Guidebook for Denver
Food Scene
Locally-owned, very cool vibe, excellent coffee any way you like it and plenty of snacks and baked goods! Grab a cup or coffee and walk to Cheesman Park!
115 locals recommend
Thump Coffee
1201 E 13th AveLocally-owned, very cool vibe, excellent coffee any way you like it and plenty of snacks and baked goods! Grab a cup or coffee and walk to Cheesman Park!
One of the best restaurants in the city! Fantastic rotating farm to table-style menu, excellent wine list and a top-notch dining experience. Not to be missed!
149 locals recommend
Potager
1109 N Ogden StOne of the best restaurants in the city! Fantastic rotating farm to table-style menu, excellent wine list and a top-notch dining experience. Not to be missed!
UPDATE June '23- While Domo has been closed for the past 18 months they are hinting at a limited re-opening soon. Worth looking it up to see if they're open during your stay!
I'm going to claim this as the best Japanese Restaurant I've ever visited... and I've traveled the world extensively including five trips to Japan. If you like Asian food, this is not to be missed.
90 locals recommend
Domo Japanese Country Food Restaurant
1365 Osage StUPDATE June '23- While Domo has been closed for the past 18 months they are hinting at a limited re-opening soon. Worth looking it up to see if they're open during your stay!
I'm going to claim this as the best Japanese Restaurant I've ever visited... and I've traveled the world extensively including five trips to Japan. If you like Asian food, this is not to be missed.
Table 6
609 Corona StExcellent rotating menu, awesome vibes, great for a drink or a full meal!
Consistently noted as one of the top restaurants in Denver- "fine dining" that you can experience while still dressing down... Exceptional dining experience. Enjoy!!!
91 locals recommend
Fruition Restaurant
1313 E 6th AveConsistently noted as one of the top restaurants in Denver- "fine dining" that you can experience while still dressing down... Exceptional dining experience. Enjoy!!!
Cap Hill's answer to a "deli" - fresh made sandwiches in 1001 different shapes, sizes, and flavors. Great for a quick lunch on the go!
233 locals recommend
Snarf's Sandwiches
1003 E 11th AveCap Hill's answer to a "deli" - fresh made sandwiches in 1001 different shapes, sizes, and flavors. Great for a quick lunch on the go!
There are LOTS of taquerias in Denver- but this is one of my favorites... good street tacos and great margs.
68 locals recommend
Dos Santos
1475 E 17th AveThere are LOTS of taquerias in Denver- but this is one of my favorites... good street tacos and great margs.
Cheap, quick, and good Poke bowls! Well worth checking out. Surprisingly good value.
Rocky Fin Poke Bar
1245 E Colfax AveCheap, quick, and good Poke bowls! Well worth checking out. Surprisingly good value.
It's been just over 5 years since Hop Alley made an appearance in Denver with its unique asian-american fusion menu, and since then its racked up a host of awards and accolades. You may be hard pressed to get a table, but by showing up right after they open you can usually find seating for smaller parties. You will not be disappointed.
153 locals recommend
Hop Alley
3500 Larimer StIt's been just over 5 years since Hop Alley made an appearance in Denver with its unique asian-american fusion menu, and since then its racked up a host of awards and accolades. You may be hard pressed to get a table, but by showing up right after they open you can usually find seating for smaller parties. You will not be disappointed.
Great Thai food takeout option... and not a bad place to sit for a meal either. They deliver- usually in less than 30 mins, even when they say it will take longer! My favorite pad thai in the city!
66 locals recommend
Swing Thai
4370 Tennyson StGreat Thai food takeout option... and not a bad place to sit for a meal either. They deliver- usually in less than 30 mins, even when they say it will take longer! My favorite pad thai in the city!
Really solid option for takeout (they don't deliver, unless you order through Grubhub, etc). It's definitely the best pho restaurant near the apartment! Reasonably priced too!
48 locals recommend
Pho on 6
1312 E 6th AveReally solid option for takeout (they don't deliver, unless you order through Grubhub, etc). It's definitely the best pho restaurant near the apartment! Reasonably priced too!
Great breakfast and brunch spot- small, but exceptionally well-crafted menu.
74 locals recommend
Onefold
1420 E 18th AveGreat breakfast and brunch spot- small, but exceptionally well-crafted menu.
Great breakfast/brunch spot- lines can get long and wait times routinely run an hour or more during their busy hours. Go early and avoid the wait!
184 locals recommend
Jelly Cafe
600 E 13th AveGreat breakfast/brunch spot- lines can get long and wait times routinely run an hour or more during their busy hours. Go early and avoid the wait!
Great creole/southern influenced breakfast/brunch spot. The Cap Hill location is right around the corner, but their second spot on West 26th Avenue sometimes has shorter wait times and located in an old victorian home has a ton of charm. Go early to avoid the wait!
60 locals recommend
Sassafras American Eatery Capitol Hill
320 E Colfax AveGreat creole/southern influenced breakfast/brunch spot. The Cap Hill location is right around the corner, but their second spot on West 26th Avenue sometimes has shorter wait times and located in an old victorian home has a ton of charm. Go early to avoid the wait!
My new favorite brunch/cafe spot in all of Denver! Excellent menu for breakfast, brunch, snacks, and coffees. Very bohemian vibe with a menu to match- lots of organic and fresh options, "avocado toast" worth the $8 price tag, acai bowls, and really good breakfast burritos. Highly recommended, and just a short walk from the apartment.
44 locals recommend
The Corner Beet
1401 N Ogden StMy new favorite brunch/cafe spot in all of Denver! Excellent menu for breakfast, brunch, snacks, and coffees. Very bohemian vibe with a menu to match- lots of organic and fresh options, "avocado toast" worth the $8 price tag, acai bowls, and really good breakfast burritos. Highly recommended, and just a short walk from the apartment.
Modern Asian cuisine done right. Service, decor, and ambiance all 10/10.
105 locals recommend
Uchi Denver
2500 Lawrence StModern Asian cuisine done right. Service, decor, and ambiance all 10/10.
Quick walk and super convenient location makes this a good stop for a drink or meal. Traditional bar-food menu. Lots of our guests have given this place a thumbs up!
Wild Corgi Pub
1223 E 13th AveQuick walk and super convenient location makes this a good stop for a drink or meal. Traditional bar-food menu. Lots of our guests have given this place a thumbs up!
IMHO some of the best Thai food in Denver. Great/easy takeout option. Would highly recommend their Pad Thai!
35 locals recommend
Tommy's Thai
3410 E Colfax AveIMHO some of the best Thai food in Denver. Great/easy takeout option. Would highly recommend their Pad Thai!
Want an extra incentive to go for a walk to/around Cheesman Park? Go an extra couple blocks East (and North) of the Park and hit up Liks for some of the best small-batch ice cream in town. Tons of rotating flavors. A Cap Hill classic.
90 locals recommend
Liks Ice Cream
2039 E 13th AveWant an extra incentive to go for a walk to/around Cheesman Park? Go an extra couple blocks East (and North) of the Park and hit up Liks for some of the best small-batch ice cream in town. Tons of rotating flavors. A Cap Hill classic.
A Denver staple with indoor diving performances infamously featured on South Park. Closed down during the pandemic and was subsequently purchased by Trey Parker and Matt Stone- they invested $40 Mil into renovating it, and supposedly hired a James Beard Award-nominated chef to turn the kitchen around. Opening soon (Summer '23!).
137 locals recommend
Casa Bonita
6715 W Colfax AveA Denver staple with indoor diving performances infamously featured on South Park. Closed down during the pandemic and was subsequently purchased by Trey Parker and Matt Stone- they invested $40 Mil into renovating it, and supposedly hired a James Beard Award-nominated chef to turn the kitchen around. Opening soon (Summer '23!).
Excellent food and drinks- very cool architecture and vibe- unique within the Denver food scene. Best mojito in denver! Very close proximity to the apartment.
84 locals recommend
Cuba Cuba cafe & bar, DENVER
1173 Delaware StExcellent food and drinks- very cool architecture and vibe- unique within the Denver food scene. Best mojito in denver! Very close proximity to the apartment.
One of the more unique (and high-end) dining experiences that Denver has to offer. Reservations may be hard to come by and a meal here will set you back significantly more than the nightly rate you're paying to stay at the apartment, but for special occasions and true foodies it's worth the price if you can swing it! Would highly recommend.
9 locals recommend
Beckon
2843 Larimer StOne of the more unique (and high-end) dining experiences that Denver has to offer. Reservations may be hard to come by and a meal here will set you back significantly more than the nightly rate you're paying to stay at the apartment, but for special occasions and true foodies it's worth the price if you can swing it! Would highly recommend.
The most NY-style pizza you'll find (in the neighborhood at least). Walkable to pick up a slice. 'nough said.
40 locals recommend
Benny Blancos
616 E 13th AveThe most NY-style pizza you'll find (in the neighborhood at least). Walkable to pick up a slice. 'nough said.
Just opened! The closest dining option to the apartment- just around the corner at 11th and Corona. This place is chef-owned and operated, offering up globally inspired bowls, salads, and burritos made with premium locally sourced ingredients. Highly recommend!
Toro Food Concepts
Just opened! The closest dining option to the apartment- just around the corner at 11th and Corona. This place is chef-owned and operated, offering up globally inspired bowls, salads, and burritos made with premium locally sourced ingredients. Highly recommend!
One of my new favorite restaurants in all of Denver! This James Bear Award semi-finalist is undoubtedly one of the most hyped spots in town (at least in April of '24) and you'll need to book weeks in advance or get super lucky with a last minute opening. Worth planning ahead and making a reservation if you can!
Sap Sua
One of my new favorite restaurants in all of Denver! This James Bear Award semi-finalist is undoubtedly one of the most hyped spots in town (at least in April of '24) and you'll need to book weeks in advance or get super lucky with a last minute opening. Worth planning ahead and making a reservation if you can!
Parks & Nature
Just a short walk away, you'll enjoy checking out the historic mansions that line the streets on your way there. Cheesman is very safe, even for early morning and late evening strolls. Do a quick Google search about the history of the Park before you go- some very interesting stories on how Cheesman started off as one of Denver's largest cemeteries and legend has it that many of the earliest inhabitants never left...
527 locals recommend
Cheesman Park
Just a short walk away, you'll enjoy checking out the historic mansions that line the streets on your way there. Cheesman is very safe, even for early morning and late evening strolls. Do a quick Google search about the history of the Park before you go- some very interesting stories on how Cheesman started off as one of Denver's largest cemeteries and legend has it that many of the earliest inhabitants never left...
The Denver Botanic Gardens are worth a visit regardless of the time of the year you're passing through town! If you have the time to walk, go directly East from the apartment, through Cheesman Park onto 9th Avenue and take it until you reach York Street- you'll walk past a number of beautiful historic mansions on your way there. Otherwise its a very short drive. If you're lucky enough to be in town during one of the Summer concerts, pick up tickets on Craigslist if you can- well worth the experience!
1100 locals recommend
Denver Botanic Gardens
1007 York StThe Denver Botanic Gardens are worth a visit regardless of the time of the year you're passing through town! If you have the time to walk, go directly East from the apartment, through Cheesman Park onto 9th Avenue and take it until you reach York Street- you'll walk past a number of beautiful historic mansions on your way there. Otherwise its a very short drive. If you're lucky enough to be in town during one of the Summer concerts, pick up tickets on Craigslist if you can- well worth the experience!
Great short hike- lots of bang for the buck with an easy 30-45 min walk that ends at a gorgeous glacial lake. Amazing views. If you're going to do one day trip (or half day, in this case) into the foothills or mountains this is well worth your while. Trails are often snow-covered until late Spring, so be prepared.
148 locals recommend
St. Mary's Glacier
7599 Fall River RoadGreat short hike- lots of bang for the buck with an easy 30-45 min walk that ends at a gorgeous glacial lake. Amazing views. If you're going to do one day trip (or half day, in this case) into the foothills or mountains this is well worth your while. Trails are often snow-covered until late Spring, so be prepared.
Another short trip from Denver worth looking into... the network of trails winding through the Flatirons of Boulder offer a variety of difficult levels and much to explore. Beautiful views.
649 locals recommend
Chautauqua Park
9th StreetAnother short trip from Denver worth looking into... the network of trails winding through the Flatirons of Boulder offer a variety of difficult levels and much to explore. Beautiful views.
One of Denver's largest and most popular parks- rent a paddle boat during the summer months, or otherwise just take a stroll around the two lakes, tennis courts, and 155 acres of manicured gardens and lawns.
738 locals recommend
Washington Park
One of Denver's largest and most popular parks- rent a paddle boat during the summer months, or otherwise just take a stroll around the two lakes, tennis courts, and 155 acres of manicured gardens and lawns.
Denver's largest park at 330 acres, just East of downtown and a short drive from the apartment. Keep an eye on the schedule for Jazz in the Park during the summer months- usually every Sunday during the months of June and July- this free concert series attracts thousands of people who bring chairs, blankets, and picnics while taking in some great music.
745 locals recommend
City Park
2001 Colorado BlvdDenver's largest park at 330 acres, just East of downtown and a short drive from the apartment. Keep an eye on the schedule for Jazz in the Park during the summer months- usually every Sunday during the months of June and July- this free concert series attracts thousands of people who bring chairs, blankets, and picnics while taking in some great music.
Want to day trip to the mountains? This is the closest major mountain resort to Denver- just over an hour without traffic and feels like you're a million miles from the big city. 4-season activities galore... skiing/snowboarding in the winter months (of course), and a lot more in the summer- everything from an alpine slide to mini golf to scenic hiking and gondola rides (and a lot more!).
331 locals recommend
Winter Park Resort
85 Parsenn RdWant to day trip to the mountains? This is the closest major mountain resort to Denver- just over an hour without traffic and feels like you're a million miles from the big city. 4-season activities galore... skiing/snowboarding in the winter months (of course), and a lot more in the summer- everything from an alpine slide to mini golf to scenic hiking and gondola rides (and a lot more!).
Drinks & Nightlife
Highly recommend off-the-beaten-path spot for incredible cocktails and fun ambiance. The best bartenders in Denver (personal friends of mine, I should add!) serve up some of the stiffest and most creative drinks in the city.
16 locals recommend
RiNo Yacht Club
3701 North Williams StreetHighly recommend off-the-beaten-path spot for incredible cocktails and fun ambiance. The best bartenders in Denver (personal friends of mine, I should add!) serve up some of the stiffest and most creative drinks in the city.
My friend Gardner's brewery is an awesome place to grab a beer and hang for a few! Just moved to this new location on 17th St- the new digs are a big upgrade- awesome interior and a better patio! Cheers!
18 locals recommend
Alpine Dog Brewing Company
1308 N Ogden StMy friend Gardner's brewery is an awesome place to grab a beer and hang for a few! Just moved to this new location on 17th St- the new digs are a big upgrade- awesome interior and a better patio! Cheers!
I haven't been to this one since it was renamed the "3 Kilts Tavern" - but I'm assuming it's the same dive bar look, feel, drinks, and pricing that it always was under it's old name. Literally a 3 minute walk around the corner- closest watering hole to the apartment!
3 Kilts Tavern
I haven't been to this one since it was renamed the "3 Kilts Tavern" - but I'm assuming it's the same dive bar look, feel, drinks, and pricing that it always was under it's old name. Literally a 3 minute walk around the corner- closest watering hole to the apartment!
Entertainment & Activities
One of the most iconic concert venues in the world, and for a very good reason. If you're able to catch a show when you're in town you won't be disappointed by this incredible place... and even if you don't have the opportunity to catch a show, there are some great hiking trails in and around the immediate vicinity of Red Rocks (just park in the lot at the top of the venue!), and really, walking through the venue and down onto the stage (open during the day time, at least when concerts are not scheduled) is worth the 20-minute drive alone!
1973 locals recommend
Red Rocks amphitheater
18300 West Alameda ParkwayOne of the most iconic concert venues in the world, and for a very good reason. If you're able to catch a show when you're in town you won't be disappointed by this incredible place... and even if you don't have the opportunity to catch a show, there are some great hiking trails in and around the immediate vicinity of Red Rocks (just park in the lot at the top of the venue!), and really, walking through the venue and down onto the stage (open during the day time, at least when concerts are not scheduled) is worth the 20-minute drive alone!
The Ogden is a small theater venue that attracts some big-name national acts. Worth checking the schedule to see who's in town... only a short walk away from the apartment!
283 locals recommend
Ogden Theatre
935 E Colfax AveThe Ogden is a small theater venue that attracts some big-name national acts. Worth checking the schedule to see who's in town... only a short walk away from the apartment!
Denver just completed construction on one of its largest (and best!) rec centers in the city, and its right around the corner! Day or weekly memberships are cheap, and the center offers two pools, a number of gyms, and a long list of activities and classes.
31 locals recommend
Carla Madison Recreation Center
2401 E Colfax AveDenver just completed construction on one of its largest (and best!) rec centers in the city, and its right around the corner! Day or weekly memberships are cheap, and the center offers two pools, a number of gyms, and a long list of activities and classes.
Located in the heart of City Park, the Denver Zoo is home to hundreds of animals across its 80-acre facility. Started with the donation of an orphaned American black bear back in 1896 it became the first zoo in the United States to use naturalistic zoo enclosures rather than cages with bars.
884 locals recommend
Denver Zoo
2300 Steele StLocated in the heart of City Park, the Denver Zoo is home to hundreds of animals across its 80-acre facility. Started with the donation of an orphaned American black bear back in 1896 it became the first zoo in the United States to use naturalistic zoo enclosures rather than cages with bars.
Another incredible music venue within walking distance! One of the larger non-traditional venues in the city- I've seen some amazing shows here over the years and you could too!
205 locals recommend
Fillmore Auditorium
1510 N Clarkson StAnother incredible music venue within walking distance! One of the larger non-traditional venues in the city- I've seen some amazing shows here over the years and you could too!
The 600-ish person capacity venue provides for one of the more intimate venues in the area- catch any number of artists on the come up before they graduate to some of the cities bigger venues.
249 locals recommend
Bluebird Theater
3317 E Colfax AveThe 600-ish person capacity venue provides for one of the more intimate venues in the area- catch any number of artists on the come up before they graduate to some of the cities bigger venues.
The original Art District in Denver- if you're in town for the first friday of the month during the summer I would highly recommend making your way down to check it out. Santa Fe Drive is closed to traffic between 7th and 13th Ave and the streets are full of food trucks, art galleries, performers, etc. Good times.
69 locals recommend
Art District on Santa Fe
858 Santa Fe DrThe original Art District in Denver- if you're in town for the first friday of the month during the summer I would highly recommend making your way down to check it out. Santa Fe Drive is closed to traffic between 7th and 13th Ave and the streets are full of food trucks, art galleries, performers, etc. Good times.
Getting Around
Pick up a B-cycle for a ride around town or the neighborhood!
32 locals recommend
Denver B-Cycle Station
1240 Sherman StPick up a B-cycle for a ride around town or the neighborhood!
Essentials (Grocery Stores)
Everything you need for groceries and other essentials- just 2 blocks away!
719 locals recommend
King Soopers
1155 E 9th AveEverything you need for groceries and other essentials- just 2 blocks away!
Trader Joes. You know what it is, now you know where to find the nearest one to the apartment.
372 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
661 Logan StTrader Joes. You know what it is, now you know where to find the nearest one to the apartment.
Yes- it's just a Whole Foods by another name. Same incredible selection of fresh produce, some great prepared meals and options at the food bar (hot and cold!), fresh baked bread, beer, wine, and anything else you'll need for your stay. Literally a 3 minute walk away- SUPER convenient. Also typical Whole Foods pricing (but frequent sales bring some sky-high prices back down to earth).
18 locals recommend
Ideal Market Denver
900 E 11th AveYes- it's just a Whole Foods by another name. Same incredible selection of fresh produce, some great prepared meals and options at the food bar (hot and cold!), fresh baked bread, beer, wine, and anything else you'll need for your stay. Literally a 3 minute walk away- SUPER convenient. Also typical Whole Foods pricing (but frequent sales bring some sky-high prices back down to earth).
Arts & Culture
Fantastic museum- lots to offer for all ages. A number of exhibits that have been around for decades, and others that are updated regularly, and others yet that are only temporary. The iMax Theater and Planetarium are well worth checking out as well. If its a nice day, time your visit with a walk through City Park, which is immediately adjacent to the museum.
1094 locals recommend
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
2001 Colorado BlvdFantastic museum- lots to offer for all ages. A number of exhibits that have been around for decades, and others that are updated regularly, and others yet that are only temporary. The iMax Theater and Planetarium are well worth checking out as well. If its a nice day, time your visit with a walk through City Park, which is immediately adjacent to the museum.
Well worth a trip if you're into the art scene- very diverse exhibits and more to see than you can possibly take in over the course of a day!
1293 locals recommend
Denver Art Museum
100 W 14th Ave PkwyWell worth a trip if you're into the art scene- very diverse exhibits and more to see than you can possibly take in over the course of a day!
Get yourself a dose of Denver history! Tour the home of Molly Brown, get a taste for life in a victorian mansion at the turn of the century, and learn about the history of the city, Molly's role in it, her experience surviving the sinking of the titanic, and more.
240 locals recommend
Molly Brown House Museum
1340 Pennsylvania StGet yourself a dose of Denver history! Tour the home of Molly Brown, get a taste for life in a victorian mansion at the turn of the century, and learn about the history of the city, Molly's role in it, her experience surviving the sinking of the titanic, and more.