Denver Greatest Gems
Food scene
Cozy Cottage is an old North Denver home converted into a restaurant on charming Tennyson St. It's a casual environment with wonderful staff and amazing breakfast and brunch. If you find yourself hungry and don't have a reservation, don't sweat it, just be prepared to wait a bit. You can peruse the nearby boutiques or galleries on Tennyson. But don't wander too far, as the hostess only uses their voice to call you and you don't want to miss your spot in line!
63 locals recommend
Cozy Cottage
4363 Tennyson StCozy Cottage is an old North Denver home converted into a restaurant on charming Tennyson St. It's a casual environment with wonderful staff and amazing breakfast and brunch. If you find yourself hungry and don't have a reservation, don't sweat it, just be prepared to wait a bit. You can peruse the nearby boutiques or galleries on Tennyson. But don't wander too far, as the hostess only uses their voice to call you and you don't want to miss your spot in line!
Are you health conscious with allergies to gluten and dairy? Or do you care about high-quality ingredients while traveling? Look no further Whole Sol Blend Bar is the real deal. A Denver favorite. You are sure to keep your body happy when stopping in here for breakfast or a post workout meal. Enjoy!
Whole Sol Blend Bar - Denver (Sloan's Lake)
1611 Raleigh StAre you health conscious with allergies to gluten and dairy? Or do you care about high-quality ingredients while traveling? Look no further Whole Sol Blend Bar is the real deal. A Denver favorite. You are sure to keep your body happy when stopping in here for breakfast or a post workout meal. Enjoy!
For those looking for "hole-in-wall-authentic-Mexican-street-tacos" in Denver. Look no further.
24 locals recommend
Tacos Jalisco
4309 W 38th AveFor those looking for "hole-in-wall-authentic-Mexican-street-tacos" in Denver. Look no further.
La Loma is a Denver staple with the freshest, softest, most delicious flour tortillas in Colorado. Perfect for date night or a girls night on the town. Recommend dressing up a bit and starting your evening at La Loma. Kick off your night with some nice tequila before exploring Downtown Denver.
46 locals recommend
La Loma
1801 BroadwayLa Loma is a Denver staple with the freshest, softest, most delicious flour tortillas in Colorado. Perfect for date night or a girls night on the town. Recommend dressing up a bit and starting your evening at La Loma. Kick off your night with some nice tequila before exploring Downtown Denver.
The freshest Mediterranean ingredients are found at Mazevo. Your plate will come to you filled with warmth, health and love. The staff is friendly and accommodating.
11 locals recommend
Mazevo Mediterranean Eatery
3961 Tennyson StreetThe freshest Mediterranean ingredients are found at Mazevo. Your plate will come to you filled with warmth, health and love. The staff is friendly and accommodating.
This is Northwest Denver's version of Cheers. Beautiful creaking hardwood floors, old church pews as booths and Mason jars filled with ice tea are just a few reason you will find Sloan's Bar & Grill so damn charming. If fried chicken and waffles, bottomless mimosas, bomb burgers, local beer on tap and live music make you happy, then you are welcome. The comfort of American food lives here.
53 locals recommend
Sloan's Bar & Grill
5850 W 25th AveThis is Northwest Denver's version of Cheers. Beautiful creaking hardwood floors, old church pews as booths and Mason jars filled with ice tea are just a few reason you will find Sloan's Bar & Grill so damn charming. If fried chicken and waffles, bottomless mimosas, bomb burgers, local beer on tap and live music make you happy, then you are welcome. The comfort of American food lives here.
If you're in the mood for a car adventure. Cruise along Federal (North to South) and stop at J's Noodles and Star Thai. Sure, there are many Thai restaurants in Denver. In fact, there are many in Northwest Denver with high ratings, but there is nothing like J's Noodles and Star Thai. This is truly a hidden gem. South Federal is also where Mexico culture meets Eastern culture. It's a treat for those who are interested in real local flavor.
NOTE: Call ahead as they may be pick-up only with pubic Covid limitations.
18 locals recommend
J's Noodles Star Thai
945 S Federal BlvdIf you're in the mood for a car adventure. Cruise along Federal (North to South) and stop at J's Noodles and Star Thai. Sure, there are many Thai restaurants in Denver. In fact, there are many in Northwest Denver with high ratings, but there is nothing like J's Noodles and Star Thai. This is truly a hidden gem. South Federal is also where Mexico culture meets Eastern culture. It's a treat for those who are interested in real local flavor.
NOTE: Call ahead as they may be pick-up only with pubic Covid limitations.
Denver is known for many things, but not many visitors know about North Denver's Italian roots with the mob. Gaetano's is the headquarters from which two brothers, Clyde and Checkers Smaldone built a mob empire. This tidbit requires its own history lesson and I would be honored to share with time. :) For all intents and purposes of this food guide, I'm here to tell you that Gaetano's is the real Italian deal. And, it's the only Italian restaurant standing following North Denver's fast-paced gentrification boom of the early 2000's. Tip: Ask your server if they know about the underground tunnels that were created in prohibition days! This is where the Smaldone's ran liquor, money and gambling rings from a network of Denver restaurants, houses and clubs. History, great food and excellent cocktails await your visit!
91 locals recommend
Gaetano's
3760 Tejon StDenver is known for many things, but not many visitors know about North Denver's Italian roots with the mob. Gaetano's is the headquarters from which two brothers, Clyde and Checkers Smaldone built a mob empire. This tidbit requires its own history lesson and I would be honored to share with time. :) For all intents and purposes of this food guide, I'm here to tell you that Gaetano's is the real Italian deal. And, it's the only Italian restaurant standing following North Denver's fast-paced gentrification boom of the early 2000's. Tip: Ask your server if they know about the underground tunnels that were created in prohibition days! This is where the Smaldone's ran liquor, money and gambling rings from a network of Denver restaurants, houses and clubs. History, great food and excellent cocktails await your visit!
North Denver natives will argue over who has the best pizza in the neighborhood. Hands down, Edgewater Inn wins in my book. Tip: They do not have gluten-free if that is a concern for you.
38 locals recommend
Edgewater Inn
5302 W 25th AveNorth Denver natives will argue over who has the best pizza in the neighborhood. Hands down, Edgewater Inn wins in my book. Tip: They do not have gluten-free if that is a concern for you.
It's time to dress up and hit the scene. El Five is trendy and fab with incredible views of the Mile High City as well as the majestic Front Range. Cocktails and tapas will hit the spot. Don't forget to make a reservation.
291 locals recommend
El Five
2930 15th StIt's time to dress up and hit the scene. El Five is trendy and fab with incredible views of the Mile High City as well as the majestic Front Range. Cocktails and tapas will hit the spot. Don't forget to make a reservation.
Neighborhoods
Berkeley is a sweet oasis in the heart of Northwest Denver. A great place to burn some energy or regain some energy. Depending on your mood, the park offers you a dose of what you need.
There is a trail that surrounds the lake, so you can get a nice walk or run in. The park offers many places to relax on the grass while social distancing. Picnic tables offer a nice place to eat and regroup in nature. There is a playground for the kiddos and a dog park for the pups. Not to mention tennis courts and a horseshoe pit make it a well-rounded park experience.
33 locals recommend
Berkeley
Berkeley is a sweet oasis in the heart of Northwest Denver. A great place to burn some energy or regain some energy. Depending on your mood, the park offers you a dose of what you need.
There is a trail that surrounds the lake, so you can get a nice walk or run in. The park offers many places to relax on the grass while social distancing. Picnic tables offer a nice place to eat and regroup in nature. There is a playground for the kiddos and a dog park for the pups. Not to mention tennis courts and a horseshoe pit make it a well-rounded park experience.
Old Denver culture meets the hip and fresh in LoHi.
When developed in the early 1900's Lower Highlands (LoHi) was the area where Italians, Polish and later Spanish settlers lived and built our city. LoHi is a founding neighborhood in the city of Denver and its officially made a resurgence. Newbies to our city flock to this neighborhood and are making it their own.
Trendy restaurants and eateries like Happy Camper and Avanti Food & Beverage are packed and the energy is live on any given weekend evening. (Tip: Make a reservation.)
Parking is a pain, so I recommend taking an Uber or a Lyft.
Take time to stroll the streets. You'll notice old and new architecture. Grab a beer at Prost Brewing Co & Biergarten. Take in the views of Downtown across the freeway. You may even find quaint boutiques along the way where you can pick up something special to take home.
98 locals recommend
Lower Highlands
Old Denver culture meets the hip and fresh in LoHi.
When developed in the early 1900's Lower Highlands (LoHi) was the area where Italians, Polish and later Spanish settlers lived and built our city. LoHi is a founding neighborhood in the city of Denver and its officially made a resurgence. Newbies to our city flock to this neighborhood and are making it their own.
Trendy restaurants and eateries like Happy Camper and Avanti Food & Beverage are packed and the energy is live on any given weekend evening. (Tip: Make a reservation.)
Parking is a pain, so I recommend taking an Uber or a Lyft.
Take time to stroll the streets. You'll notice old and new architecture. Grab a beer at Prost Brewing Co & Biergarten. Take in the views of Downtown across the freeway. You may even find quaint boutiques along the way where you can pick up something special to take home.
Traveler advice
What to pack
Altitude Adjustment Must Haves
Altitude sickness is real if you are visiting Denver for the first time. Here are some tips to keep you safe and make the adjustment go a bit smoother.
Plan on drinking A LOT of water. Even if you think you are hydrated enough, drink MORE water. It will do your body wonders.
Bayer Baby Aspirin. Ask your Doctor if this is the right choice for you. Aspirin can make the air adjustment a bit easier on your heart. Especially if you plan on heading to the high country.
Chapstick. Don't leave your AirBNB without it.
Don't miss
Sunrise and Sunsets in Denver
Does the rise of a new morning excite you? The best spots to catch a beautiful sunrise in Colorado are not far from Clear Creek Casita. Here are my top three recommendations.
-Sloan's Lake
-Lookout Mountain
-The Flatirons
Do you live for sunset pictures on your Instagram? I know I do. With the mountain range located to the West of the city, you will be in sheer awe.
-Inspiration Point (A quick walk from the AirBNB)
-Sloan's Lake
-Denver Art Museum in Downtown
What to pack
Spring and Fall Packing List
Temperatures tend to change on a drop of a dime during the Spring and Fall in Colorado. One day, you'll have your AC on and the next day, you'll reach for a blanket and a heater. Colorado has many layers of terrain, so depending on where you're headed or what you want to do, you need to know one thing for certain, packing layers is essential. Weather apps may call for rain or snow, but remember, CO receives a solid 300 days of sunshine each year. A morning of cold, dreary weather can quickly turn into an afternoon of heat and sunshine. Layer up so you can consider yourself prepared.
Customs and culture
Hatch Green Chili
CO and NM have a long standing battle... Who offers the best roasted hatch green chili peppers? We can't choose. But one thing that everyone can agree on is the hatch green chili is a must-try when visiting. You'll notice that many restaurants in Denver offer it on their menus; hatch green chili burgers, green chili mac & cheese. Huevos Ranchos for breakfast or green chili tamales are a favorite in my family. If you're visiting this part of the country for the first time and find the opportunity to include it on a plate, it's sure to be a memorable flavor of the West.