4 Underrated Denver Neighborhoods
‘Tis A privilege to live in Colorado. The Denver Post has proudly proclaimed this quote on the front of every paper it has published since the 1800s, and it’s hard to argue with it. We are blessed to wake up every day experiencing sunshine and elevation in a vibrant and growing city, all nestled at the base of the majestic Rocky Mountains. It’s very easy to complain about traffic, yet you can always check out and head up for some of the best hiking and skiing in the entire world.
In terms of the city itself, there are so many fun restaurants, spots, and stores that you can spend a lifetime exploring it all.From sports to hiking to dining to skiing, Denver is the complete package. There are so many great neighborhoods in the city, but we feel these gems don’t get the love theydeserve.
Golden Triangle
Why It’s Great
Location. Location. Location. This area makes up for being small and pricey by being the cultural hub of the entire city. It’s walking distance to the Cherry Creek Bike Trail and Downtown, but it has a unique feel that is fun and engaging. From concerts to festivals to happy hour it’s a vibrant area that continues to surprise.
What To Do
There is a never-ending range of options, all within walking distance. You can swing by Dazzle, Denver’s best Jazz club for a boozy brunch, and then work it off by biking
around and finish with a coffee and people watching on an outdoor patio. In the evening, you can grab dinner at one of the dozens of local restaurants and then stop by an art gallery opening and finish up at a dance club. Make sure to check out the Denver Art Museum, which curates a superb collection that runs the gamut from Renaissance masters, to priceless Native American pieces, to impressionism, to abstract and everything in between.
Where To Eat
Cuba Cuba cafe & bar { 1173 Delaware St, Denver, CO 80204 } serves divinely crafted Cuban fare in a charming spot that exudes both elegance and cool. This family-owned spot serves up extraordinary mojitos and Cubanos along with beautiful sunset views on the back patio.
Dazzle { 1512 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80202 } is a supper club known for inventive eats and one of the best brunches in the city. While enjoying your meal you also get to listen to the best jazz musicians in town. You can’t beat that!
Jive Kitchen and Bar { 1055 N Broadway, Denver, CO 80203 } offers casual dining and small plates that are perfect for sharing. The service and salads set this place apart from other locations that go for this relaxed, sophisticated vibe, but end up falling short.
Lo Stella Ristorante { 1135 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204 } is one of those low key, family-owned Italian spots that every neighborhood needs. It’s reasonably priced food made with love. From the homemade pasta to the burrata, it’s hard to go wrong in this Denver favorite.
Park Hill
Why It’s Great
It’s one Denver’s most historic neighborhoods, and it’s every bit the charming and beautiful spot it’s always been. It’s a diverse and lovely neighborhood filled with wide streets, parks, and summer concerts. It’s a desirable neighborhood to raise a family in because of it’s proximity to the rest of the city while maintaining a laid back, family-friendly feel.
What To Do
The large amounts of cafes and local watering holes make exploring this Denver locale a treat. However, if you have a bicycle, this neighborhood becomes a true delight. It has some of the widest most picturesque streets in the entire city, ensuring biking around is a breeze.
Where To Eat
The Cherry Tomato { 4645 East 23rd Avenue, Denver, CO 80207 } is celebrating over two decades of serving family-friendly Italian on tablecloths the kids are welcome to draw on. They pride themselves on excellent service and being a city fixture for dinner and a glass wine.
Tables { 2267 Kearney St, Denver, CO 80207 } is helmed by a husband and wife team who serve up new American cuisine that genuinely outside the box. The dishes are unlike most things you’ve ever tasted, but the attention to detail elevates the styles they like to play with in their cooking.
Phoenician Kabob { 5709 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80220 } is a fusion of belly dancing, and Greek and Lebanese cuisine that is a perfect match. Gyros and grape leaves compete with hummus and baba ganoush and kebabs. Take our advice and order everything and share it.
Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant { 7225 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80220 } is Ethiopian cuisine perfected. If you’ve never tried this glorious cuisine before, you’re missing out. It’s spicy and unique and comes with bread that works perfectly to soak up the plethora of sauces.
Regis
Why It’s Great
The secret has started to get out, but the Regis neighborhood of Denver remains one of the city’s most unique and diverse areas, filled with parks and restaurants that will delight everyone from families to young professionals. Although it’s known for Regis University, it doesn’t have a college town vibe because a large percentage of the students are in grad school and commute, giving it a very relaxed, family-friendly feel.
What To Do
One of the strong selling points is how easy it is to jump on the highway and head up to the mountains from this area. On the weekend, you grab some brunch and then bike over to one of the many antique shops. In the summer, you can head over to the historic Lakeside amusement park to ride a vintage roller coaster.
Where To Eat
The Noshery { 4994 Lowell Blvd, Denver, CO 80221 } is the go-to spot in the neighborhood for homemade baked goods, sandwiches, and delectable brunch fare. Make sure to try the scones. Dubbel Dutch { 4974 Lowell Blvd, Denver, CO 80221 } is a beautiful little shop that sells traditional European sandwiches at a great price. The owner is from the Netherlands, and the shop is filled with unusual Dutch souvenirs and food products you won’t find anywhere else.
Brooklyn’s Finest Pizza { 5007 Lowell Blvd, Denver, CO 80221 } is a throwback to old school pizza places in New York the owners grew up eating at. The thin-crust pizzas are the star of the show but don’t sleep on the excellent strombolis and calzones.
Denver Biscuit Company-Tennyson { 4275 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212 } continues DBC’s takeover of the Mile High City by serving some of the flakiest, tastiest, and downright gargantuan biscuits you will ever see. The fried chicken biscuit is a must-try.
Rocky Top Tavern { 4907 Lowell Blvd, Denver, CO 80221 } is a two-fisted drinking bar that has some solid food and is a great spot to watch a game. Locals rave about the smothered burrito.
Uptown
Why It’s Great
Uptown is a beautiful neighborhood that is infinitely walkable as well as being extremely close to downtown. It’s in the heart of the city, and the transformation that the area has achieved has been breathtaking. A cornucopia of shops, consignment stores, and cafes ensure residents can explore and get an authentic taste for city living.
What To Do
You can bar hop down 17th to The Thin Man { 2015 E 17th Ave} and try their various vodka infusions or head over to Vine Street Pub { 1700 Vine St } for craft beer. If you’re in a curious mood, you can head over to The Denver Museum of Nature and Science or check out the antics of the animals at the wondrous Denver Zoo. On the weekends, be sure and enjoy City Park, the largest park in Denver.
Where To Eat
Steuben’s Uptown { 523 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203 } is a Denver institution created by super chef Josh Wolkon that has been serving some of the best comfort food the city has to offer for years. It’s an entirely original take on what a diner can be with homemade variations on classics. There isn’t a bad thing on the menu.
D Bar Denver { 494 E 19th Ave, Denver, CO 80203 } is the spot for anyone with a sweet tooth. They have an extensive menu of absolutely scrumptious desserts exceptionally well executed. The comprehensive wines list makes this Uptown favorite an excellent date spot.
Hamburger Mary’s Denver { 1336 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80218 } is an iconic LGBT restaurant in Denver that specializes in delicious hamburgers. With live entertainment every night and potent cocktails, there’s a reason this place is beloved by locals.
Ace Eat Serve { 501 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203 } is an Asian fusion spot that specializes in fun. The food is outstanding, but the real draw in the spacious restaurant is the large ping pong floor. After grabbing a beer and a bite, you can challenge your friends over who has the top table tennis skills.