DENVER NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT: HIGHLANDS
Photo: DeviantArt
When in the Mile High City, make sure to make your way to the Denver Highlands, home to some of the city's best dining, great Victorian architecture, independent galleries and boutiques, and yet more of the city's engaging parks.
Chart your course to this neighborhood from downtown by crossing the Denver Millennium Bridge or the Platte River Bridge and get thee immediately to these rollicking eateries, haunts and watering holes.
GET FED:
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Linger - Denver’s Eatuary. What? Well, what used to be Olinger mortuary has been transformed. With the iconic sign still standing, less the “O”, Linger has transformed into a lively reference point in the Highlands, with creative nods to the building’s past (we won’t ruin the surprise, just go experience it for yourself!). Featuring creative street foods from around the world, be sure to check out the rooftop patio for some of the best views of Denver. Reservations recommended — Linger is always busy, and with good reason.
Uncle - executive chef Tommy Lee’s (no, not that one) Highlands restaurant — creative, and always packed thanks to upscale ramen dishes perfect for fall or winter. See also: Tommy's latest venture in RiNo, Hop Alley
Lola Coastal Mexican - bustling location in the heart of the Lower Highlands. Upscale Mexican food with great margaritas. Grab a spot on the patio if you can and enjoy the views and people watching.
Old Major - creative plates and craft cocktails in a typically Denver rustic, industrial setting — though the food is anything but typical. If you’re after fine meats, from charcuterie, to beef carpaccio, fried chicken, kielbasa, or premium cuts, Old Major is sure to delight.
Root Down - One of Denver’s finest and most revered restaurants by those in the know. Always busy as a result, reservations are highly recommended. From the adventurous to farm-fresh, the funky DIY decor belies the culinary class and range — this is a menu equally enticing for vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free and omnivores alike. And a smoken salmon platter with bottomless mimosas for brunch? Sign us up!
GET FAT:
Photo: www.woodenspondenver.com
Duo Restaurant — a great restaurant in its own right, Duo really shines in the dessert category. Plus, across the street you can spy the Wooden Spoon, where you should grab your coffee and breakfast in the morning (the egg sandwiches on brioche buns are wonderful, but so is the array of pastries!).
Little Man Ice Cream - You simply can’t miss the iconic milk jug ice cream hut in the heart of LoHi. Long lines are a feature from spring to fall, as this popular destination for a scoop of homemade ice cream is a staple.
GET WATERED:
Photo: Carrie Daw
Avanti Food & Beverage - a new hotspot for food and drink. Featuring two levels, you can sink into plush leather charis, hit the “food court” that features several budding restaurant concepts in a street food or food truck style. Avanti is a platform for new concepts to test out their menus before “graduating” into brick & mortars. The result? You get to enjoy a bustling social scene for grabbing a drink, while also having the opportunity to try some of Denver’s best up-and-coming cuisines.
Forest Room 5 - a fun, funky, and decidedly hip destination for a night cap, Forest Room 5 always keeps a little weird. Decorated like an art-house-turned-cabin-in-the-woods, FR5 features its own creative and seasonal menu of tapas, but really shines as a destination for a cocktail or beer. Featuring an art gallery, check the website for exhibits and hours. Be sure to grab a spot outside, with fire pits and a lovely winding outdoor garden, this is the perfect place to meet up with friends for good vibes.
Williams & Graham - recently named one of the best 50 bars in the world by Drinks International (the first outside of New York or the coastal cities), Williams & Graham is gem in LoHi. In true speakeasy form, you enter through a hidden bookshelf wall into what feels like a warmly lit library. Some of the best cocktails you can find in Denver, with an ambiance to match, be prepared for a wait as this is a top destination.
Occidental - Whether you’re waiting for your seats at Williams & Graham or looking for a nightcap, Occidental just around the corner is a no frills bar to grab a drink while you wait, catch some live music, or wrap up your evening!
There - a few blocks off the beaten path, There is nonetheless a worthwhile trek to find a crafted cocktail, enjoyable decor, and globally inspired dishes from tostadas, to lettuce wraps, sticky buns, ramen, kushiyaki and more.
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