's Pearl Street; but an ok place to people watch. And by people watch I mean: watching two high school drop out's fist fight in the middle of the street. No joke. Saw this very thing on Sunday night as we walked toward the much nicer Larimer Square area. What I'm kind of surprised about is for how many people were on the 16th Street Mall Sunday night I didn't see any cops. It would have been nice to have them round up these hooligans before they end up shanking each other (probably next weekend).
Three of the possibly best things about 16th Street Mall:
1. Cheesecake Factory.
2. Random - cute pianos for any passerby to play.
3. The NYC-esq tables that double as chess boards.
And one runner up:
- Pink Berry. -
Review from Ciara G.
3/27/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Long. Blocks and blocks worth of long streets of shopping and eating.
This "Mall" is so huge they offer all sorts of means of transportation to get to and fro one end to the other. And by transportation I mean a free bus line that runs down the center of the mall street. For a small fee, you could ride in a horse and carriage or have a bike peddle you around.
We stopped by for a quick bite to eat and there is a wide array of eats choices here. Actually I mostly saw only eateries. Maybe a shop in between but I can't recall any "clothing" store or stuff like that. Maybe I just found myself in the food zone, naturally.
Either way if you have time to waste the day away on a leisurely stroll and feel like being outside, this is your spot.Listed in: CG Does Denver
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Review from Jennifer B.
Denver, CO
7/9/2011 301 Check-ins Here
I moved here from PA not so long ago and work downtown by Union Station. In fact my Company is building our Corporate Headquarters on 16th, right on the river right after Union Station. If you see the cranes down there, that's my building going up.
From the previous reviews I can agree that 16th Street is very touristy. A lot of chain restaurants and chain stores. If you walk and experience some of the side streets you find a lot of gems too. Unique places to eat as well as family run restaurants that are worth a gander. Very long stretch of fun little experiences. Everyone should definitely check it out and talk their time enjoying the outdoor mall, remember to venture down the side streets. There are places worth the time if you have the time to enjoy them.
How many other cities do you know that have an outdoor mall like this downtown that also have a free mall ride that runs the entire length? Not many, I can tell you that. I venture down 16th almost every day for lunch or some light shopping.
If you don't want to buy, sit on a bench and people watch, I could do this for hours.
Enjoy 16th, remember to take your time. :) -
Review from Mina N.
Elk Grove, CA
12/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a really small outdoor mall. It's actually a little sad to think that this place is considered a mall. There's not that much stores around, the movie theatre doesn't show much movie selection and it was hard to get my parking validated!!!!! The good thing about this place is that it's close to campus, which means i could take the light rail or walk there, get some good off-campus grub while i'm on my break and just be away from the whole campus thing!!!!!
I personally would never drive again to this mall to SHOP though. The selection is eh, and parking is a hassle. BUT!!! It's a good place to kill time, pick up a small gift for a friend if you forgot her birthday (ha ha ha) & downtown has a ton of food... Also light rail is a HUGE plus so i give it 3 stars. -
Review from Andreas H.
New York, NY
3/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This may be one of the most well-known streets in all of Denver. At the Larimer end (more or less NW), there are great restaurants and bars, while the other end (Broadway/Lincoln to the SE) is much more business oriented, heavy on coffee shops, cafes, and chain restaurants.
Be sure to check out the Pavilions, some cool street food, street performers, and the like.
My biggest peeve is the presence of panhandlers. It's crazy. There are packs of them, and it gets annoying very quickly... especially when the same person hits you up with the same story (I need bus fare). -
Review from Angela A.
12/30/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Denver really plays the mall up for tourists. I think it's funny because I hate the impression tourists have then of Denver. However, my parents are from a small town in PA and think the mall is great so maybe it isn't as bad as I imagine. Anyway, the mall is just a bunch of chain restaurants and stores that you can find in any given city across America. Nothing special that interests me on the mall in particular, other than Biker Jim's or the Thai lady. I don't work downtown though, so I never even get to eat there unless I have a random day off and wind up downtown for some strange reason.
The things I do like about the mall: people watching! It is fun to just relax outside with a drink or cup of joe and just observe. There is a lot going on on the mall. You might be lucky and be able to listen to a small drum circle, I've seem it happen a time or 2 down there. There are a lot of pan handlers on the mall. This doesn't freak me out at all, but when my grandma was here she was totally scared (I had to laugh). The mall is super clean, it's actually quite impressive to me. Being from back east and dealing with cities like Philly, B'mo and NYC, the mall is sparkling. It almost makes me feel a bit uncomfortable it's so clean. We have had several visitors comment on the cleanliness of the mall as well.
I wish there was more to do on the mall and more independent shops or restaurants. That would be very cool.Listed in: Gettin Around D-Town
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Review from amy m.
San Ramon, CA
12/29/2010
This is a review for just 2 blocks of this "mall" within walking distance of Hotel Monaco. I chose the hotel because of it's proximity to this shopping area. I can't vouch for the rest of the mall.. I wasn't feeling adventurous enough to explore more.
I was sorely disappointed about this so called "mall". I walked two blocks down the street to visit this area around 6pm ,3 days before Christmas. Because it was the holidays, I expected this downtown area to be "bustling" with people shopping. Instead, I found a fairly vacant street, with a few loiterers and street dwellers. The shops consisted primarily of restaurants. To the right of the block, the only appealing store appeared to be Ann Taylor Loft (which was closed,, WHAT???) and to the left on the next block was a Ross (or was it Marshall's)and Payless shoe source.. in any event, because Ann Taylor was closed I walked to Ross. I couldn't believe the "slim pickings" in that store too.. and again.. not a lot of shoppers in sight! This downtown is so very different than what you would expect in say a Downtown San Francisco... -
Review from Andrew G.
Denver, CO
12/23/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Great place for a stroll. Lots to look at. From homeless people to business suits you got it all. The shops aren't the best, but there are plenty of good places to get a bite. Theres is a great free bus that runs up and down so you dont have to walk, and the lightrail makes stops so you can get here from almost anywhere.
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Review from Matt C.
Denver, CO
5/1/2011
It's...touristy. Very, very touristy. It seems like the only people I ever see on the 16th Street Mall are visiting Denver literally live on the street. Everyone I know who lives in Denver, and who has been here for more than a month, sort of avoids the place. Sort of reminds me of how everyone I knew in New York avoided Times Square.
I guess it serves its purpose, but there are much nicer and more interesting parts of Downtown/LoDo that I'd rather walk around. At times it sort of feels like I'm walking through a suburban mall (ahem, chain and chain-like restaurants).
The saving grace is the Mall Ride. It's free, there's almost always one ready to pick you up, and it is a great way to travel East or West in LoDo/Downtown...so long as you get off the bus and leave 16th Street.
I'm hesitant to gripe about the homeless. To say the least, it is unfair and unkind to use this as opportunity to complain about a very serious problem in Denver. But I think anyone who is unfamiliar with the 16th Street Mall should know that there is a sizable homeless presence on the Mall. Some of the panhandlers can be very, very aggressive and actively try to intimidate pedestrians who try to ignore the or who do not give them money. (Once saw a lady take a granola bar out of her purse after a guy asked her for money to buy lunch, he told her to "go fuck herself" because "he asked for goddamn money, not fucking charity.") -
Review from Jessica J.
Aurora, CO
10/31/2010 9 Check-ins Here
I always feel like there should be more stuff on the mall then there actually is. I know my hubby and I always think if we don't have a plan (as far as eats) when we go downtown we can just get something "on the mall" and then quickly realize we like none of the stuff we see!
It is a great idea for tourism, but it lacks as far as unique shops and eateries. The free mall ride is great (OK it could smell better). It works in pinch or if you need a chain, but if you want something different you might be disappointed. -
Review from Wanugee N.
Pleasant Hill, CA
7/18/2010 2 photos
The 16th Street Mall is a great example of a city creating a district to revitilize itself and create a go-to desitination for tourists.
The 16th Street Mall is, well, a "mall" along 16th street in downtown Denver. It stretches for about 16 blocks, too. It is blocked off to all vehicles with more than 2 wheels, except:
1. The Free Mall bus. These are white energy efficient buses that go up and down the Mall, stopping at every intersection. THEY ARE FREE! They also have 4 large doors for easy in-out access, and low rise bodies.
2. Horse drawn carriages. There are several white, horse drawn carriages with men in top hats that will give you and your S.O. a more romantic ride up the Mall.
3. Pedicabs. These 3 wheeled wonders that are ubiquitous with tourists, are also here.
There are a plethora of restaurants and shops along the 16th Street Mall. Any type, from casual to upscale. From brew pubs to nice bars. Cheesecake Factory to Fast Food. The shopping isn't exactly New York, Union Square, Magnificent Mile, Rodeo, or even Ala Moana, but just like in the movie "Babe", the shopping here, well, "it'll do pig".
There is a sense of whimsy, with the icons along the Mall to provide curiosity to the Tourists. A lot of cities are trying to do this, by commissioning unusual art along a tourist strip. Like Cows, Steer, Birds, etc. When I was there, it was old upright Pianos, with colorful graffiti on them.
As in many tourist strips in major US cities, there is the Riff Raff element present. There are some haggard straggler types, some just finishing toking their mdeical marijuana, some drumming for bills or panhandling for change. But overall, there is a wide mix of young and old present on the warm summer nights, and the areas is well lit and generally safe.
If you want to be a part of this tourist nightlife area, there are plenty of hotels within a block of the 16th Street Mall.Listed in: Wanugee! Shopping, Wanugee! Denver
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Review from d'N'L m.
Brooklyn, NY
7/26/2010
Wow, just wow.. You know you are in a strange city when the center of town is one large promenade filled with chain stores.. And shopping at these chain stores? The biggest collection of freaks and weirdoes I have ever seen assembled in one place.
There was no sort of local flavor.. Their seems to be an identity crisis.. Are we tough gangster from LA? Are we alternative from Seattle.. Are we from outer space? There seemed to be no culture, no pulse, no sort of direction..
Just a lot of people from small towns throughout out the West that have come here and are performing the roles they think a city should be. Just strange. Was happy to get the hell out.
It was almost like a joke. As we walked down the street, we were consistently surprised by the crazy. A man exposing his penis in a kilt on one corner, a guy with a huge flattop with an eye patch on the other corner. A girl wearing a bikini with a huge beer belly sitting with two guys who are making out. A woman passed out on the bus stop with her huge hairy belly hanging out. Each person stranger than the next.
The local kids seemed to be a little Seattle-esque.. Grunge meets punk, meets street person.. Lots of ironic tattoos. It appears that heroin is the drug of choice after marijuana.. Tons of old school drunks also.. Where I am from, in NY, there seems to be a lack of the old school type, pass out on the street wino.. There is no shortage here.. At least the drunks were not alone.. They would gather together and take up most of the benches.
So the city is not cool.. This long 10 block stretch of chain store after chain store really does nothing to give Denver any sort of identity...Just an imitation of what a city should be. -
Review from Grace S.
Campbell, CA
5/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
My mom and I came to the 16th street mall on our while vacationing in Denver. It appeared in one of those tourist guides so we decided to check it out.
Overall, it was a pretty neat place to look around. There are a lot of restaurants (both upper and lower scale) and some stores. The "mall" is on a long street with stores and restaurants along the street, like an outdoor mall. I wouldn't say it was all that worthwhile to go there because my mom and I finished looking around in 1 hour.
There were also a lot of homeless people on the streets either asking for money or yelling at you if you didn't give them money. I wouldn't recommend going there at night because I feared for my safety in broad daylight! -
Review from Andrea R.
8/17/2011
This place is so well laid out I was really impressed. Free shuttle service ip and down the mile. Tons of cute shops and places to eat. CLEAN and well maintained. A pleasure to visit. Everyone was super nice and helpful. Fun stuff to just sit and watch. We were blown away . In comparison to SF or San Jose Ca which is gross and dirty..this was a place I enjoyed spending the day and cant wait to go back. CO puts CA to shame!
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Review from misha r.
Denver, CO
4/3/2009 3 photos
Here are the top 10 reasons I totally dig the 16th street mall in Denver.
1. Horse Drawn Carriages
2. Pedicab rides
3. Cool Buskers
4. Bowling at Lucky Strike
5. The Denver Pavilions
6. Public Art, outdoors
7. people watching
8. Afro-Bot (street performer)
9. The Corner Bakery Cafe
10. free shuttles
It's beautiful and bustling in downtown Denver. Check out the photos, and be sure to check out the you tube video's of Afro-bot on the 16th street mall.Listed in: Denver Fun Spots
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Review from Daniel D.
Colorado Springs, CO
9/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
As far as calling the 16th Street Mall as mall anymore... well, it should be the 16th Street Cafeteria with Bank Access and a couple of shops.
The Pavilions is the best of the shopping offered at the mall. The rest of the mall is basically one restaurant or bar after another. Great if your going to the mall to eat or if you work right down the street... But calling anything other than the Pavilions center a "mall" is definitely a stretch.
There are better areas to go shopping in the Metro, in my opinion. -
Review from raul z.
Huntington, NY
11/23/2008
My Lovely 16th Street Mall:
The best place to hang out in downtown Denver; with your lovely discount stores, many fast food and cheap places to eat, typical bars and all the homeless and crazy people in town.... I read a little bit of your history: a local street closed down and turned into an open-air mall to attract businesses, tourist and revive life in downtown Denver. You have succeeded my dear 16th Street Mall. The many times I've visited you, I've always enjoy your comfort, especially when the inclement of weather are not a threat to my enjoyment.
It does seems to be the hangout place for all of those who can play musical instruments to a minimum, like the bag piper who made your ears bleed or the guy who thinks he can make music with two empty plastic cubes and two sticks of wood or the one who plays the guitar thinking he is Jimmy Hendrix.
But yet, I still love walking all around... looking at your overpriced souvenirs stores. Oh wow! I just saw a southwestern style souvenir shop with many artifacts that are so cool to hang in someone's basement, like the tribe leader's headgear, which reminds me of that guy in the musical group the Village People. I thought it could be a great part of a Halloween costume until I saw the price tag and ran out of the store faster than the Road Runner being chased by the Coyote.
But yet, I still love all of your other souvenir shops, and discount stores like Ross, Payless and TJ Maxx, that makes me wonder why, as a tourist, I feel like shopping at the 16th Street Mall when I can do the same thing back home and not having to carry all of my purchases on the plane.
And I'm loving 'cheating' on my daily walking workout with your convenient Hybrid 16th Street Mall free shuttles. When I get inside and take a seat, the smell of urine overwhelms me. I try not to breath too deep and the couple of open windows do not help air the smell out. Yet, we all stay in the bus and ignore the strong urine odor, like that will make it all better and go away....
I did enjoy the protesters in front of the Federal Building conveniently located in your 16th Street Mall. Then again, I think: "why are they protesting on a Saturday when the building is closed and none is there to really see the protest? Yes, chant about all the money they are throwing away in bailouts and give me two dozen of free literature for me to read on my flight back to New York as a substitute to the cheesy movie that plays in the overhead video system that I always fall asleep watching.
And do not forget all the homeless people that love to beg for money. We got beggars from the moment we left the hotel one block away from 16th Street all the way to Larimer Square. Some of them were nice enough to say: "have a nice day" to the one that was screaming to people: "you fools!"
At night, I enjoyed walking the street, with a few cops here and there ensuring our safety. Christmas lights are decorating the street even though we haven't pass Thanksgiving yet. And everyone is bar hopping from Rock Bottoms (review available) to Rialto Café (review available).
The best part of your mall, my dear 16th Street, is the detours to Writers and Larimer Square. With the many outdoor cafes, restaurants and shops, this is the classiest part of town. Love the architecture of the few good historical buildings that have not being flattened to make room for more ugly high-riser buildings.
Well, my dear 16th street mall, this is my goodbye. I did enjoy what you had to offer and will definitely visit you again and again.... your ambiance is like no other open-air mall I've seen. I feel safe and enjoy doing people watching. Seeing the old men playing checkers or reading books in your lovely benches is comforting. This is it. Time to head back home. Will enjoy coming back to you soon!Listed in: The Touristic Things To Do in…
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Review from Jenna S.
Chicago, IL
7/2/2009 1 photo
I kind of wish Chicago had something like the 16th St. Mall. I really enjoy that there's a mile long stretch of tons of stuff to do right at the foot of the Capitol in Denver. Sure, most of it it a total tourist trap, but there's always something to do.
The mall begins at the foot of the Capitol and runs all the way in to LoDo. LoDo has tons of bars, restaurants and places to go, so it's a really great neighborhood to have the mall running through. When you walk down toward the end of the mall, you'll pass by every chain restaurant that exists in the world: Cheesecake Factory, Tokyo Joe's, Cosi, Corner Bakery, etc. There's tons of restaurant options for your famished self, but there's also some local Denver spots on the mall and on the streets right near it. Do some exploring and you'll find some nice stuff.
As you proceed down the mall toward LoDo, you'll pass by the Denver Performing Arts Complex (awesome) which always has something for you to do. There's tons of shopping opportunities for those with a little money to spend and as you get further down, you'll be closer to all of the sports complexes in Denver. Go to the east and you'll be right at Coors Field, go to the west and you'll have a bit of a walk to Pepsi Center.
Definitely has a bunch of stuff for everyone to do, so come on down to the mall. It's a cool place to sit outside in the summer and people watch - there's always a place to have a drink and talk with your friends. Oh, and did I mention the Free MallRide? Awesome!Listed in: The Centennial State
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Review from Becky S.
Denver, CO
1/12/2009 1 Check-in Here
If people really think the 16th Street Mall deserves only 2 1/2 stars, you wouldn't know it by taking a walk along it some day. The place is always packed. And never have I seen it more packed than on New Years Eve.
Sure, they have a bunch of chain restaurants and big-name stores. But you've got to look beyond all that. Go check out the smaller, privately owned places. Like the bakery under the pavilions. That no longer exists because no one gave them a chance. How about the market there across from the Paramount? Great, GREAT fresh foods.
And how convenient is it to have a Walgreens, Denver Visitor Center, and Verizon Wireless store all within blocks of each other? To me, this place is very useful. Sure the bums are annoying and the bongo players even more so. But I tend to look beyond and see it for what it is. Why get upset about a mall? Just not really worth it to me.
Beware because the stores do still close at normal times (around 6pm, 7pm) because they're not bound by any contract to stay open like indoor mall stores. Jason's Deli? Closes around 3pm, for some unknown reason. Most other restaurants stay open until last call, however. -
Review from Robin P.
Denver, CO
1/11/2009
Commercial pedestrian street mall. Trashy, glamorous, ghetto, sophisticated. My opinion of this place changes each and every day.
As much as I try to walk away, 16th Street just calls me, pulling me as if I'm on a leash, begging for me to walk on its wannabe classy strip. I pull and I tug, but alas, I end up here every time I am downtown. It's convenient if you live, work, or attend school in the downtown area.
I think all the weirdos congregate to this mile long strip of land. Ladies, all of you, you will be the victim of lots of catcalling, whistling, and namecalling. But let's face it, sometimes, a little verbal sexual harassment is just what you need to perk you up from a day gone wrong.
Almost everything closes early (the Pavilions closes at 8 P.M., I believe). Strolling down the mall at night is a bit depressing because it's pretty empty. Good for if you need to walk to clear your head, but go elsewhere if you feel the need to get the party started.
I think the tramps, hobos, and bums (all mean different things amongst the homeless community, I think, or perhaps I just made that up) are actually pretty nice. They'll always tell you to have a good day or smile at you even if you can't spare some change.
The aspect of this mall that bugs me the most are the numerous people working for "Save the Children" or "Save the World" or "Save the Seals" or whatever else needs saving in this world. No, I don't have a minute to talk to you. I'm a bit embarrassed because I usually see the same people working the streets every time I'm on 16th. They know I see them. They know that I'm downtown quite a bit. One girl even told me, "Hey, I know you. Come talk to me!" I should give her a chance since I know they're just trying to get a paycheck, but it's still annoying. Hop on the MallRide to avoid them.
What's surprising to me is that the 16th St. Mall was designed by I.M. Pei (Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?), the man who also designed the pyramid at the Louvre. In Paris. Still don't know what I'm talking about? Oh, you silly Americans (imagine me saying that in a snooty French accent).
The Pavilions is a nice divergence when you need to waste some time. Not a lot of stores, but I can feed my shopping addiction when I should be doing more important activities, like actually going to work or attending my classes.
Lots of discount stores like TJ Maxx, Ross, and Payless. Even if you denounce these types of stores, you'll probably find yourself in them as there's not many other stores you can go to when you need to kill some time.
Lots of fast food places, a few chain delis, and some sit down places. I would recommend venturing onto the other streets of Downtown Denver or going down to Writer's/ Larimer Square. Still need something to eat? Then look at my 16th Street Yelp list (shameless self promotion).
Not a touristy spot, definitely more of a Denver local thing. But if you ever find yourself trying to escape the monotony of the street, see if you can answer the trivia facts above Arby's. Already answered them? Too bad for you.Listed in: 16th St. Madness
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Review from Erika M.
3/4/2010
Ok, I moved here from LA in July, and was told to go visit the 16th street mall. I heard of it and got excited picturing Denver's version of the the 3rd street promenade in Santa Monica. Boy was I wrong in thinking that. There were no cool trendy stores, and as a matter of fact there were several super touristy stores (ew). There were some good resaurants, but that was it. So I drove to downtown, paid to park downtown, and then got royally disappointed.
Final say; No way! -
Review from Ali P.
6/4/2010
Okay, I'll keep this review short since it's just about a street, after all.
As someone who studied urban planning and who's traveled a lot, I have to say that pedestrian malls rarely work, especially out west. That said, the 16th Street Mall is definitely a working example of how to get people away from their cars for just a few moments. Free shuttles, stores people actually want to shop at, and a friendly atmosphere make this one a success.
I have to say that I visited the 16th Street Mall thrice while visiting Denver: on a Sunday night, on Memorial Day night, and on Tuesday. Each time, I was blown away by just how many people were strolling the street, shopping, eating, or just passing the time. And not once did I feel like I was in some sketchy part of town (anyone who's visited Sacramento's K Street will know what I'm talking about).
Good job, Denver! -
Review from Carrie R.
Denver, CO
3/11/2007
I'm not sure what the problem is. Why can't the 16th St. Mall be cool? We're cool people here in Denver, right? There's tons of great local shops and restaurants in this city. So why, oh why, can't any be located where any out-of-towner might access them?
Shopping here is useless, and eating here is not recommended.
The best thing is the shuttle, which will take you up or down until you reach a street where you can walk AWAY from the so-called mall to find good stuff.
People watching is alright, but what are you going to do in the meantime? Sit on the curb and get trampled by skateboarders and horses?
Designed by I.M. Pei and opened in 1982.Listed in: Not-as-historic Denver
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Review from Jeanette D.
La Jolla, CA
7/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
If you live in a major city now like L.A. or N.Y., you can skip this area as you have something similar in your hood. This area reminds me of some parts of both LA and NY. It is a long strip of mostly inexpensive chain stores and restaurants like Payless Shoes, Subway, and Ross Dress for Less. In between the two sidewalks is a center strip that has benches and tables with random art. That part is sort of "grunge cool" so that was ok.
Unlike the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, this is not really a fun "stroll and shop" area with boutiques, galleries, and cafes. For this, you will need to go to the nearby Cherry Creek North district.
The highlight of this strip is the large two-story Barnes & Noble at the Pavillion (mall) which offers free wi-fi and a Starbucks. -
Review from A. Claire C.
Walnut Creek, CA
11/5/2008
I must have visited on an off weekend, but was it just me or did EVERYTHING on this strip close early? Odd.
I heard that this was the "happening" place in DT Denver. It really wasn't, or it was really tame compared to the wilds of DT San Jose, or even DT Walnut Creek.
During the day, there were several people out and about, eating, walking, and shopping. But at night, it was pretty dead. I walked up and down the strip and was disappointed and the variety of shops and eateries... I wanted to experience something unique to Colorado, and I ended up, visiting my normal haunts.
Loved the exercise and enjoyed the people watching during the day. It was very clean and the MallRide was a great means of transportation, should you be over walking. But all in all, its just another outdoor mall, with the same ol' stuff.
