It’s not difficult to see why Lower Highland (LoHi) is one of the best places to live in Denver. The proximity to downtown, as well as major attractions such as Coors Field, Elitch Gardens, the Downtown Aquarium, Confluence Park, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, make the neighborhood sought-after. With so many trendy spots to check out, you’ll want to invite a few friends to grab a drink and hit the town.
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The Best Coffee Near Lower Highland
Lower Highland has its fair share of local coffee joints to choose from. It’s difficult to go wrong with any of them. All that’s left to decide is if you want your macchiato hot or iced.
Steam Espresso Bar
3600 Tejon Street #101
Steam Espresso Bar is in the business of providing guests with a high-quality experience. Their craft coffee drinks combine well with freshly baked pastries that are quick to sell out. The small menu prioritizes the true essence of the coffee, without adding overly processed sugary syrups that mask the taste of the beans. During the warm months, sip on your pour-over out on the patio. The exposed brick and industrial lighting make for a charming interior that’s fit for your Instagram feed.
Method Coffee Roasters
2011 West 32nd Avenue
Method Coffee Roasters collaborates with small family farms, as well as independent producers. The cozy interior space is perfect for working remotely. There are plenty of outlets and the WiFi password is conveniently located on each table. Try a flat white or an iced Americano, though the coffee shop is known for its cold brew. The prime location makes for a perfect meeting spot between friends or work colleagues, with street parking and nearby garage parking available.
The Bindery
1817 Central Street
The Bindery serves up artisanal food products that are thoughtfully handcrafted and true to tradition. Not just an eatery, the establishment doubles (and triples) as a market and a bakery. Pair your freshly baked almond croissant with a “magic coffee,” which is a double shot of espresso mixed with iced coffee, syrup, half and half, and a sprinkle of cinnamon dust. If that sounds too over the top, opt for the Irish classic with Jameson’s Whiskey.
Where to Eat & Drink in Lower Highland
LoHi has a bit of everything when it comes to eateries. You can grab a slice of classic pepperoni or a Maine lobster roll. When it comes to options, Avanti Food and Beverage has plenty of culinary choices ranging from burgers, pho, and tacos.
Noisette Restaurant & Bakery
3254 Navajo Street
Noisette has an ever-changing menu that reflects the season. This charming French eatery serves comforting favorites and uses techniques passed down for generations. Just because a traditional croissant can take up to three days to fold correctly doesn’t mean that the process needs to be rushed. Opt for the weeknight prix fixe menu to get a taste of three courses. Don’t forget to save room for sweet recipes such as mousse et noisette with milk chocolate, hazelnut, and cocoa nibs.
Root Down
1600 West 33rd Avenue
Root Down is a New American restaurant that specializes in small plates and ingredients fresh from the earth. This neighborhood gathering spot has unique gas station architecture and seasonal flavors that keep the menu evolving. The small selection of entrees ensures that each dish can be made with care, resulting in complex flavors being developed. Desserts include banana cream pie and raspberry custard.
Maine Shack
1535 Central Street
Maine Shack is proud to serve wild-caught lobster, from their dedicated fleet of lobstermen in Stonington, Maine. They receive fresh shipments multiple times a week and serve six varieties of lobster rolls, as well as an array of other New England specialties including whole belly clams and the Maine Shack burger. The eclectic decor has been sourced from the Pine Tree State, including the 100-year-old oar and rudder. If you still have room after your meal, grab a whoopie pie for the road.
Happy Camper Pizza
3211 North Pecos Street
Happy Camper Pizza has creative pizza toppings, including Mr. Pickles with dill pickles, bacon, and ranch. Guests under 21 are permitted before 7 PM on weekdays and 2 PM on weekends. There are vegetarian options, such as the Linda, which has spinach, roasted red peppers, mushrooms, and feta. If you want to order an appetizer, you can’t go wrong with the Goat Stix which is Happy Camper’s take on breadsticks served with goat cheese and marinara.
Avanti Food and Beverage
3200 North Pecos Street
Avanti Food and Beverage is a staple gathering spot in the LoHi neighborhood. With multiple culinary options to choose from, diners can grab a cheesesteak at 22 Provisions or a banh mi at Pho King Rapidos. There are two bars and roving cocktail waiters, so your drink never has to be empty. Wines are affordable and draft beers are aplenty.
Can’t-Miss Shops Around Lower Highland
Whether you’re looking for a gift for a special someone or you just want to enjoy some retail therapy — LoHi has plenty of unique stores to explore.
Lucky Onion
2501 15th Street
Lucky Onion is a boutique printing house that specializes in designing wedding and corporate event products. They showcase a curated selection of art prints, holiday cards, postcards, and custom rubber stamps. Regardless of the event’s aesthetic, Lucky Onion can curate the branding so that it remains cohesive from the save-the-date invites to the thank-you notes. They also work with a range of mediums, including cotton paper, acrylics, leather, fabrics, and wood. There is an online shop that sells holiday photo cards, vintage-style Colorado postcards, and even watercolor notecard sets.
Three Dog Bakery
1503 Boulder Street
Three Dog Bakery is the only local dog bakery serving up freshly baked and all-natural pastries and cakes. Locally owned and operated, this is a great spot to grab a dog-friendly birthday carrot cake or a sampling of healthy treats. They also sell apparel, toys, and accessories to ensure your pup feels one-of-a-kind. The popular bone celebration cakes come in three flavors, carob chip, peanut butter, and vanilla. If Fido is extra smelly after his last hike, Three Dog Bakery also provides dog washes starting at $17 per pup.
apropos
1615 West 33rd Avenue
apropos is a lifestyle boutique selling a curated collection of goods that range from men’s and women’s clothing to interior design products. There is an online store for convenient shopping and inventory browsing. Current products include paper bag cargo pants, muscle tees, abstract planters, and ribbed knit vest tops.
The Nightlife Scene Around Lower Highland
If you’re looking to have a night out on the town, LoHi has it covered. There are bars, breweries, and plenty of options for late night adventures.
Postino
2715 17th Street
Postino is the spot to enjoy a boutique bottle of wine or taste a glass or two off of the menu that includes over 30 bottles by the glass. If wine isn’t your thing, there is a solid local craft beer offering. The restaurant is housed in the former Denver Bookbinding Company building. The interior of Postino has been refurbished with vintage pieces and colorful artwork. The next evening you want to sit back and unwind with a drink, head to Postino after 9 PM to redefine what happy hour means with a $25 bottle of wine and a bruschetta board.
Prost Brewing Company
2540 19th Street
Prost Brewing Company provides a casual setting to enjoy German-style beers. Only the highest quality ingredients are sourced from Germany, which results in an authentic bier in your hand. Head out to the patio for striking views of the Denver skyline. The Biergarten has long, wooden tables that accommodate families and friends. Who knows, you may end up becoming friends with the strangers next to you after a few drinks. Prost Brewing Company hosts events such as live music, including upcoming acts from The Bobbitts and the Lindley Family Duo.
The Comma LoHi
3330 Mariposa Street
The Comma is a modern local bar with friendly staff, great music, and of course — tasty drinks. The bar is attached to the Kasa Hotel and uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure your cocktail exceeds expectations. The creative menu fits with the trendy vibe of the bar. The espresso martini is a must-try, as well as the draft beer selection that includes a local Aurora brew, the Dry Dock Apricot Blonde.
The High Lonesome
3360 Navajo Street
The High Lonesome serves both classic and modernized cocktails, enabling them to delight a variety of drink enthusiasts. The diverse craft beer menu allows for the exploration of new brews on the market. The pub is dimly lit, allowing for a relaxed and low-key ambiance. Order a signature cocktail, such as the Guapo Diablo or the Maria Our Lady of Spice. If you’re more of a classic drinker, try mixing up your old fashioned with any of the bourbons included in The High Lonesome’s impressive bourbon collections.
Lower Highland’s Outdoor Spaces
No Denver neighborhood is complete without a group of community-loved park spaces. LoHi has a few to call its own, such as Hirshorn Park and the Bernabe “Indio” Franco Park named after a past resident of the same name.
Bernabe “Indio” Franco Park
3700 Lipan Street
Bernabe “Indio” Franco Park is bordered by Lipan Street and West 37th Avenue. The small park is one of many in Denver’s extensive green space system and is a great place to enjoy the summer weather while unpacking a picnic or shooting a few hoops. There is a playground for the children and the park stays relatively peaceful without many crowds.
Hirshorn Park
3000 Tejon Street
Hirshorn Park is a well-maintained Denver city park and the perfect spot to catch an amazing view of downtown Denver. Bring your pup along to hang out in the fenced-in ballpark. There are plenty of options for the little ones off the playground, including a see-saw. After you’ve soaked in the sunlight, cross the street for a visit to Little Man Ice Cream for a sweet pick-me-up before heading home.
Lower Highland’s Points of Interest
It’s always recommended to get to know your neighborhood. These are some iconic Lower Highlands spots for those looking to become acquainted with a new part of Denver.
The Highland Arch Bridge
The Highland Arch Bridge is one of several pedestrian bridges connecting downtown Denver to the Highland neighborhood. The bridge was opened in December of 2006 and since then, has become a signature of the neighborhood for those looking to walk across the South Platte River.
Little Man Ice Cream
2620 16th Street
Little Man Ice Cream is difficult to miss and for good reason. The 28-foot-tall milk can has been an iconic landmark since the establishment opened its doors in 2008. The epic treats include a salted Oreo sammie and the classic mint chocolate chip and vanilla flavor varieties. Families will enjoy spending time in the chill atmosphere with a slide and plenty of open space for the kids to play on. Get a taste of vintage American nostalgia right in the heart of Denver.
The Bug Theatre
3654 Navajo Street
Originally constructed as a Nickelodeon movie house in 1912, The Bug Theatre is Denver’s most unique live theater. Remodeled by a team of local independent artists, the theater is now acclaimed for its monthly showcases featuring independent film and bringing international artworks to residents, including film festivals and traveling artists. Upcoming performances at The Bug Theatre include The Amazing Acro-Cats Thunder Into Denver, The Emerging Filmmakers Project, and Nerd Nite Denver.
Want to Learn More About Living in Denver’s Lower Highlands?
Our team at RE/MAX Professionals is excited to welcome you to all that living in Denver has to offer. The Lower Highlands neighborhood is a hot place to be and offers a range of trendy restaurants and bars, as well as enough coffee shops to keep you caffeinated all week. If you’re not quite sold on LoHi, we’ll be happy to introduce you to other neighborhoods in Denver that may be your perfect match.