Guidebook for Denver
Food Scene
Great winery and restaurant, cool space, dog friendly on the outdoor patio. If the front patio is crowded, walk alongside the building to the back for a more enclosed feel.
66 locals recommend
Bigsby's Folly Craft Winery & Restaurant
3563 Wazee StGreat winery and restaurant, cool space, dog friendly on the outdoor patio. If the front patio is crowded, walk alongside the building to the back for a more enclosed feel.
Fish N Beer
3510 Larimer StFresh seafood, great drinks and best lobster roll in Denver.
Hotbox Roasters
3460 Larimer StCaffeine jolt and sinfully delicious donuts.
Modest counter with rustic Mexican eats and a legitimate, sloppy breakfast burrito on the cheap.
17 locals recommend
Los Molinos Restaurant
1603 Bruce Randolph AveModest counter with rustic Mexican eats and a legitimate, sloppy breakfast burrito on the cheap.
A smaller version of Pike's Place Market in Seattle, this local food sensation is a must. Meat & fish counters plus a greengrocer, bakery, pizzeria & much more in an airy marketplace.
283 locals recommend
The Denver Central Market
2669 Larimer StA smaller version of Pike's Place Market in Seattle, this local food sensation is a must. Meat & fish counters plus a greengrocer, bakery, pizzeria & much more in an airy marketplace.
Fine dining without an ostentatious atmosphere. New American small plates & artisanal cocktails in an industrial-style space with graffitied walls. Reservations recommended. If no availability, try Mister Tuna down the street, which feature new American fare including wood-fired meats & seafood pairs with cocktails in a slick, hip space.
102 locals recommend
Acorn
3350 Brighton BlvdFine dining without an ostentatious atmosphere. New American small plates & artisanal cocktails in an industrial-style space with graffitied walls. Reservations recommended. If no availability, try Mister Tuna down the street, which feature new American fare including wood-fired meats & seafood pairs with cocktails in a slick, hip space.
Modern deli serving NY-style bagels, sandwiches & an array of smoked fish plus coffee, tea & soda. Get there early to avoid the long line.
210 locals recommend
Rosenberg's Bagels & Delicatessen (Five Points)
725 E 26th AveModern deli serving NY-style bagels, sandwiches & an array of smoked fish plus coffee, tea & soda. Get there early to avoid the long line.
Vine Street is close to our house and one of our favorites. The atmosphere is casual and fun and the burgers are scrumptious. You'll find a plethora of games in the corner for your amusement and may even stumble across live music. One tip, the joint is cash only. If you don't have any on you there is an ATM in the back.
231 locals recommend
Vine Street Pub & Brewery
1700 Vine StVine Street is close to our house and one of our favorites. The atmosphere is casual and fun and the burgers are scrumptious. You'll find a plethora of games in the corner for your amusement and may even stumble across live music. One tip, the joint is cash only. If you don't have any on you there is an ATM in the back.
"A mortuary converted into a trendy bar and restaurant. The rooftop bar/patio overlooks Denver. " "Linger, which sits in the refabbed Olinger parking garage—a jam-packed, multilevel space with a box view of the skyline. Drink in the experience at the bar from the rooftop patio, or through the main dining room’s enormous garage-door windows. Linger’s menu—an enticing mishmash of street food from around the globe—banishes the entrée in favor of share-it-around small plates. Instead of being trite, portions are generous and prices (which hover around $10) are downright reasonable. It’s not unusual to get your fill (plus drinks) for $30 a person. " ~5280 Magazine
743 locals recommend
Linger
2030 W 30th Ave"A mortuary converted into a trendy bar and restaurant. The rooftop bar/patio overlooks Denver. " "Linger, which sits in the refabbed Olinger parking garage—a jam-packed, multilevel space with a box view of the skyline. Drink in the experience at the bar from the rooftop patio, or through the main dining room’s enormous garage-door windows. Linger’s menu—an enticing mishmash of street food from around the globe—banishes the entrée in favor of share-it-around small plates. Instead of being trite, portions are generous and prices (which hover around $10) are downright reasonable. It’s not unusual to get your fill (plus drinks) for $30 a person. " ~5280 Magazine
Newest and best rooftop bar in Denver. Spanish & Eastern Mediterranean small plates & drinks served in a funky, buzzy top-floor penthouse.
291 locals recommend
El Five
2930 15th StNewest and best rooftop bar in Denver. Spanish & Eastern Mediterranean small plates & drinks served in a funky, buzzy top-floor penthouse.
Imagine a food court as designed for hipsters. Avanti is a fantastic place to dine and drink with a group of friends. There are multiple food truck-like concepts, so everyone can choose what they want to eat and pay a separate tab. The atmosphere is very cool and the views of the city are great.
651 locals recommend
Avanti Food and Beverage
3200 North Pecos StreetImagine a food court as designed for hipsters. Avanti is a fantastic place to dine and drink with a group of friends. There are multiple food truck-like concepts, so everyone can choose what they want to eat and pay a separate tab. The atmosphere is very cool and the views of the city are great.
This quaint little vegan restaurant offers a variety of delicious vegan options and is also a cool place to chill at night to get acquainted with the locals. Delish!
357 locals recommend
City O' City
206 E 13th AveThis quaint little vegan restaurant offers a variety of delicious vegan options and is also a cool place to chill at night to get acquainted with the locals. Delish!
Coolest looking coffee shop in Denver for sure AND great coffee/espresso, great simple food items - brûléed grapefruit, quiche, and bahn mi - art and design everywhere for the eyeballs.
275 locals recommend
Crema Coffee House
2862 Larimer StCoolest looking coffee shop in Denver for sure AND great coffee/espresso, great simple food items - brûléed grapefruit, quiche, and bahn mi - art and design everywhere for the eyeballs.
Snooze is known for their unique take on breakfast staples. The lines are typically long but efficiently managed; enjoy free coffee and juice while you wait. Must Try: Bella! Bella! Benny
862 locals recommend
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
6315 W 104th AveSnooze is known for their unique take on breakfast staples. The lines are typically long but efficiently managed; enjoy free coffee and juice while you wait. Must Try: Bella! Bella! Benny
Owners Jonathan Power, Noah Price, and Cliff White strive to emphasize this philosophy at every turn. From the numerous community tables to the nature and construction of the dishes on the menu: sharing your environment and your food is emphatically supported. Chef Power presents a regularly changing lineup of New American small plates that both excite and challenge diners. An approachable but nuanced wine list brings excellent bottles from lesser known winemakers to the table. A personal favorite, this restaurant is conveniently located right near the house.
182 locals recommend
The Populist
3163 Larimer StOwners Jonathan Power, Noah Price, and Cliff White strive to emphasize this philosophy at every turn. From the numerous community tables to the nature and construction of the dishes on the menu: sharing your environment and your food is emphatically supported. Chef Power presents a regularly changing lineup of New American small plates that both excite and challenge diners. An approachable but nuanced wine list brings excellent bottles from lesser known winemakers to the table. A personal favorite, this restaurant is conveniently located right near the house.
Work & Class is a casual restaurant and bar with the concept of a square meal, a stiff drink, and a fair price. The menu includes roasted, braised, and rotisserie meats, specialty sides, and freshly baked breads and tortillas, along with an interesting selection of beers, wines, and small-batch spirits. History Established in 2014. Work & Class was founded in 2014 by Delores Tronco, Dana Rodriguez, and Tony Maciag.
268 locals recommend
Work & Class
2500 Larimer StWork & Class is a casual restaurant and bar with the concept of a square meal, a stiff drink, and a fair price. The menu includes roasted, braised, and rotisserie meats, specialty sides, and freshly baked breads and tortillas, along with an interesting selection of beers, wines, and small-batch spirits. History Established in 2014. Work & Class was founded in 2014 by Delores Tronco, Dana Rodriguez, and Tony Maciag.
SLURP! Delicious ramen and a great to go option within walking distance of the house.
35 locals recommend
Corner Ramen
1629 Bruce Randolph AveSLURP! Delicious ramen and a great to go option within walking distance of the house.
Also known as "Pinche Tacos" but due to city law, they're not allowed to display their real name in public. They serve street tacos and began as a food truck. This place looks most anonymous from the outside and is easily missed apart from the constant crowd of hungry people outside. If you can't wait or don't feel like getting squeezed to death inside, the tacos are just as good ordering to-go.
300 locals recommend
Tacos Tequila Whiskey
1514 York StAlso known as "Pinche Tacos" but due to city law, they're not allowed to display their real name in public. They serve street tacos and began as a food truck. This place looks most anonymous from the outside and is easily missed apart from the constant crowd of hungry people outside. If you can't wait or don't feel like getting squeezed to death inside, the tacos are just as good ordering to-go.
Julep
3258 Larimer StNew restaurant Southern fare.
Shake Shack has officially climbed to the Mile High City! Our first-ever Colorado Shack is located in the heart of the River North Art District—a hub for food, art and culture! The RiNo Denver Shack features all the Shake Shack classics along with the exclusive Green Chile CheddarShack, a classic cheeseburger topped with shredded white cheddar, marinated green chiles and scallions.
31 locals recommend
Shake Shack
2995 Larimer StShake Shack has officially climbed to the Mile High City! Our first-ever Colorado Shack is located in the heart of the River North Art District—a hub for food, art and culture! The RiNo Denver Shack features all the Shake Shack classics along with the exclusive Green Chile CheddarShack, a classic cheeseburger topped with shredded white cheddar, marinated green chiles and scallions.
James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole has risen from fairly humble beginnings to being one of the premier chefs in the foodie city of Austin. He opened his first restaurant, Uchi, in a refurbished bungalow in South Austin in 2003 and has since gone on to open two additional restaurants in the city, three more in Texas and now finally one outside the Lone Star State.
105 locals recommend
Uchi Denver
2500 Lawrence StJames Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole has risen from fairly humble beginnings to being one of the premier chefs in the foodie city of Austin. He opened his first restaurant, Uchi, in a refurbished bungalow in South Austin in 2003 and has since gone on to open two additional restaurants in the city, three more in Texas and now finally one outside the Lone Star State.
Oskar Blues Brewery calls its newest dining concept “craft-casual,” to emphasize that while Chuburger, which opened in spring 2013 in Longmont, has a fast-casual setup, the food you get when you order at this cool spot is very different. The foundation of the menu is the classic Chuburger, made from cows raised on the fifty-acre Hops & Heifers farm just eight miles away and are certified all natural, 100 percent Black Angus. But there's also a Berkburger, made from Berkshire hogs raised at the Blues farm and topped with bacon and balsamic-grilled onions and slathered in bleu cheese butter, as well as salmon burgers and Colorado bison burgers.
23 locals recommend
Chuburger
3490 Larimer StOskar Blues Brewery calls its newest dining concept “craft-casual,” to emphasize that while Chuburger, which opened in spring 2013 in Longmont, has a fast-casual setup, the food you get when you order at this cool spot is very different. The foundation of the menu is the classic Chuburger, made from cows raised on the fifty-acre Hops & Heifers farm just eight miles away and are certified all natural, 100 percent Black Angus. But there's also a Berkburger, made from Berkshire hogs raised at the Blues farm and topped with bacon and balsamic-grilled onions and slathered in bleu cheese butter, as well as salmon burgers and Colorado bison burgers.
Drinks & Nightlife
Very hip and dang good drinks. Snag desert on the way home and try the homemade chocolate chip cookie with ice cream.
78 locals recommend
Gold Point
3126 Larimer StVery hip and dang good drinks. Snag desert on the way home and try the homemade chocolate chip cookie with ice cream.
Quaint pub atmosphere with a happening vibrant crowd. Just a great spot to meet up with friends and grab a couple drinks. Choose from the house "infused" drinks or the great beer & wine selection.
174 locals recommend
The Thin Man
2015 E 17th AveQuaint pub atmosphere with a happening vibrant crowd. Just a great spot to meet up with friends and grab a couple drinks. Choose from the house "infused" drinks or the great beer & wine selection.
Dark basement bar/music venue with a cool covered patio out back, and lots of awesome live music. They have a great jazz night on Monday, but don't show up before 10 or 11 PM or the place will be empty.
148 locals recommend
Meadowlark Bar
2701 Larimer StDark basement bar/music venue with a cool covered patio out back, and lots of awesome live music. They have a great jazz night on Monday, but don't show up before 10 or 11 PM or the place will be empty.
Famous local speakeasy voted the best cocktail bar in the nation by Tails magazine in 2015. Unassuming secret entrance on the corner--looks like a tiny bookstore. It opens up into a gorgeous old school bar. Great small and large plates. Amazing liquor selection.
427 locals recommend
Williams & Graham
3160 Tejon StFamous local speakeasy voted the best cocktail bar in the nation by Tails magazine in 2015. Unassuming secret entrance on the corner--looks like a tiny bookstore. It opens up into a gorgeous old school bar. Great small and large plates. Amazing liquor selection.
This brewery has great local brews! And they have a nice patio for warm summer days. I recommend trying the Graham Cracker Porter.
240 locals recommend
Denver Beer Company
1695 Platte StThis brewery has great local brews! And they have a nice patio for warm summer days. I recommend trying the Graham Cracker Porter.
A good place to start a night of Brewery hopping, Epic is in the Rhino district and will start your night of dancing, drinking and entertainment off right.
208 locals recommend
Epic Brewing Company
3001 Walnut StA good place to start a night of Brewery hopping, Epic is in the Rhino district and will start your night of dancing, drinking and entertainment off right.
The entire roof of the bar is an open air beer garden with outdoor fireplaces and sweeping views of downtown Denver.
190 locals recommend
Recess Beer Garden
2715 17th StThe entire roof of the bar is an open air beer garden with outdoor fireplaces and sweeping views of downtown Denver.
Just opened and known for cheeky cocktails & wines pair with inventive bites at this hip, stylish bar & lounge with a patio.
7 locals recommend
bar helix
3440 Larimer StJust opened and known for cheeky cocktails & wines pair with inventive bites at this hip, stylish bar & lounge with a patio.
Yeah Baby is a gin and disco pop-up brought to you courtesy of organic distillery CapRock and Jack Rabbit Hill, a winery situated in western Colorado, Eater Denver reports.
The art-filled space features lounge areas, spirits from CapRock and cocktails like the Tempest in a Teacup, made with peach brandy, London Fog tea and angostura bitters.
Yelpers are excited about Yeah Baby, which currently holds four stars out of five reviews on the site.
Yeah Baby Denver
2811 Walnut St
Yeah Baby is a gin and disco pop-up brought to you courtesy of organic distillery CapRock and Jack Rabbit Hill, a winery situated in western Colorado, Eater Denver reports.
The art-filled space features lounge areas, spirits from CapRock and cocktails like the Tempest in a Teacup, made with peach brandy, London Fog tea and angostura bitters.
Yelpers are excited about Yeah Baby, which currently holds four stars out of five reviews on the site.
Art gallery & speak easy. Upon entering the hidden picture frame-esque door, guests’ eyes will be drawn to the copper hues that make the speakeasy glow while their noses will warm the atmosphere with cedar smoked cocktails at the bar. The drink mixology is attractive as they watch each cocktail craftily made with simple, fresh ingredients.
The speakeasy also offers beautifully presented food
20 locals recommend
Millers & Rossi
3542 Walnut StArt gallery & speak easy. Upon entering the hidden picture frame-esque door, guests’ eyes will be drawn to the copper hues that make the speakeasy glow while their noses will warm the atmosphere with cedar smoked cocktails at the bar. The drink mixology is attractive as they watch each cocktail craftily made with simple, fresh ingredients.
The speakeasy also offers beautifully presented food
Parks & Nature
Red Rocks amphitheater
18300 West Alameda Parkway
Washington Park
Denver's beach
Go for a run, to play golf, or attend the highly popular jazz in the park. All concerts are on Sunday from 6-8pm, rain or shine, and include jazz, blues and salsa.
745 locals recommend
City Park
2001 Colorado BlvdGo for a run, to play golf, or attend the highly popular jazz in the park. All concerts are on Sunday from 6-8pm, rain or shine, and include jazz, blues and salsa.
Start of a well-trafficked 4-mile (round trip) trail to a scenic waterfall, for all hiking levels. Good for dogs with plenty of shade but don't forget water.
61 locals recommend
Maxwell Falls Lower Trail
7627 S Brook Forest RdStart of a well-trafficked 4-mile (round trip) trail to a scenic waterfall, for all hiking levels. Good for dogs with plenty of shade but don't forget water.
Royal Arch Trail
Royal Arch TrailBeautiful hike, grab lunch afterwards in Boulder.
Combining the best of both sceneries - the mountains and a lake. A great place for a walk or a jog and beautiful sights.
437 locals recommend
Sloans Lake
Combining the best of both sceneries - the mountains and a lake. A great place for a walk or a jog and beautiful sights.
For those who would prefer not to hike but still want to partake in CO's natural beauty. Lookout Mountain is a favorite drive for a day of touring in the mountains. Ionic views of continental divide can be viewed from the comfort of your car.
41 locals recommend
Lookout Mountain Road
Lookout Mountain RoadFor those who would prefer not to hike but still want to partake in CO's natural beauty. Lookout Mountain is a favorite drive for a day of touring in the mountains. Ionic views of continental divide can be viewed from the comfort of your car.
One of the things people love most about hiking in Elk Meadow Park in Evergreen is the chance to spot herds of elk grazing at the edge of the forests, just as they have in that area for centuries. Wildlife includes mountain bluebirds flitting through forests and red-tailed hawks soaring overhead. There are a mix of trails, from easy to strenuous. They include flat terrain, rolling hills, meadows with July wildflowers, and tougher hikes — like the Bergen Peak Trail, which has more than 1,700 feet of elevation gain and views of Pikes Peak, Mount Evans and the Continental Divide.
40 locals recommend
Elk Meadow Park
2855 Bergen Peak DrOne of the things people love most about hiking in Elk Meadow Park in Evergreen is the chance to spot herds of elk grazing at the edge of the forests, just as they have in that area for centuries. Wildlife includes mountain bluebirds flitting through forests and red-tailed hawks soaring overhead. There are a mix of trails, from easy to strenuous. They include flat terrain, rolling hills, meadows with July wildflowers, and tougher hikes — like the Bergen Peak Trail, which has more than 1,700 feet of elevation gain and views of Pikes Peak, Mount Evans and the Continental Divide.
Essentials
Safeway
757 E 20th AveThis gets it done.
Sprouts Farmers Market
3625 E Colfax AveDenver's budget friendly Whole Foods.
Entertainment & Activities
Denver Zoo
2300 Steele StCoors Field
2001 Blake StGO ROCKIES!
A 23-acre oasis in the middle of the city, has 45 different gardens (some 33,000 plants), as well as one of the nation's top 10 conservatories. Relax in the Japanese Garden, climb through the Rock Alpine Garden and explore the new Mordecai Children's Garden. The Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory is the largest single structure tropical conservatory in the U.S., including banyan tree roots and cloud forest orchids.
1100 locals recommend
Denver Botanic Gardens
1007 York StA 23-acre oasis in the middle of the city, has 45 different gardens (some 33,000 plants), as well as one of the nation's top 10 conservatories. Relax in the Japanese Garden, climb through the Rock Alpine Garden and explore the new Mordecai Children's Garden. The Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory is the largest single structure tropical conservatory in the U.S., including banyan tree roots and cloud forest orchids.
Shopping
Consignment shop stocking contemporary furniture also offers upholstery & interior-design services.
re-for your home
2845 Walnut StreetConsignment shop stocking contemporary furniture also offers upholstery & interior-design services.
COLORADO MAKERS + CRAFT GOODS + LIVE MUSIC + BIKE EXPO + LOCAL BEERS + MORE
Check their website as location/days are always changing.
Denver Flea - Holiday Flea
COLORADO MAKERS + CRAFT GOODS + LIVE MUSIC + BIKE EXPO + LOCAL BEERS + MORE
Check their website as location/days are always changing.
Flagship store selling bohemian women's apparel, accessories, handmade gemstone jewelry & more.
9 locals recommend
Meraki Moon Boutique
3070 Blake StFlagship store selling bohemian women's apparel, accessories, handmade gemstone jewelry & more.
This light-filled store has been selling designer & contemporary women's apparel & shoes since 1985.
Garbarini
239 Detroit StThis light-filled store has been selling designer & contemporary women's apparel & shoes since 1985.
Hip sneaker outpost featuring brand–name shoes & streetwear in a contemporary, gallery–like space.
FICE Gallery
2654 Walnut StHip sneaker outpost featuring brand–name shoes & streetwear in a contemporary, gallery–like space.
12,000 square feet of treasures to be FOUND! There is an amazing Persian rug dealer there.
Found Antique and Artisan Mall
4501 Wadsworth Blvd12,000 square feet of treasures to be FOUND! There is an amazing Persian rug dealer there.
Getting Around
Best for going downtown to Union Station or to airport. Otherwise, recommend driving a car or riding a bike to get around the city.
40 locals recommend
38th / Blake Station
3745 Blake StBest for going downtown to Union Station or to airport. Otherwise, recommend driving a car or riding a bike to get around the city.