I’m of the mind that every neighborhood needs a corner market—spots like Marczyk Fine Foods (Uptown and now South Park Hill), Tony’s Market (multiple locations), and the newly opened Local Market in north Golden—that fosters a sense of community. Though smaller than any of these shops, the Curtis Park Delicatessen on Champa Street also fits the mold.

Fashioned as a deli but stocked with local goods such as City Bakery bread, Kaladi Brothers coffee, Morning Fresh Dairy milk, Rocky Mountain eggs, meats from Il Mondo Vecchio and Continental Sausage, Hope Hummus, and 34° Crispbread, Curtis Park functions as a gourmet, locally focused mini-mart.

In addition, owners Joseph Walker and Michael Reif, Curtis Park residents themselves, offer a sound selection of sandwiches. My favorite thus far is the well-balanced and ever-so-decadent French, with layers of rosemary ham, Brie, mixed greens, house mustard, and aïoli.

Small as it may be, Walker and Reif have worked hard to make the spot a neighborhood staple—and given the quality of the offerings, it could easily pull food lovers from all over the city into its fold.

2532 Champa St., 303-308-5973

Amanda M. Faison
Amanda M. Faison
Freelance writer Amanda M. Faison spent 20 years at 5280 Magazine, 12 of those as Food Editor.