Marcus Fingerlin has spent nearly his whole life in Colorado, so it’s fair to say he knows his way around the local arts and culture scene. Born in Aurora and raised in Brighton, Marcus left the state only briefly— earning a bachelor’s in fine arts from Colorado Mesa University before completing a post-baccalaureate program at Kent State in Ohio. His return to Denver came with a job at the city’s most beloved cultural hub: the Denver Art Museum. What began as a sales associate role quickly grew into a career-defining path, and today Marcus is the senior buyer for the museum’s shops, where he curates merchandise that connects visitors to the creativity and spirit of Colorado. When he isn’t shaping what people take home from the museum, Marcus is in his studio at 16th and California painting, or out with his tight-knit group of art junkies exploring exhibitions around town. In short: when Marcus tells you where to go in Denver, you listen.
Dining + Drinks
Best hidden patio: Locales Taco + Tequila Bar has a rooftop with incredible views of the mountains.
Where to find the spiciest dishes: FishTail Cuisine of India & Nepal. It’ll knock your socks off!
Favorite dive bar: Charlie Brown’s Bar & Grill
Favorite coffee shop: Pablo’s Coffee
Great spot to catch a game: Wyman’s #5. But I know only because I go when a game is not happening. When a game is on, the bar is packed to the rafters.
Go-to for weekday breakfast: Swift’s Breakfast House on Santa Fe, which features the same menu from the 1990’s.
Favorite food truck: Picaera Puerto Rican Cuisine. Coincidentally also my staffs’ favorite when they are at Civic Center EATS because they have the best shareable treats.
Best bar-hopping neighborhood: South Broadway if I am looking to get wild, but if it’s just a normal weekend, then Cap Hill is much more chill.
Top restaurant for a special occasion: Potager Restaurant & Wine Bar, which is usually way out of my price range, but on Tuesdays, they offer a burger and beer deal that is too good to pass up. Get there early before they run out.
Best place to celebrate a birthday: Casa Bonita, pre- or post-renovation, doesn’t matter. Our favorite adult Disneyland.
Around Denver
Best place to see street art: Art District on Santa Fe
Favorite annual event: Affordable Arts Festival
Favorite historic landmark: The Brown Palace
Best vintage store: The Shop Outpost is a new favorite on Colfax. Great cowboy gear, but be ready to pay the price.
Favorite local artist: Kimberly Faber—what a star!
Favorite gallery: Bell Projects in City Park.
Where to discover one-of-a-kind home decor: Modern Nomad Home
Best local jewelry designer: Ana Marina Sanchez
Most unique Denver-made product: Denver Dry Gin made by Mile High Spirits
Where to find the perfect gift: A shameless plug for the shops at the Denver Art Museum, of course.
Best local bookstore: Kilgore Books
Favorite local musician: Wes Watkins
Favorite Colorado author: Rebecca Reitz wrote a great book called Nature Devotional that I think anyone who wants a more balanced life should check out.
Best neighborhood for a walk: Cheesman Park (basic, I know, but what a beauty!)
If Denver were a person, how would they dress: I’d like to say western wear, which is my preference, but I know it’s Patagonia.
What is Denver’s most defining trait: Its sense of humor (especially when it comes to weather).
For print-exclusive stories, download the digital magazine or pick up a copy from select local King Soopers, Safeway, Tattered Cover, or Barnes & Noble locations.
