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Tattered Cover Book Store

4 star rating
based on 53 reviews

Categories: Bookstores, Newspapers & Magazines  [Edit]

Neighborhoods: City Park, Northeast
2526 E Colfax Ave
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 322-7727
Hours:

Mon-Thu. 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Fri. 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street, Garage, Private Lot
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

53 reviews for Tattered Cover Book Store

Review Highlights   

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"Call me nostalgic, but I miss the Cherry Creek location." (in 5 reviews)
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"Great to have this independent book store in the neighborhood." (in 11 reviews)
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"There is a Twist and Shout next door and a Chipotle coming soon." (in 4 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Michael S.

Elite '09

15

41

Michael S.

Denver, CO

4 star rating
10/10/2009

No matter the location, the Tattered Cover will always hold a special place in my heart.  The LoDo location and old Cherry Creek location both helped me discover so many great authors, and so many cool magazines I'd not found before.

Now I find myself going to the Colfax location, which is dangerously next door to a Twist and Shout, so any visit can end up costing a lot on media.  I love the Tattered Cover coffee shop.  In fact, I think I'll stop by there after typing this.  I think the Tattered Cover staff is friendly and helpful beyond any other bookstore I've visited.  They've helped me locate books beyond their already impressive stock.  It's been a wonderful book seller and book buyer relationship for many years, despite the location.

I like the layout of the newish Colfax store. A long-time comic book nerd, I appreciate that they seem to stock decent graphic novels, yet wish they'd expand their comic book selection. I'd love to do more one-stop shopping.  Whenever I need something new to read, I just wander in, grab a coffee, and wait for the right title to call out to me as I walk around scanning their wonderful selection.

As independent book shops go, the Tattered Cover is quite the enterprise.  They've always a lot going on and seem very community oriented.  I added them to my Twitter feed thinking I would get involved in some of their events, but am yet to do so.  Still, I think that the Tattered Cover is one of Denver's true treasures, and any community would be grateful for such a professional, long-time independent book seller in their community.  I  know that I'm grateful for them.

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Photo of rebecca b.

 

22

90

rebecca b.

Denver, CO

3 star rating
11/3/2009

Yes, only three stars for the TC.  It pains me so!

I love the new location and layout!  It is missing that cozy feeling, but there is something inspiring about being in a renovated theater.  Airy, even.  And I jump at any chance to avoid Cherry Creek North.

Love the parking garage - free!?  Where else can you park for free in a garage in Denver that is not attached to your home?

But let's discuss the rating - the new space for events is smooshed, very poorly planned.  Tried to go to an event last night that was packed to the gills, without any staff trying to give direction as to where lines started and ended.  Without providing any assistance to those who just wanted to attend the Q&A (go where you fit) as opposed to drop some bank on the book to get it signed (go to the end of the line that snaked up the stairs and all the way around to the cash registers).....

For most authors for which they expect a crowd, I know they give out numbered tickets, but apparently there was no such foresight last night.  I was hoping this was a rookie mistake, but we all know that the TC is no rookie.

So, we went next door to the bar (lovely!), foregoing the bookreading/signing fiasco, and when we left three hours later, people were STILL standing in line to get the book signed!  Yikes.

But no worries, TC.  I will never buy a book at Borders or BN again.

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Photo of Jennifer T.

 

0

12

Jennifer T.

Denver, CO

2 star rating
11/3/2009

I really hate to give any independent bookseller a less than stellar rating, especially the Tattered Cover (being the Denver icon that it is) but after attending a book-signing last evening, I was really disappointed.  And I miss the Cherry Creek location too, can I just say?  Is it me or did the old location have about an acre more of square footage?  What the HECK with the parking???  Plus, I loved the Fourth Story more than any restaurant in town and was bitter and a shell of my former self when everything just COLLAPSED and they all LEFT without even asking how I felt about it.

Anyway.  Tattered Cover and Book-Signing. Lordy, did no one predict how many people might possibly attend this thing last night?  This is an author, on whose website, will receive 947 comments on a picture she posts, within the first hour of her posting it.  I'm not making that up.  Clearly, she's a major celebrity-- why did TC not plan for the throngs of people  that would like to see her?   I am certain every conceivable fire code was shattered last night; there were people crammed in every nook and cranny waiting with their books and hoping to catch a glimpse of the author-- crowding each other in the hallways and pressing themselves up against my own actual personhood to try and see her through all the heads (not kidding).  They had her pinned in the basement with rows and rows of people waiting to talk to her and get their books signed, people crowding the stairways, people in lines going clear out the door!  Even though we got there early, we were squished back in the hallway of the basement by the ladies room (which evidently equipped with what was NOT a low-flow toilet, and was a real hot-spot in the store last evening.  The net effect of which was that we couldn't hear the author too well because every time she started to speak, someone would flush the toilet and the violent FlushMaster 5000 WHOOSH would make the packed hallway all snicker a little, every time).  But where was the organization of all these folks?  Where was the effective sound system?  Why didn't TC figure out a bigger room to put everyone in?  It was a disaster and we wound up leaving after a couple hours with unsigned books and there were STILL people in line out up the stairway and down the hall that we had to shimmy past.  I really felt for the author.  I don't see how she could have turned anyone away with the set-up there, but that surely meant she was there until... well, she's probably still there this morning.

Tattered Cover, I expected more from you!  C'mon!

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Photo of Melissa R.

Elite '09

18

50

Melissa R.

Denver, CO

4 star rating
10/6/2009

I have to concur with a lot of the folks in saying that I do miss the Cherry Creek location...That space was just way cool and cozy all at the same time.

With that being said, I do like the new place...The magazine section is located in awesomely close proximity to the cafe and the selection is rockin'. I can find some pretty obscure art and fashion magazines from Europe here which is always a good thing.

Love the old light fixtures, windows and the parking...

My one "complaint" is their art book selection....meh....They need to add some more stuff and really keep it updated. Usually the books in this section look a little "tattered" (ha ha) and the amount per genre is pretty thin.

All in all though, a great place to relax with a coffee and the scent of books wafting around you (don't pretend you don't know the "book" smell!)...sort of my poor man's spa :)

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Photo of Justine M.

 

7

21

Justine M.

Denver, CO

4 star rating
11/15/2009

Whether you're coming to browse, study, or enjoy some coffee, Tattered Cover is a wonderful place to do any or all of the above. Staff is always helpful and available and they've got an expansive selection of books in every category. I haven't noticed much of a difference between their prices and those at places like Barnes & Noble, so why not support a local business?

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Photo of Angela A.

Elite '09

17

94

Angela A.

Denver, CO

4 star rating
10/30/2009

The Tattered Cover is an amazing store. The selection of books is amazing. I could spend days in here reading and browsing. The book signings are great too. Between this store and its neighbor, Twist and Shout, I could go broke! It's great to see independent stores, like the Tattered Cover survive in Denver.

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Photo of Jennifer W.

 

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60

Jennifer W.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
8/28/2009

If the Tattered Cover was still in it's original location it would be 5 stars all the way!!!  Gosh I miss that place, so comfy and cozy and such great atmosphere.  The location in LoDo really tries to replicate it, but just doesn't have the same vibe.

I love to support this independent bookstore whenever I'm in the market for books, and considering my overflowing bookshelves, it's often....at other times when I'm feeling particularly poor or just don't feel like hitting the library it's a great place place to sit and chill for a while reading books or even better skimming through hundreds of beautiful glossy magazines and returning them to the shelves unscathed....it's much more economical than paying the $4-8 cover price for each, or subscribing to 100 magazines just to toss them in the recycle bin.

Though I was partial to the old store I'm thrilled that they decided to locate on the 'Fax and think it will only do more good for Denver to keep spreading the love East!

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Photo of Robin P.

Elite '09

121

162

Robin P.

Denver, CO

3 star rating
1/17/2009

I wanted to hate this store at first because it's a lot different than the Tattered Cover downtown, and even more different than my favorite store that used to be located near, well, you know, that fruity-body-of-water-neighborhood.

First, I have a problem with the layout.  The chairs are in awkward places.  I turn every corner and boom! There is someone trying to read a book, while my behind is in their face as I reach up to the top shelf to grab a book.  The sections are too small to have big comfy chairs in the middle.  So I apologize to every customer who I chaotically rubbed my humps up against.

Consequently, it's not as cozy as the LoDo TC.  Maybe it's also because LoDo has the hardwood floors that contribute to the charm of that store, while the Colfax TC has dirty green carpeting (wait, is this Barnes and Noble?).

I didn't know that there was a basement of kids and discount stuff until I looked here on Yelp, or else I would have gone down to explore.  Next time, I must remember to head on down.

The café area seems bigger than the one in LoDo.  Always a plus.

I still don't understand why people are saying that the prices are higher here than at other bookstores.  Books have a certain, set retail price.  It probably just seems higher because the  quality of books is better than chain stores like Barnes and Noble or Borders.  These books won't fall apart when you find yourself taking a soak with some reading material, and you somehow drop the book in the water (get your mind out of the gutter and stop thinking of me reading in the tub!).

But I'll give you props, Colfax Tattered Cover, because you have better postcards and greeting cards than the downtown TC.  So you have redeemed yourself.  This time.

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Photo of Megan Q.

Elite '09

28

70

Megan Q.

Denver, CO

4 star rating
2/10/2009

I liked Tattered Cover before tonight.  But what inspired me to actually review the place was the super helpful employee that I encountered earlier this evening.  Super helpful employee:

1)Opened the door for me from the parking lot when they were bringing in a table
2)Gave me two websites to look for the book that is out of print and on my list of "find before visiting friend tomorrow"
3)Looked up and FOUND a paperback copy of another book I was looking for
4)Completed my transaction by helping me at the register

And through all of this, there was not a single hint of bitterness that I arrived 4 minutes before closing.  The only reason I am not giving them 5 stars is because I had "pre-ordered" a copy of the paperback book and was never notified that it arrived in the store.

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Photo of Harmony O.

Elite '09

312

335

Harmony O.

Boulder, CO

5 star rating
1/4/2009

Today after looking at several properties for sale in Denver,  I stopped in at the Tattered Cover with my realtor.   It had been a year or so since I'd been here, and only briefly, for a latte.

This is the first time I've ventured into their actual bookstore, since it was in Cherry Creek!   I'd forgotten how much I enjoy the Tattered Cover.
It is easy to find what you're looking for, people are friendly, and an added bonus was that since parts of the inner structure had not changed since the old Bonfils theatre days,  I could stand and reminisce about going back to a room where the cast of the children's play was, and getting my program autographed.  I always loved that!

I liked seeing some posters from the old Bonfils,  on the walls near the calendars, too...

It was fun to look through massive coffee-table books of photography on the special metal podium-like stands the TC provides for that purpose.  I learned about a few photographers I hadn't heard of previously...and looked at their books of photos.  Here's a link to a photo I especially liked of Baryshnikov by Annie Leibovitz:

http://static.px.yelp....

Visiting here was a nice thing to do on a Sunday afternoon.  

On the way out, I got a chai latte and a Wally Lemon Biscotti.   Yummy fare for eating & drinking on the road home.

One odd thing I noticed...no marked-down calendars.  Most places have already marked their calendars down to half-price!   I already bought my calendars & journal for the year, anyway.

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Photo of Tracie B.

Elite '09

16

143

Tracie B.

Denver, CO

4 star rating
4/23/2009

I admit I really miss the "old" Tattered Cover in Cherry Creek. I loved the multiple floors and all the little secluded areas with comfy chairs. I also really miss the Fourth Story Restaurant - but that's a different subject.

That being said, I think that Joyce has done an excellent job with the new TC at the Colfax Lowenstein location. The store still has that Tattered Cover feel even with the wide open space. Keeping the theater seats was a nice touch.

I'm glad that Denver can continue to support such a great independent bookstore. I also love Encore (the adjoining restaurant).

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Photo of Dan B.

Elite '09

69

121

Dan B.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
8/26/2009

Now I may be a bit biased because I have been going to the Tattered Cover in Cherry Creek for 20+ years, had my senior prom dinner at the 4th story restaurant, along with a host of other wonderful memories. Be that as it may, the theatre design is kind of cool. I was extremely disappointed with their travel selection. I remember the days when it took up a massive corner of the store and now it's just pathetic. I was in search of a book on India and the TWO (that's right 2) that they had were both useless to me. I hope this was just a fluke, or maybe its just progress....anyway it kills me to say this but I was standing there thiking...maybe I should try a big corporate bookstore, I have a feeling their selection will be much better.

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Photo of Robin H.

Elite '09

54

107

Robin H.

Denver, CO

5 star rating
1/13/2009

The Tattered Cover is by far the best bookstore that I have ever had the good fortune to discover and enjoy.  The people leave you alone to gaze at your own pace, yet if you need their help they will bend over backwards to satisfy your book desires.  

I still miss the Cherry Creek location, the newer location at the old Bonfils/Lowenstein Theatre can be a little cavernous.

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Photo of Jay H.

 

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Jay H.

Denver, CO

5 star rating
4/25/2009

The LoDo location still has this one beat, but this store offers a lot for what is (to me) a neighborhood bookstore.

The selection is very wide.  I have randomly walked into the store and found interesting signings going on.  (I once opened the door and bumped into an exiting Senator Chuck Hagel.)  There is a tremendous periodical section, which is nice because, despite what Safeway thinks, I don't only want to read Motor Trend or Iron Man Magazine.

The best thing about this store are the seating areas are comfortable and spaced out.  If you have a few hours, go grab a cup of tea and breeze through a Jim Lehrer novel in the store.  The staff is just well-enough compensated to stay happy and busy enough to leave you alone and let you make their store your library.

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Photo of Tracy R.

 

2

37

Tracy R.

Sunnyvale, CA

4 star rating
8/2/2009

Great to have this independent book store in the neighborhood.

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Photo of Genichka G.

 

9

30

Genichka G.

Denver, CO

4 star rating
1/3/2009

It gets four stars because the customer service is out of this world, I'm not kidding.

I've been here about 4 times already and the staff will jump through hoops of fire to locate your book.  I went in today to look for a book and the lady was looking all over the store for it.  Another staffer jumped in as well and started hunting for the book.  I was so tempted to call off the search, lol!  It's on order and should take 5 days.

The place has a parking garage that can sometimes be a clusterf&%k if you have a huge truck and are trying to get in or out.

My only complaint is that, for having a vast, vast selection of magazines, their GLBT section is meek and weak, in my opinion.  They don't carry Diva, a uk lesbian mag.  Weird.  The atmosphere is all right and I prefer the downtown store.  And like JH mentioned down below, it's located on diverse colfax but the people in the store seem upper-crusty.  Then again, this place did move away from Cherry creek and they followed since it's somewhat closer to them.

But anyways, excellent service, tons of books, large magazine selection, excluding the GLBT, so all in all, it's not bad.

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Photo of Alicea W.

Elite '09

29

265

Alicea W.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
10/11/2008

I like Tattered Cover because:

* it's a chill place to people-watch, and I'm not talking about the homeless dudes on Colfax
* distracting reading materials e.g. Star, U.S. Weekly, National Enquirer...I mean, Newsweek, Time, and Science
* large tables to spread out my Star...er, Newsweek, Time, and Science
* cafe for coffee and snacks; I had a nice, sugary cranberry white chocolate mocha today
* free Wi-Fi, and it's not slow
* free parking, and it's in a covered garage, too

I like the resemblance to an old library, but sometimes the resemblance is too real.  The lighting is dim, so my eyes strain after staying there too long.  If you read newspapers by the cafe stools, the overhead lights cast weird shadows on your paper that makes reading difficult.  There was also no heater today, so my mocha tasted like a frappuccino.

1 star off: I think the cold air has my arthritis acting up...and I'm not even 30 yet

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Photo of Janeen D.

Elite '09

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Janeen D.

Denver, CO

4 star rating
11/30/2008

Great place, not as cool as the downtown store, but way better than when it was in Cherry Creek-and you can actually park nearby for free!  Or...I can even walk there from my house!

I love coming in here and browsing to find something new to read, gifts for people, etc...
Love the dark wood, and how they saved lots of the original parts of the theater-seats, bathroom, etc...

Came in today and had the normal fun experience, but then smelled a weird smell. The door to Encore was open, and they must have been cleaning. I almost went to shut the door.  Totally a gross distraction.

Then, went downstairs to browse the kids' section and discount area, and was shocked at these two people talking so loudly and laughing hysterically that everyone could hear them down there!  This place is usually quieter than the Denver Public Libe, and people usually whisper while they are here with friends.  This is part of what makes the atmosphere of the Tattered Cover so amazingly cool and relaxing to browse your time away in.

If you want to talk loudly with a friend, go somewhere else...like maybe the cafe'?

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Photo of Claire L.

Elite '09

20

71

Claire L.

Fort Collins, CO

3 star rating
3/30/2009

Woo!! First trip to the new location (they were all but thrown out of Cherry Creek due to rent increases). Being across from my alma mater I already loved the new set up. They have all the selection with the same reasonable prices. Here's the thing, I miss the diversity of 4 floors. I miss the downstairs kid's room with over sized chairs and stuffed animals. I miss the gift wrapping room. I miss the creepy paper mache old men who used to hold newspapers downstairs. The whole vibe has changed, including the service which used to be so happy and now seems lack luster. Whatever. As long as they still have bookmark competitions for elementary schoolers (hell yeah fall 1996), I'm happy.

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Photo of Jeremy B.

 

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11

Jeremy B.

San Antonio, TX

5 star rating
11/22/2008

This is the best bookstore, independent and otherwise anywhere, period.

I remember spending hours here in the summers and after school during the school year back in the 80's. The best selection of books and the BEST atmosphere anywhere. No place makes you feel at home, or as inquisitive to learn everything and read everything than this place.

EVERY time I'm back in town, I make sure to stop by.

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Photo of Tiffany C.

Elite '09

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Tiffany C.

Long Beach, CA

5 star rating
4/16/2008

I've always wanted to have a house with a separate library. I may be a dork for this, but hey at least I have dreams. Hmmm?

Anyway, the thing I love about this Tattered Cover is that it feels sort of like stepping into a giant private library because it's so homey. There are chairs scattered all around and really real book shelves that stretch to the ceiling. The building itself is just beautiful.

Then there's the staff who are so friendly and efficient it makes me want to cry. They will help you find any book you need and if they don't have it they will order it for you pronto. Plus the store is independently owned.

And all of that together makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside when I buy a book from there and support the business. Now, don't you want that feeling, too?

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Photo of Bobo B.

 

0

46

Bobo B.

Denver, CO

1 star rating
4/13/2009

Makes one miss the old Cherry Creek location.  

Who bothers with bookstores anymore, anyway?  They offer no discounts.

Get 'em online!

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Photo of erica a.

Elite '09

8

59

erica a.

Denver, CO

5 star rating
10/18/2008

What can I say that  all book lovers already know.

Best largest Independent Book Store around.

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Photo of Mariko Y.

Elite '09

70

161

Mariko Y.

Arvada, CO

4 star rating
2/6/2009

I generally attempt to stay away from bookstores since I have a professed weakness for reading, but I stopped by here with some family and gave into my book cravings.  It's considerably smaller than the one on 16th St. but still has some great finds and the creaky floor board book store feeling.  Their bargain book section is pretty large, and they have a few little nooks and crannies that have other things than books.

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Kimberly B.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
3/3/2008

I LOVE THIS BOOKSTORE.

Wow, it's just totally different from the Barnes & Noble's and Borders back at home. The bookstore was huge and was filled with ceiling-high old-school, authentic bookshelves. The bookstore also had a variety of different chairs for you to sit at in each section so that you can get comfortable and read all day! I love the fact that they even have movie-theatre seats in the center of the bookstore!!!

The only thing that I wasn't used to was the complete silence inside the bookstore. I'm the type who likes to have a little background music when I browse, but the silence was comforting once I started reading a book in this super comfortable royalty chair.

Tattered is definitely the place to go to if you're a book lover and like reading books inside the store. It's comfortable, quiet, home-y, and gives off this vintage feel. I envy Colorado for having this store!!!

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Photo of Hiker Chicka e.

 

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Hiker Chicka e.

Denver, CO

3 star rating
10/3/2006

This bookstore is located in an old theater building that was built by the Bonfils.  The bookstore is cool, and the cash registers are located on what was once the stage.  The store itself is pretty cool and the book selection vast.  The technical books selection (particularly programming books) are somewhat limited, but definitely better than Barnes and Noble or Borders.  
 
If the place replaced the old green carpet and added more lighting and chairs I would give this 5 stars.  Come on Tattered Cover, do it!

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Photo of J H.

 

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J H.

Lakewood, CO

2 star rating
12/14/2008

I hate to be the only person that's not in love with this place.  I dunno, I just get a weird feeling when I get here.  Like, Colfax is so cool because it's so diverse and you get some really just totally bizarre people and your hipsters and gangstas and whatnot, but everyone just kind of goes with it.   But when I walk into this store, it's like prim and proper and you're surrounded by the upper-crust of Denver, and it's a bit unsettling.   The shiny metal lamps and the black and white themed cafe kind of sets the monotone for the place.  If that makes any sense.  The downtown location, which is downtown, among million-dollar lofts, for pete's sake, feels more welcoming and diverse.  So, it's a bit odd, yes.  

I dunno, I mean, I fully support alternatives to the behemoths of B&N and Borders, but I just can't love this place.  Kilgore, small and puny as it is, has its heart in the right place.

A wise man once wrote, "God is the absence of gentrification."  I dunno, I just think Tattered Cover kind of adds something to Colfax that maybe belonged in Cherry Creek.

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Photo of Jen A.

 

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Jen A.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
4/29/2009

I sorely miss hanging out at Tattered Cover; I wish there was a book store like it here in San Francisco (and no Stacey's did not even come close). I felt like someone smacked me in the face when I went to the Cherry Creek location and saw a furniture store in its place. I was on cold medication at the time, but I seriously thought I was in the twilight zone or had lost my mind. The new city park location is cool, the store is big, has seating, there's a cafe inside and garage-parking right outside the doors. If I still lived in Denver, I would do what I used to, visit the bookstore, buy too much and go sit in the park and peruse my new purchases. Sigh.

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Photo of Carrie R.

 

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Carrie R.

Denver, CO

5 star rating
3/11/2007

I thought that maybe the staff was being super helpful right after the T.C. opened their cool new location as part of a grand opening bonanza. But the service hasn't dwindled since they've opened, I can always find a pleasant and knowledgable employee to lend me a hand.

In addition to the huge selection of books, their foreign language periodicals can't be found anywhere else.

Finally, I have to disagree with those that say the new building lacks the charm of the Cherry Creek location. They've made clever use of the old theater building, I love to stroll around and discover what kinds of books they put in the orchestra pit!  The historic Lowenstein theater near the antique statues of the Esplanade is much more interesting to me than a large square of a building across from the mall...

Since it's so easy to park in the structure behind the theater, I can't think of any reason not to do all your book shopping here.

Update 4/19/07: Just an FYI: It seems there are a couple of reviewers who haven't ventured into the basement of the T.C., which is full of bargain, children's, and language books.

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Kat A.

Arvada, CO

5 star rating
1/19/2008

I love that they chose a spot on Colfax for this store. I love that their building is a renovated theatre. I love that it's independently owned. I'm preaching to the choir here, so allow me to keep this one brief:

1. They have a wonderful collection of books and magazines, and if your book doesn't happen to be around, they will get it for you wicked fast.

2. The children's section is amazing, and they were smart enough to set it apart from the rest of the store in the basement.

3. Parking is extremely convenient and easy. We've never had to fight for a space during our many visits (although from time to time, a short bus will position itself in a stupid spot, making maneuvering around it a challenge).

4. The bathrooms are clean, comfortable, and hands down they have the best changing table set up (complete with diapers and all other sorts of goodies) I have ever seen at a public place. Ever.

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Photo of Craig D.

 

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Craig D.

Denver, CO

5 star rating
4/19/2007

The best book store I have ever been to.  Although I have heard that Powell's Books in Portland, OR is also pretty nice.
The fact that they are independent and locally owned and not a behemoth chain like B&N and Borders is awesome...  and the fact that they stood up to the FBI several years ago makes them even better!

My only complaint would be that the new location on Colfax does not seem to have as large of discount book section like it did when it was located in Cherry Creek.

The Lodo location is also very nice, although I have only been there a few times compared to the Colfax/Cherry Creek spot.

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3

7

Brian Z.

Denver, CO

3 star rating
4/17/2007

Call me nostalgic, but I miss the Cherry Creek location.  It wasn't just the quaintness of the Cherry Creek North neighborhood (which Anschutz and crew are quickly destroying), but it was the vast rows and rows of books which spanned floor after floor after floor.  Top it all off (literally) with the 4th Story Restaurant and you've got yourself one heck of a bookstore.  

Now - what is it?  It's one big floor of books with no real charm.  I've been to the new location a couple of times - and each time I feel like I'm in exile awaiting that glorious day when I can return to the friendly confines of Cherry Creek.  

Bah - you can dress it up, call it "new and improved" and say "it's got charm," but there's no way around the fact that this place is a shadow of what it used to be.  I feel old longing for the good old days, but friends - this place is dead, it just doesn't have the heart to say it.   I won't mourn the loss either - because the damage has already been done.   Damn them to hell!

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68

Spaceman S.

Denver, CO

1 star rating
11/27/2006

The one star is for the coffee shop inside Tattered Cover.  Basically... not so good.  I ordered a latte which consisted entirely of foam and a unpleasantly bitter shot lost at the bottom.  The older lady that made the drink probably had very little idea about what she was doing.  I just tossed the drink in the trash cause it was undrinkably nasty.  Also there is  very limited table space, but you can take your nasty drink around to any part of the bookstore you like.

As for the actual bookstore... it's okay, three stars ***.  Great selection of everything from magazines, to kids books, to computer programming books, to new hard-back, non-fiction, to you-name-it.  The pricing is a bit more than a Barnes and Noble, but in this case your dollars are supporting a local establishment with great atmosphere and knowing employees.  I will add though that sometimes the staff will eye you like you're gonna steal something.  I think they've become paranoid being on Colfax.  Also, I've become more of a Barnes and Noble fan, better selection and pricing and more people to look at, especially at the B&N location on Colorado Blvd, which has a decent Starbuck's too (heaven forbid).

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25

226

Jelena W.

Lakewood, CO

5 star rating
8/30/2007

I like the other store better, but still a solid five stars for extraordinary selection, helpful staff, and comfy armchairs. Not to mention that dastardly Joyce and her staunch support for freedom of speech in the face of great adversity. Go go Joyce GO!

Again, as another reviewer mentioned, go downstairs. That's where the good stuff is- bargains and kiddie books that will take you back to age four and have you playing happily in a corner with the actual four year olds inhabiting the section. Also check out the wide range of comic collections- I'm impressed!

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Elite '09

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189

Kirs P.

Boston, MA

5 star rating
9/7/2006

I miss the Tattered Cover.  I have not found its equivalent, or even its half equivalent in Boston.  

I could spend hours there- just getting lost in the books and watching all the crazy people that go in and out of that store.  The staff is great.  The selection amazing.  I just wish there were more stores like this out there.

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409

Dustin G.

Denver, CO

5 star rating
5/9/2007

For a bookstore, this is the goldmine...the central crevice, the motherload. Plushed-out in green carpet, the Tattered Cover has a large selection, its own coffee bar, and a cool new building to boot.

This place is great not only for its mad selection, but also because it offers numerous little nooks where you can sit and peruse the selection.

Locally owned this definitely a better alternative than the giants.

Friendly staff. The only minor complaint may be that they need a few more people working the floor.

Price-wise, they charge the standard retail value, but do have a bargain section.

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4

30

Jordan R.

Denver, CO

5 star rating
12/25/2006

Though its former location in the hip Cherry Creek area may have had a bit more old-world charm to it, the Colfax location is a good transition, with a much more open feel, boasting high ceilings an several sprawling levels. A always, the book selection is great, and the in-store coffee shop is not bad at all. The fact that one of my favorite independent music stores, Twist & Shout, moved next-door is a major plus, as is the addition of (yet another) Chipotle. The trio of Denver-based shops should be a driving force in the years to come.

The other locations, namely the one downtown, are equally great.

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50

386

Penelope W.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
2/16/2007

"Different but the same."

Yeah, kool.  Lacking the same charm that made the old space so...charming, but still...if you're going to spend time at a Bookstore (new) this is a choice location.  (Otherwise head to s. Broadway : ) Stacks and stacks!  You can find just that secret spot to browse over your selection.   One of the best features of the Tattered C. is the vast and impressive selection of zillion of great periodicals that most bookstores do not carry.

"You can find exactly what you want at the 'ol (new) Tattered Cover."

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11

Alysia O.

Denver, CO

3 star rating
5/13/2008

I used to love Tattered Cover when it was at the Cherry Creek location. This new location is weird. I mean the inside. The layout doesn't feel as cozy as the old location. It's too open. Book stores need to be cozy. I'll still shop here though. I like Tattered Cover overall.

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181

John M.

Parker, CO

4 star rating
8/29/2008

I wish I read more because then I could spend more time here.  I order the occasional auto tune-up book or business book from them and they're great about getting me in whatever I want.  Their (not so anymore) new location on Colfax is cool.  Right next to Twist N Shout.  It's got coffee and room to spread out, relax and read.  They've got an excellent staff and treat me well.

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