Tattered Cover Book Store

303-731-2839

2526 East Colfax Avenue Denver, CO 80206

www.tatteredcover.com

This world-famous bookstore blends the feel of a neighborhood library with corner bookshop attitude and a cosmopolitan inventory.
Bookmark and Share See hours

Mon-Thu 7am-10pm Fri 7am-11pm Sat 9am-11pm Sun 9am-6pm

Message from Tattered Cover Book Store

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The Tattered Cover Book Store previously located in Cherry Creek has moved to the Historic Bonfils/Lowenstein Theater on Colfax Avenue at Elizabeth Street -- across from East High School. We have plenty of free parking and the same great selection, service, and literary events.

Editorial by Citysearch

In Short
The historic Lowenstein Theater was completely refurbished for Tattered Cover's Colfax location, which features mazes of bookshelves and soft chairs. What was formerly a sunken stage now holds theater books and the spots where box seats were now have reading tables overlooking the main floor. The in-house coffee shop offers tasty treats and drinks, which can be enjoyed in the nearby magazine area. The book-filled downstairs houses an extensive children's collection.

Key Points

  • Huge inventory of books
  • Selection of coffee
  • Literary events

The Inside Scoop

  1. The Extras - Between all the Tattered Cover stores in the metro area, over 600 author readings and children story times are held every year.
  2. Know Before You Go - The store's willing staff can help find almost anything: out-of-print books, obscure titles, academic tomes. With access to 37,000 publishers in the U.S., it's a safe bet they'll be able to track down what you want.

Editorial and merchant content by Citysearch

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Insider Pages Reviews for Tattered Cover Book Store

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Tattered Cover Book Store

by Brian K. | insider Insider | Rank: 27,242

I didn't know if I would like this new location of the Tattered Cover after it left glitzy Cherry Creek. But I liked it a hole lot better. Much better fit. Much better neighborhood stores. The area has heart and sole. Which is what Cherry Creek certainly lacks.Great solution.

Posted 08/06/08 | Report Abuse

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The best book store ever!

by Cindy M. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 6,689

I love this place! If you've never been here, you have to check it out. There is a parking garage for easy access, a coffee shop and restaurant in the building, and more books than you can imagine. Floor after floor of books, take the stairs or the elevator. The staff is friendly and very knowleagable. They have loads of book signings, and events. The also carry a huge selection of calendars, cards, and other gifty items. The atmosphere is wonderful, with the giant staircase curving up the center, chairs and couches on every level. This is in the heart of Cherry Creek, with shopping in every direction.

Posted 11/21/05 | Report Abuse

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I LOVE THIS PLACE!

by Anne N. | insider Insider | Rank: 20,086

The Tattered Cover is by far the best bookstore in Denver. First, it is a wonderful hang out spot. It has that feeling of familiarity and comfort as soon as you walk in, with a coffee shop, tables to sit at, and hand-printed signs indicating books of note. Secondly, it has just about any book you could want, and if you cant find it they will find it. It definitely has the most extensive selection of magazines in Denver (tons of foreign or specialty magazines). One complaint is that they do not have used books. Sothey have one area to work. But, they do have a bargain section.

The Tattered Cover is located in downtown Denver in LoDo and there is another one in Cherry Creek. I believe there may be one in Highlands Ranch as well. If you go to the Cherry Creek Tattered Cover, you can park for free in their garage with a proof of purchase.

Posted 11/09/05 | Report Abuse

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Books, Coffee, and a Whole Lot of Atmosphere

by Gabe S.

I know exactly what you hate about Barnes and Noble, Borders, Waldens. They've got the same amount of books, the same prices, and the same feeling of emptyness. The Tattered Cover is different. Locally owned and operated, the bookstore is a heaven for green deluxe carpeting, old creaky wooden shelving, and a quiet conversation. The store features three full floors of books, ranging from brand new computer teachers to old, shabby volumes in bargain bins. The store is always filled with the quiet dabble of hushed voices, one that is inviting and comforting. The store is best described as a throwback from another era, where low-lit shops filled to the brim with quiet, but noisy conversation, was acceptable. The store features a great full-service coffee shop which is cheaper than starbucks and much better, and is a great place to spend an afternoon. Even if you don't need a book, sitting on one of the plush couches or mis-matched wooden chairs of the coffee shop gives you a sense of place, and a break from the rush of everyday life. The real appeal may be that time seems to move slower in that place, and no one feels rushed to buy or shop. You may bump into someone on the stairs, but in the end, you say "excuse me" and make your way up.

PROS: Great coffee shop, full service coffee bar, 4-star restaurant
CONS: Crowded, but it won't matter to you.

Posted 08/29/05 | Report Abuse

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Great, cool book store

by Tim W. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 3,391

What a great, cool book store. It isn't a boring place like most book stores. This one actually has a personality. The staff was very helpful and the selection is unmatched. I also got to meet one of my favorite authors for a book signing. Anybody that likes books should stop by to check it out.

Posted 08/28/05 | Report Abuse

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Truly the Best

by Jenny D. | insider Insider | Rank: 30,711

This is the best bookstore in Denver and maybe throughout the U.S. Yes it is that good. Each store has a cafe with coffee and snacks and soft drinks. The multi level store carries and sorts of books in a warm, homey environment. Couches and chairs are placed throughout to allow you to spend the afternoon browsing.

Posted 07/24/05 | Report Abuse

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One of the areas major attractions for all booklovers

by bert p. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 5,397

Sit down in an easy chair and browse a good book or enjoy a mocha from the coffe bar while chatting with friends. The Tattered Cover is like no other bookstore. It's what all the others wish they were. Four stories provide room with a tremendous selection and just the bargain books outnumber what most bookstores carry. Truly one of the world's best bookstores.

PROS: customer service second to none, 2hr free parking in attached garage.
CONS: tendency to spend too much

Posted 06/27/05 | Report Abuse

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Great books!

by Lade M. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 714

They have exceptional books for you and your kids to look at. They have a wide assortment of books, and they are really popular out here! I love the easy access there is to this building.

Posted 06/26/05 | Report Abuse

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Don't know why everyone loves this place so much

by Anonymous

Sure the selection is pretty good but it's not all THAT wonderful for the size of the place and the parking garage is horrible and the staff aren't all that knowledgeable and for what it's worth I'd much much rather shop amazon.com.

PROS: Good selection
CONS: Awful parking, confusing layout

Posted 06/23/05 | Report Abuse

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Great Books

by Ryan B. | insider Insider | Rank: 30,817

I have been going to the Tattered Cover Book Store for a little over a year (since I have lived in the Denver area). The staff is always very helpful and friendly. When I have trouble finding the book I need they always help me find it.

Posted 06/01/05 | Report Abuse

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What's Not To Love?

by Lalaena F. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 7,657

This is THE bookstore in Denver. Amazing selection of books, magazines and accessories, visiting authors (names you may recognize, like Bill Clinton), lectures, coffee... The Tattered Cover is a place to browse, then buy.
I always take visitors to the Tattered Cover. It's a place to check out great products as well as people watch. -All types hang out here, and everyone gets along magnificently.

Posted 05/04/05 | Report Abuse

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HUGE selection and great coffee!

by Christine E. | insider Insider | Rank: 32,452

This bookstore has a fabulous, one-owner-shop feel to it without sacrificing great selection. Their help is actually helpful and they make an awesome ginger-pumpkin latte. Never go to the chains stores if there's one of these around.

PROS: Selection, good food and beverages, friendly staff
CONS: Not enough of them!

Posted 05/03/05 | Report Abuse

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Very Awesome Bookstore

by Johnny S.

This place is huge. It has 4 floors of books, all seperated by genre. The first floor has al the periodicals and magazines. I reccomend this store to anyone who loves books. It is my favorite place to go and read. They have chairs available, and the staff are very friendly.

PROS: Friendly staff, Organized, quiet.
CONS: A little ways from downtown.

Posted 05/02/05 | Report Abuse

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Tattered Cover is more than just a book store

by Jessica T. | insider Insider | Rank: 18,192

Forget Barnes and Noble or Borders! If there's a book or magazine you're looking for, Tattered Cover's got it. (and if they don't have it, they'll easily order it for you) Not only that, they have an excellent coffee bar, offering more choices than most established coffeehouses. You'll feel right at home curled up in one of their many couches, and hey, if you need anything, one of their knowledgeable employees will help you. I could spend days there.

PROS: More choices than you could ever dream of !
CONS: Can be a tad crowded at times !

Posted 04/27/05 | Report Abuse

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Can you say INDEPENDENT Bookseller?

by amy c. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 4,143

If the Tattered Cover doesn't have it, you don't need it. This is absolutely the best book store ever built. It is famous across the nation and once you walk in the door you will know why. It is super huge and has a fantastic selection. People go here on dates it is so great. Don't go unless you have time to browse.

Posted 04/26/05 | Report Abuse

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Latest reviews from Citysearch.

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Tattered on Colfax

by MountainGoblin

I liked this store better when it was in Cherry Creek. It's new location near East High on Colfax seems like it's always picked clean. They never have what I'm looking for. Also, avoid it during lunch time M-F unless you want to deal with tons of kids from East. The other location was just cozier.

Posted 11/03/08

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makes you realize what amazon. has taken away from us

by denver204

Tattered Cover is by far the best bookstore I have ever been to. How lucky are we to have a HUGE independent bookstore in our city? So lucky. This isn't some little hole-in-the-wall (although those are fun too). Every book you could want is here, and if it's not, the super-friendly staff will do their best to help you get your hands on it. I've never encountered an employee here who seemed in the least bit unhappy. Really, it makes me want to quit my job and come work here!

Posted 04/03/08

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The read deal

by ldacon123

Sweet bookstore in a cool new location. Just off colfax and josephine, it's super easy to get to and so much fun to spend the day.

Great atmosphere, good selection of books and a helpful staff.

My favorite thing about this place is the guests speakers, or book signings, that they host. I saw Al Gore there a couple of years ago at the cherry creek location, as well as some of my favorite authors.

Posted 11/23/07

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