Great Neigborhoods
You can read dozens of reviews here and elswhere to find what appears to be the ideal bar or restaurant, but what happens when you arrive, and it is not to your liking. Worse yet, what if they are too busy to seat you right away?
It often helps to have not just a good restaurant in mind, but a whole neighborhood where you might enjoy having a drink, doing some shopping, or just taking a walk.
Fortunately, Denver is filled with great neighborhoods that offer a variety of food, shopping and entertainment.
Downtown:
1. Market Street between 19th and 21st streets is home to a few decent restaurants, and a lot of good nightlife. Don't miss LoDo's Bar and Grill for Burgers or the famous El Chapultapec Jazz club at 1962 Market Street.
2. Larimer St. between 14th and 15th is home to some really fine shopping and dining. Locals call this "Larimer Square," even though there isn't anything here resembleing a quadrilateral.
3. The Pavilions at 16th and Glenarm is more of an outdoor shopping center than a true neighborhood, however all the elements are there, food, bars, and dining as well as a bowling allley and a movie theater. Don't miss my review the Paramount Cafe across the street
Outside of the Central Business District:
1. The Washington Park neighborhood at South Gaylord St. and Mississippi is a favorite spot to spend the evening. Anchored by the acclaimed Wash Park Grille, you will find plenty more good food and relaxed nightlife on this tree lined street.
2. 17th Street between Downing and York has an abundance of up and coming bars and restaurants. My tip: try Limon for a fresh take on Peruvian cuisine.
3. Cherry Creek North is an enourmous outdoor shopping district that borders the upscale Cherry Creek Mall. There are dozens of bars, restaurants, and boutiques here, but my favorite is the Indian food at Bombay Clay Oven, and not just because it is on Steele Street.
4. 32d and Lowell is the heart of east Denver's emerging Highlands neighborhood (note: this is NOT the same as Highlands Ranch, a sprawling mess of McMansions and strip malls 25 miles south of Denver). Here you will find some great neighborhood bars, eclectic boutiques, and some inovative eateries.
Suburbs:
1. Golden is a great little town to explore. My recommendations include the Old Capitol Grill at 1122 Washington Ave. and the Table Mountain Inn.
2. Downtown Morrison is near the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater and is home to some fun casual bars and restaurants.
3. Stapleton North is a brand new shopping center built on the site of the old Stapleton airport. It is a little stretch to call this a neighborhood, but there are a bunch of new shops, restaurants, and even a movie theater.