Shared experiences bind people together and build community–just like a shared vision draws like-minded people together and builds momentum. The West Colfax community has many places to share experiences–whether that’s a favorite watering hole or one of many West Colfax galleries. 

We love our art galleries in 40 West Arts Creative District—West Colfax has some of the oldest and best around. But if you think that’s all there is to do in the area to meet neighbors and build relationships, think again! There are always new or reinvented experiences popping up in the area.

From sipping craft coffee or beer in cozy community cafés or historic eateries, to strolling through a blooming garden oasis, attending live music or theater productions, watching molten glass transformed into art in a live studio demo, or singing along with friends at a local karaoke night, West Colfax is bursting with its own authentic experiences. 

Whether you’re a longtime local or just visiting, these gems offer a fresh perspective on what it means to explore the area–all with their own distinct community feel. Of course, we encourage everyone to visit the 20+ creative venues in 40 West Arts, but for other ways to Support Local and encounter unique happenings, here are a few of our favorites if you want to spend an afternoon or a full day in the corridor.

Bring friends along or meet new ones through these quintessentially West Colfax experiences.

Prismajic: Nothing Else Like It in the Metro Area!

Tucked inside Colorado Mills Mall on West Colfax is Prismajic—a portal to another world.

For those who step inside, it’s anything but ordinary. This immersive art experience and event space transports visitors into a surreal dreamscape of color, light, and texture—perfect for curious minds and selfie seekers alike.

Part art installation, performance venue, and gathering space, Prismajic offers a multi-sensory journey through themed environments that change as you move and explore. Whether you’re walking through glowing forests, touching shimmering walls, or losing yourself in mirrored illusions, the space invites you to experience art from the inside out.

Part of Prismajic’s charm is its Night Owls Bar—a cozy, creative speakeasy lounge with a creative menu and signature cocktails that’s part of the experience.

“Our commitment here is to build community,” explains Jennifer Mosquera, cofounder, president, and chief creative. “Prismajic is a place for celebrations, a platform for people to perform, and a place to experience all types of art.

It’s a space where people can connect with wonder,” she adds. “In a fast-paced world, this is a place to slow down, be present, and see the extraordinary in the everyday—it’s a whole lot of fun, too!”

From its award-winning immersive art to its themed nights, performances, and pop-up exhibitions, Prismajic is always evolving. Whether you’re seeking a one-of-a-kind date night, a creative outing with friends, or an unforgettable solo adventure, Prismajic is a must-see experience.

For more information, hours, or to book a private event, visit: www.prismajic.com.

Veldkamp’s Flowers: A Hidden Gem Always in Full Bloom

On the corner of West Colfax and Hoyt, a slice of European charm has been quietly thriving for over 65 years.

Family-owned since 1959, Veldkamp’s Flowers & Gifts (with its large attached greenhouse & garden center) is a sensory experience, featuring vibrant blooms, lush greenery, and seasonal gifts that offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of Colfax Ave. It’s right across Hoyt Street from another classic: Davies’ Chuck Wagon Diner and its famous neon sign.

Step inside and you’ll find everything from fresh-cut flowers to gourmet baskets, plus a stunning garden center just waiting to be explored.

Whether you’re hunting for a thoughtful gift, beautifying your home, or just want a reason to stop and smell the roses, Veldkamp’s makes the visit worth it. 

Their garden center is open to the public and always blooming with inspiration, and their digital Education Center (https://veldkampsgardencenter.com/edu-center/) offers gardening tips, seasonal ideas, and floral education, so you can take a little green wisdom home with you. 

“Veldkamp is more than just a flower shop for special occasions,” says William, a 25+ year Lakewood resident. “It’s a place where you can explore different types of flora any time of the year. I stop by Veldkamp’s at least once a month and always learn something new from the friendly and knowledgeable staff.”  

Whether you’re an avid gardener, a curious passerby, or someone just looking for a fresh way to experience West Colfax, Veldkamp’s is another local treasure that’s here for you. 

Stop by Veldkamp’s and then enjoy breakfast or lunch at Davies’ Chuck Wagon, the 1950s-vintage train car diner on the National Register of Historic Places.

Mint & Serif: A Fresh Chapter for Familiar Faces

Nestled quietly against Richey Park on Carr Street, Mint & Serif officially re-opened its doors in April 2024, and owners Aurora and Spencer Hendrix couldn’t be happier in their new space. 

“We absolutely love our new space,” shares Aurora. “This location has more of a neighborhood vibe than both of our other locations. We’re attracting more customers because people want more and more to support small local businesses. They want a space where they can walk in, feel safe, welcomed, and gather with neighbors.”

Looking ahead, the Mint & Serif team has exciting plans. They envision opening a back patio that faces the park and are in the process of obtaining a liquor license to enhance the experience. Their vision is rooted in creating a vibrant, welcoming space that feels as much like a community gathering spot as it does a café.

That spirit of connection is already alive and well. Mint and Serif is more than just a coffee shop—it’s another active community hub. They host monthly First Friday art openings, dance parties, live music, and seasonal markets. “Our monthly dance parties and holiday markets are our most popular events,” notes Aurora.

And the evolution continues. This August, they’re welcoming a new neighbor to the building: Moose + Frankie, a locally owned skincare shop, joining William Haggerty’s All Its Own plant and gifts shop that moved along with Mint & Serif.

With more energy, foot traffic, a location adjacent to a popular park, and ongoing local collaboration, Mint & Serif and its new bigger building on Carr Street is shaping up to be a true anchor of community life in the West Colfax corridor.

Brynmor Coffee: More Than a Good Cup of Joe

Also on Carr Street (just south of West Colfax), Brynmor Coffee has quietly become another community favorite since opening in August of 2024. 

Founders Amy Genaris and Lacey Collum have created more than just a cafe. They’ve built a welcoming neighborhood gathering place where families, remote workers, and creatives gather for conversation and connection. 

“Every week, we meet someone new who says, ‘I live right here—I had no idea you were here!’” says Genaris.

Beyond expertly brewed coffee, Brynmor serves a full in-house breakfast and lunch menu, including vegan and gluten-free options. Their walls feature rotating local art for sale, and they recently hosted a vibrant Mother’s Day market showcasing handmade goods, live music, and their special brand of community spirit. 

With plans underway for a back patio and weekly open mic nights, Brynmor is only getting started.

“We’ve been intentional about everything—from our vendors with philanthropic missions to building relationships with every customer,” Genaris says. “This isn’t just a place to get coffee. It’s a space to feel seen, connected, and part of something meaningful.” 

Whether you’re passing through or live just down the street, Brynmor is proof that good coffee tastes even better when it comes with a side of community.

Lakewood Grill: 74 Years of Flavor, Stories, and Song

Long before the City of Lakewood was even incorporated, there was Lakewood Grill. Since 1951, this West Colfax institution has served as a comforting constant—a local landmark where stories are told, meals are shared, and regulars become family.

In short, Lakewood Grill is a community anchor, welcoming travelers, neighbors, and nearby workers with the kind of warmth and familiarity that only seven decades of hospitality can cultivate. For many, it’s simply part of what makes West Colfax feel like home.

But don’t let its history fool you. The food is as creative as it is comforting. From the legendary Postman—a decadent pile of chile rellenos, hash browns, eggs, cheese, and green chile—to the Paisano Pie, a smothered calzone-style masterpiece, the menu celebrates bold flavor and neighborhood flair. The 50/50 burger (half ground chuck, half bacon) is a must-try, and the healthy types–even the soups and salads are made fresh with care.

The bartenders are charming, quick with a joke, and always ready to share a story or lend an ear. Many of the regulars have become local legends in their own right. It’s the kind of place where everyone really does know your name—or will, by your second visit.

What keeps people coming back generation after generation? “It’s the sense of community and camaraderie the space offers, explains Ron Seigneur, owner of a local CPA firm, who’s counted among the regulars at the Grill. 

Lakewood Grill’s calendar is packed with community events that bring even more life to the space. Live music every Wednesday night from Billy Rendon & the Rhythm Rockers gets the crowd dancing, with surprise guest musicians keeping things fresh. Karaoke Fridays, poker Mondays, and a pool league on Tuesdays and Thursdays keep the weekly rhythm lively, and the outdoor patio buzzing from spring through fall.

Open daily until 1 a.m., with a full weekend breakfast menu starting at 10 a.m., Lakewood Grill is the perfect place to start your day or end your night. With its welcoming spirit, flavorful food, deep-roots in West Colfax history, Lakewood Grill remains a mainstay for locals and visitors alike.

The Furnace: Where the Glass Glows

If you’ve ever wanted to see molten glass transformed into fine art, The Furnace Glassworks is a must-visit experience of West Colfax.

Located at Colfax and Ammons (adjacent to Lakewood Grill), this working hot shop isn’t just for seasoned artists—it’s a welcoming space where beginners, hobbyists, groups or families, and passersby can stop in, watch the action, or even participate in a workshop.

Owners Corey and Leanne Silverman have cultivated a space that blends creativity with community connection. 

Inside, visitors can browse an on-site gallery featuring handcrafted pieces by local and regional artists or watch live glassblowing demonstrations through the studio’s viewing window. 

“We’re all about community, collaboration, and creativity,” the Silvermans shared. “Our goal is to create a space where artists and neighbors can connect, learn, and be inspired.”

Whether you’re booking a private class, planning a unique group outing, or just looking for something unforgettable to do in the district, The Furnace brings the heat…literally.

The Three Leaches Theatre: Arts for Everyone!

Yes, The Three Leaches Theatre has a gallery, but this family-run, community focused venue does so much more!  In addition to the dramatic productions produced in the 70-seat black box theater, The Three Leaches (and their partners, such as Flanboyan Theatre) have produced culinary events, karaoke and comedy nights, poetry readings, art demos, art markets and a variety of cultural festivals.

“We are so pleased to be in 40 West Arts Creative District,” says Creative Director Melissa Leach. It’s a perfect fit for us—we are both aligned on the mission to bring a variety of arts and cultural experiences to the West Colfax community.”

The Three Leaches Theatre has provided the metro area with their special brand of theater for 14+ years as a nomadic theater troupe. In 2024, they found a home here (1560 Teller Street) in 40 West Arts Creative District—with its “pay-what-you-can” approach—theater is accessible to everyone.

“Melissa and her resident partners (like Jonathan Marcantoni at Flamboyan) share our vision for community building and finding creative ways to bring more art experiences to more people,” shares 40 West Arts Board Chair Bill Marino, “that’s a very special combination–we hit the jackpot with these partners!”

WestFax Brewing: Home to 40 West IPA & Colfax Cream Ale

Jackie and Anthony took a chance on West Colfax, locating their first brewery here in March of 2016, as Lamar Station Plaza was in transition and just as the local art district was gaining more traction. And the rest is history! 

This award-winning brewery is now one of most popular destinations for locals in the corridor. Even its name embraces the corridor! Many casual afternoon meetings are held here–some turning into impromptu Happy Hours! As an official 40 West Arts venue, WestFax does curate artists for its taproom walls, but in addition to its great selection of craft beers, WestFax is also a social gathering place for trivia, comedy, and other themed nights as well as sporting events (especially their beloved Buffalo Bills). They regularly have the best local food trucks parked out front, ready to serve patrons in the taproom and the outdoor seating area–just steps from the famous Casa Bonita fountain.

“Jacki and Anthony are such great people,” said Marti Winer, the new GM at Casa Bonita. “While our restoration was under construction, they were very gracious, allowing us to use their space when needed. They helped us feel welcome here!”  

It’s no surprise—Casa Bonita now carries craft beer brewed right next door at WestFax.

Casa Bonita: The OG since 1974!

This list would not be complete without a mention of the OG of Immersive Art and Entertainment Experiences: Casa Bonita! To the delight of the local community and millions of fans worldwide, Casa Bonita has been revived and restored by the creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone. The iconic Mexican-themed restaurant and entertainment destination that Roadside America calls the “World’s Most Exciting Restaurant” has been a fixture for more than 50+ years on Lakewood’s historic West Colfax Avenue.

And the new ownership and their team have fully engaged with our local community from the very beginning, for example, keeping employees and paying them to work at local nonprofits during construction and helping support and enhance the experience of attendees at 40 West Arts Summer Youth Camps.

“The investment by Matt and Trey in our community through their restoration of this iconic destination was a godsend for us. We can’t thank them enough!”  says Bill Marino, champion for all-things West Colfax, echoing the sentiment of city officials and local businesses.

Marino also adds, “When you visit the Pink Palace, I’d be remiss if I didn’t invite you to visit WestFax Brewing Co. right next door, the multiple galleries at The HUB at 40 West Arts just across the parking lot, and the many locally small businesses proximal to Casa Bonita!”

West Colfax has some of the most iconic destinations in the metro area. With all the activity going on along in the corridor, there is really a never shortage of things to do. The corridor is constantly evolving, and so are its many varied entertainment options. These authentic West Colfax experiences are ideal opportunities to share with family and friends, to deepen relationships with neighbors, or to make new friends.

For more ideas about ‘don’t-miss’ destinations like the ones covered here, go to http://www.gowestcolfax.org/destinations–we’ll keep adding new ones to the list!