The 5 Best Neighborhoods in Denver for Eating, Drinking, and Good Vibes
To say I love Colorado is an understatement. After living in Fort Collins, Colorado during my college years and many visits to Denver thus after, I have grown an even more love for the beautiful state, especially the beautiful mile-high city. Plus, the 5 best neighborhoods in Denver make for an incredible getaway.
There are many different parts of Denver making it a fairly big and bustling city. I have outlined the top 5 neighborhoods that I personally love and enjoy every time I am there.
Cherry Creek
Letβs start off with one of the classiest parts of Denver, Cherry Creek. This is where you can find high-end dining and upscale shopping. Cherry Creek North offers the cutest and quant streets of fancy boutiques and incredible restaurants. Cherry Creek North consists of 16 blocks with a plethora of things to do, places to eat at, and shopping sprees to be had. It also is home to the Cherry Creek Shopping Center which consists of 160 retail stores.
My Suggestions when Visiting Cherry Creek:
Where to Eat
Matsuhisa Japanese Restaurant, Italian at Barolo Grill, Burgers at The Cherry Cricket, Steaks at 801 Chophouse, and Breakfast at Syrup Cherry Creek
Where to Stay
Halcyon Hotel or Moxy Denver Cherry Creek
Where to Drink
B&GC, Toro Latin Kitchen & Lounge, and a dog-friendly patio at Cherry Creek Beer Garden
Other Good Vibes
Cherry Creek Bike Path, Cherry Creek Farmers Market (Wednesdays and Saturdays in the summer), Cherry Creek Arts Festival, and Infinity Park
Halcyon Hotel
Halcyon Hotel
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill or βCap Hillβ by the locals is one of Denverβs oldest neighborhoods. With that, it creates a mixture of culture and history. Capitol Hill is recognized for its good vibes and trendy hot spots. Cap Hill has a long list of incredible restaurants, bars, and museums. It is located just southeast of Denverβs central business district with many hit destination spots on Colfax and Broadway.
My suggestions when visiting Capitol Hill:
Where to Eat
Fine dining at Mizuna, Italian at Luca, BBQ at Moes, Tacos at Pinche Tacos, Brunch at Ivy on 7th, and a trendy coffee shop at Roostercat Coffee House
Where to Stay
The ART Hotel Denver, Capitol Hill Mansion Bed and Breakfast Inn, and Ember Hostel
Where to Drink
Hudson Hill, Prohibition, and The 9th Door Capitol Hill for happy hour
Other Good Vibes
Denver Art Museum, Governors Park, shopping on Colfax Ave, State Capitol Building, and Denver Botanic Gardens
Lower Highland (LoHi)
Lower Highland, often referred to as LoHi, is located on the west side of Downtown Denver. It is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Denver but for good reason. It is on the Forbes list as the 17th best hipster neighborhood in the country. It is a walkable neighborhood making it easy to explore on foot. LoHi also has a plentiful amount of coffee shops and rooftop bars.
My suggestions when visiting LoHi:
Where to Eat
Enjoy a food hall at the crowd favorite Avanti, Daughter Thai Kitchen, Tapas at Linger, ice cream at Little Manβs Ice Cream, and brunch at The Bindery.
Where to Stay
Where to Drink
Day drinking at Happy Camper, The High Lonesome, and Lady Jane
Other Good Vibes
The Bindery Coffee Shop, Commons Park for one of the best views of Downtown Denver, Highland Arch Bridge
Happy Camper
River North Art District (RINO)
RiNo is located just north of Lower Downtown Denver. It is the art district of Denver showcasing a true love for art and culture. RiNo is definitely a more trendy part of town with upbeat dining and nightlife. It consists of hip music venues and contemporary art galleries. It can definitely get a little wild here during the weekends. Larimer Square, a lively part of RiNo, is full of iconic live music at many restaurants and bars.
My suggestions when visiting RiNo:
Where to Eat
The food hall at The Source, Tapas at Barcelona Wine Bar, wood-fired pizza at Cart Driver, Mexican at Los Chingones (plus $5 happy hour margaritas), Asian fusion at Hop Alley, Enjoy a sunny day at Number 38
Where to Stay
The Source Hotel, VΔ«b Hotel By Best Western Denver Rino, Catbird Hotel
Where to Drink
Other Good Vibes
RULE Gallery, Blue Silo Studios, Pattern Shop Studio, EXDO Event Center, Higher Ground Music Festival, Beach Club, Enjoy local artisans (Giuliana Direct Olive Oil & Chocolate Crisis Center)
Downtown/Lodo (Lower Downtown)
Downtown Denver will definitely give you that big city feel. The streets are lined with plenty of pedestrians and high-rise buildings. LoDo, also known as lower downtown, is a great spot to find restaurants, bars, galleries, and shopping. LoDo is the original settlement of Denver and the start of a success story.
My suggestions when visiting LoDo:
Where to Eat
ChoLon Bistro for Asian, The Squeaky Bean for farm-to-table, Tupelo Honey for southern food, the food hall at Denver Milk Market, and The Palace Arms at the Brown Palace for an upscale eatery.
Where to Stay
The Crawford Hotel (at the union station), Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown, and the Thompson Hotel
Where to Drink
Howl at the Moon Denver, Beta Nightclub, Upstairs Circus Lower Downtown, The Wild
Other Good Vibes
Union Station for restaurants, shopping, and bars, Rockies game at Coors Field, and commons park for walking trails or riverfront spots.
Rockies Game
Mile High Stadium
Mile High Stadium
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