Colloquially known as “Wash Park,” the lush neighborhood is named after the 155-acre green space that includes two lakes. Washington Park has consistently been ranked as the best park in the city and provides neighborhood residents with easy access to the outdoors. Aside from its claim to fame, this Denver neighborhood provides convenient access to downtown via light rail and a range of eateries, shops, and bars that have created a walkable neighborhood community.
The Best Coffee Near Washington Park
The vibrant community found within Washington Park wouldn’t be complete without a handful of well-loved coffee shops. Explore the charm of these local businesses while exploring the neighborhood, latte in hand.
Devil’s Food Bakery
1004 South Gaylord Street
Serving up thoughtfully crafted macchiatos, rich mochas, and cortados that pair perfectly with a freshly baked cinnamon roll — Devil’s Food Bakery is a popular morning stop for Wash Park residents. The bakery has a selection of sweet and savory options, including strudel, chocolate croissants, seasonal muffins, and savory galettes. They also sell individual desserts, as well as cakes that can be customized. Tea lovers will also find loose-leaf variations that they can purchase by the ounce.
We Knead Donut
723 South University Boulevard
Nothing makes weekday mornings more tolerable than a hot and fresh donut. Luckily, We Knead Donut has a location in Washington Park that’s serving up its award-winning recipes. With a donut menu including options such as croissant donuts, apple fritters, maple bacon, and buttermilk cake, it’s difficult to choose just one. The bakery serves fresh coffee and espresso, as well as boba tea, that’s sure to keep your morning routine caffeinated.
ink! Coffee BB
709 South University Boulevard
Coffee bean aficionados will appreciate the attention that ink! provides to their beans, which are roasted nearby in Denver’s RiNo neighborhood. The slow roasting process develops unique flavors that shine in the drinks crafted and served in local coffee shops. From lattes to mochas and americanos, ink! is dedicated to providing the community with their daily cup of Joe. Try the Adrenaline Junkie for a much-needed pick-me-up or a large espresso with four shots for those mornings that you just can’t seem to wake up.
Wash Perk
853 East Ohio Avenue
Located close to the park, Wash Perk is aptly named within the community that it’s nestled into. Their unpretentious shop is welcoming to all neighbors and strives to be a comfortable and inviting gathering spot. After grabbing your latte and pastry, head over to Washington Park for a stroll or sit back and relax while you people watch. The patio is dog-friendly and it’s a wonderful place to sip your Americano and enjoy the weather.
Where to Eat & Drink in Washington Park
With so many neighborhood eateries to choose from in Washington Park, it can be difficult to figure out what’s for dinner. Whether you’re craving Italian, Mexican, or a taste of southern cooking — there’s something to fulfill every craving.
Wash Park Grille
1096 South Gaylord Street
Not only will guests be treated to a delicious menu and drink specials at Wash Park Grille, but they’ll also enjoy live music that can be heard on the patio and throughout the establishment. Upcoming acts include Shawn Eckels, Dylan & Declan, and Ethan Ice. The Italian restaurant takes advantage of locally sourced ingredients by showcasing fresh flavors throughout the menu. The homemade pasta dishes include favorites such as Tuscan lasagna and grilled shrimp angel hair.
Homegrown Tap & Dough
1001 South Gaylord Street
Homegrown Tap & Dough is known for their specialty pasta dishes and their wood-fired pizzas that are perfect for sharing. The menu also features small plates such as braised tomato meatballs and chicken parmesan sliders, as well as wings that are the perfect appetizer for game days. Save room for the creme brûlée cheesecake or the cannoli filled with mascarpone, ricotta, and chocolate syrup. Drinks are affordably priced at $5 and include cocktails like Sangria De Casa and a Venetian Spritz.
Agave Taco Bar
2217 East Mississippi Avenue
Agave Taco Bar has several weekly specials that keep Wash Park residents coming back for more, including Margarita Monday and Taco Tuesday. Trivia nights are held on Wednesdays, with Saturdays and Sundays featuring bottomless mimosas. The outdoor seating area has been newly redesigned, just in time for the remainder of the summer months and the crisp fall weather. All tacos are made to order using fresh ingredients, including handmade tortillas that encase the authentic flavors of Mexico.
Restaurant Olivia
290 South Downing Street
Drawing inspiration from classic dishes that never fail to impress, Restaurant Olivia is the perfect spot for anniversary celebrations, date nights, or simply just a relaxing evening over good food. Entrees include pork belly porchetta and ravioli with a caramelized onion filling and gruyere fondue. The dessert menu is hard to pass up, with decadent and inventive dishes such as coconut panna cotta and lime tiramisu. If the whole table is interested in participating, the 5-course tasting menu is sure to delight and ends with a hazelnut torte.
The Cookery at Myrtle Hill
1020 South Gaylord Street
The Cookery at Myrtle Hill is the ideal stop for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. Start your day off right with a plate of huevos rancheros or a cornbread waffle with pork green chile or opt for grits paired with seasonal vegetables and poached eggs. The lunch menu includes comforting bowls of French onion soup and fried chicken sandwiches. The drink menu features espresso-based concoctions using house-made syrups and refreshing cocktails, such as the bourbon lemonade or the hibiscus lime cooler with gin.
Can’t-Miss Shops in Washington Park
Washington Park has several retail amenities, as well as locally owned and operated businesses that help to build the local economy. Residents will find quality wood furniture, artisanal gifts, and even collectible items within the neighborhood’s boundaries.
Modern Bungalow
1028 South Gaylord Street
Whether you’re a new homeowner looking to add high-quality furniture to your new living abode or you’re a longtime Wash Park resident in search of a unique period piece to add to your home, Modern Bungalow is the premier furniture shop in the area. Custom Amish wood furniture that has been handcrafted and built to last provides a touch of elegance to any room. If you’re in search of the perfect dining table fit to your specifications, Modern Bungalow can meet a range of customizations and stain preferences.
Silk Road
1065 South Gaylord Street
If you’re in the market for a charming gift for a loved one or a present to yourself, Silk Road should be on your list of shops to visit. Located in the heart of Old South Gaylord, this whimsical gift shop showcases world travel, creative artists, and local creators. Clothing, jewelry, and hostess gifts are on display at Silk Road — making it the perfect place to find a housewarming gift for those new to the Washington Park neighborhood in Denver.
Sports Plus
1055 South Gaylord Street
Sports Plus is a top destination for sporting enthusiasts throughout Denver and the surrounding areas. The shop not only provides repair services for an array of gear, including skis and snowboards, bikes, and hockey skates but they also provide equipment rentals. Anybody interested in jumping aboard the pickleball train can grab a demo kit to try out the sport before committing to their own gear. Sports Plus keeps an up-to-date online shop with their available gear, ranging from lacrosse equipment, volleyball sets, and even backyard classics like Spikeball and badminton kits.
The Nightlife Scene Around Washington Park
Despite having to jump to other Denver neighborhoods for clubbing or live music venues, Washington Park has its favorite bars that serve tasty cocktails, draft beer, and your next glass of red.
Campus Lounge
701 South University Boulevard
Campus Lounge has been a Washington Park and Bonnie Brae staple since the mid-1970s. The dive bar has an upscale touch and serves classic American favorites and is the place to catch a sporting match or enjoy a drink in the game room. During the week, the bar remains open until midnight and until 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Beer and wine are sold by the glass, pitcher, or bottle and cocktails include specialties such as the old-fashioned flight and the refreshing Lavilla Spiked Lemonade.
Reiver’s Bar and Grill
1085 South Gaylord Street
This Wash Park destination first opened in 1977 and has since been serving lunch, dinner, and drinks to loyal customers and newcomers alike. With two outdoor dining spaces, the front and back patios provide the ideal Denver ambiance during the warmer months. The bar stays open late every day of the week and happy hour lasts for a whopping four hours! Reiver’s has an extensive selection of craft and draft beer, as well as an impressive menu of whites and reds. The cocktail menu offers a diverse array of spirits, including a bonus craft mules section for those who like the refreshing kick of ginger beer.
Washington Park’s Outdoor Spaces
The Washington Park neighborhood has been named after Washington Park, the hugely popular public park that features two lakes, a walking path, and a playground.
Washington Park
701 South Franklin Street
The rectangular park has sports facilities, flower gardens, a boathouse, and a 2.6-mile loop. Other amenities include a recreation center, picnic areas, restrooms, and water fountains. Grasmere Lake and Smith Lake are popular for fishing and paddle boating. There is also a small pond that sits adjacent to Smith Lake. The park remains open year-round and pets are welcome on a leash.
Veterans Park
2100 East Iowa Avenue
Veterans Park is significantly smaller than the neighborhood’s namesake park, though it offers a great place to picnic and relax. There is a designated parking lot, along with several softball fields and a multi-use field that’s great for soccer games. While there is no playground available, packing a ball and some sports equipment can keep the little ones entertained for hours. Nearby residents often use the park to walk their pups or take a quick jog on the sidewalk loop. Anybody looking to beat the weekend crowds at Washington Park will find Veterans Park to be a quiet urban oasis.
Washington Park’s Places of Interest
If you’re just visiting Washington Park or looking to call it home, the neighborhood has its fair share of storied history. The historic South Gaylord Street is a prized district of the city and the country club has been around since 1887.
Historic South Gaylord Street
1034 South Gaylord Street
This is one of Denver’s oldest districts, featuring an array of shopping and dining options. The district is located several blocks west of Washington Park and has been converted from the 19th-century homes that used to line the streets. Various events are hosted here throughout the year, including the Memorial Weekend festival and seasonal markets. Whether you want to enjoy a glass of wine over lunch or spend the afternoon shopping (or both!), this is a congregation hub of the neighborhood.
Denver Country Club
1700 East 1st Avenue
The Denver Country Club is one of the oldest clubs in the country, originally founded in the late 1880s. Centered around horse racing, the club has since expanded to tennis, polo, golf, and a handful of other sports. The club has an Olympic-size swimming pool, as well as a lawn bowling pitch and a skate house and rink. With such a variety of facilities, members find themselves frequenting the club year-round to take advantage of their membership.
Want to Learn More About Living in Denver’s Washington Park
Whether you’re an empty nester or a young, active couple looking to raise a family in Denver — Washington Park is a prime spot for a range of individuals and families. The neighborhood is quiet and walkable, yet allows for convenient access to downtown Denver and other hotspots within the city. Our team at RE/MAX Professionals is excited to introduce you to the Washington Park neighborhood and all that it has to offer.