Denver Coffee House Menus: Paris on the Platte, Muddy’s and the Mercury Cafe

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We used to call the guy that ran the bookstore at Paris Conan the librarian he was a big mean-looking guy but actually the nicest guy you could meet.

Anyone know whatever became of all the portraits that used to hang on the walls of Muddys. There was one of me for a long time.

I remember visiting Cafe Nepenthes frequently in the mid- to late-70s. They often organized belly dance performances there, and I was one of the performers. Such fond memories of this wonderfully off-beat establishment.

Thanks for this article, I have fond memories of Muddy's on the Platte with its bohemian vibe. I recall an older-than-teenage clientele and lots of college-age artsy types hanging out there late at night when I did in the 70's. I remember the funky used book store next door, too. I didn't realize that the cafe hadn't been there long when my friends and I frequented it. It appeared aged, but ageless!

Yes to all the spaces above. Does anybody remember Cafe Euphrates? On 17th near Vine I believe. A lot of sorta ok high school bands used to be able to get a show there
:)

Yes to all the spaces above. Does anybody remember Cafe Euphrates? On 17th near Vine I believe. A lot of sorta ok high school bands used to be able to get a show there
:)

Thanks for this trip down memory lane. I was a denizen of the original Muddy's, its second incarnation, Paris on the Platte, and the Mercury Cafe, which I still enjoy for its food and entertainment. I'm so glad the Mercury is still doing its thing. It's been amazing to see this city change. I'm thankful for the space that these establishments provided for us youth to spend time in. Much like the library, they served the function of "third space" for youth, troubled or not, to congregate. I believe that to some extent the altruistic manner in which the owners of Muddy's in particular tried to give homeless youth this space ultimately led to its demise as it was not economically sustainable.

Hi Mike. Interestingly, in "Muddy's Chronicles," Bill Stevens mentions they initially sent teens over to Paris, until they realized how much money they were turning away. And I agree: having a third space is just as important for youth as for anyone, if not more so!

Hi Mike. Thanks for your comment. Yes, I agree that the cafes served as our nighttime third space, similar to libraries, as you've astutely noted. I'm sad to have lost the former, and so grateful we still have the latter.

Bill Stevens mentioned in his book "Muddy's Chronicles" that they initially sent a fair number of the high school customers over to Paris. Eventually, they realized they were sending money out the door. I'd hate to think feeding homeless kids would've been the demise of the cafe, but am glad someone was willing to make that difference.

Thank you for the trip down memory lane. I spent many a night in Paris on the Platte from the late nineties to early 2000s. I'm still sad that it's gone. You took me back to the smell of clove cigarettes and a shared pot of coffee for the table.

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