Paramount Cafe on 16th Street Mall closes; Marlowe’s, Govnr’s Park Tavern and Lala’s right behind it

Dear Denver,

While we would like to provide the mouthwatering, sensory-pleasing effect that food and restaurant  news often aims for, sometimes our reporting may feel a bit more like an obituary.

In this case, we ask you to hold your breath: A string of popular Denver restaurants with a combined 121 years of local business will all close by the end of the year.

The Paramount Cafe closed its doors for good on Sept. 2. Marlowe’s next door, Govnr’s Park Tavern and Lala’s Wine Bar + Pizzeria are soon to follow.

“After over four decades in the Capitol Hill and Downtown Denver communities, Govnr’s Park Tavern, Marlowe’s, Paramount Café and Lala’s Wine Bar + Pizzeria will close before the new year at the conclusion of their leases,” a release from owner/operator Premiere Ventures Inc. stated.

No reason was immediately provided for the closures.

Paramount Cafe, which was once considered Denver’s original rock ‘n’ roll cafe, opened 33 years ago in what once served as the lobby of the historic Paramount Theater, according to the restaurant’s website.

This popular 16th Street Mall location preserved several features of the original theater, including the Art Deco terrazzo tile floor and ornate hand-crafted gilt work, as well as the wrap-around bar which was once the theater lobby’s concession stand and soda fountain.

Up until its unexpected closure, Paramount was known for its wide selection of beers (47 on tap), along with burgers and other classic American dishes.

Paramount Cafe may already be a thing of nostalgia, but loyal patrons of the other restaurants operated by Premier Ventures still have a few short months to enjoy the remaining locations.

Next to go will be Capitol Hill’s Govnr’s Park Tavern, a popular neighborhood watering hole serving “Tavern Fare with Colorado Flair.” It opened its doors in 1976.

While there are only a few more precious patio sessions left before the weather turns, guests may imbibe at Govnr’s Park Tavern until Nov. 11 to enjoy its two full-service bars, pool room and 34 HD flat-screen TVs.

Back downtown, Marlowe’s, a historic saloon and chophouse that’s been around more than 30 years, will close on Dec. 22, while Lala’s Pizza + Wine Bar, serving — you guessed it — pizza, wine and other Italian specialties, will be last to close, on Dec. 23.

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