Capitol Hill is Denver’s most centrally located neighborhood, making it the perfect spot for young professionals who want to be immersed in the action. “Cap Hill,” as locals commonly refer to the area, is close enough to downtown without being too close. The neighborhood has a rich history and architectural charm, with historic mansions dotting the streets. Those wanting to experience live music and hip bars and eateries are in luck, as Capitol Hill has a multitude of options within walking distance.
Whether you’re sightseeing in the area or considering a move to Denver, Capitol Hill is a great place to explore. The neighborhood has a diverse array of residents, allowing everybody to find a spot to call home.
The Best Coffee in Capitol Hill
First things first, here are the best spots to get your daily dose of caffeinated goodness in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
Hudson Hill
619 East 13th Avenue
Hudson Hill is open 7 days a week and serves up tasty breakfast items and fresh coffee, including the internet-famous dalgona whipped coffee. Seasonal flavors range from lavender to rosemary, cinnamon, and honey. Pair your latte with a rotating menu of pastries or donuts from La Fillette and Pandemic. The lounge also serves cocktails, beer, and wine and happy hour runs Monday-Saturday from 4-6 PM.
Pablo’s Coffee
1300 Pennsylvania Street Ste 102
Pablo’s Coffee sources the highest quality beans from around the world before roasting them locally. The cafe is a cozy place to meet up with friends or read a good book. The Denver staple has been around since the 90s, with multiple locations scattered throughout the city. Those looking to work remotely should note that the cafe doesn’t provide WiFi.
Roostercat Coffee House
1045 Lincoln Street
Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, Roostercat is excited to welcome you in to experience their espresso-based drinks, loose-leaf tea, and an all-day food menu. The woman-owned coffee house has both front and back patio space, enabling guests to sip their cafe au lait and relax. Specialty lattes rotate with the season and include treats such as a dirty vanilla chai and a frosted mint mocha.
Where to Eat & Drink in Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill has no shortage of charming eateries and exciting happy hours. Whether you’re looking to dine at one of Denver’s quintessential farm-to-table restaurants or share a few plates and knock back a cold one at a casual lounge, you’ll find something that piques your interest along the streets of the lively neighborhood.
The 9th Door
925 Lincoln Street Unit C
The 9th Door is a dark and intimate bistro serving authentic yet innovative Spanish tapas. Their specialization is in paella and a variety of grilled proteins to share. Be sure to check out their Tapas Tuesday special, when select tapas are available for only $8.
Potager
1109 Ogden Street
Potager, meaning kitchen garden in French, has been open in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood since 1997. The rustic dining room is reflective of the organic New American menu that rotates monthly to complement the freshest seasonal ingredients. Diners will be greeted with friendly and professional service and they can guarantee that what’s on their plate has been handled with care.
Charlie Brown’s Bar & Grill
980 Grant Street
Charlie Brown’s is a historic landmark in Denver of sorts, as it’s been around for a century. The casual lounge features a daily happy hour from 4 PM to 7 PM, as well as nightly piano tunes beginning at 6:30 PM. During the summer, Charlie Brown’s is hosting a free pig roast on the second Friday of the month beginning in June and carrying on through August.
Mizuna
225 East 7th Avenue
Mizuna is a New American neighborhood eatery that emphasizes French cooking techniques. The professional service and intimate atmosphere make this the perfect spot for date night and the menu changes monthly, so there’s always something new to sample. There are several tasting menus, as well as a three-course prix fixe option.
DiFranco’s
955 Lincoln Street D
DiFranco’s can best be described as a quaint locavore restaurant. The restaurant adds a quality touch to classic Italian favorites such as meatball subs, vodka penne, and pesto chicken. Driven by seasonal ingredients, the pasta is always fresh and the local flavors are allowed to shine. Happy Hour runs 7 days a week, from 4 PM to 6 PM.
Can’t-Miss Shops in Capitol Hill
The charm of the Capitol Hill neighborhood extends to its many shops. Many of the businesses have been around for decades, through loyal support from locals who appreciate small businesses.
The Common Collective
613 East 13th Avenue
The Common Collective is a unique vintage clothing store, as well as an inclusive space. This woman-owned business promotes the importance of discovering confidence through finding something special to add to your wardrobe. The collective is just that, a collective of small local businesses that come together to uplift and promote sustainability.
Capitol Hill Books
300 East Colfax Avenue
Capitol Hill Books is a longstanding Denver-based secondhand bookstore. They sell and trade thousands of titles, including rare editions. While they do not purchase books for cash, they’re happy to consider providing store credit that can be applied to another book purchase.
Wax Trax Records
638 East 13th Avenue
Wax Trax Records has been buying, selling, and trading all types of music since 1978. Customers will find vinyl, CDs, tapes, and even 8-tracks in the brick-and-mortar record store. They carry a huge selection of both new and used vinyl and even sling a few t-shirts for those who want to show their support.
The Nightlife Scene of Capitol Hill
Live music lovers are in luck, as Capitol Hill is home to some of Denver’s best concert venues. Whether you’re searching for a local dive bar with nightly specials or a higher-end craft cocktail experience, the bars are buzzing during the evening hours with both creative and tried-and-true beverages.
The Ogden Theatre
935 East Colfax Avenue
This former movie theater turned music venue has a capacity of 1,600 and hosts around 150 concerts per year, mostly in the contemporary rock genre. Notable acts include The Lumineers, Prince, Smashing Pumpkins, and Jackson Browne.
Fillmore Auditorium
1510 North Clarkson Street
Located just down from The Ogden Theatre, Fillmore Auditorium is another historically storied venue. Since its opening in 1907, the venue has hosted shows by Marilyn Manson, James Blunt, Rise Against, and Nelly Furtado. At a capacity of 3,900, Fillmore Auditorium holds the title of the largest indoor venue for general admission seating in the state.
The Bluebird Theatre
3317 East Colfax Avenue
Rolling Stone Magazine has dubbed The Bluebird Theater as one of the Best Clubs in America. The small 500-person capacity of the venue provides for an intimate music experience. Past performers include Ed Sheeran, Snow Patrol, Owl City, and Lindsey Stirling.
The 1UP Arcade Bar
717 East Colfax Avenue
This 21 and up arcade room and bar has it all, from Donkey Kong, Frogger, to Street Fighter. The bar hosts sanctioned pinball tournaments monthly and has a robust tap list as well as specialty cocktails such as the Speedy Gonzales and the Truffle Shuffle.
Vesper Lounge
233 East 7th Avenue
This popular Capitol Hill bar and lounge features a wide array of cocktails, including classics such as an old fashioned and a Moscow mule. Order a couple of plates to share, sip on a drink, and enjoy the good company around you. Happy hour runs all day on Mondays and between designated two-hour blocks the rest of the week.
Capitol Hill’s Outdoor Spaces
There’s an emphasis on urban green spaces in Denver, which is a testament to the active lifestyle of many residents. Whether you’re looking to play a game of fetch with your pup or simply toss a blanket down and read a book, Capitol Hill has several parks that are perfect for just that.
Civic Center Park
101 14th Avenue
The Civic Center Park is bordered by the State Capitol and the Denver Art Museum. With over 25,000 square feet of flower beds, the park is something special to behold during the spring and summer months. Upcoming events at Civic Center Park include a public volunteer day, Pridefest, and Civic Center EATS. Live music is hosted during the summer and fall months and food trucks are available for a quick bite to eat.
Cheesman Park
This urban oasis is a welcome retreat for residents of Capitol Hill and the surrounding neighborhoods. The 80-acre park is made up of a large grassy lawn, as well as a pavilion, playground, and public restroom facilities. During the warmer months, the city hosts events in the green space and it’s not uncommon to see people bring their dogs out for a stroll and a picnic. There are also jogging trails and the nearby Denver Botanic Gardens.
Capitol Hill Points of Interest
Those interested in learning more about Colorado’s history will find several museums and tours that scratch the historical and cultural itch.
Molly Brown House Museum
1340 Pennsylvania Street
Known as the “Heroine of the Titanic,” Margaret Molly Brown survived the infamous sinking of the Titanic. Visitors of the museum will hear her incredible story while they tour her home. In 1970, Molly Brown’s home was saved from demolition and went through several restoration phases before it was returned to its original splendor.
State Capitol Building
200 East Colfax Avenue
What good would a neighborhood dubbed as Capitol Hill be without a capitol building? The Colorado State Capitol has a gilded dome roof and notably grand architecture. The 13th step is a traditional stop for newcomers to the state, as it’s precisely one mile above sea level. Tours are provided throughout the summer, Monday through Friday.
History Colorado Center
1200 Broadway
The History Colorado Center is an entire museum dedicated to the storied history of the Centennial State. There are interactive elements that are designed to keep multi-generational audiences engaged. New exhibits and displays include The Sand Creek Massacre and Rainbows & Revolutions.
Want to Learn More About Denver’s Capitol Hill Neighborhood?
At RE/MAX Professionals, we’re excited to introduce you to the charm of Capitol Hill and all that it has to offer. Our team of highly trained agents is happy to provide you with information on what’s currently available on the market. If you’re not completely sold on the area, our realtors can give you the lowdown on other Denver neighborhoods that may provide the amenities that you’re looking for.