Ayla’s guidebook
Food scene
There are multiple locations in Denver, but if you can make it to the one in Union Station it’s a bonus. Great for breakfast and brunch!
862 locals recommend
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
6315 W 104th AveThere are multiple locations in Denver, but if you can make it to the one in Union Station it’s a bonus. Great for breakfast and brunch!
Root Down
1600 W 33rd AveGreat brunch spot in the Highlands. Try to make a reservation.
Multi-level food hall with multiple restaurants to choose from.
651 locals recommend
Avanti Food and Beverage
3200 North Pecos StreetMulti-level food hall with multiple restaurants to choose from.
Edgy taco joint. Two locations in Denver, one in the Highlands and one by City Park. I prefer the one by City Park.
300 locals recommend
Tacos Tequila Whiskey
1514 York StEdgy taco joint. Two locations in Denver, one in the Highlands and one by City Park. I prefer the one by City Park.
They also have multiple locations, but I prefer the one in RiNo. If you’re a blue cheese fan, the blue cheese kettle chips are a must.
75 locals recommend
Park Burger - RiNo
2615 Walnut StThey also have multiple locations, but I prefer the one in RiNo. If you’re a blue cheese fan, the blue cheese kettle chips are a must.
Cash only, no frills local spot with great burgers and daily specials. Multiple brews on tap as well.
231 locals recommend
Vine Street Pub & Brewery
1700 Vine StCash only, no frills local spot with great burgers and daily specials. Multiple brews on tap as well.
Looking for a quick sub or sandwich? Snarf’s is a great choice. Started in Boulder and not has nearly 20 locations in Denver.
233 locals recommend
Snarf's Sandwiches
1003 E 11th AveLooking for a quick sub or sandwich? Snarf’s is a great choice. Started in Boulder and not has nearly 20 locations in Denver.
This is a great collaboration of local restaurants, delis, a bakery, and coffee shop. Great lunch spot!
283 locals recommend
The Denver Central Market
2669 Larimer StThis is a great collaboration of local restaurants, delis, a bakery, and coffee shop. Great lunch spot!
The best bagels in Denver. Located in the five points neighborhood. There is always a line, but they are worth the wait.
210 locals recommend
Rosenberg's Bagels & Delicatessen (Five Points)
725 E 26th AveThe best bagels in Denver. Located in the five points neighborhood. There is always a line, but they are worth the wait.
One of the best Mexican spots in Denver. Love their Micheladas! Off of South Broadway.
106 locals recommend
Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina
1294 S BroadwayOne of the best Mexican spots in Denver. Love their Micheladas! Off of South Broadway.
Modern Israeli cuisine from chef Alon Shaya and Pomegranate Hospitality. Located in the Source Hotel.
83 locals recommend
Safta Restaurant
3330 Brighton BlvdModern Israeli cuisine from chef Alon Shaya and Pomegranate Hospitality. Located in the Source Hotel.
Translated from Japanese means “house,” was first opened in Austin, Texas by James Beard Award winner Chef Tyson Cole. Since then, Cole’s signature non-traditional take on Japanese cuisine has been warmly received by visitors from across the country and around the globe.
105 locals recommend
Uchi Denver
2500 Lawrence StTranslated from Japanese means “house,” was first opened in Austin, Texas by James Beard Award winner Chef Tyson Cole. Since then, Cole’s signature non-traditional take on Japanese cuisine has been warmly received by visitors from across the country and around the globe.
Neighborhood bistro, farm to table, seasonal menu. Awesome food. In the Whittier neighborhood.
154 locals recommend
The Plimoth
2335 E 28th AveNeighborhood bistro, farm to table, seasonal menu. Awesome food. In the Whittier neighborhood.
Located in Larimer Square, Rioja is a Mediterranean restaurant featuring a menu influenced by local and seasonal products.
78 locals recommend
Rioja
1431 Larimer StLocated in Larimer Square, Rioja is a Mediterranean restaurant featuring a menu influenced by local and seasonal products.
Not really upscale, but business casual. This is a great happy hour spot. Located in a converted mortuary, you must try the devils on horseback.
743 locals recommend
Linger
2030 W 30th AveNot really upscale, but business casual. This is a great happy hour spot. Located in a converted mortuary, you must try the devils on horseback.
Inspired by the food, wine, and culture of Italy, Tavernetta brings la dolce vita style to Denver's bustling Union Station neighborhood with fresh handmade pastas, an Italian directed wine & spirits list and world-class hospitality.
65 locals recommend
Tavernetta
1889 16th St MallInspired by the food, wine, and culture of Italy, Tavernetta brings la dolce vita style to Denver's bustling Union Station neighborhood with fresh handmade pastas, an Italian directed wine & spirits list and world-class hospitality.
Hiking
This is a hidden gem! South of Denver, this area has fantastic geological sights, and even features a waterfall. It’s different than the high elevation mountain hikes but is truly one of my favorites.
117 locals recommend
Castlewood Canyon State Park
2989 CO-83This is a hidden gem! South of Denver, this area has fantastic geological sights, and even features a waterfall. It’s different than the high elevation mountain hikes but is truly one of my favorites.
Great easy, but heart-pumping day hike 40 minutes outside of Denver. Typically heavily trafficked, so get there early to get a parking spot.
13 locals recommend
Beaver Brook Trailhead
Great easy, but heart-pumping day hike 40 minutes outside of Denver. Typically heavily trafficked, so get there early to get a parking spot.
This about 7-mile hike is on the east side of Eisenhower Tunnel and a great one if you want a tough hike, but not technical. It also has amazing views, and you finish at an artic lake. Great for snowshoeing in the winter too!
15 locals recommend
Herman Gulch
Herman Gulch TrailThis about 7-mile hike is on the east side of Eisenhower Tunnel and a great one if you want a tough hike, but not technical. It also has amazing views, and you finish at an artic lake. Great for snowshoeing in the winter too!
This state park is a little more than an hour outside of Denver and has a ton of hikes to offer its visitors. There is a day parking pass required that you could pick up at the visitor center. They can give you great advice too on what to check out. Fall hikes in the park are fantastic!
21 locals recommend
Golden Gate Canyon State Park Visitor Center
92 Co Rd 70This state park is a little more than an hour outside of Denver and has a ton of hikes to offer its visitors. There is a day parking pass required that you could pick up at the visitor center. They can give you great advice too on what to check out. Fall hikes in the park are fantastic!
Great for a summer hike, or snowshoeing! Just outside of Nederland, about a 1.5-hour drive from Denver. The hike is 4 miles roundtrip.
19 locals recommend
Lost Lake Trail
Great for a summer hike, or snowshoeing! Just outside of Nederland, about a 1.5-hour drive from Denver. The hike is 4 miles roundtrip.
This one is also outside of Mt. Evans, near Echo Mountain. A little more than 4 miles roundtrip, it offers beautiful views and is great in the summer or winter for a snowshoe!
23 locals recommend
Chief Mountain Trail
This one is also outside of Mt. Evans, near Echo Mountain. A little more than 4 miles roundtrip, it offers beautiful views and is great in the summer or winter for a snowshoe!
Are you up for a 14er? This is not for the weary or late starters. You’ll need to be on the mountain before sunrise. This is also a summer hike; best months are July – September.
34 locals recommend
Mount Bierstadt
Are you up for a 14er? This is not for the weary or late starters. You’ll need to be on the mountain before sunrise. This is also a summer hike; best months are July – September.
My Favorite Breweries and Cideries
Stem Ciders
3040 Walnut StA Salted Cucumber is my fav!
Denver Beer Company
1695 Platte StThe Pretzel Assassin Amber Lager is my fav!
Dry Dock Brewing Co - South Dock
15120 E Hampden AveApricot Blonde is my fav!