Congress Park Market — Local services in Denver

I like this little store. It’s a call-back to the old days, the mom-and-pop days. A disappearing breed, really. Seven-Elevens have driven most stores like this one into extinction. I don’t know how this little store has survived, but I’m glad it has, and the little neighborhood business district on 12th Avenue is better for it.

What makes this place different from a Seven-Eleven? What makes it better? Well, it has its own look, and of course that’s nice. You get tired of the same corporate designs, or at least I do!

It notably has a selection of interesting homemade-looking take-out foods, and these generate good word of mouth. There’s deli sandwiches, empanadas, burritos, bread, cookies, also fresh meats and cheeses. They have imported specialty items, such as sauces and pasta. There are locally-produced gourmet items, too. The most fun? A wide range of unusual candies, treats, and confections, more diverse than the usual Seven-Eleven, more even than a Safeway or King Soopers.

There’s a Post Office in the back. That’s a hidden gem. People who wait in line at the Cherry Creek Post Office must not know about this little USPS satellite station.

There are all the basic groceries, too. The staples - frozen, canned, bagged, boxed. It’s a clean place, spiffy and orderly. Okay, the fresh vegetable shelves always seem to be a little sparse, but the other shelves are well-stocked.

Some people have complained about the prices. Others have complained about the customer service, especially back at the Post Office desk. I’ve never had any problems, but I’ve heard enough that I’m cautious.

Overall, it’s a good store. The Twelfth Avenue Business District, at least for these two blocks, offers a nice mix: three restaurants, one hardware store, one laundromat, a realtor (or two?), a coffee shop. And this little grocery. It’s an important part. Let’s...

What a welcome addition to the neighborhood! A total upgrade for Congress Park, and so convenient that I'm here at least a couple times a week. I know that every item is top quality, and very gourmet.

Yes, the grocery prices are steep, but I know I'm paying for convenience and quality and supporting a neighborhood business. From opening day to now, every interaction has been full of good vibes. The proprietors, Cecelia and Jake, are just salt of the earth people and every staff member is so helpful and friendly.

On top of it, the deli is the crown jewel. The sandwiches are amazing and I love grabbing a couple for an impromptu picnic with friends at the Botanic Gardens. I once ordered some slices of prosciutto and the sweet guy at the counter admitted he was new to slicing prosciutto and told me it might take a minute. When I got the prosciutto home, it was like art -- perfection!! And what's this -- FRESH produce and a ton of amazing LOCAL products? Epicurean shopping dreams come true.

I truly appreciate the warmth of the atmosphere and especially the staff, which always makes it a welcoming and fun shopping experience. The wine selection is above amazing, curated by Cecilia, who is a food and beverage all-star. Add to this the front of shop USPS station, plus the gourmet dog biscuits on the way out for my good doggo who sits patiently waiting while I comb through the variety of international selections in the aisles -- five stars...

This is a replacement for the long-time 12th Avenue Market & Deli. Owners Shaun and Stephanie Johnson are retiring after 18 years of ownership of the 40+ year old business. Fortunately (now this is complicated), John Moutzouris, who bought Spinelli's Market (Park Hill) from owners Jerry and Mary Ellen Spinelli in 2014, made local chef and sandwich guru, Jake Riederer, and his wife, Cecelia Jones, his partners in Spinelli's. The group then made a deal with the Johnsons to take over their space which reopened December 5, 2023 as the Congress Park Market. Whew!

The space is undergoing a massive refurbishment as I write, but the work should be finished shortly. The plan is to maintain the traditions of the 12th Avenue Market, including the contract Post Office counter, with some enhancements. The Post Office is moving to the front of the store and a deli is going into the space in the rear.

There will be a full deli department plus fresh produce. Spinelli's has long been noted for their fantastic fresh sandwiches. Five of the most popular will be available here plus five new creations. A wine and beer department is also promised.

The 12th Avenue Market was getting a little tired, along with its owners. The space was originally a Piggly Wiggly (a long-defunct supermarket chain) and I'm glad to see it enjoying yet another life as a vibrant neighborhood market. The new owners hope to develop other neighborhood markets like this one...