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Category: Bookstores [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Northwest, LodoMon-Thu. 6:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fri. 6:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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More reasons for my undying Tattered Cover love and devotion :
- Tattered Cover Gives Back. You get a free membership (plus a starter discount, special offers, events news and a birthday coupon) and they donate 1% of each and every purchase to a non profit partner (you pick from a long list of worthy causes)http://www.tatteredcov...
- It's on the mall ride! Take the 16th St. Shuttle right to their door.
- Great staff picks, and great staff. These people are real book lovers.
- Room to stay awhile. Comfy chairs, spacious wooden tables to have a bite and flip through a magazine, 3 floors for exploring or hiding. A charming room for kids books, too.
- Lovely/funny cards (including some handmade ones from The Gathering Place), journals, calendars, day planners, bags, magnets and gifts. Who can resist these things?
- Good food, tea and coffee at the cafe inside. I love a good book and a nice warm empanada from the Tattered Cover!
Really enjoyed this bookstore. It is massive! And has SO MANY places to sit. Do not underestimate the amount of seating this place has. In my two hours there I sat in probably seventeen different places. Many, many comfy couches, chairs, old fashioned writing desks randomly sitting in the middle of the aisle. Who knows if I was actually supposed to sit in that desk? I don't. But I did, and I liked it.
For the record, I couldn't find one other store on the weirdly named twenty-block-spanning "sixteenth street mall" that I wanted to go in. So I spent all afternoon here.
Floor after floor of books to peruse. This is the place to go when you want to sit and flip through a book, looking for something unusual or just need a new read!
My favorite section is actually the cards and stationary. They have the most unique greeting cards that you just can't get anywhere else!
I must admit, with my Kindle app on my iPhone I don't buy physical books much anymore, but that doesn't mean I don't need to browse. This is the ultimate browsing spot!
It's hard not to like a bookstore that has creaky wooden floors and has books from floor to ceiling on 3 different floors. Did that make sense?
This bookstore has every genre and everything you'd ever want - from comic books to fiction to local nonfiction to my wife's favorite greeting cards. Plus there's new and used books and there's always something on sale. I could spend hours in a bookstore like this!
Huge fan of independent book stores. Real people who read and make great recommendations. At Tattered Cover, there's an eclectic mix of covers in every section -- plus the basics.
This is for the Lodo location.
When I lived in Denver, I ALWAYS took out of town guests to Tattered Cover. Now when I come back to visit, I make sure I stop by.
I love that they are now selling Used Books mixed in with New Books. I still love the comfy chairs and the fantastic magazine section.
Always a pleasure. Oh how I miss this bookstore. They always had what I was looking for and then some suggestions besides. As an avid reader that's way too much temptation to go without appreciation.
This one has become second to Powell's only because that store has an incredible used book section. If Tattered Cover could figure that out I'd be calling a tie. They're still my first love in the book world after the library.
I really really miss the old Tattered Cover on First, you know the one where it was up down up down up down up down all the flights of stairs?
Sigh.... oh well.
I came to this one last Christmas just to check it out and it's just not... it's just not the same.
I guess they've got a good location though, I guess.
I like writing reviews of places like the Tattered Cover, because there's nothing that I have to try and sugar-coat. Like if I were to write a review of a certain bookstore that played its music a bit too loud (to the point of distracting me from devouring the latest Twilight book), I would have to say something like:
"Look, Mr. Noble. I'm sorry, but right when Edward was opening his veins for Bella to save her from the half-vampire-half-human baby eating its way out of her womb, having Rod Stewart chime in: "Oh, the rhythm of my heart... is beating like a drum... with the words I love you rolling off my tongue..." is serendipitously charming at first. But it has perked my ears, and as as Bella feels Edward's cold blood seeping into her veins, "No, never will I roam, for I know my place is home... where the ocean meets the sky, I'll be sailing" really just ruins it.
Such is not the case with Tattered Cover. Not only is there no music playing, but I'm not reading Breaking Dawn. Why? I don't know why. Maybe because I haven't read the first three books. Maybe because I've selected Michael Pollan's newest book, 'My Life As A Plant', instead, and it's RIVETING. Maybe it's because the smell of jasmine tea at the coffee shop coaxed me away from the Twilight Series Special Collapsible Cardboard Display Case. I don't know. What I do know is, I'm feeling sleepy. This couch looks nice to sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Oh, goodness. I seem to have fallen asleep while writing this review on my iPhone, because the Tattered Cover is just so cozy and nice. It's like the Leaky Cauldron of bookstores. Now excuse me, I seem to have spilled my jasmine tea in my crotch... I think that's what woke me up... oh, dear. I have to clean this up. Now, can I make it to the bathroom without anyone seeing me and wondering if I just peed my pants? Probably not.
I sure miss the Tattered Cover's Cherry Creek location. It was home-comfy. But I guess the LoDo location will have to do instead. One of the things that I like about libraries and bookstores is being able to find a little nook and escape for a little bit with a book. With the immense selection of potential reading material that TC has to offer, sitting down and sifting through a pile of books and magazines to figure out what to buy is important and it would be nice to have a quiet place to do that. I think the LoDo location has just that.
It also helps that it is still centrally located and a free shuttle stops right outside its doors.
I used to live in Denver and this was always THE place to go for books. It wasn't just a wannabe like a Barnes and Noble. Yeah, those places sell books and they have a selection, but that is not what sets the Tattered Cover or (my personal favorite bookstore on the planet) Uncle Hugo's in Minneapolis apart. What sets these apart from B&N or Borders is that the people who work there LOVE thee books they sell and they know and have read most of them. They can discuss with you what they can recommend based on a common ground of shared reading experiences something that would be a pleasurable reading experience. The reason why Uncle Hugo's gets 5 over the 4 for Tattered Cover is I am a huge speculative fiction fan. Tattered cover has a spec-fiction section, Uncle Hugo's is nothing but.
This is a great bookstore! - - HUGE, great selection of books - and a really nice magazine section...
Lots of different seating areas, pretty good little coffee shop - I definitely hang here...
Very pleasant place to shop for books.
Dana Naas - Golden Printing & Promotional Products
I have to say that I'm a little indignant about the recent rash of reviews comparing the Tattered Cover unfavorably to a major indie bookstore in Portland. I'm sure that Powell's is perfectly lovely; I am apparently to be much pitied because I have never been there. However, if you find yourself incapable of writing an objective review of any other bookstore after having been there, perhaps you should refrain.
The Tattered Cover is a charming LoDo anchor, with creaky wood floors, overstuffed chairs, a kick-ass periodicals section, and a nice cafe. They have diverse and interesting author events and are active in the Denver community. If you can't find something you need in the store, they will order it for you. Most book lovers will deeply enjoy passing time here--except, apparently, those from Portland.
One of my favorite things to do in Denver is to wander around the Tattered Cover. This place is fantastic if you've got some time to spend.
If I said they had amazing selection (my interests are always in languages and fiction), I'd be lying. However, they make up for it in atmosphere, endless recommendations, dedicated and knowledgeable staff, and just sweetass vibe.They also get some incredible speakers there every once in a while (Margaret Atwood?! Brian Evenson?!).
I dunno, people love it there, you can feel it.
Say whaaaa?!
Me writing a review somewhere outside my beautiful Portland? In Denver, CO? And not only that, for a BOOKSTORE?!
Have I betrayed my lover? Calm down, Powell's Books, I only went for a visit. And I thought about you the whole time!
Tattered books was highly rated here on yelp, so I thought I'd mosey on over and do a comparative analysis of this place in comparison to our little Portland digs. Although Powell's kicks this place's butt, Powell's kicks the butt of any bookstore in the nation, and quite possibly, the world. But Tattered does a good job of satisfying the Denver-ites, as the place seemed bustling on a Saturday morning.
I think it's unfair for me to write a review on being in any bookstore after I've been to Powells, but I can at least say the place was clean, had a fun ambiance, and a pretty solid selection of books. I mostly liked the hardwood flooring, which made the place seem more like a really big house than some bookstore.
What a delight. This was my first stop after getting off the Light Rail at Union Station and set the right tone for my first visit to Denver in a couple of years. Though I'm a big fan of Powell's in Portland and Elliot Bay Books in Seattle, this is a remarkable independent bookstore with soul and warmth. I was especially enthused by their well stocked newsstand, cafe and comfortable seating. One of the problems with Powell's - despite it's size and scope - is the lack of comfortable [any] seating and a cafe that is anything beyond basic coffee and pastries. But the Tattered Book Cover continues to delight on all levels from the look and feel of the physical store [converted warehouse] to the well edited selection of new fiction and non-fiction. How can one go to a Borders or Barnes and Noble after spending time in a bookstore like this? You can't.
I literally could have spent all day in here. I didn't even make it to the other floors just because I don't need to buy a bunch of books to stuff in a suitcase to go home. However, even on the main floor alone there are tons of amazing books and things to look at.
1.) I love stores that put employee recommendations next to books on the shelves. I love to know that your employees are reading and I like to hear what they have to say about a book. I'm way more likely to buy something if I know someone else enjoyed it.
2.) Great organization. I love the way the books are laid out on the shelves because I can see everything from new releases to employee recommendations and it's all nice and clear.
3.) Amazing magazine section. And I don't mean English language magazines. They had an impressive (to say the least) selection of French language magazines. Honestly, they had a way better selection than Europa Books and I LOVE that place... but Tattered Cover's just totally trumped it.
4.) Good coffee and knickknacks. Yep, I love knickknacks. Like Jesus and Jane Austen action figures or tiny little books about dogs, cats, quotes, etc. I really enjoy specialty bookmarks and all things related to knickknacks, so good job.
This place is great. I'm jealous of all you in Denver who can come here as you please. Spend a lot of time in here, would you? There's yummy food, coffee, Wifi and books all in a beautiful building. What more could you ask for?
I love book stores - especially independent ones. This one definitely has character. It feels comfy like your favorite pair of jeans - nothing like fresh-out-of-the-plastic bookstore chains.
It is well-organized and offers plenty of room to plop down and dig into some reading. If I didn't have to catch a flight, I would have spent all afternoon there!
I have no experience with the cafe's fare, but I'll be sure to let you know when I go back. Hopefully soon!
The Tattered Cover is like hanging out in someone's living room--someone with a really awesome, extensive book collection. I kind of want to go back and hang out and just read for an entire day.
Like any good independent bookstore it's large but not overwhelming. Sections are clearly (and cutely--all the signs are handwritten) labeled, and recommendations abound. The place is two floors and the second floor is covered in comfortable vintage couches (even a fainting chair!). Downstairs houses a café which sells a much more refreshing variety of baked goods than your average Starbucks or Borders café. There are bargain books scattered throughout the store, and they have special events in their lecture hall upstairs from time to time. Best of all, they don't play music, so you're free to plop down on a couch somewhere and read in peace and quiet! They never made me feel guilty for treating the store like a library, either.
The only downside is that as an independent bookstore the selection isn't as extensive as a borders, but that also means a lot of the chaff has been culled for you, leaving a concise collection of awesomeness. Also, there's often only one copy of each book (except for bestsellers). It's a great place to go if you're looking to discover new books, not necessarily if you're looking for a particular title (unless you've called them to make sure they have it). All in all, a great indie bookstore experience.
I would like to give Tattered Cover more stars, but since I am an avid reader and grew up in the land of bookstores (Seattle), I'm too much of a snob. Oh well.
I like the vibe in TC, and their selection of magazines is fantastic, but other than that it seems like they are lacking in...books. They seem to specialize in current books and that's it. I've gone here many times looking for a book and ended up ordering it from Powell's books in Portland instead. I guess I am also disappointed that they don't sell used books. I know it requires a lot of energy, but come on! Twenty dollars for a book is not something I am going to pay if I haven't read it already and realized I want to lug it around for the rest of my life.
The recommendations for books from their employees are usually spot on. The people that work there are awesome and know what a good book is all about. I tend to go there with a pad and paper and make lists of books I want to check out from the library. What a jerk, I know.
The location on Colfax is much better, so I should review that one eventually just so I don't feel like a bad person for only giving three stars.
On a side-note, the cookies here are incredible, and their hibiscus tea is great after a long bike ride, or when you're hungover. Also, it's nice to chill in here. Lots of sweet places to sit.
ETA: Oops, this was meant for the Colfax location.
I doubt anything I say is going to add anything new to convince you how awesome the Tattered Cover is, but I wanted to write about the last time I stopped in here anyway.
I planned to stop in and get a particular book as a birthday present and when I asked for help in finding the right section a store employee took me right over to the section and also made me laugh by informing me that I had 9 hours to shop since the store didn't close until 10 pm. I like to see employees who like their job since it's so rare to see:)
The little bonus was that not only did they have the book I wanted to buy, but they had two others right in the same section that I just could not pass up on buying. Nice!
I highly prefer used books to new books, but I got a gift card and thought I'd make some room in my wallet. I love books, and places like the Tattered Cover make me love buying books even more.
This is a browser's heaven. Love that they have staff picks with little blurbs. Wish they had more than just newly released books, and maybe some more bargain books, but whatever, this place is still awesome.
Among the best things about Denver are these two great independent bookstores. The new location on Colfax has really grown on me, and thank God for the LoDo store.
Really liked the Tattered Cover and it makes a great alternative to all of those big box monster bookstore retailers. This is a bookstore on a human scale - and isn't that what reading is supposed to be about? Very good fiction section, easy to navigate and the staff makes it soooo easy to find things. I was particularly impressed with the periodicals selection downstairs - they have magazines and publications that I've never seen anywhere else - and I had to pull myself away from the racks, lest I still be there today. This particular store has some of the best signage I've ever seen at any bookstore anywhere - very impressive. There is also the requisite cafe downstairs where I was fed some tasty muffins and strong, yet not overwhelming, coffee. And, although it was very busy the noise level wasn't too high in there - I wondered how they did that.
Not good for multiple copies of selections and parking in the area can be a problem (surprise - it's LoDo). Nevertheless, the Tattered Cover is a requisite stop whenever I'm in Denver. You should go too.
I miss the old store in Cherry Creek, but like the downtown store a whole lot. I just hope that Barnes & Noble and Borders don't put all other bookstores, like this one, out of business.
I love BEing in this place! There is plenty of studying room, a warm, cozy atmosphere, and a good (not excellent) selection of many different genres of books and magazines. The staff have always been helpful and can special order almost anything. I did not find the plastic fold-out map of Denver I was looking for, however, lol. Still, it's my favorite bookstore in D-town.
Anyone who gives this place 4 stars just because they have been to Powell's is lame. And I mean really lame. Can there only be one 5-star book store in all of America? How many 5-star steak places are there. Doesn't matter. Powell's is a 5-star and everyone else must be less.
Great store, get off your high horse.
Oi! This is the greatest bookstore I've been to in a long time. I am one for off-the-beaten-path bookstores anyhow and this one takes the cake.
They have everything you could desire in the way of enhancing the mind. Tons of books, little reading nooks, a cute little cafe (I had a "tuna on fire" sandwich) and a lot of very willing people to help you find what you need.
I'm not sure I could have left there WITHOUT buying a book. They place has a magical power over you. It whispers.......readdd, reaaaaaad, read!
While I know nothing about their book selection, I do know their cafe is awesome (which is what this review is based on).
Get the veggie TC muffin for breakfast. An English muffin with egg, cheese if you like, and whatever veggies they have that day--sometimes green peppers, artichokes, tomatoes, spinach... good for a serving of vegetables at breakfast and for no more than a cup of coffee and a muffin or breakfast sandwich from elsewhere.
Also, they have the BEST brownies and lemon squares. Get the brownie with the powdered sugar on top. It's plain, but it's delicious. They have a good selection of cookies, too, and always at least one vegan option if you go that route. For being such a small little nook in a large bookstore, they have lots of options and every one I've tried (sweet or savory) has been very good.
While I was in Denver people are like there is a really cool book store you need to check out, so I come strolling through whilst walking around the neighborhood. I am spoiled by bookstores, so I felt cheated when I had high expeciations and saw the selection here. Yes, it is a local bookstore that stocks books that you normally don't find in chain bookstores but if you ever been to Powell's in Portland all other local bookstores are going to have to take a number. The selection here is okay, but I do have to give it some stars for charm, and presentation. Someplace to go browsing for people that don't have access to other stores.
Wow. I'd heard about this place for years and finally made it during a recent Denver visit. I've visited many a bookstore in my day, but as the daughter of a librarian I'm more comfortable at the public library. So I didn't expect much beyond books for sale and cool old shelving.
Then I stepped inside. I was nearly woozy and short-of-breath. I got some lunch and sat down while I gathered myself. Lunch was pretty tasty.
It's easily the most comfortable bookstore. I can't explain why it's better than other indie stores with sofas; it just is. Staff recs looked good (and who is this amazing Jackie woman who reads everything? She rocks.). Prices were fair. Selection was good in some subjects, just okay in others. I was really disappointed at the sparsely populated shelf of manga. (I was looking for a gift.) I opted for a graphic novel from the YA section instead. But I'm sure if I'd thought ahead they could have ordered something for me. I can't speak to the staff knowledge since I didn't ask any questions; for me, the staff are what make an indie bookstore great. If there's an expert in nearly every genre, it makes visits even more exciting. I can't wait to return to Denver and test their knowledge and discover some more great books.
Denver, you are very lucky.
WOW! What a great bookstore. I stopped in here for a break from walking and the atmosphere was awesome. There were worn couches and chairs all over. It looked like someone's really big living room! Or maybe just my dream living room. This didn't feel like a bookstore at all - it felt homey and the way the shelves were spread out made the place feel big and airy.
I didn't have a chance to get anything other than a bottled drink at the Cafe, but the offerings there looked great too. I think I'll try and return later in my trip.
You're not a true Coloradan unless you've visited one of the Tattered Cover stores. No matter what town you live in, EVERYONE knows about this store (hence why there's so many reviews of this store from people of all areas of CO).
Prices for books are pretty standard, so I don't understand why people are saying that this place is expensive. If you're worried about prices, buy the paperbacks.
I love the greeting cards here. Whenever someone I know has a birthday or other special event, I always make sure to check here for a unique and funny card. Lots of funny and serious cards, and they feature cards made by local artists.
Lots of old couches and chairs here to curl up with a book and just relax on your lunch break or after work, or even just on the weekend. You won't feel weird just sitting there since lots of people do this, and the staff doesn't bother you. I feel like I'm at home. Additionally, lots of different "hidden places" to read. Turn a corner and there's another unused chair where you can chill. You get the point.
I see a lot of people in here alone, so possibly, there is potential for singles here. Haven't you always wanted to tell people a cute story about how you met your significant other? "Our eyes met across the bookshelves. He was looking at the architecture books, as I perused the art section. It was love at first sight."
Okay, this has never happened to me or anyone I know, but it could happen right? Haha.
Also, if you look along the shelves, there's recommendations from the staff. Sometimes, they'll guide me to an interesting book that I may or may not buy. I'm a big browser, I can't help it.
One last thing? Tattered Cover has interesting postcards. Big plus with me.
I love this bookstore and could spend hours reading, sipping on coffee, and looking through the shelves and shelves of books. I'm jealous that I haven't found a place like this back home.
The only way I would give 5 stars is if they had a section for used books. Historic building, used books...come on, make me happy!
I stumbled upon Tattered Cover on a 12hour business trip to Denver. I flew in at 8, had a meeting at 11, and ducked in here to get out of the wind and cold (as a Californian, I'm admittedly unaccustomed to anything below 65). I spent the rest of the day wandring through the stacks in this cozy establishment.
In an unfamiliar town, I came into Tattered Cover and felt like I was with "my people" -- bookworms, geeks, English majors, all mingling in one lovely oak-lined shop with comforting coffee and pastry smells wafting about.
After my cell phone died, the girl at the counter kindly let me use the phone to call a cab to get me back to the airport to make my 8:00 flight home to SFO. This place and the people in it sent me off hoping I'll end up back in DEN sometime soon, even if just for an afternoon.
They have Ovaltine - need I say more?! Met a friend for coffee - I mean Ovaltine - last week, my first time there since I moved to Denver a few months ago. There's something about being surrounded by books that makes me feel like I am back in the stacks at my university's library, cramming for the next test. I can't wait to go back there to crank out some work - they're going to have to pry me out end of day. Great staff, yummy morning pastries selection, and did I mention they have books? Something the Kindle can never replace - the smell of dusty books... I'm glad B&N/Amazon have not killed all bookstores! LOVE this place!!!
Love this place but not always to buy books. It is pretty pricey but possibly the best atmosphere around.
I have spent hours and hours just sitting in the "stacks" looking at all the books. During the DNC, when the rioters were crazy on 16th street, I went into the 16th st location and played amongst the books. It was a fun escape and I met Mayor Hick there. :-)
Everyone in Denver needs to experience the TC sometime!
My favorite bookstore in all of Denver. It actually has the reputation as a landmark. Old creaky wooden floors, beautiful interior old industrial wood timbers and the largest selection of books on three large open floors.
I use to work on the same block as Tattered Cover and stopped in to get a TC Breakfast Sandwich and a cup of coffee almost every morning...by-passing the Starbucks as I got off the lightrail. I looked forward to the smell and sounds as I arrived to Union Station.
Couches scattered about the towering book shelves to sit in and enjoy a good read. Broken in, sturdy, perfect reading furniture. The feel of an old bustling library with the hip downtown eclectic feel of young Denver. I give extremely knowledgeable staff 5 plus stars. I have always been impressed how much effort they go through to get a book if not found in their database.
This is a must stop for visitors of LoDo, Denver of all ages.
I know that this review will get lost in the thousands that I am sure Tattered Cover has gotten, but I am going to write it anyway.
I started coming to the Tattered Cover when I was just a wee little las. The Cherry Creek one, which, much to my disappointment is no longer. My reward for not being too bratty while my mom had her shopping day in the city was to peruse the entire basement of children's books while my dad had a nap in a nearby chair. My mom would take the stairs up to interior decorating(which, yes is it's own section), or art, or the vast selection of novels (my mom has been known to read a book a day) and my dad and I would take the elevator down to the basement.
If I have a slow day downtown I go to Tattered Cover. I start in the coffee shop with an expertly made drink and move to the children's section. What is a 25 year old doing in the children's section you ask? Reliving childhood. Going back in my memory to that elevator ride hand in hand with my dad. That moment of glory when the doors opened and the books, paper dolls, and stuffed "Wild Things" came in to view. Then I wander around in awe; intoxicated partly by memory and party by the sheer quantity of books at my fingertips. Gets me every time.
I know that sometimes they don't have EVERY book you could imagine, but the staff is super friendly and I would much rather have them order in a book that I want and have an excuse to come back. Any reason to get lost inside my own head.
Neighborhood: City Park
Category: Bookstores
Englewood, CO
Category: Hobby Shops
Littleton, CO
Category: Bookstores
Neighborhood: Southeast
Category: Art Galleries
Neighborhood: Southwest
Category: Local Flavor
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