The heart of Denver’s history stems from its downtown, in the neighborhood we now call LoDo, or properly, Lower Downtown. It’s where the city’s original Chinatown functioned, the first hotels opened, and transportation thrived.
The first boom came in 1858, after gold was discovered in the area. This gives the neighborhood a metaphorical bridge through time, allowing visitors a peek at Denver’s origins in restored historic buildings and whispers of the Denver Tramway and horse railroad that used to go down the streets.
While the old modes of public transportation are gone, LoDo remains a hub of passage thanks to Union Station. Today the neighborhood also boasts plenty of Michelin-recognized and award-winning restaurants, sophisticated speakeasies, low-key destinations for global cuisine, and charming cafes.
So if you find yourself anywhere in the range of 20th, Lawrence, and 14th Streets and Confluence Park, here are some ways to experience LoDo’s renaissance, from the top neighborhood restaurants to hotels and attractions.
Denver Union Station
Originally called the Denver Union Depot, the majestic transportation hub opened in 1881. A fire destroyed a big part of the main terminal in 1894, and the building didn’t reopen again until 1914, under the name Denver Union Station.
Over 100 years later, Union Station has undergone a major evolution on its way to becoming LoDo’s crown jewel. Twenty years ago it was a dilapidated and empty train station, and now, it’s a destination for visitors and locals. Today the beautiful building hosts shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as a train and bus station. It even offers Light Rail service to Denver International Airport, so you can begin and end inside the heart of the Mile High.
Inside the Train Depot’s Great Hall
Union Station’s Great Hall is a sight to behold, with high ceilings hung with grand chandeliers and comfy seating in the center. It feels more like a private living room than a bustling transportation center. This seating comes with table service from Terminal Bar, the gastropub located inside the station’s old ticketing office.
You can also pick up a warm beverage from Pigtrain Coffee, or purchase items from the hall’s kiosks, which include Telluride Truffle and Camino by Ultreia. Head upstairs, past photos of the Colorado cowboy poets of yore, and grab a cocktail and a view from the newly renovated The Cooper Lounge.
Visit One of the Union Station Restaurants
There are so many great places to eat right inside the station. For Spanish tapas or “pintxos” and a glass of wine or goblet of gin & tonic, give the cafe-like Ultreia a go. For more upscale American farm fare, Mercantile serves local fresh foods for lunch and dinner, and a salad so good, we didn’t stop thinking about it all last year. Bonus, you can get a $35 pre-fixe lunch menu, plus optional $15 wine pairing, and enjoy one of the many sunny days by dining on the patio.
Tucked into the back of Union Station you’ll find Olive & Finch, which serves quick and affordable global bites such as homemade chicken nuggets, fancy salads, mazo ball soup, and steak frites. Also on the casual side, check out Snooze, a beloved local breakfast chain famous for its pancakes.
Finally, stay in the middle of the action by booking a room at the boutique hotel, The Crawford. It’s eerily quiet the moment you step into the lobby, despite the bustle right outside the door. Another boon to the space is in the design as the rooms are meant to channel train travel.
Other Special Areas to Visit in LoDo
Denver Dairy Block
The area now known as Dairy Block once served as Windsor Dairy during the late 19th century. Today visitors can book a room at The Maven hotel, grab a craft cocktail at Poka Lola Social Club, and have a Southwestern-Mexican meal at Kachina Cantina.
Go outside to The Alley and try sips from local Deviation Distilling, pastry from LoDough Bakery, and wine tastings at Blanchard Family Wine. The micro-district also encompasses Denver Milk Market, a food hall that welcomed several new businesses in 2025. Technically the Michelin-starred BRUTO is also located in the Dairy Block, and it’s worth getting a reservation to understand what chef Byron Gomez is up to.
Larimer Square
Built in the late 1800s, Larimer Square was Denver’s first commercial district, and in 1971 it became the city’s first official historic district. Now, the square is a pedestrian-only zone lined with some of the best restaurants in LoDo, as well as shops, spas, bars, and more.
Some highlights include the year-old Not a Damn Chance Burger (NADC) and its fancy basement omakase counterpart, Sushi By Scratch. The longest running restaurants on the strip include Rioja, which opened in 2004, run by award-winning chef Jennifer Jasinski; Osteria Marco in 2025; and Mexican hot spot, Tamayo in 2001. Other must-try places on Larimer Square include Bao Brewhouse and the speakeasy, Emerald Eye.
McGregor Square
McGregor Square, next to Coors Field, is a new urban living center complete with hotels, restaurants, shops, a food hall, and a grand plaza. In 2025, it hosted Denver’s first SURF seafood championship, bringing together chefs from the city’s top seafood restaurants for a lighthearted competition. The space boasts a jumbo screen to show games and movie nights, all while visitors enjoy food and drink.
Top LoDo Restaurants
Wynkoop Brewing Company
This Denver institution opened in 1988, co-founded by Senator John Hickenlooper (though he no longer has a share in the business). It’s the oldest brewpub in the Mile High, and became famous after releasing the Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout, a brew made with bull testicals that started out as an April Fool’s joke. There’s plenty of other quality pours to sample, great pub fare, pool tables upstairs, and more. 1634 18th St., Denver, wynkoop.com
Gaia Masala and Burger Bar
Located just off Larimer Square, this fast-casual eatery offers a fusion of American, Indian, and Mediterranean flavors. That means curries, burgers, shawarma, and pizzas all in one place, making it an ideal location for a meetup with friends when you can’t settle on just one cuisine. 1530 Blake St., Denver, gaiamasalaandburger.com
Jovanina’s Broken Italian
Make Jovanina’s Broken Italian on Blake Street your date night go-to. This warm Italian restaurant has an approachable menu of updated classics such as rosemary-smoked bone marrow, elk bolognese, and fire-roasted oysters. Crowd pleasers include the wood-fired pizzas and dessert menu loaded with rich items like Nutella tiramisu. 1520 Blake St., Denver, jovanina.com
A5 Steakhouse
Visit a Michelin-recommended steakhouse while in LoDo, it’s a prime choice for a special occasion meal that’s not pretentious. Start with the raw bar and Japanese-inspired appetizers before diving into the no-fuss menu of perfectly-cooked steaks with flavorful sauces and sides. 1600 15th St., Denver, a5denver.com
Water Grill
This family-owned and operated seafood restaurant opened a location in Denver in 2022, right outside the Market Station shopping center. Head here when you’re ready to forget you’re in a landlocked state for a while, and treat yourself to seasonal fish shipped in fresh and more, all while seated at classy leather couches or the epic raw bar. 1691 Market St., Denver, watergrill.com
Nola Jane
If you’re craving Cajun flavors, Nola Jane on Market Street offers a dose of Southern comfort. You can find all the classic New Orleans dishes on the menu, from hushpuppies to gumbo to blackened catfish. It’s one of the only places in town that really hits the mark when it comes to the foods of NoLa. 1435 Market St., Denver, nolajanedenver.com
Tavernetta
From the same award-winning team behind Frasca, Tavernetta is a force of its own. The Michelin Bib Gourmand spot has earned high praise from locals and fellow restaurateurs alike, bringing a more relaxed, pan‑Italian approach that’s equally refined. The sleek space anchored by a cozy fireplace features an open kitchen pasta bar, and lofty dining rooms with views of Union Station’s train platform. (written by Sara Rosenthal here) 1889 16th St. Mall, Denver,tavernettadenver.com
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
One of the best happy hours in the city takes place at Blue Sushi Sake Grill, with deals on 25-plus sushi rolls, share plates, nigiri, cocktails, and more. The fish taste fresh, the service quick and kind, and the setting casual but refined. 1616 16th St., Denver, bluesushisakegrill.com
The Bars in LoDo You Need to Check Out
Pony Up
It’s easy to miss Pony Up when walking down the street to Coors Field, but go inside and you’ll find a lively bar known for the best French dip sandwiches in the city. It also has a solid lineup of classic and craft cocktails, full bar, cheap beer, and plenty of reasons to take a shot. Since food is served until 1 a.m., it’s also a great spot for the late-night munchies. 1808 Blake St., Denver, ponyupdenver.com
Cruise Room
One of the city’s most beautiful bars is also Denver’s longest-running, tucked inside the historic Oxford Hotel across the street from Union Station. The dim, red-lit cocktail lounge is said to be frequented by a ghost called the Postman, who stops by for a drink to relive the thrill of the Prohibition era. Phantom or not, the spirits poured here remain strong, and one of the best martinis in town can be found here. 1600 17th St, Denver, theoxfordhotel.com
The Wild
Just off Wynkoop Street, you’ll find The Wild, which starts each day as a welcoming cafe and transforms into a hipster cocktail bar at night. This is a great place to settle in for conversation with friends over a craft cocktail and snack. 1660 Wynkoop St., Denver, thewilddenver.co
Rhein Haus
On the way to a show or game at the Ball Arena, stop by Bavarian eatery Rhein Haus, known for the three Bs: bocce, beer, and bratwursts. The beer hall offers Bavarian snacks as well as a full menu of rotating draught beers, including gluten-free and alcohol-free options. And yes, you can order a full boot full of beer. 1415 Market St., Denver, rheinhausdenver.com
LoDo Cafes and Bakeries
LoDough Bakery
French-style patisserie LoDough Bakery is located within Dairy Block’s alley. It was founded by an Austrian immigrant and serves breads, tarts, focaccia, cookies, and more, with vegan and gluten-free options as well. 1850 Wazee St., Denver, lodoughbakery.com
Little Finch
Little Finch, which belongs to the same restaurant group as Olive & Finch, offers craft coffee drinks, baked goods, and snacks on the go. It’s open until 7 p.m., with happy hour cocktails and snacks available from 3 to 5 p.m. 1490 16th St. Mall, Denver oliveandfinch.com
Amante Coffee
If you’re on the hunt for authentic Italian coffee, head to Amante Coffee, located next to historic The Oxford Hotel. Pair the imported roasts with pastries, paninis, and other bites. 1612 17th St., Denver, amantecoffee.com
Little Owl Coffee
There are four locations of Little Owl Coffee around the city, including one on Blake Street within LoDo. It serves excellent coffee and matcha, of course, but the real reason to visit Little Owl is its homemade poptarts. 1555 Blake St., Denver, littleowlcoffee.com
LoDo Hotels
The Four Seasons
Located right by Larimer Square and the Denver Center of Performing Arts (DCPA), The Four Seasons is an excellent high-end hotel. Enjoy the sleekly decorated rooms in neutral tones that offer mountain views. Bonus, you don’t have to venture off the property for a great meal, thanks to EDGE Restaurant and Bar, an elevated steakhouse concept with a focus on local ingredients. 1111 14th St,, Denver, fourseasons.com/denver/
Limelight Denver
Right next to the train station you’ll find Limelight Denver, a thoughtfully designed boutique hotel with alpine touches and contemporary art. It offers on-site dining at Ajax Denver, the sister restaurant to Ajax Tavern in Aspen. 1600 Wewatta St., Denver, limelighthotels.com/denver
Hotel Teatro
This thoughtfully renovated historic building has been turned into a comforting, classy hotel right next door to the bustle of the DCPA complex. While there, dine at The Nickel, which serves gourmet bistro fare including the best Airplane Chicken. 1100 14th St., Denver, hotelteatro.com
Things to Do in LoDo
Denver Center for the Performing Arts
The DCPA is a nonprofit organization that hosts Broadway tours and plays, and productions by its own Tony-award-winning theater company. The complex also houses the theatres showcasing The Colorado Ballet, the Colorado Symphony, and Opera Colorado, as well as live jazz at Dazzle. For suggestions on where to grab a bite to eat before or after a show, check out our guide to dining near the DCPA. 1101 13th St,, Denver, denvercenter.org
Flight Club
Flight Club near Union Station is the adult version of an indoor playground, with a full bar and Social Darts, a multiplayer darts game. This is a great place for events, birthday parties, or just fun nights out with friends. 1959 16th St. Mall, Denver, flightclubdartsusa.com
Museum of Contemporary Art
Modern art fans should check out the rotating exhibits at Denver’s Museum of Contemporary Art. It’s small but sweet, and great for those who don’t want a whole day trip at one place. While you’re there, don’t forget to head to the rooftop bar for craft cocktails and great city views. 1485 Delgany St., Denver, mcadenver.org
