Denver's Treasures

Shelly
Denver's Treasures

Fun Neighborhoods

Fun downtown scene with cute shops and good food. Close to 16th Street Mall and the Rockies Stadium.
287 locals recommend
Larimer Square
1430 Larimer St
287 locals recommend
Fun downtown scene with cute shops and good food. Close to 16th Street Mall and the Rockies Stadium.
Our local Denver neighborhood is rich in diversity from all areas of the globe. Asian cultures from Vietnam, Korea, China, Singapore, Thailand and Japan converge at the Far East Center located at Alameda and Federal making this shopping area a great place to go on a cultural expedition, less than half a mile from here! The large gift shop that anchors the Center, Troung An Asian Gifts, is a packed with fascinating items from Chinese traditional medicines to lucky wall decorations, Buddha statues, stuffed Totoro dolls, traditional Asian clothing, live bamboo and of course anything you could possibly need. The staff at the store are knowledgeable and friendly, so don’t be shy to ask about the treasures you find there; anyone will be happy to explain the symbolism and give you some cultural insight.
Little Saigon Market
375 S Federal Blvd
Our local Denver neighborhood is rich in diversity from all areas of the globe. Asian cultures from Vietnam, Korea, China, Singapore, Thailand and Japan converge at the Far East Center located at Alameda and Federal making this shopping area a great place to go on a cultural expedition, less than half a mile from here! The large gift shop that anchors the Center, Troung An Asian Gifts, is a packed with fascinating items from Chinese traditional medicines to lucky wall decorations, Buddha statues, stuffed Totoro dolls, traditional Asian clothing, live bamboo and of course anything you could possibly need. The staff at the store are knowledgeable and friendly, so don’t be shy to ask about the treasures you find there; anyone will be happy to explain the symbolism and give you some cultural insight.
8 min from here you’ll find hip local artist galleries, cool shops, coffee houses & international cuisine. 👉El Noa Noa has a lovely outdoor patio with a fountain ⛲️ https://denversartdistrict.org/artists-galleries
26 locals recommend
Santa Fe Drive
Santa Fe Drive
26 locals recommend
8 min from here you’ll find hip local artist galleries, cool shops, coffee houses & international cuisine. 👉El Noa Noa has a lovely outdoor patio with a fountain ⛲️ https://denversartdistrict.org/artists-galleries
Fun & funky shops and great foodie restaurants! Patios and rooftop dining. Only 1.8 miles from here (12 minutes).
41 locals recommend
Baker
41 locals recommend
Fun & funky shops and great foodie restaurants! Patios and rooftop dining. Only 1.8 miles from here (12 minutes).
Great, local Mexican food & art on every surface. Only 6 minutes from here!
Westwood
Great, local Mexican food & art on every surface. Only 6 minutes from here!
South Pearl Street is one of Denver’s most historic, charming, and popular shopping districts… Here you’ll find an authentic mix of real people, locally-owned one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques, some of the city’s hottest restaurants and night spots, as well as popular seasonal events all year long. https://www.southpearlstreet.com/ Be sure to check out 5 Green Squares, Karma Yoga, First Fridays & the Farmers Market❣️
33 locals recommend
South Pearl Street Farmers’ Market
1527 S Pearl St
33 locals recommend
South Pearl Street is one of Denver’s most historic, charming, and popular shopping districts… Here you’ll find an authentic mix of real people, locally-owned one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques, some of the city’s hottest restaurants and night spots, as well as popular seasonal events all year long. https://www.southpearlstreet.com/ Be sure to check out 5 Green Squares, Karma Yoga, First Fridays & the Farmers Market❣️

Sightseeing

GRAFFITI GALLERY Bringing art out of the gallery and into the streets! Specifically, the alley between Larimer and Walnut streets from about 26th to 29th streets is where the RiNo (River North Arts District) Graffiti Gallery is located. Each year, the alley gets a fresh coat of paint and becomes a blank canvas again. More than 70 local and nationally recognized urban artists, street artists, muralists and graffiti artists are taking part this year’s festival. https://www.crushwalls.org/
558 locals recommend
River North Art District
558 locals recommend
GRAFFITI GALLERY Bringing art out of the gallery and into the streets! Specifically, the alley between Larimer and Walnut streets from about 26th to 29th streets is where the RiNo (River North Arts District) Graffiti Gallery is located. Each year, the alley gets a fresh coat of paint and becomes a blank canvas again. More than 70 local and nationally recognized urban artists, street artists, muralists and graffiti artists are taking part this year’s festival. https://www.crushwalls.org/
Experience local Colorado history only 9 minutes from The Sanctuary in the City. https://www.historycolorado.org/history-colorado-center
212 locals recommend
History Colorado Center
1200 N Broadway
212 locals recommend
Experience local Colorado history only 9 minutes from The Sanctuary in the City. https://www.historycolorado.org/history-colorado-center
The Colorado State Capitol building was designed and constructed in the 1890s to mirror the look of the United States Capitol. It is made of Colorado white granite and has a real gold leaf dome, first added in 1908 to commemorate the Colorado Gold rush. The 15th step outside of the west entrance measures Denver’s official elevation of 5,280 feet, or one mile above sea level! Visitors can take a tour inside the building Mondays through Fridays.
227 locals recommend
Colorado State Capitol
200 E Colfax Ave
227 locals recommend
The Colorado State Capitol building was designed and constructed in the 1890s to mirror the look of the United States Capitol. It is made of Colorado white granite and has a real gold leaf dome, first added in 1908 to commemorate the Colorado Gold rush. The 15th step outside of the west entrance measures Denver’s official elevation of 5,280 feet, or one mile above sea level! Visitors can take a tour inside the building Mondays through Fridays.
1293 locals recommend
Denver Art Museum
100 W 14th Ave Pkwy
1293 locals recommend
1100 locals recommend
Denver Botanic Gardens
1007 York St
1100 locals recommend
Fabulous exhibits on several floors! Admission fee is a suggested donation.
496 locals recommend
Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
1485 Delgany St
496 locals recommend
Fabulous exhibits on several floors! Admission fee is a suggested donation.

Local Food Scene - OUTDOOR PATIOS

Only 15 minutes from The Sanctuary in the City in the quaint mountain town of Golden, CO. AMAZING Patio!
88 locals recommend
Sherpa House Restaurant and Culture Center
1518 Washington Ave
88 locals recommend
Only 15 minutes from The Sanctuary in the City in the quaint mountain town of Golden, CO. AMAZING Patio!
Fabulous, family owned restaurant with the best, freshest Vietnamese food in Denver... only half a mile from The Sanctuary in the City! Limited outdoor seating. https://saigonbowldenver.com Lots of other shops & food in the area. https://littlesaigondenver.com
21 locals recommend
Saigon Bowl Denver
333 S Federal Blvd
21 locals recommend
Fabulous, family owned restaurant with the best, freshest Vietnamese food in Denver... only half a mile from The Sanctuary in the City! Limited outdoor seating. https://saigonbowldenver.com Lots of other shops & food in the area. https://littlesaigondenver.com
Delicious BBQ only a 5 min drive from here! Limited outdoor seating, takeout or curbside. www.SmokinYards.com
68 locals recommend
Smokin Yard's BBQ
2736 Colorado Blvd
68 locals recommend
Delicious BBQ only a 5 min drive from here! Limited outdoor seating, takeout or curbside. www.SmokinYards.com
Great patio near fun shops. THE BEST Pad Thai!
18 locals recommend
Spicy Basil
1 Broadway
18 locals recommend
Great patio near fun shops. THE BEST Pad Thai!
Tasty Mexican food in the hood
13 locals recommend
Cilantro Tacos Tequila Mezcal
1703 Federal Blvd
13 locals recommend
Tasty Mexican food in the hood
outdoor patio only 2.3 miles. www.CochinoTaco.com
41 locals recommend
Cochino Taco
3495 S Downing St
41 locals recommend
outdoor patio only 2.3 miles. www.CochinoTaco.com
outdoor patio & great coffee! Only 2.2 miles www.IllegalPetes.com/location/illegal-petes-denver-south-broadway/
83 locals recommend
Illegal Pete's South Broadway
270 S Broadway
83 locals recommend
outdoor patio & great coffee! Only 2.2 miles www.IllegalPetes.com/location/illegal-petes-denver-south-broadway/
Yummy vegetarian & vegan food❣️
357 locals recommend
City O' City
206 E 13th Ave
357 locals recommend
Yummy vegetarian & vegan food❣️
It’s down the road from Red Rocks Amphitheater in the quaint mountain town of Morrison.
10 locals recommend
Roof Top Tavern
215 Bear Creek Ave
10 locals recommend
It’s down the road from Red Rocks Amphitheater in the quaint mountain town of Morrison.
They don’t serve anything but nachos, but allow outside food. Great patio!
Red Rocks Beer Garden
116 Stone St
They don’t serve anything but nachos, but allow outside food. Great patio!
122 locals recommend
Santiago's Mexican Restaurant
2505 Federal Boulevard
122 locals recommend
Only 7 minutes from here, in the heart of the Santa Fe Arts District with a lovely patio & a waterfall fountain. The stuffed sopaipillas & fried ice cream are a must!
49 locals recommend
El Noa Noa Mexican Restaurant
722 Santa Fe Dr
49 locals recommend
Only 7 minutes from here, in the heart of the Santa Fe Arts District with a lovely patio & a waterfall fountain. The stuffed sopaipillas & fried ice cream are a must!
Games, food & fun❣️
298 locals recommend
Punch Bowl Social Denver
65 Broadway
298 locals recommend
Games, food & fun❣️
Yummy 😋
33 locals recommend
Postino Broadway
145 N Broadway
33 locals recommend
Yummy 😋
The Mercury Cafe is powered by the Wind and the Sun. We serve Local, Organic Food, and Community is our purpose. This exploration of food, the arts, politics and community that surround food… they serve locally-sourced vegetables, fruits, grains, meat, fish and bar selections, augmented with fair trade imports. Ours is an organic menu with meat/fish, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free choices. We treasure our local farmers, ranchers, vintners and distilleries. No patio, but the interior space is phenomenal! http://mercurycafe.com/
72 locals recommend
Mercury Cafe
2199 California St
72 locals recommend
The Mercury Cafe is powered by the Wind and the Sun. We serve Local, Organic Food, and Community is our purpose. This exploration of food, the arts, politics and community that surround food… they serve locally-sourced vegetables, fruits, grains, meat, fish and bar selections, augmented with fair trade imports. Ours is an organic menu with meat/fish, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free choices. We treasure our local farmers, ranchers, vintners and distilleries. No patio, but the interior space is phenomenal! http://mercurycafe.com/
9 minutes from here. Great gluten free, dairy free, vegan options! Directly across from Sloans Lake.
30 locals recommend
The Patio at Sloans
4032 West 17th Avenue
30 locals recommend
9 minutes from here. Great gluten free, dairy free, vegan options! Directly across from Sloans Lake.
Denver’s best food trucks gather in Civic Center Park every T, W Th 11a-7p. Order ahead online at CivicCenterEats.com
6 locals recommend
Civic Center EATS
101 W 14th Ave
6 locals recommend
Denver’s best food trucks gather in Civic Center Park every T, W Th 11a-7p. Order ahead online at CivicCenterEats.com
It’s more than a saying, it’s a promise. It’s food that feeds your cravings, supports your health and nourishes your soul – all in one bite. But you’ll want more than one. We’re sure of it.
90 locals recommend
True Food Kitchen
2800 E 2nd Ave
90 locals recommend
It’s more than a saying, it’s a promise. It’s food that feeds your cravings, supports your health and nourishes your soul – all in one bite. But you’ll want more than one. We’re sure of it.
Eclectic Southern fare with a twist!
grind kitchen + watering hole
300 Fillmore St
Eclectic Southern fare with a twist!
Delicious cactus tacos & amazing vegan options!
21 locals recommend
Tarascos New Latino Cuisine
470 S Federal Blvd
21 locals recommend
Delicious cactus tacos & amazing vegan options!

LGBTQ 🏳️‍🌈 spots in Denver

Must do Saturday DIVAS Brunch hits the stage at 11am and 2pm. These shows do sell out so please call 303-993-5812 and make your reservations! 1st show seating as early as 10am 2nd show seating as early at 1:15pm Mary’s scrumptious brunch is served until 3pm bottomless mimosas (time limit) Featured Deep Eddy Bloody Marys & Deep Eddy Jello Shots 21+
32 locals recommend
Hamburger Mary's Denver
1336 E 17th Ave
32 locals recommend
X Bar is a staple for Denver LGBTQ folks. Known for its inclusivity towards both the queer and straight communities, X Bar has been around for seven years and has been an important staple of Denver for just as long. The Kai Lee Mykels Show EVERY 1st & 3rd Sunday | 10p - 12a Hosted by: Kai Lee Mykels featuring a new cast of special guests every other week. Don't miss out on this Sunday night special every 1st and 3rd Sunday. It's a night filled with love, light, drag, and Red Bull! Yes, honey! We will all be having our Red Bull cocktails in hand, as we watch these artists do what they do best. - MASKS REQUIRED - NO MINGLING - WALK INS ONLY
37 locals recommend
X BAR
629 E Colfax Ave
37 locals recommend
X Bar is a staple for Denver LGBTQ folks. Known for its inclusivity towards both the queer and straight communities, X Bar has been around for seven years and has been an important staple of Denver for just as long. The Kai Lee Mykels Show EVERY 1st & 3rd Sunday | 10p - 12a Hosted by: Kai Lee Mykels featuring a new cast of special guests every other week. Don't miss out on this Sunday night special every 1st and 3rd Sunday. It's a night filled with love, light, drag, and Red Bull! Yes, honey! We will all be having our Red Bull cocktails in hand, as we watch these artists do what they do best. - MASKS REQUIRED - NO MINGLING - WALK INS ONLY
It’s always a party at Charlie’s. With its mythical two-step lessons early in the evening, go-go boys, cheap sloshy beer, and an entire room for its frequent drag shows, this staple of the Denver gay scene has something for everyone.
152 locals recommend
St Mark's Coffee House
2019 East 17th Avenue
152 locals recommend
It’s always a party at Charlie’s. With its mythical two-step lessons early in the evening, go-go boys, cheap sloshy beer, and an entire room for its frequent drag shows, this staple of the Denver gay scene has something for everyone.
Spilling out of patio doors surrounded by a perfect rainbow paint job, which covers the entire face of Blush & Blu, is an assortment of people of all shapes, colors, sizes, and genders. Some look like they’ve stepped out of a club kid fantasy, while others are more casual. Despite what they are wearing, they are greeted at the door by a woman covered in tattoos and plastered with a smile. She waves patrons in, telling them to get a drink and that the “party is in here.” The gatekeeper to the rainbow palace is Jody Bouffard, the only lesbian in Denver who owns a queer bar. More specifically, she owns Blush & Blu and has kept it alive through her own blood, sweat, and tears.
17 locals recommend
Blush & Blu ​
1526 E Colfax Ave
17 locals recommend
Spilling out of patio doors surrounded by a perfect rainbow paint job, which covers the entire face of Blush & Blu, is an assortment of people of all shapes, colors, sizes, and genders. Some look like they’ve stepped out of a club kid fantasy, while others are more casual. Despite what they are wearing, they are greeted at the door by a woman covered in tattoos and plastered with a smile. She waves patrons in, telling them to get a drink and that the “party is in here.” The gatekeeper to the rainbow palace is Jody Bouffard, the only lesbian in Denver who owns a queer bar. More specifically, she owns Blush & Blu and has kept it alive through her own blood, sweat, and tears.
Located on Santa Fe Drive and West 5th Street, Trade has done more than just survive its first year in Denver—it has thrived. Trade, which opened in April of 2016, quickly made a name for itself as the Levi’s and Leather bar in town, making it a go-to spot for queer nightlife in Denver.
Trade
475 Santa Fe Dr
Located on Santa Fe Drive and West 5th Street, Trade has done more than just survive its first year in Denver—it has thrived. Trade, which opened in April of 2016, quickly made a name for itself as the Levi’s and Leather bar in town, making it a go-to spot for queer nightlife in Denver.
If you’re looking to see some queer entertainment outside of the regular gay bar circuit, you can usually find something out-of-the-ordinary going on at the Clocktower Cabaret. This spot is directly under the historic clock tower on the 16th Street Mall and hosts everything from drag and burlesque to comedy and dance performances. They also serve food and drinks. Some recent events include queer-lesque, a queer-themed burlesque, and Drag Decades featuring Shirley Delta.
35 locals recommend
The Clocktower Cabaret
1601 Arapahoe St
35 locals recommend
If you’re looking to see some queer entertainment outside of the regular gay bar circuit, you can usually find something out-of-the-ordinary going on at the Clocktower Cabaret. This spot is directly under the historic clock tower on the 16th Street Mall and hosts everything from drag and burlesque to comedy and dance performances. They also serve food and drinks. Some recent events include queer-lesque, a queer-themed burlesque, and Drag Decades featuring Shirley Delta.
So much more than just a nightclub. Tracks prides itself on being a place of acceptance of diversity with great music, lights and drink specials all weekend. And thanks to a Logo show, everyone now knows Tracks as the home of Nina Flowers.
65 locals recommend
Tracks Denver
3500 Walnut St
65 locals recommend
So much more than just a nightclub. Tracks prides itself on being a place of acceptance of diversity with great music, lights and drink specials all weekend. And thanks to a Logo show, everyone now knows Tracks as the home of Nina Flowers.
Boyztown is a casual Denver gay bar, offering a relaxed atmosphere and affordable drinks. Throughout the week Boyztown plays host to regular happy hours, as well as showcasing hot male dancers 6 nights a week. This neighbourhood cabaret bar is favoured for its friendly atmosphere and accommodating staff. Features: bar, music, dancing, & live music.
Boyztown
117 Broadway
Boyztown is a casual Denver gay bar, offering a relaxed atmosphere and affordable drinks. Throughout the week Boyztown plays host to regular happy hours, as well as showcasing hot male dancers 6 nights a week. This neighbourhood cabaret bar is favoured for its friendly atmosphere and accommodating staff. Features: bar, music, dancing, & live music.

Coffee ☕️ & a good book 📖

Local coffee & local bookstores are always better❣️
153 locals recommend
Tattered Cover Book Store - Colfax Avenue
2526 East Colfax Avenue
153 locals recommend
79 locals recommend
Metropolis Coffee
1 S Broadway
79 locals recommend
83 locals recommend
Illegal Pete's South Broadway
270 S Broadway
83 locals recommend
Within 2.5 blocks walking distance of the Sanctuary in the City. Outdoor seating only & drive thru.
53 locals recommend
Starbucks
2255 Sheridan Boulevard
53 locals recommend
Within 2.5 blocks walking distance of the Sanctuary in the City. Outdoor seating only & drive thru.
Gluten free, paleo baked goods❣️🥰 Only 6 minutes from here in the Santa Fe Arts District.
21 locals recommend
mmm...COFFEE! Paleo Bistro
910 Santa Fe Dr
21 locals recommend
Gluten free, paleo baked goods❣️🥰 Only 6 minutes from here in the Santa Fe Arts District.
Their “Bulletproof Coffee” is the BEST❣️Local coffee and local art 👍
60 locals recommend
The Molecule Effect
1201 Santa Fe Dr
60 locals recommend
Their “Bulletproof Coffee” is the BEST❣️Local coffee and local art 👍
Great eclectic place in the Baker neighborhood.
38 locals recommend
Mutiny Information Cafe
2 S Broadway
38 locals recommend
Great eclectic place in the Baker neighborhood.
Twisted Root Kava & Ethnobotanical Tea
120 South Broadway

Best Breakfast 🍳

Lots of amazing options for breakfast in Denver!
Amazing Gluten Free options. A foodie favorite 😋
862 locals recommend
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
6315 W 104th Ave
862 locals recommend
Amazing Gluten Free options. A foodie favorite 😋
184 locals recommend
Jelly Cafe
600 E 13th Ave
184 locals recommend
21 locals recommend
Moxie Eatery
70 Broadway
21 locals recommend
415 locals recommend
Denver Biscuit Company
3237 E Colfax Ave
415 locals recommend
215 locals recommend
Lucile's Creole Cafe
275 S Logan St
215 locals recommend
189 locals recommend
Bacon Social House
2434 W 44th Ave
189 locals recommend
22 locals recommend
Waffle Brothers Restaurant
700 E 1st Ave
22 locals recommend
55 locals recommend
Voodoo Doughnut - Broadway
98 S Broadway
55 locals recommend
SERVING MINDFUL MOUTHFULS FROM A CONSCIOUS KITCHEN Just BE Kitchen is a 100% gluten, grain, & refined sugar free fast-casual in Denver committed to nourishing guests with PALEO, Whole30, KETO & AIP friendly comfort food!
11 locals recommend
Just BE Kitchen
2364 15th St
11 locals recommend
SERVING MINDFUL MOUTHFULS FROM A CONSCIOUS KITCHEN Just BE Kitchen is a 100% gluten, grain, & refined sugar free fast-casual in Denver committed to nourishing guests with PALEO, Whole30, KETO & AIP friendly comfort food!

Sweets 🧁 for the Sweet

Got a sugar craving?
The BEST & weirdest doughnuts 🍩
55 locals recommend
Voodoo Doughnut - Broadway
98 S Broadway
55 locals recommend
The BEST & weirdest doughnuts 🍩
Made in house & vegan options
141 locals recommend
Sweet Action Ice Cream
52 Broadway
141 locals recommend
Made in house & vegan options
Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Paleo baked goods 🎉
21 locals recommend
mmm...COFFEE! Paleo Bistro
910 Santa Fe Dr
21 locals recommend
Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Paleo baked goods 🎉
Fresh baked cookies… delivered?! 🍪❣️🚙💕
Insomnia Cookies
78 S Broadway
Fresh baked cookies… delivered?! 🍪❣️🚙💕