BAUR’S, EST. 1872 TO BEGIN SERVICE IN MID-APRIL

But amid all the transience, the Baur’s building on Curtis Street, is still standing. This spring, Baur’s, Est. 1872 opens its doors once again–bringing some old-Denver soul back to a city that always looks to the future.

Founded in 1872, O.P. Baur Confectionery Company called this building home for decades. In its heyday, Baur’s was a virtual palace of sweets: cases of candy, cakes and other treats, and a soda fountain, all lit by twinkling chandeliers. The shop’s glowing sign along Curtis was one of the landmarks on Denver’s old “Great White Way.”

Now, the sign is back, and the new vision for Baur’s is the old one: life’s simple pleasures in a classic environment.

David Spira, the building’s owner, aims to unite different facets of Baur’s history: bringing back Baur’s-brand candies and house-made ice cream, reviving the tradition of live music and family-friendly entertainment at Baur’s, and continuing the brand’s 100-year reputation for attentive service and fine dining.

Located steps from the 16th Street Mall and the Denver Performing Arts Complex, the restaurant’s sunny front windows look out onto busy Curtis Street. The décor will reflect Baur’s enduring elegance, taking guests back in time. Old, decorative tile floors are being exposed and an original chandelier still twinkles. Spira even tracked down a large, ornate cabinet from the candy shop at a local yoga studio.

With the Baur’s legacy in mind, Spira began the hunt for a tenant who could connect Baur’s past with modern sensibilities–and is thrilled about opening a restaurant with a historic name. 

Enter Dory Ford, the proprietor of Baur’s, Est. 1872. A successful chef, restaurateur and businessman from California’s Central Coast, Ford focuses on sustainability and seasonality in his food for AQUA TERRA Culinary. Expect the menu for Baur’s, Est. 1872, crafted along with executive chef Robert Grant, to center on timeless classics.

New seating in the restaurant will largely be movable, accommodating various configurations for music performances. The M/A/S music program aims to give a stage to smaller ensembles in genres that often lack exposure: chamber music, jazz, solo piano and more. Two performance rooms can host CD release parties, ticketed performances and private events.

One of the rooms is gracefully separated from the larger restaurant space with stately French doors. Inside, the room’s high ceiling creates gorgeous acoustics for intimate music performances. Ample seating options and audio/video capabilities make the room a perfect place for meetings, luncheons, and gatherings of all kinds.

Baur’s Listening Lounge kicks off its first concert series before the restaurant opens for regular service. The Spring Piano Series pairs a themed, set-menu dinner with the evening’s performance, beginning with a rollicking set by New Orleans piano master Jon Cleary on Sunday, March 22.

Other dates in the series include:

Thursday, March 26: NOLA jazz piano prodigy Justin Kauflin CD release party

Sunday, April 19: New York jazz vocalist Catherine Russell

Sunday, May 3: Bossa Nova Super Group: Jovino Santos Neto, piano – Maucha Adnet, vocals & Romero Lubambo, guitar

Sunday, May 10 – Mother’s Day: Classical piano music

Ticket and reservation information will be available soon. The events will also serve to raise funds for a Steinway piano for the venue.

 Baur’s Listening Lounge Launch Party March 22nd!