My favorite spots in Denver that I’d actually recommend to a friend🤍 From cute coffee shops and brunch spots to date-night restaurants, cozy corners, and places worth the drive, these are the spots I’ve loved, discovered, or keep coming back to.
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Map
Sections
5
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Outdoor Activities
After Dark
Local Favorites
Restaurants
My husband and I had our very first date here, so Uchi will always have a special place in my heart 🥹 The vibe is amazing — intimate, stylish, and perfect for a date night. The food is incredible, especially if you love creative sushi and Japanese-i...
Uchi Denver
If you’re craving handmade pasta in Denver, Dio Mio is definitely one to add to your list! 🤍 The focaccia with blackened butter is a must-order, and the cacio e pepe gets lots of love in the reviews. Their pasta is fresh and full of flavor, with sea...
Dio Mio
If you’re in the mood for a little taste of Paris without leaving Denver, La Merise is such a charming spot! 🤍 The beef bourguignon, savory crêpes, and steak frites are popular picks, and you’ll definitely want to save room for the crème brûlée. The...
La Merise French Bistro
Rome meets Tokyo at Rōmyō, and the result is one seriously creative dining experience in Denver! 🤍 Located in Larimer Square, this restaurant puts a fun Japanese twist on Italian comfort food, with a menu that’s made for trying a little bit of every...
Rōmyō
Blossom by SYC is giving elegant Chinese dining with a seriously gorgeous interior. 🌸 Located in LoHi, this place is perfect for a date night, a girls’ dinner, or a special occasion when you want somewhere that feels extra special. The garden-inspir...
Blossom by SYC
La Forêt feels like stepping into a dreamy, enchanted forest right in Denver. 🌿 With real aspen trees, moody lighting, and romantic, woodland-inspired decor, it’s one of those restaurants where the atmosphere alone makes the experience feel special....
La Foret Denver
The menu combines Vietnamese flavors with French influences, and the shaking beef is a must-try! I’d also recommend the crispy pork and shrimp rolls, chicken dumplings, and signature fried rice. For drinks, the lychee martini is a favorite, and don’t...
Le Colonial Denver
If you go to Narrative, definitely try the lobster corndogs — they’re such a fun twist on a classic and a great starter to share! I also love the idea of their braised short rib when I’m craving something hearty and comforting. The menu has a nice mi...
Narrative
My recommendations would be the signature Cajun chicken with its creamy beurre blanc sauce, the steak frites, or the moules marinières — mussels cooked in white wine, garlic, and shallots with crispy fries on the side. The escargots with garlic-parsl...
Le Bilboquet
My must-orders would be the yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño — the citrusy yuzu-soy sauce and little kick of heat make it so good — and the black cod miso, which is a signature for a reason. The spicy tuna crispy rice and rock shrimp tempura with cre...
Matsuhisa Denver
If you’re craving a seafood feast, The Juicy Seafood is a fun spot to get messy and dig in! 🦀 The seafood boils are the main event — choose your seafood, pick your favorite seasoning and spice level, and get ready for a table full of flavor. I’d go ...
The Juicy Seafood
The chicken parm pizza is a must-try — it’s their signature for a reason and such a fun twist on classic chicken Parmesan. I’d also go for the spicy rigatoni vodka if you love a rich, creamy pasta, and the tableside mozzarella is perfect if you enjoy...
Quality Italian
If you love Japanese food and sharing lots of little dishes, Izakaya Den is one of my favorite recommendations for a dinner out in Denver! The menu has so many tempting options, but I’d start with the hamachi sashimi or yellowtail jalapeño, then orde...
Izakaya Den
Other Food & Drinks
The atmosphere is chic, intimate, and lively, with a beautiful patio that’s especially lovely when the weather is nice. The cocktails are the real highlight — creative, beautifully presented, and worth exploring beyond the usual classics. If you’re h...
Forget Me Not
If you’re craving a little Parisian romance in Denver, La Vie En Rose is such a dreamy spot for a night out! 🌹 This champagne and cocktail bar in RiNo has a gorgeous, intimate atmosphere with rich velvet, moody lighting, French music, and elegant Ar...
La Vie En Rose
Stellar Jay is all about the views! ✨ Located on the rooftop of The Source Hotel, it’s a gorgeous spot to enjoy cocktails while taking in the Denver skyline. The food was good, but honestly, not phenomenal — I’d come back more for the atmosphere, dri...
Stellar Jay | Denver Rooftop Restaurant | Populus Hotel
The coffee menu has some fun options beyond the usual classics — the orange cardamom latte and amaretto latte are worth trying, and the Mexican mocha is perfect if you’re craving something rich and chocolatey. Pair your drink with an almond croissant...
Aviano Coffee Cherry Creek North
Call Me Pearl is such a cute spot in downtown Denver for cocktails, small bites, and a little bit of elegance. 🤍 The cocktail menu is creative, and if you love martinis or espresso martinis, definitely take a look at their options. For food, the oys...
Call Me Pearl
If you love a cute afternoon tea moment, Babe’s Tea Room is such a sweet spot to add to your list! 🎀 It’s perfect for slowing down, catching up with a friend, and enjoying a little treat-yourself afternoon. I’d recommend trying their afternoon tea w...
Babe's Tea Room
Outdoor Activities
A Denver favorite for morning walks, jogging, biking, picnics, and simply enjoying a sunny afternoon. The lakes and flower gardens make it especially lovely in spring and fall.
Walk or bike around Washington Park
One of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday morning in Denver! 🤍 Cherry Creek Fresh Market is perfect for a little weekend stroll, picking up fresh flowers, seasonal fruit, local produce, and discovering cute finds from small businesses. There are a...
Cherry Creek Fresh Market
One of the most iconic Colorado experiences. Walk between enormous red sandstone formations, explore the trails, and enjoy incredible mountain views. It's also a gorgeous spot for photos!
Hike at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre | Red Rocks Trail and Morrison Slide Trail
Wander through themed gardens, peaceful ponds, and beautiful landscaped paths. It's a lovely slower-paced outdoor activity, especially if you enjoy flowers, nature, and pretty photography locations.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Get out on the water right in the city! Watch kayakers tackle the rapids or try a kayaking session yourself when conditions and rentals permit. You can also walk or cycle along the nearby river trails.
Go kayaking at Confluence Park
Walk or bike around the lake, bring a blanket for a picnic, and enjoy the views of the skyline with the mountains in the background. Golden hour is especially beautiful here.
Sloan's Lake Park
Take the scenic wildlife drive or explore walking trails while looking for bison, deer, prairie dogs, and birds. It's a surprisingly peaceful nature escape close to the city.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
If you want more of a proper foothills hike, this park offers trails, open landscapes, and lovely views of the surrounding mountains. Choose a route that matches your fitness level and check trail conditions before leaving.
Go hiking at Mount Falcon Park
You can meet these fluffy animals up close, learn about their personalities, and enjoy a peaceful farm experience surrounded by nature. It’s perfect for animal lovers, couples, or a fun outing with friends — and, of course, the photo opportunities ar...
Smooth Alpaca Experiences: Unforgettable Alpaca
After Dark
If you’re looking for a night out in Denver that feels like stepping into another world, Mockingbird is such a fun spot to check out! ✨ Located in RiNo, this immersive art lounge combines creative art installations, moody lighting, unique themed room...
Mockingbird
Local Favorites
If you’re looking for a salon in Denver for a clean, flawless manicure, Beauty Syndicate is worth checking out! 🤍 I especially recommend booking with Katy — she’s my go-to nail technician, and I love having someone who pays attention to the little d...
Beauty Syndicate
You get your own private suite with an infrared sauna, cold plunge, and Vitamin C shower, so you can relax and move between hot and cold at your own pace. I love the idea of having a little private spa moment without the crowds — put on your favorite...
SweatHouz South Broadway
You get to meet red kangaroos up close, learn about their personalities and behavior, and even feed them during a guided, small-group experience. What makes it extra special is how personal it feels — the keepers know the kangaroos so well and share ...
Kangaroo Ranch
It’s an outdoor shopping center with a great mix of designer and popular brands, so you can hunt for deals on everything from clothes and shoes to bags and accessories
Denver Premium Outlets®
Even if you’re not visiting for a service, it’s worth stepping inside to admire the stunning Gothic architecture, soaring ceilings, intricate stained-glass windows, and peaceful atmosphere. The details are absolutely breathtaking, and the light comin...
Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
It’s a creative reuse center where you can find all kinds of art supplies, craft materials, fabrics, paper, and unique secondhand treasures. Think of it as a little treasure hunt for your next DIY project
ReCreative Denver
If you love contemporary art and discovering creative spaces in Denver, Sync Gallery is worth adding to your list! 🤍