While I’ve lived in Colorado my entire life (except for what I deem “The Lost Year” when I spent my first year of college down in Savannah, GA), I’ve never spent much time in Downtown Denver until I moved here this past October. This city has an endless amount of fresh places to eat, trendy stores to shop and plenty of ways to spend a lazy Sunday, so I’ve put together a brief list of my favorites so far. I still have so much exploring to do in this city so if you happen to have a favorite spot or hidden gem that I didn’t mention, please share!
Food:
The Source-While it’s not one specific place to eat, the source is an “artisan food market” that’s home to many different Vendors and Merchants. Whether you’re craving Mexican food at Comida, some eclectic dishes from Acorn or just a brief happy hour visit at Crooked Stave brewery, the Source is your one stop shop for delicious food and diverse environment.
Linger– Located in the Highlands this restaurant has the best rooftop bar hands down. Not to mention their enticing cocktails and global menu. This is a personal favorite for Happy Hours.
Little Man Ice Cream– Right next to Linger in the Highlands, this ice cream shop is probably one of the most photographed spots in the city. Not only is it housed in a giant Tin Mild Carton, but has some of the tastiest flavors.
Ace [Eat. Serve]– I’m a sucker for Asian food. Not only does Ace have outstanding Pot Stickers, but you can rent ping-pong tables by the hour adjacent to the dining room. Talk about Dinner and Entertainment.
Avanti– A new twist on food trucks, Avanti has over six different “mini” restaurants inside with an open seating dining space. This is perfect for the pair of people that can’t agree on what type of cuisine to eat that night.
Izakaya Den– I’m not a huge sushi fan but this place made me a believer. All of the rolls were to die for, and the live Bamboo growing through the floor up to the retractable roof is definitely a wow factor. It’s a little pricier but such a fun environment for a special occasion.
The Kitchen– All locally sourced ingredients paired with a swoon-worthy atmosphere makes this another perfect special occasion date spot.
Ophelia’s– The sister restaurant to Linger, Ophelia’s downtown has a prohibition speak easy vibe with a seductive interior. They also host small shows and concerts on their lower level stage which makes it easy to kick back and relax with one of their signature cocktails. I recommend the “Untitled Project.”
Lola– I could go for a taco almost every day of the week so I love Lola in the Lower Highlands. It has great fish dishes and even better Margs.
The Root Down– The third and final sister restaurant to Linger and Ophelia’s this place has the funkiest atmosphere with delicious food.
Punch Bowl Social– This restaurant has an actual bowling alley in the middle, so you can grab and after work drink and unwind with fun game of bowling with friends. While I’ve only ever grabbed a drink here, I’ve heard that their street tacos are a go-to item on the menu.
Blackeye Coffee– This place just open around the corner from my apartment and has the same modern and natural vibe as its sister cafe in Boulder (Alpine Modern Café). I love their Almond Milk Chai Latte.
Shops:
W Boutique– An off-shoot from “Wish Boutique” over on Gaylord Street, W has sports and East coast meets West coast vibe so you’re almost guaranteed to fall in love with something every time- you walk in. Not to mention how sweet the girls are. If you stop in say hello to my friend Melanie, she’s the company’s buyer with the best taste in fashion.
Inspyre– This little shop in the highlands has some of the best jewelry with a little boho chic feeling.
Pinks– Located off University close to Wash Park, this boutiques style is “straight from LA”. I love their graphic tees.
SHEA– Located in the Up-and-coming Rino neighborhood, this little shop has a fresh and modern aesthetic with fabulous neutrals and basics.
Buffalo Exchange– I love a good deal and this place has some of the best new and vintage consignment clothing. You never know what gems you’ll find.
Kate Spade– Let’s be honest, I mostly just pop in here to drool over the cute handbags, but maybe sometime soon I’ll splurge.
Wish Boutique– Just down the block on Gaylord street from “W”, wish is the sister shop with equally as cute clothing and accessories.
Activities:
DAM– Denver Art Museum is always a favorite way to spend a weekend. They have great rotating exhibits and floors of diverse art. Not to mention that the first Saturday of every month is free!
Botanic Gardens– While it’s out of season right now for the Gardens they do have a year round rainforest greenhouse that is a great little escape from the world. It’s a great place to grab a cup of coffee in the café and just disappear for a while.
Comedy Works– Who doesn’t love a good comedy show. With tons of new acts and visiting comedians, this is the perfect way to spend a weekend night.
Wash Park– Actually Wash Park, City Park and Cheeseman Park are all personal favorites of mine. I love having little places to escape to in the city and it’s nice to just grab blanket and go spread out in one of these grassy fields. A few times during the summer each park also hosts an evening or two of live music, and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a sweet summer night.
MCA– The Denver Museum of contemporary art is great for people who like to diverge from the classics. Not only do they have great traveling exhibits, but there’s a small café on the roof that’s super fun to relax after a good walk-through the museum.
Red Rocks– Hands down one of the best concert venues on the earth, red rocks also has other fun events like “yoga on the rocks” or outdoor movie night in the summer, so if you aren’t lucky enough to catch a show, the breathtaking rock formations are still worth a trip.