Traveling Mercies

Inside the massive Stanley Marketplace – a former aviation factory from the 1950s – Traveling Mercies is a tiny destination tucked away on the west side of the third floor. It's the second spot from Caroline Glover, the James Beard Award-winning chef of Annette downstairs, and it feels intentionally hidden from the building's huge scale. The bar itself is a petite, intimate space designed with ochre, terra cotta, and ocean-blue tones, all under a distinct, curvy ceiling accent. The room is light-bathed, and its windows look out over the marketplace courtyard, making it a well-known spot for watching the Denver sunset. The beverage program is refined and intentional, built around rum and lesser-known classic cocktails. You’ll see unique creations like a clarified milk punch alongside a house martini, and even some whimsical touches – the "Drinking and Smoking" cocktail comes served with a pack of candy cigarettes. A tight list of coastal-influenced wines with good acidity is chosen specifically to pair with the seafood, and there is always a selection of zero-proof drinks available. Food follows the same focused approach. The menu is centered on raw bar favorites and comforting classics, with fresh oysters as the main event, served with house-made mignonette and cocktail sauces. Other simple, well-executed dishes include a classic shrimp cocktail, mussels toast, and anchovies on a butter-slathered baguette. The bar's small size and elegant feel make it a natural fit for date nights, a quiet escape that feels like a mini-vacation from the bustling marketplace below.