Fantastic shopping, fine dining and exciting nightlife come together at the intersection of 18th and Wazee at Denver’s lively hot spot, the Dairy Block. Locals and tourists flock to this vibrant micro-district to shop, grab a drink or try one of the many cool eateries along the block.
The Dairy Block site was once home to Windsor Dairy, a dairy company that served top-of-the-line milk products to more than 5,000 Denver households. Now, this historical spot is the social hub of Lower Downtown Denver, spanning Blake, Wazee, 18th and 19th streets.
Retail
Christmas is right around the corner, and Dairy Block has all the goods you need for that special someone. Locally crafted items, as well as national brand names, can be found at the shops located on Wazee and Blake streets and along The Alley, Denver’s first activated pedestrian alley which features extensive public art and gathering spaces. Unique clothing retailers, beauty stores and elegant jewelers are only some of the many options you will find. Stop by Free Market at 1801 Blake, a 12,000-square-foot space housing an assorted mix of pop-up retail and restaurant concepts. The space is inviting and bright, with retail and dining options at all price points.
“Dairy Block is home to an eclectic mix of unique shops, many of which are brand new to Colorado. Dairy Block also features second outposts from several popular Colorado retailers, including The Perfect Petal, Berkeley Supply, Blue Ruby and HEYDAY from Fort Collins,” Dairy Block's general manager, Don Cloutier, says.
Retail shops now open at Dairy Block include:
FREE MARKET—Denver’s newest cultural hub, featuring innovative retail and world-class food and beverage in thoughtfully-designed and programmed communal spaces. Concepts open at FREE MARKET include women’s clothing by AYR, skin and body and hair care by Aesop, coastal California retail and art by Alchemy Works, makeup and skincare by Beautycounter, handbags and accessories by Clare V., women’s clothing and accessories and home goods by Jenni Kayne, and outdoor apparel and gear by Westerlind. Rosemont Barber and Supply at FREE MARKET offers a full menu of men’s grooming services and products too.
HEYDAY—HEYDAY offers the essentials for laidback living with an edge including women’s apparel, shoes, accessories and jewelry, along with home, lifestyle and gift options.
Sarah O. Jewelry—A Denver-based opulent and fine jewelry company, Sarah O. is known for carefully curated in-house designs and large selection of ethically and responsibly sourced alternative stones.
Fetch Shop—This is the first brick and mortar concept from Blake Adams, the visionary behind Fetch Markets, formerly Denver Flea. Fetch Shop is an innovative retail space that showcases a curated collection of emerging local and national brands.
Berkeley Supply—The second location of the Tennyson Street shop specializes in high-quality, menswear with a focus on American-made products.
Blue Ruby—This is the men’s and women’s boutique from the team responsible for the popular store on Larimer Square offering jeans, jackets, button-downs, T-shirts, jewelry, handbags, yoga-wear and more.
The Perfect Petal—It has dazzling fresh floral arrangements and potted succulents along with homeware, greeting cards, jewelry, journals and trinkets.
Warby Parker —The second Warby Parker store in Denver, the Dairy Block Warby Parker features prescription and non-prescription glasses, sunglasses and kids glasses that can be shipped within days.
Dining
Inventive cuisine prepared by Denver’s top chefs can be found here. From grain-centric cuisine to traditional New York pizza, many options are available to foodies. Denver Milk Market, a food hall that serves local fare, is a diner’s dream!
Entertainment
Looking for a place to grab a beer, meet with friends or hold an informal business meeting? Look no further than Dairy Block to satisfy all of your work and social needs.
“Dairy Block is Denver’s newest micro-district that celebrates the maker—a vibrant community of inspired retailers, chefs, creators and cocktail crafters. This walkable neighborhood offers a progressive experience of 15 shops, 18 restaurants, seven bars, a luxury co-working space and the 172-room Maven Hotel,” Don says.
The Maven Hotel serves as a centerpiece for the Block and boasts a stylish bar and welcoming lobby area.
There is always something fun to do at the Block. Check out their calendar full of exciting events at DairyBlock.com. Upcoming events include a brunch club on Sunday, Nov. 24 at 9 a.m., and visits from Santa in December.
Dairy Block Timeline
1916 | Architects Fisher and Fisher constructed Windsor Farm Dairy building.
1920 | The Dairy Block site was named the home of Windsor Dairy in a landmark real estate deal.
1928 | Meadow Gold, also known as Beatrice Foods Company, bought out Windsor Dairy and continued to produce high-quality dairy products.
2017 | Dairy Block opened spring 2017 with a mix of retail and office space.
2019 | Dairy Block continues to grow and offers the public brand new offerings in retail, dining and entertainment.
