Your Denver-Boulder Guidebook During Your Westminster Stay
Neighborhoods
A walkable handful of blocks with restaurants and shops only about a 10 minute drive from here. Grab breakfast or a happy hour drink, do some shopping, get some pizza at Mas Chaos, a beer at Call to Arms brewery, ice cream at High Point Creamery or grab a coffee at Allegro Coffee.
196 locals recommend
Tennyson Street
4030 Tennyson StA walkable handful of blocks with restaurants and shops only about a 10 minute drive from here. Grab breakfast or a happy hour drink, do some shopping, get some pizza at Mas Chaos, a beer at Call to Arms brewery, ice cream at High Point Creamery or grab a coffee at Allegro Coffee.
About a 15 minute drive from our place, this walkable area of restaurants and shops is a great place to grab a bite to eat, a drink or do some window shopping.
West 32nd Avenue
West 32nd AvenueAbout a 15 minute drive from our place, this walkable area of restaurants and shops is a great place to grab a bite to eat, a drink or do some window shopping.
Another hip part of downtown that has been growing like crazy over the years. If you don’t know what you’re in the mood for to eat, you could head down and walk up and down the streets here and stop in at an array of great restaurants, breweries and shops.
Check out all of the great murals in this neighborhood!
558 locals recommend
River North Art District
Another hip part of downtown that has been growing like crazy over the years. If you don’t know what you’re in the mood for to eat, you could head down and walk up and down the streets here and stop in at an array of great restaurants, breweries and shops.
Check out all of the great murals in this neighborhood!
A strip on S. Broadway St. that has multiple bars restaurants, and shops. It’s more of a hipster/young scene in Denver. Great small venues to see music, a few rooftop bars and good people watching as you walk up and down the street. Almost all places are super casual on this street.
45 locals recommend
South Broadway
South BroadwayA strip on S. Broadway St. that has multiple bars restaurants, and shops. It’s more of a hipster/young scene in Denver. Great small venues to see music, a few rooftop bars and good people watching as you walk up and down the street. Almost all places are super casual on this street.
Outdoor walking district that covers many blocks with name brand stores, boutique hotels and restaurants. Definitely a more upscale neighborhood of Denver. There is an indoor mall across the street but Cherry Creek North is more of the outdoor walking mall and restaurants/bars located across Speer Ave. from the mall.
162 locals recommend
Cherry Creek
Outdoor walking district that covers many blocks with name brand stores, boutique hotels and restaurants. Definitely a more upscale neighborhood of Denver. There is an indoor mall across the street but Cherry Creek North is more of the outdoor walking mall and restaurants/bars located across Speer Ave. from the mall.
This is worth a see if you want to visit the Boulder area. It's a strip of about 5 brick sidewalked blocked (a walking mall...no cars on these blocks) with shops, restaurants, street performers and great people watching. In the summer, there is a great farmer's market on the weekend very close to this.
205 locals recommend
Pearl Street
1303 BroadwayThis is worth a see if you want to visit the Boulder area. It's a strip of about 5 brick sidewalked blocked (a walking mall...no cars on these blocks) with shops, restaurants, street performers and great people watching. In the summer, there is a great farmer's market on the weekend very close to this.
Dining or drinks with a view
These are restaurants which have great views of the city or mountains
Beautiful view of downtown from both the bar and dining area. Great tapas, definitely a part of Denver’s swankier food scene.
291 locals recommend
El Five
2930 15th StBeautiful view of downtown from both the bar and dining area. Great tapas, definitely a part of Denver’s swankier food scene.
I can’t think of a better place to have a drink and watch the sunset in Denver. The views of the mountains are spectacular.
54 locals recommend
Peaks Lounge
650 15th StI can’t think of a better place to have a drink and watch the sunset in Denver. The views of the mountains are spectacular.
Whenever I have family come to town who hasn't been to Denver, I take them here especially if the weather is nice and we can sit outside. They have outdoor seating but you can also bring your own blankets/chairs. The mountain views are spectacular. They have more than 20 ciders on tap (this is all they serve alcohol-wise) and serve comfort style food in the taproom, patio & orchard-side garden.
41 locals recommend
Acreage by Stem Ciders
1380 Horizon AveWhenever I have family come to town who hasn't been to Denver, I take them here especially if the weather is nice and we can sit outside. They have outdoor seating but you can also bring your own blankets/chairs. The mountain views are spectacular. They have more than 20 ciders on tap (this is all they serve alcohol-wise) and serve comfort style food in the taproom, patio & orchard-side garden.
Sightseeing
Park your car at the Westminster Station RTD park and ride light rail station (a few minutes drive from our door step) and enjoy an easy, 10 min train ride that stops right at the newly renovated Union Station. This is a hassle free way to get downtown and not have to deal with parking. (I believe it’s a $3 day pass/round trip fare). Once you are there, all of downtown’s restaurants and bars are walkable from there, many of which are ride in and around Union Station (take the 16th street free bus “mall ride”) up and down 16th street mall to get even further into downtown with minimal walking needed. Check out The Dairy Block (upscale market with lots of food choices and a central bar) across the street from Union Station or grab a cocktail at Cooper Lounge (top level inside Union Station).
889 locals recommend
LoDo
Park your car at the Westminster Station RTD park and ride light rail station (a few minutes drive from our door step) and enjoy an easy, 10 min train ride that stops right at the newly renovated Union Station. This is a hassle free way to get downtown and not have to deal with parking. (I believe it’s a $3 day pass/round trip fare). Once you are there, all of downtown’s restaurants and bars are walkable from there, many of which are ride in and around Union Station (take the 16th street free bus “mall ride”) up and down 16th street mall to get even further into downtown with minimal walking needed. Check out The Dairy Block (upscale market with lots of food choices and a central bar) across the street from Union Station or grab a cocktail at Cooper Lounge (top level inside Union Station).
If you aren’t already planning on seeing a concert here (one of the most memorable concert venues you’ll probably ever experience...it’s truly something), Red Rocks is still worth driving to during the day any time of year to walk around in the venue and see the views of downtown Denver, there are places to walk around and some hiking trails around the park. If you’re here during the summer, be sure to check out their calendar because they do other non-music events like Movies on the Rocks in the evenings, some daytime Yoga on the Rocks events, etc.
76 locals recommend
Red Rocks Amphitheatre Box Office
Red Rocks Trail RoadIf you aren’t already planning on seeing a concert here (one of the most memorable concert venues you’ll probably ever experience...it’s truly something), Red Rocks is still worth driving to during the day any time of year to walk around in the venue and see the views of downtown Denver, there are places to walk around and some hiking trails around the park. If you’re here during the summer, be sure to check out their calendar because they do other non-music events like Movies on the Rocks in the evenings, some daytime Yoga on the Rocks events, etc.
A drive to the top of Mt. Evans is a beautiful place to sight see in the summer. You'll most definitely see wildlife like mountain goats at the top. There are trails to hike around. Many beautiful photo opps here!
259 locals recommend
Mount Evans
A drive to the top of Mt. Evans is a beautiful place to sight see in the summer. You'll most definitely see wildlife like mountain goats at the top. There are trails to hike around. Many beautiful photo opps here!
Great place for drinks/cocktails
Cooper Lounge
1701 Wynkoop StGreat place for a cocktail with a cozy, retro vibe.
Speak easy and great place to grab a drink. There is often a wait list. You may have to get there early or plan to put your name in and hang out in a restaurant across the street until you can get in.
427 locals recommend
Williams & Graham
3160 Tejon StSpeak easy and great place to grab a drink. There is often a wait list. You may have to get there early or plan to put your name in and hang out in a restaurant across the street until you can get in.
Bigsby's Folly Craft Winery & Restaurant
3563 Wazee StExcellent food and great place to grab food or drink at the bar
111 locals recommend
Barcelona Wine Bar
2900 Larimer StExcellent food and great place to grab food or drink at the bar
Located atop Halcyon, Elevated, Denver’s premiere rooftop bar, features an exquisite outdoor space with unrivaled views of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Good food and drinks.
8 locals recommend
HALCYON, a hotel in Cherry Creek
245 Columbine StLocated atop Halcyon, Elevated, Denver’s premiere rooftop bar, features an exquisite outdoor space with unrivaled views of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Good food and drinks.
An outdoor pizza place with bar food that has a great scene and lots of outdoor seating. Definitely make a reservation. This place fills up fast on a nice weather day!
86 locals recommend
Happy Camper
3211 N Pecos StAn outdoor pizza place with bar food that has a great scene and lots of outdoor seating. Definitely make a reservation. This place fills up fast on a nice weather day!
Really cute wine bar with a good ambiance. They also serve some beer and cheese plates.
13 locals recommend
Vin Rouge Wine Bar & Tasting Room
4412 Yates StReally cute wine bar with a good ambiance. They also serve some beer and cheese plates.
Food scene
Right across from Union Station. A wonderful mix of dine in restaurants and bars. It’s set up like a huge market where you walk up and order to whichever style food you are in the mood for and seat yourself within the market. There is a large bar in the center of the entire dining area.
146 locals recommend
Denver Milk Market
1800 Wazee StRight across from Union Station. A wonderful mix of dine in restaurants and bars. It’s set up like a huge market where you walk up and order to whichever style food you are in the mood for and seat yourself within the market. There is a large bar in the center of the entire dining area.
This is set up like a market with multiple food vendors inside. You walk up and order food. There's a main central bar area upstairs and downstairs for cocktails and a large patio overlooking downtown Denver
651 locals recommend
Avanti Food and Beverage
3200 North Pecos StreetThis is set up like a market with multiple food vendors inside. You walk up and order food. There's a main central bar area upstairs and downstairs for cocktails and a large patio overlooking downtown Denver
Multi-level “gastro-brothel” with live music and eclectic American food. An old brothel in downtown that has been converted in a very popular restaurant. Live music makes it kind of loud, but a Denver scene with good food/cocktails. Serve Dinner and Happy Hour and Brunch on the weekends. We’d recommend getting a reservation.
213 locals recommend
Ophelia's Electric Soapbox
1215 20th StMulti-level “gastro-brothel” with live music and eclectic American food. An old brothel in downtown that has been converted in a very popular restaurant. Live music makes it kind of loud, but a Denver scene with good food/cocktails. Serve Dinner and Happy Hour and Brunch on the weekends. We’d recommend getting a reservation.
Stylish, airy stop in the Source Hotel in the Rino district of downtown. Middle Eastern food with delicious wood-fired pita bread. Lunch and dinner.
83 locals recommend
Safta Restaurant
3330 Brighton BlvdStylish, airy stop in the Source Hotel in the Rino district of downtown. Middle Eastern food with delicious wood-fired pita bread. Lunch and dinner.
A concept where an old mortuary was converted into a lively restaurant. They have a great rooftop patio and global small plates. Dinner, lunch and brunch on weekends.
743 locals recommend
Linger
2030 W 30th AveA concept where an old mortuary was converted into a lively restaurant. They have a great rooftop patio and global small plates. Dinner, lunch and brunch on weekends.
American Food with farm to table/sustainability practices. Great brunch on the weekends. Also serves dinner and happy hour.
515 locals recommend
Root Down
1600 W 33rd AveAmerican Food with farm to table/sustainability practices. Great brunch on the weekends. Also serves dinner and happy hour.
T/aco
1175 Walnut StLunch, dinner, happy hour. Tacos & tequila-spiked cocktails.
For Breakfast/Brunch. Rich American food like pancakes filled with bacon and drinks.
53 locals recommend
The Buff
2600 Canyon BlvdFor Breakfast/Brunch. Rich American food like pancakes filled with bacon and drinks.
Walnut Cafe
3073 Walnut StGreat breakfast & lunch
An upscale restaurant serving Northern Italian plates based on locally sourced ingredients paired with top-shelf wines
106 locals recommend
Frasca Food and Wine
1738 Pearl StAn upscale restaurant serving Northern Italian plates based on locally sourced ingredients paired with top-shelf wines
We love the burgers here. Good drinks and lots of TVs if you’re into watching sporting events. Also a large patio with good sun.
Tap & Burger Westminster
We love the burgers here. Good drinks and lots of TVs if you’re into watching sporting events. Also a large patio with good sun.
Our Favorite Restaurants
Authentic Mexican 5 minutes from here. We think it’s the best in the area. (Don’t go to Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant on 80th…the food is disappointing even though it looks like it would be a good spot)
37 locals recommend
Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant
2835 W 72nd AveAuthentic Mexican 5 minutes from here. We think it’s the best in the area. (Don’t go to Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant on 80th…the food is disappointing even though it looks like it would be a good spot)
We order carry out from here. They don’t deliver. Good sushi and ramen and cute, quaint dining area if you eat in the restaurant; very close to us.
13 locals recommend
Sakana Sushi & Ramen
7520 Sheridan BoulevardWe order carry out from here. They don’t deliver. Good sushi and ramen and cute, quaint dining area if you eat in the restaurant; very close to us.
Very good ramen about 10 minutes from here. Small, casual dining room. Great on a snowy day.
Sasuke Ramen
7705 Wadsworth BoulevardVery good ramen about 10 minutes from here. Small, casual dining room. Great on a snowy day.
We just think they have the best Indian Food in the city! It's just less than a 20 minute drive from our house straight down Lowell. And it's located on a corner with some other shops and restaurant/bars walking distance from there.
11 locals recommend
Little India Restaurant & Bar Highlands
3496 West 32nd AvenueWe just think they have the best Indian Food in the city! It's just less than a 20 minute drive from our house straight down Lowell. And it's located on a corner with some other shops and restaurant/bars walking distance from there.
Blackjack Pizza & Salads
2020 S Parker RdThey deliver or it’s a quick drive for carry out.
Fun atmosphere. On weekend nights during the later dinner timeframe they might have DJ. During the day in the summer they have a nice open air patio to sit on.
37 locals recommend
Mizu Izakaya
1560 Boulder StFun atmosphere. On weekend nights during the later dinner timeframe they might have DJ. During the day in the summer they have a nice open air patio to sit on.
Hiking
This is a beautiful hike not even 30 minutes from here that I often recommend to people in Boulder.
649 locals recommend
Chautauqua Park
9th StreetThis is a beautiful hike not even 30 minutes from here that I often recommend to people in Boulder.
I know you won't have your dog with you while you're visiting with us, but if you're just looking for a light walk out in nature that's only a 20 min drive from here, there are a lot of trail areas to walk around at this location. Definitely must love dogs because they are off leash everywhere, but the south side of this area is more trails and just people walking. The north parking lot has more of your typical dog park area.
OPEN Space Offleash Dog Area.
11701-12731 W 100th AveI know you won't have your dog with you while you're visiting with us, but if you're just looking for a light walk out in nature that's only a 20 min drive from here, there are a lot of trail areas to walk around at this location. Definitely must love dogs because they are off leash everywhere, but the south side of this area is more trails and just people walking. The north parking lot has more of your typical dog park area.
There is a very easy hike up to this Glacier area. It's a good place to visit in the summer but it's touristy.
148 locals recommend
St. Mary's Glacier
7599 Fall River RoadThere is a very easy hike up to this Glacier area. It's a good place to visit in the summer but it's touristy.
I can't say that I've actually hiked this particular trail, but I'm putting this in here because Golden has many hiking options. If I didn't just Google one myself any time I hiked, I may actually remember the names of some of my favorites! :) But this will put you in a general area of good hiking options that you can find on the internet.
21 locals recommend
Chimney Gulch Trailhead
Chimney Gulch TrailI can't say that I've actually hiked this particular trail, but I'm putting this in here because Golden has many hiking options. If I didn't just Google one myself any time I hiked, I may actually remember the names of some of my favorites! :) But this will put you in a general area of good hiking options that you can find on the internet.