Traveling Mercies

"In a third-floor refuge from the bustle of the Stanley Marketplace, this snazzy, jazzy little joint is a date-night no-brainer. Here, couples reconnect over sophisticated cocktails like the Drinking & Smoking with pisco, peat moss, almond, wintergreen, pineapple, and orange blossom alongside seafood-centric snacks by Annette’s Caroline Glover: Think smoked trout rillettes and mussels escabeche on toast as well as oysters on the half shell (obvi)." - Ruth Tobias

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"It’s the only dessert on the seven-item menu at Traveling Mercies in Aurora, Colorado, a 400-square-foot cocktail and oyster bar that operates using only a toaster oven and a hot plate." - Bettina Makalintal

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"Technically, Traveling Mercies is a bar, not a restaurant, but given that it’s James Beard Award winner Caroline Glover’s bar, it earns a spot on this list. Tucked away in a snug space on the third level of Aurora’s Stanley Marketplace, it’s a showcase for the skills of Glover’s beverage team, who supplement cocktails like The Fool’s Progress (rhum agricole, rye, banana, cardamom, and absinthe) with a charming wine selection and an equally winning, albeit small, selection of snacks — oysters chief among them." - Eater Staff

Jenn Pfankuch

Google

The most little and amazing cocktail bar at the top floor of Stanley Marketplace! It's an excellent addition and almost a hidden gem! The space is small, so be ready to get cozy! Their food list is small and their drink menu (including zero proof drinks) is mighty. The oysters on ice were very tasty. We love all the house made sauces, from the migonette and cocktail sauce. The views here are so pretty. Something about this place just made me want to take in everything and enjoy good company and life.

WrldTraveler18

Google

Exactly what I expected! A classy, elegant cocktail bar overlooking the courtyard outside with high quality drinks 🍹, A stunning, indoor space, cozy, and intimate, and a perfectly coupled oyster 🦪 menu with beautiful pairings to the drink selections! Non alcoholic offerings as well. Service was exceptional. Thank you, Caroline & TM staff!

Jane McDonald

Google

A wonderful escape from the pandemonium of The Stanley. Love the cocktails & oysters concept - feels unique to Denver. After a few visits, it seems the staff enjoys being there, which is reflected the great service, music and atmosphere.

Jasmin Enriquez

Google

We went two Fridays in a row because we couldn’t stop thinking about the Mussels toast. My husband and I have had more than half the cocktails on the cocktail menu and all of them have been unbelievable for different reasons. The two that stand out to us are the clarified milk punch and the martini, but we would have them all time and time again. The detail and love and effort the entire team puts into Traveling Mercies (and Annette downstairs) is outstanding. The decor is amazing and the vibe can’t be beat. My husband and I were so impressed by the liquors on the bar because they are so unique. If you’re looking for a Jack Daniel’s and Coke type of place, this is not the bar for that. If you’re willing to adventure out of your comfort zone and/or love the meticulousness of an exquisite craft cocktail, this is the spot. Counting down until our next visit already!

Michael Ko

Google

Nice cozy place for small seafood bites and interesting house cocktails. Oysters were good (from RI and MA). Just wish they had a bigger selection but it is a small place. It was great sitting by their windows and looking out to the mountains while enjoying the food. Service was also great. A bit pricier than expected but it is oysters.

Jesse Granger

Google

Love this new spot! The Stanley Marketplace finally has a great spot for craft cocktails! Absolutely love this cozy cocktail/raw bar. The oysters and small bites were fantastic. Just right for pairing with the extensive spirits and cocktail options — including non-alcoholic cocktails and wine. Very much enjoyed the Diamondback rye-based cocktail and an old fashioned made with Bakhta rye finished in Armagnac and blended with rum. This is a special spot that I’m looking forward to coming back to. Great views of the outdoor space. It seats 26 so it looks like a great spot for small private events too!

Mica M

Google

Traveling Mercies is a great new addition to the Stanley Marketplace! We visited on their 3rd day, and we had a wonderful time! The service was spot on, and they genuinely ask for feedback which we believe is important during opening week. The space is aesthetically pleasing. A big upgrade from what the place used to be. Menu is pretty straight forward and well thought off. We ordered a dozen of East Coast Oytsers to share and they tasted so fresh! The vinegar for it was also well spiced! Our favorite of the night was the Mussels Escabeche Toast. It's probably the best toast I've had all year and I can't stop dreaming about it. I want to go back as soon as possible just to taste it again. We also ordered some cocktails which were both great. My only comment is the prices on the drinks. 16$ is quite pricey for a cocktail ( thats the price across the board for them) but they were really high quality and well made. I just wish there were some options that are under 15$ but not really a big deal breaker. Definitely recommend visiting Traveling Mercies (before they get busy!!!). We cannot wait to go back and try the rest of the menu and drinks.

Madi

Google

How could Stanley get better? With a secret third floor cocktail bar! Facing Westward, you will transition from beautiful sunsets to a sleepy and romantic vibe in the coziest atmosphere. If you are looking for a little date-nite spot or relaxing place to share conversations and cocktails, this little unique bar is the place! I am looking forward to the next time I'm back to have a chance to try the food.

Erin S.

Yelp

Formerly Skybar, Traveling Mercies is a quaint little place in the top corner of Stanley Marketplace. This bar is small and offers 28 seats total - most are bar stools with the exception of the 3, four top tables that are in the middle of the bar. TM offers an expansive menu with lots of fun concoctions of cocktails. I went with the Espresso Martini as it was on Happy Hour. (Happy Hour differ from day to day) It was a well executed Espresso Martini. TM also has a few little dishes to select from. They tout their oysters here as the actual name is Traveling Mercies Oyster and Cocktail Bar. The oysters did look good, but we ended up splitting marinated olives - divine! While a little on the pricey side as most cocktails are in Denver, it is worth the money. Service is friendly and helpful. TM did make Westword's 100 Bars for the 24-25 year and it definitely deserves a spot on this list!

Edie A.

Yelp

Traveling Mercies made Esquire Magazine's cut of the 42 Best Bars in America so I had to try it. On the third level of Stanley Marketplace, follow the signs to the elevator or staircase that leads you to this small but intimate space. There are seating options at the bar, 3 tables, or bar stools overlooking Lowry. Service is friendly. They have happy hour from 4-5pm W-Sunday, and all day Tuesday (they are closed Monday). I didn't try the food which looked good but did sample a couple of their cocktails - their espresso martini and Mercies Penicillin. The espresso martini was equal parts sweet and caffeinated. Definitely opt for their rec of spiced rum over vodka. The Mercies Penicillin was a masterful blend of scotch, lemon, honey, and ginger. (Went down way easier than the thick pink stuff I had to drink as a kid when I was sick.) Definitely stop by for some fine cocktails.

Jessica O.

Yelp

On the third floor of the Stanley market you can find Traveling Mercies close to Cheluna Brewing. We were checking out the Stanley Market for the first time and happened to stumble into Traveling Mercies on its opening night! We just got drinks and tried the long but distinguished and talk to me goose! The long but distinguished tasted like a sparkling sangria. I really liked it but not what I thought it would taste like. The talk to me goose was also great! We did not order any food because we were not feeling seafood or any of the other foods on the menu. The staff helping us were great. Very helpful with any questions we had. Overall a very nice, upscale place for cocktails. Tip: 20% service fee automatically added to the menu. The staff let us know about it when giving us the check which we appreciated.

Carie C.

Yelp

Superb service. Vibrant Vibe. Gorgeous View. Delicious nibbles. Delightful cocktails. Oysters are on point. It's possibly the best I've had while nowhere near an ocean. It's the only place on the 3rd floor of the Stanley. I felt like I was in a speakeasy except up top instead of down below.

Patsy G.

Yelp

Beautiful spot for an intimate drink! Great ambience for a romantic date. Chef kiss to the menu.

Caroline A.

Yelp

Cute little bar on the third floor of Stanley marketplace. They only serve appetizer size dishes, so it's perfect for a pre dinner cocktail and appetizer. Cute cozy space with interesting cocktails. Service was great and they have a decent happy hour too.

Mathew M.

Yelp

A true hidden gem! The ambiance and vibe when walking in sets the experience off on a great note. The friendly and knowledgeable staff make it all the better. Great craft cocktails and app pairings, as well as amazing oysters! Zach, Cooper, and Nella are great people, and the food and drinks they provide are top notch. Wonderful place. Mathew

Morgan C.

Yelp

What a cute little hidden gem!! This is our new go to spot for an appetizer and drinks. The views from this place are awesome! We love sitting at the bar and people watching or enjoying the sunset. My husband has gotten the espresso martini twice and said it's the best one he's ever had. My cocktails every time are absolute perfection. Highly recommend the daiquiri and Kill Your Darlings if you like light refreshing cocktails. You MUST get the mussel toast! It is bursting with flavor, I've never had anything like it. The servers are so kind, another reason why we love coming here. Will definitely be back!!

Camryn C.

Yelp

Super cozy and intimate vibe with a nice rooftop view. Went on a Tuesday night and got the oyster special ($3/each) and they were amazing. Great cocktails and non alcoholic options as well. Service was excellent, definitely will be returning!

Julie H.

Yelp

Surprising cozy venue. High end cocktails and snacks for happy hour. Worth a try for special occasions or a great view of the Front Range.

Susan C.

Yelp

While the rest of Stanley Marketplace bustles, there's a lovely little spot away from it all, tucked away on the third floor, where you can glide into a seat at one of the two bar areas--one overlooking the grassy hills of Central Park--and sip clever little cocktails while nibbling on culinary concoctions. Highly recommend for a date or stealing away some time with a good friend, this place is one to return to again and again.

Thomas S.

Yelp

For a place that "specializes in martinis", this was a major disappointment. Only Finnish gin. C'mon. Not a good martini. And "the view" is only trees in Stapleton.

Jordan M.

Yelp

Went in on opening night and had a great time! Tried pretty much everything on the menu and food and cocktails both exceeded expectations. My personal favorites were the Talk to me Goose for a drink and the shrimp cocktail for food. In terms of ambience, it was beautiful inside, very cute. The staff were very friendly, and knew everything about everything regarding the dishes and drinks. I will definitely be back for drinks and small plates!

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