As I excitedly prepare for a month of jet setting around, starting with this long weekend in Toronto, I am sad to leave Denver during one of the most beautiful times of year – late summer to early fall. While I know that my destinations will force me to be more spontaneous and pull me out of my comfort zone, there is something wonderful about staycations and exploring your own city more.
I have had many people visit me in the past year and a half that I’ve been in Denver, and while exploring on my own and with others, I’ve found the little list of things and restaurants that I keep in my back pocket for long weekends. Today, I’m sharing my DENVER TO DO LIST with you!
I finally wrote it up after some people continued to ask for recommendations, and thought I would share it for you all. My recommendations are largely food related and very Denver centric, but I am looking forward to expanding this at some point with my favorite day trips.
Fun Things To Do in Denver
- Hiking: There are plenty of nearby trails and hikes within 30 minutes of Denver, as well as amazing workout classes and meet ups. Some of my favorite events this past year have been Yoga On The Rocks (bottom right photo) and hiking within a 30 minute drive of downtown (bottom left photo at Beaver Brook Trailhead in Genesee).
- Walking in City Parks: I love city parks in Denver – my favorites to walk around are Wash Park and Cheesman Park (which is right next to the botanic gardens as well, which are wonderful).
- Cherry Creek: Not only are there plenty of boutiques and restaurants, I love walking around Cherry Creek on Saturday mornings because there is a wonderful farmers’ market (top left photo). Don’t miss The Artisan Center – my favorite store in the area to browse for gifts and unique jewelry and housewares.
- Confluence Park: Especially in the summer, this is a great place to walk around or bike along the Cherry Creek Trail. Browse REI, grab a beer at Denver Beer Co, and find a great dinner spot anywhere around here.
Top Notch Eats in Denver
- Acorn: This restaurant in The Source is contemporary American cooking in a fun tapas-style presentation, with plenty of small plates to share. I loved the oak grilled eggplant, fish, and pasta dishes.
- Potager: An almost hidden spot in our old neighborhood (Capitol Hill), this farm to table restaurant has amazing dishes with local ingredients and a wonderful staff. Sit outside in their beautiful backyard patio.
- Safta: This new Israeli restaurant has us enamored. It’s located inside the Source Hotel and makes the best pita bread, hummus plates, and side dishes. Come hungry and bring friends so you can order lots of options from the menu! I love their Moroccan mint tea, which is sweetened with lemon syrup.
- Sushi Den: Hands down best sushi in Denver, flown in fresh from Japan – a great place to get apps and drinks and walk around the cute neighborhood of South Pearl.
- Luca and Osteria Marco: These is two of our favorite Italian restaurants in Denver, and have great specials or happy hour depending on the night of the week.
- Cuba Cuba Cafe & Bar: This is a great happy hour date night spot for Cuban sandwiches or main dishes with a fantastic bar.
Casual Eats & Treats in Denver
- The Corner Beet: We end up here a lot for breakfast and brunches – we love their toasts, smoothies, and salads, and nice vibe.
- Vert Kitchen: This is my go to lunch date spot with friends, as you can’t go wrong with their fresh and organic menu of salads, soups, sandwiches, and burgers. I love the tuna power salad and am so glad they have kept it on the menu!
- Pho Duy: If you follow me on Instagram, you know I end up here more than once a month. This is the most delicious vegetarian pho with spicy broth, fried tofu, and veggies that I can’t get enough of (bottom right photo).
- Zaidy’s Deli: This gem of a Jewish deli opened in 1985 and has been serving up the best bagel and lox platter ever since. Don’t leave without getting a black & white cookie.
- La Chiva Columbian Cuisine: This place is a favorite for dinners out with friends – it ‘s casual, delicious, hearty, and they make fantastic drinks.
- City ‘O City: If you’re looking for vegetarian dishes, like seitan wings, savory waffles topped with deliciousness, and more, definitely check out this spot. Can’t go wrong with a brunch or lunch here if you’re close to downtown (top left photo).
- Sweet Action Ice Creamery or Sweet Cow Creamery: Don’t make me choose between ice cream joints. These are two of my constant favorites depending on what neighborhood you’re in. If you’re vegan, Sweet Action has the most options!
Best Coffee Shops in Denver
- Amethyst Coffee: This is one of the most creative groups of baristas in town – they have seasonal beverages that are delicious, or make an incredible espresso or matcha. Don’t miss the homemade cashew milk.
- Wash Perk or Overt: I love these two spots next to Wash Park because they’re great places to grab drinks before walking around the park – a great way to spend an afternoon!
- Little Owl Coffee: This coffee spot is near my campus, so I frequently walk over here when I’m downtown and need a pick me up. I love their chai. FYI: They have limited seating.
- Sugar Bake Shop on Broadway: This is our closest coffee spot we love walking to for their coffee drinks with homemade cashew milk, and they make lots of tasty treats including vegan popsters (their version of a poptart). Not to be missed!
- Bardo Coffeehouse on 38th, or Corvus Coffee Roasters on Broadway: If you’re looking for a spot to hang for a few hours, both of these are my favorite working coffee shops. Bring your computer charger and knock out a few hours of work alongside tasty drinks and good pastries.
Best Bars/Breweries in Denver
- Historians Ale House: Though we don’t go out often to bars, I love the rooftop of Historians as a great place to meet friends for a drink.
- Zuni Street Brewing Company: I love this spot because of their ample seating inside and outside! Typically always a food truck in the evenings.
- Denver Beer Co: This place is a go-to for their raspberry kolsch and other creative drinks. The taproom is a great spot to hang out, though gets super busy with what Noah likes to say – “beer, babies, and dogs.” Typically always a food truck in the evenings.
- Ratio Beerworks: RiNo is full of breweries, but Ratio has the nicest outdoor space for hanging out. I typically avoid coming here on the weekends because it’s just too busy.
- Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey: This is a great place to come for a free tour if you have some extra time, which includes whiskey samples.
I hope I got you guys hungry and interested in coming to visit. My pull out couch is always ready for you.
Marisa
Ang @ Nutty for Life says
This is amazing! I love city-guides for food from people who were locals. I think they always have the best opinions and know the coolest spots. Denver is on my list of cities to visit! Mile high, right? Also kind of high in general what with the legal weed. lol.
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I cannot wait to go back to Denver and try out some of your suggestsions! And next time we will have to meet up!
Heather @ FITaspire says
Love this list! And don’t forget crooked stave at The Source – my fav brewery.
Marisa says
I still haven’t tried Crooked Stave – now it’s on my to do list next time I’m there!
Sara La Rue says
<3 <3 <3
Scott and I are planning on checking out the source! So glad you like it!! Now I'm super excited. Enjoy your trip!!! I'll take lots of pictures for you here in Denver, you wont miss a thing! 😉
Cassie says
The only place on this list I have been is Sushi Den… And until Bamboo in Portland, was the best sushi I had ever had. We tried to go to Acorn once but it was totally booked… Ended up at some random place that was delicious… I’m drinking so I don’t remember the name right this second hahahaha.