In Denver’s LoHi neighborhood, a former book bindery has been transformed into a haven for food lovers and wellness enthusiasts alike. The Bindery, helmed by chef-owner Linda Hampsten Fox, offers a much-needed retreat from the bustle of city life.

Step inside The Bindery, and you’re enveloped by an atmosphere of serene sophistication. Vaulted ceilings and oversized windows flood the space with natural light, while minimalist white accents create an airy feel. The design strikes a delicate balance between urban chic and neighborly warmth.

From early morning to late night, the energy of the space ebbs and flows, adapting to the needs of its patrons. By day, it hums with the quiet energy of locals sipping freshly brewed coffee, catching up on work or simply gazing at the skyline. As evening falls, the café transforms, welcoming diners to a culinary adventure while maintaining its soothing ambiance.

Photos courtesy of The Bindery

Hampsten Fox brings a wealth of international experience to the kitchen, crafting dishes that celebrate both tradition and innovation. “For me, wellness and eating go hand in hand,” she says. “My vision for The Bindery was to open a neighborhood restaurant that could provide warmth and well being through its New American menus, but also in its physical space that was completely sustainably built. It’s the whole picture — from the ground up to what is on the plate.”

The menu reflects this philosophy, evolving throughout the day to cater to different needs and moods. Mornings begin with delicate pastries and whole some breakfast options, like gourmet toasts and beet-cured salmon latkes. Lunch offers a mix of vibrant salads and hearty sandwiches, while weekend brunch tempts with elevated classics.

As day turns to night, The Bindery truly shines. Hampsten Fox’s dinner menu pushes creative boundaries, blending bold flavors and unexpected combinations. You might find pork belly with cacao nibs and pumpkin candied in lime, vanilla bean and black cardamon; or, Spanish octopus with cinnamon, saffron and sweet paprika in Israeli couscous. Each dish is a testament to the chef’s innovative spirit and commitment to seasonal, high-quality ingredients.

“I have been so fortunate to travel the world and to live in different countries including Switzerland, Italy and Mexico. I have cooked in many more locations and experiencing culture through cuisine is a way to learn about a place instead of just traveling through it,” Hampsten Fox shares. “My international experiences gave me a unique perspective on the quality of food and ingredients. I often hear, ‘How did you think about putting one ingredient with an other?’ but for me, it just makes sense. I am a product of everything that has happened to me in my life from growing up in New Jersey to just popping into a kitchen on the Cote d’Azur.”

Ultimately, The Bindery is more than a restaurant — it’s a space where people can nurture their mind and body. It proves that great food is about more than just what’s on the plate — it’s about the space it creates for people to gather, savor and connect.

In early 2025, The Bindery plans to expand with a new location at Denver International Airport, offering travelers a refreshing escape through its sig nature blend of thoughtful design and creative cuisine.

The Bindery
1817 Central St.
Denver, CO
thebinderydenver.com

Lexi Marshall
Managing Editor
@lexi_marsha11 | lexireich.com

Originally published in Winter/Spring 2024-25  issue of Well.