Located inside the historic Union Station in Denver, Mercantile Dining & Provisions is helmed by Chef-Owner Alex Seidel (who was named “Best New Chef” by Food & Wine Magazine). Thanks for the rec @ipsedixit. 
While their main menu is featured for dinner, our schedule only allowed us to stop by during lunch, which features a far more limited menu. Regardless, we were excited to try some of the items here.
Colorado Quinoa Salad (Quinoa, Farm Greens, Grilled Zucchini, Charred Onion, Lentil Granola, Polenta Croutons, Goat’s Feta, Red Wine Vinaigrette):
While this sounds kind of standard in L.A. (with all our plentiful produce), this was fantastic! 
The Arugula tasted very fresh and perfectly bitter and bright. The Quinoa, Grilled Zucchini and Charred Onions provided a nice undertone that was nutty and beautiful in flavor. But it was the crunchy Lentil Granola and Polenta Croutons that gave the Salad a nice textural contrast and nice crunchy factor.
It was also not overdressed, which so many Salads are these days. The Feta was also not overpowering providing just enough creaminess and light funk to complete this. Delicious!
Italian Sandwich (Housemade Mortadella, La Quercia Prosciutto, Finocchiona, Calabrese, Milano, Marinated Fennel, Hot Pepper, Provolone, Ciabatta):
This was a serious Italian Sandwich: While they don’t bake their own Bread, it’s sourced from a local bakery and delivered daily. Taking a bite, you get this strata and diverse sampling of their Housemade Mortadella (delicious!), the La Quercia Prosciutto (tasty), Finocchiona, Calabrese for some spiciness and the Milano. That blend alone is complex, meaty, providing a real porcine funk and tastiness…
But then you get a bit of the Marinated Fennel, a spicy kick from the Hot Peppers and Provolone, and of course the Ciabatta Bread…
Its slightly sturdy exterior gives way to a pillowy, pleasing doughy interior, and it holds up to all of the meats, veggies and cheeses within. While it doesn’t dethrone Gjusta’s Italian (so good!), or Wax Paper, it’s right behind them, and one of the better Italians we’ve tried recently.
Mercantile is located within the old 100+ year old landmark Union Station, and I can imagine dinner to be quite the nice atmosphere (we enjoyed ourselves at lunch in the same dining room). Based on the amazing Quinoa Salad and fresh Italian Sandwich alone, I can’t wait to come back for dinner to try the full menu.
Mercantile Provisions & Dining
1701 Wynkoop Street, #155
Denver, CO 80202
Tel: (720) 460-3733