Known around the world as a hub for outdoor activities, Denver is one of the few major cities that is able to offer residents and visitors alike the opportunity to get lost in some of the most pristine nature in the country and enjoy the fine dining, great nightlife and social benefits that come with a large local population.
Check out the hidden gems listed below and find your new favorite Denver hangout today.
Source: facebook.com/theplimoth
The best places to eat in Denver
Over the past decade, Denver has become a hotspot for innovative chefs and the dishes that help make their names. Here are eight of the top restaurants in Denver.
The Plimoth
The Plimoth perfectly encompasses everything you want in a neighborhood eatery. A warm and inviting interior paired with an expansive outdoor seating area make the Plimoth a great place to grab a bite in the Skyland neighborhood. This foodie’s paradise features a creative menu that constantly evolves to reflect what’s in season and what’s on the minds of the talented folks making the food.
Comal Heritage Food Incubator
Comal Heritage Food Incubator was founded with the goal of serving as a “platform for economic development for aspiring immigrant and refugee women entrepreneurs to learn the skills to find a great job in the industry or launch their own business…” It’s hard not to support a noble cause like that. Even better, the from-scratch food being churned out of this sustainable kitchen is top notch. With a menu that changes daily, your guess is as good as ours as to what you can expect, but rest assured, it will be better than whatever you’re making at home. You can find this hidden gem in South Globeville.
Jovanina’s Broken Italian
Jovanina’s Broken Italian is an undeniably cool Central Business District spot for great food and charming Italian decor. This place is so cool, in fact, that it has a basement speakeasy called Sotto Voce that used to serve as a gathering space during prohibition. So, looking to impress that special someone next date night? How does authentic Italian food followed by a nightcap in an exclusive speakeasy sound?
Q House
Q House is a hip hideout that’s small, welcoming and always crafting refined Chinese offerings in the kitchen. From duck lo mein to chicken wings and so much more, It’s entirely possible that every item on the menu is an undeniable home run. The team at Q House takes it up a notch by pairing their delicious plates with creative cocktails, purposefully selected wines and beer from all over the world. With a combo like that, you really can’t go wrong at Q House.
Woodie Fisher
Boasting one of the most awe-inspiring interiors in the Denver restaurant scene, Woodie Fisher is a Ballpark District restaurant serving up an eclectic selection of upscale plates. Take a look at the menu and it’s easy to see that their food draws inspiration from all around the globe. Soaring ceilings, tasteful greenery and a kitchen staff/front-of-house team that are second to none make this beautiful brick building a great option for a more upscale evening.
HOJA
By utilizing local and organic products whenever possible, the team at HOJA has created a sustainable spot to seek out fresh food and delicious drinks in the Platt Park area. The food selection skews more breakfast/lunch in style but they offer up craft cocktails in addition to great vibes until 8:00 PM Thursday – Sunday. Whether you’re starting your day with a breakfast burrito or capping it off with a passion fruit marg, if you find yourself at HOJA, you’re in for a good time.
WongWayVeg
WongWayVeg is a vegan food truck that can often be found in the South Park Hill area of Denver. This truck can be hired to cater weddings, baby showers and any other type of social or professional gathering. This woman-run truck serves up burgers, burritos barbecue and more all in peerless vegan form. If you’re in the market for scratch-made vegan comfort food, check out their website and track down the WongWayVeg truck today.
The Corner Beet
The Corner Beet is a North Capitol Hill-based restaurant that utilizes organic and locally-sourced ingredients wherever possible. This gem features a bright and airy interior, a great location and food that not only tastes good but has you feeling good after you eat it, too. Offering up everything from coffee and smoothies to salads and cocktails, this hip neighborhood shop is an ideal place to kill a few hours, grab a bite and watch the Denver locals go about their day.
Source: facebook.com/retrogradednvr
Four great places to grab a drink in Denver
Looking for a local watering hole to sip on a tasty cocktail? These four spots are the perfect place to grab a drink with some friends.
Retrograde
Retrograde is a small speakeasy hidden in the back of an ice cream shop. This little lounge serves up inventive cocktails with unique flavors under space-themed names. The great thing about Retrograde is that, if you encounter a wait while trying to get in, you can enjoy a scoop of some ice cream from the Sweet Action ice cream shop.
Run for the Roses
Run for the Roses is a secluded and swanky underground lair located at Dairy Block. This cozy lounge is the ideal spot to end your night with a classic cocktail made by a top-tier mixologist. If you’re hitting the town with a larger group, make a reservation ahead of time as Run for the Roses has private space available for more sizable parties.
The Wild
The Wild aims to be the premier spot in Downtown Denver for coffee, cocktails, wine, beer and spirits. As soon as you step inside, it’s easy to see they’ve accomplished just that. Sit down and enjoy a small plate paired with the libation of your choice and enjoy all that this perfectly curated space has to offer.
Forget Me Not
Forget Me Not is an elegant cocktail bar in the Country Club neighborhood. This hip spot features velvet couches, a beautiful bar under a big chandelier, great outdoor seating and colorful cocktails that taste as good as they look, and that’s saying something. If that’s not a recipe for a great night on the town in Denver, what is?
Source: facebook.com/novelstrandbrewingco
The best spots for a cold beer in Denver
There’s no denying it, Denver is a beer city. Here are four of the best spots to grab a cold one in the Mile High City.
Novel Strand
A brewer-owned and operated brewery, Novel Strand is as legit as it gets. Nestled in the heart of Baker, Novel Strand Brewing Company specializes in unique beers with flavors that you aren’t likely to find elsewhere. Always experimenting with new methods and ingredients, the creative folks behind this brewery are constantly “changing their DNA,” and that’s just the way they like it.
Cervecería Colorado
Cervecería Colorado operates under the noble idea of building bridges, not walls. That said, the bright muraled walls of the Cervecería Colorado building will likely be the first thing you notice when you pull up to their Highland location. Here you’ll find Mexican-inspired craft beers influenced by traditional flavors and executed with imagination. Stop by and sip on a cold one while breathing in the fresh Rocky Mountian air from the patio.
Crooked Stave
Crooked Stave was founded over a decade ago by the science-minded, creative brew guru, Chad Yakobson. Chad takes a progressive approach to brewing that “blends science and art through creativity and passion.” Pouring everything from sours to Mexican lagers to IPAs, if you’re a beer lover, this is the place for you. Stop by, kick back and crack open a sudsy creation with a few friends. Life in Denver doesn’t get much better than that.
14er Brewing Company and Beer Garden
“Uniquely crushable craft beers” serves as the driving principle behind River North Art District-based 14er Brewing Company and Beer Garden. This industrial space often hosts food trucks to accompany its killer selection of brews. Benefitting from an expansive beer garden, 14er is an ideal spot to get together with a large group or enjoy a little personal time over a pint. Regardless, 14er is inviting and always a good choice for a quality hang.
Source: facebook.com/sondercoffeeco
Locally owned coffee shops in Denver
With so much to do in Denver, you’re going to want to stay caffeinated. These are four of the best coffee shops and cafes in Denver.
Sonder Coffee and Tea
Sonder Coffee and Tea is a cute and airy Cherry Creek coffee shop that has a truly great atmosphere. offering up exactly what you’re looking for in a morning pick-me-up spot, Sonder Coffee and Tea has kombucha and iced tea on tap as well as creative cold brews and pastries that can make all seem right in the world. That may be an exaggeration, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here.
Middle State Coffee
Middle State Coffee is a plant-filled, industrial-style space serving up some of the highest quality caffeinated cups of goodness in the Baker area. More than a simple coffee shop, Middle State also offers subscription and wholesale services in addition to strong Wi-Fi and stellar waffles. If you need a pick-me-up, you can always count on Middle State Coffee to provide quality fuel for your day.
Kaladi Coffee Roasters
With locations in Denver and Englewood, Kaladi Coffee Roasters is beloved by Colorado locals. Founded over 20 years ago, Kaladi sources only the highest-quality beans and leverages custom equipment to create coffee that simply tastes great. Regardless of how you take your morning cup of joe, if you’re filling up with Kaladi, you’re starting your day on the right foot.
Blue Sparrow Coffee
Blue Sparrow Coffee is a coffee-lovers coffee shop. Beautiful space, talented baristas and a menu that reflects the interests of the passionate people behind the scenes make this cafe truly one of a kind. Stop in for a house-made chai, refreshing matcha or fresh pastry to get your day going. With nitro cold brew, kombucha and CBD lattes on offer, there’s something at this shop for everyone. Stop in and see for yourself.
Source: facebook.com/lostlakedenver
Where to watch a live show in Denver
There’s no shortage of gifted performers in Denver. Catch a show at one of the following venues and soak up some local talent.
Lost Lake Lounge
Lost Lake Lounge hosts local and touring acts in an intimate venue with a killer sound system. Dive bar vibes meet next-level stage talent in this locally loved live music venue. Closing in on a decade in the Congress Park area, Lost Lake Lounge has become a staple in the community and has given local creatives a place to take the stage or kick back and enjoy a show.
Denver Comedy Works
As one of the most celebrated comedy clubs in the country, Denver Comedy Works is probably too high profile to be considered a hidden gem, but still worth mentioning here nonetheless. To put it simply, if you’re a comedy fan in the Denver area, Denver Comedy Works is your best bet to get your laugh on. Check out the schedule and get your tickets to a show today.
Mercury Cafe
Mercury Cafe is an undeniably funky performance venue that provides stage time for musicians, poets and people of all practices with a story to tell. Offering organic eats alongside soulful performances, Mercury is a welcoming space that embraces the people and passions that make Denver an entirely unique mountain city.
The Lodge at Woods Boss
Small enough for intimate gatherings but large enough to accommodate an audience of up to 100 people, The Lodge at Woods Boss is a live performance venue and event space located within Woods Boss Brewing. The owners say the space was designed with celebrations and special occasions in mind, and that vibe comes through strong from the second you enter the space. Sign up for an open mic night or catch an acoustic show with a cold beer.
Source: facebook.com/impropercity
Enjoy the great outdoors in Denver
Going to Denver and not enjoying the great outdoors is like going to the beach and not getting sandy, you just can’t do it.
Improper City
Improper City is a beer garden that hosts food trucks in its expansive outdoor area. If you like your daily dose of nature to be paired with a delicious taco and cold drink, Improper City is the spot for you. The outdoor patio is dog and kid-friendly, so don’t be afraid to invite the whole family for a day of delicious food and refreshing drinks under the Denver sun.
Sloan’s Lake Park
As the largest lake, and second-largest park, in Denver, Sloan’s Lake Park is a beacon of natural beauty in the West Highland section of Denver. With a path encircling the lake, Sloan’s Lake Park is a great place to get your steps in away from the hustle and bustle of the city surrounding this serene oasis. Sloan’s Lake also plays host to the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, if you’re lucky enough to be in town for that, it’s a must-see.
Denver Trail System
Denver boasts over eighty miles of off-road, multi-use recreational trails within the city limits. With so much space to run, pedal, rollerblade and more, there’s no excuse to not get out and explore the different areas of the city connected by the expansive trail system.
Washington Park
Known locally as “Wash Park,” Washington Park is located southeast of downtown Denver and features sporting facilities, flower gardens, walking trails and so much more. Surrounded by residential housing, Washington Park serves as a meeting place, workout center and communal hub for the area and is always buzzing with activity. Feeling down on a slow day? head to Wash Park for the type of spiritual pick-me-up only the great outdoors can provide.
You can do it all in Denver
Whether you’re a foodie looking for your next great meal or an outdoor enthusiast hoping to find home in a place with parks and other opportunities for recreational activities nearby, Denver has something to offer everyone. Stop by any of the local spots listed above and enjoy the best of what the Mile High City has to offer.
