Convivio Cafe
Audio By Carbonatix
Just over three years ago, Denver got its first bilingual, Guatemala-inspired coffee shop when Convivio Café debuted at 4935 West 38th Avenue. The venture started with a successful crowdfunding campaign, but various delays made the road to opening a long one.
Founders and friends Kristin Lacy and Vivi Lemus persevered, though, and in the years since, their shop has become a beloved part of the community. In 2023, it was our Best of Denver pick for Best New Coffeehouse; this year, it was voted Best Bar/Restaurant in the first-ever City Cast Denver-est Denver Awards.
Now, Convivio is getting ready to expand. In February, it will debut a second location on the first floor of the Alliance Center at 1536 Wynkoop Street, across from Union Station, which houses mission-driven organizations focused on sustainability and social impact. Those values mirror the cafe’s, which bills itself as “a bilingual, community-centered gathering space.” Its name, “convivio,” means “a gathering where everyone is welcome,” and that idea will remain central at the new location.
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“As a small, women-owned cafe, growth is something we approach with care and intention,” says Lacy. “This next location allows us to serve more people while staying true to the flavors, sourcing practices and sense of welcome that define Convivio.”
The cafe is known for its farmer-roasted Guatemalan coffee, thoughtfully sourced teas, and culturally rooted food made with local ingredients such as pan con frijol (bread with beans), empanadas, a Guatemalan-inspired spin on the Colorado favorite breakfast burrito, and baked goods such as alfajores and champurradas, two traditional Latin cookies.
“Opening downtown allows us to connect with a broader community while continuing to honor our roots,” notes Lemus. “Being steps away from Union Station gives us an opportunity to welcome locals, commuters and visitors alike into our version of cafecito culture.”
Convivio Café is located at 4935 West 38th Avenue and opens at 7 a.m. daily. For more information and updates about the new location, visit conviviocafe.com or follow @convivio_cafe_co on Instagram.
