
The former home of Racines, which will become an apartment building. Photo: Alayna Alvarez/Axios
The greasy spoon is a special place in Denver. (Think of the legendary Denver omelet, after all.) But sadly, it's a fading tradition.
State of the plate: Since the beginning of the pandemic, we've lost Tom's Diner, Racines, the Denver Diner and now possibly Annie's Cafe. All to development.
Why it matters: The diner is more than a place to eat; it's a humble meeting spot that draws movers and shakers as much as ordinary people.
Quick take: To explain the loss, John called his former colleague Lynn Bartels, a longtime political reporter and former secretary of state spokesperson, who was considered the dame of Racines.
Racines was a place to be seen and connect with regulars ranging from elected officials to hungover Gen Zers.
- "I remember one day I went in for an 8am breakfast and I don't think I made it home until 10," she said. "I loved it. There's no place like it."
- "You could see who was having breakfast and it was a good clue," she added. "I might make a phone call and say, 'I saw you having breakfast with so and so.'"
The big picture: The loss of these eateries could have ripple effects. Bartels sees a connection to the increasing polarization and animosity in politics at the state Capitol. "Not having Racines," she said, "is just another nail" in the coffin of collegiality.
What to watch: Not all is lost. A handful of diners in Denver are emerging as the new backdrops to talk and gawk.
- Try: Breakfast King and Swift's on Santa Fe, Pete's Kitchen on Broadway and McCoy's on Federal.

Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Denver.
More Denver stories
No stories could be found

Get a free daily digest of the most important news in your backyard with Axios Denver.