Entry No. 18 — the Denver file — filed under: bookstore
Kilgore Books & Comics
A narrow, hand-curated used bookstore wedged into the row next to Wax Trax on 13th, with no flashy storefront to slow you down. The shelves rotate constantly through alt-lit, philosophy, sci-fi, and a deep run of indie comics and zines, and they keep a local consignment corner that quietly bankrolls Denver artists. It's the kind of place you've driven past a hundred times on your way to the record shop without clocking it. Cash for trades, seven days a week, noon to six.
The move: Split up at the door and each pick a weird book under $10 for the other person, then walk it over to a Cap Hill coffee shop or bar to read the first page aloud and defend your choice.
📍 Before you go It's on the 13th Avenue retail strip in Capitol Hill, between Washington and Pearl — the easiest landmark is the Wax Trax Records sign, since Kilgore tucks into the same row and the storefront is small enough to stride right past. This is a dense, residential-edged neighborhood, so plan on metered street parking or a spot on the side streets, and walk the block on foot. It runs daytime-only, so come in the afternoon rather than for an evening outing, and bring cash to be safe. Pair it with a flip through the records next door and a nearby Cap Hill coffee shop or bar afterward. Hours shift seasonally — check ahead.
- 📍 Capitol Hill
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 624 E 13th Ave, Denver, CO 80203 (next to Wax Trax Records, between Washington & Pearl)
Hours: Open daily, roughly 12pm-6pm; confirm by phone (303-815-1979) before a long trip.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Westword · Official site · Yelp
last checked: 2026-06-07