Once a suburb connected to the city by a streetcar, Denver’s Berkeley neighborhood is now a community hub, with the walkable, restaurant-lined Tennyson Street at its heart. A stroll down the busiest street in the Berkeley neighborhood offers an array of funky bars, Michelin-recognized restaurants, casual eateries, and a dose of Denver history.
Established in the late 19th century, the area we now call Berkeley started as a collection of homesteads and an alfalfa farm. Fast forward a couple of decades and a new streetcar connected Berkeley, by then lined with Victorian houses and bungalows, with downtown Denver. In 1902, Berkeley was officially annexed into the city.
By that time the area already boasted the first zoological and botanical park, Elitch Gardens, which first opened in 1890. As the years went on the venue grew to include the state’s first motion picture theater, a popular ballroom, and in 1928, just a year after The Oriental Theater opened down the street, a stunning carousel made by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. In 1994 the park closed, but the carousel made it to the new location in Downtown Denver. However, at the end of Tennyson, that popular street mentioned at the beginning, and just south of 38th Avenue, you can still see the original carousel enclosure, and even walk around in it.
With that, it’s a great place to start the tour of the Berkeley neighborhood. If you’re curious about the area bordered by I-70 to the north, Federal Boulevard to the east, West 38th Avenue to the south, and Sheridan Boulevard to the west, take a ride and get ready to be amazed.
Local Coffee Shops and Bakeries
Bakery Four
European-style Bakery Four, located in the bottom of the Berkeley Hotel, has received lots of recognition for the exquisite pastries and artisanal breads. In fact, it even got a gold medal at the 2025 World Bread Awards for the sourdough and baguettes. Stop in for all that, plus plump scones, airy croissants, and strong coffee. 4150 Tennyson St., Denver, bakeryfour.com
Tenn Street Coffee & Books
Where better to curl up with a book and hot beverage on a rainy day than a cozy independent coffee and book shop. The European-style cafe also sells vinyl records and local art, perfect for getting in touch with the community. 4418 Tennyson St., Denver, tennstreetcoffee.com
Convivio Cafe
This women-owned cafe is a bilingual gathering space, with a name that means coexistence in Spanish. Convivio serves ethically sourced coffee from Guatemala, as well as unique drinks such as the Chai-zana, made with an in-house tea blend, local organic apple cider, warm oat milk, and light caramel syrup. Also enjoy Latin American snacks such as champurrada and the fruit punch scone, as well as heartier dishes like avocado toast, empanadas, and tostadas. 4935 W. 38th Ave., Denver, conviviocafe.com
Pick Up Some Casual Eats
Tocabe: An American Indian Eatery
As one of the only places serving true American Indian food in Colorado, Tocabe has earned recognition for its Indigenous cuisine. Now, it even has a location inside Denver International Airport. At the Berkeley storefront, just a few blocks from Rocky Mountain Lake Park, you’ll find staples such as fry bread, bison ribs, wild rice, tepary beans, and other ingredients sourced from tribes around the country. 3536 W. 44th Ave., Denver, tocabe.com
Hops & Pie
Rather than picking a side in the New York versus Detroit-style pizza debate, Hops & Pie on Tennyson serves both. Grab a slice-of-the-day or a full pie, and peruse the long list of craft beers. Then, if the weather is nice, take it all outside on the massive patio. The restaurant also has a solid kids’ menu, vegan and gluten-free pizza options, sandwiches, and salads. The shop has served Berkeley for 15 years, and it remains a favorite spot for visitors and locals alike. 3920 Tennyson St., Denver, hopsandpie.com
The Grateful Gnome Sandwich Shoppe & Brewery
You’ll find some of the best sandwiches in all of Denver at the Grateful Gnome, a fun hybrid of New York-style deli and hipster brewpub. Don’t miss out on the Denver Dip, Meatball Parm, or Sloppy Gnome, a house specialty club sandwich on rye loaded with roast beef, ham, swiss, coleslaw, and Thousand Island dressing, best washed down with a house-brewed Mountainlair Lager. 4369 Stuart St., Denver, thegratefulgnome.com
Blackbelly Market
Blackbelly Market on Tennyson is the Denver location of the Michelin-recognized Boulder favorite. The crux of chef Hosea Rosenburg’s program is whole-animal butchery. You’ll find fresh cuts to cook at home, as well as one of the best breakfast burritos in town, solid sandwiches, charcuterie, and housemade pickles. Recently the cafe added on Blackbelly Bistro, a Friday night dinner with Wagyu steak frites, a simple salad, and rotating menu specials. 4324 W. 41st Ave., Denver, blackbelly.com
Cozy Cottage
This breakfast and lunch joint on Tennyson Street has excellent food and a homey atmosphere. Cinnamon bun pancakes and the full menu of Benedicts should always be ordered, and the patio is the place to be when the weather allows. Just keep in mind there might be a long wait for a Sunday brunch table if you don’t have a reservation. Luckily, it’s open during the week as well. 4363 Tennyson St., Denver, cozyupdenver.com
Pasty Republic
Authentic English meat pies are hard to come by this side of the pond. Thank goodness we have Pasty Republic, who honors the history of the pastry, which has been a cornerstone of British cuisine since the 13th century. Expect a meal in each pasty, whether you order a classic Shepherd’s Pie, the Caretaker with chicken, peas, carrots, celery, garlic, and cheddar, or the vegetarian Philosopher with spinach, mint, dill, sliced almonds, and feta cheese. The shop also sells frozen pasties to go. 4166 Tennyson St., Denver, thepastyrepublic.com
Dinner in Berkeley
PARISI Pizzeria, Trattoria e Vino
Choose between Parisi’s fast casual Italian restaurant or fine dining establishment downstairs, dubbed Parisi Sotto. The upstairs version offers an extensive collection of Italian classic comfort foods, plus inventive dishes such as pizza salads, which is exactly what it sounds like, a pizza wrapped around salad. The swanky downstairs has a more refined menu featuring shrimp and lobster ravioli in spicy tomato sauce, pan-seared swordfish, and Grigliata Mista, a hearty platter of wood-fired meats, vegetables, and potatoes. 4401 Tennyson St., Denver, parisidenver.com
Hey Kiddo/OK Yeah
You might not expect to find a trendy restaurant on the third floor of an unassuming building that doubles as an apartment-hotel, The Asher. But Hey Kiddo and its cocktail bar, OK Yeah, are part of the award-winning Id Est hospitality group. While the restaurant doesn’t hold one or even two Michelin stars like the company’s other properties, BRUTO and The Wolf’s Tailor respectively, it is recommended by the guide. Go for the “Walk With Us” menu in order to get a full taste of the fusion menu. Then go upstairs for an after-dinner cocktail. 4337 Tennyson St. #300, Denver, hk-oy.com
Billy’s Inn
Billy’s Inn has been a Berkeley go-to since 1933, and you can’t miss the bright sign on the corner of Lowell Boulevard and 44th Street. The diner is known for having a friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere. On the menu you’ll find Baja-inspired food such as fish tacos, giant burritos, burgers, and tortas. Plus, some of the greatest Margaritas in town are also poured here, starting at just $9. 4403 Lowell Blvd., Denver, billysinn.com
Kin Nori Bar
Arguably the best sushi spot in Berkeley, Kin Nori has an intimate vibe perfect for date night or a quiet evening with friends. Get classic sashimi, nigiri, and temaki, grab sushi bowls for lunch, or stop by for happy hour from 4 to 5 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday. 4404 Yates St., Denver, kinnoribar.com
The Ginger Pig
Chef Natascha Hess opened her Asian fusion restaurant in 2020, and it’s been a favorite in Denver ever since. Hess learned her Chinese food cooking skills in Beijing, and the dedication shows. So much, it’s been a Michelin Bib Gourmand choice for the last three years.
The menu leans toward Asian street food, with bites such as Smashed Furikake potatoes, a Korean cornflake hot dog, Hong Kong French Toast, and a soup the chef learned to cook from her Chinese “mom.” The Ginger Pig also has options for those with dietary restrictions. Don’t miss out on happy hour, which runs from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. 4262 Lowell Blvd., Denver, gingerpig.com
Two Hands
The Australian-inspired Two Hands mini chain (the only in Colorado) opened on Tennyson Street in the summer of 2024, quickly becoming a neighborhood gathering place. It offers the clean, well-lit appearance of a cafe you might find in Sydney. The global menu features dishes such as Malaysian curry with cauliflower, panko-crusted chicken schnitzel, and crispy Brussels sprouts with pickled currents.
Many ingredients come from local farms, but a lot of the meat is raised on the owners’ ranch in the Hudson Valley in New York. Go for brunch, dinner, happy (or snacky) hour, and for the $49 evening prix fixe, featuring three courses. 3985 Tennyson St., Denver, twohandshospitality.com
Neighborhood Watering Holes
Crow Bar
With booths nestled up against brick walls hung with retro decor, Crow Bar has been a Berkeley neighborhood favorite since 1966. It’s the kind of place where the bartenders know your name, your go-to specialty shot, and how to pour a stiff drink. 4395 Yates St., Denver, no website
My Boy Tony
Settle into My Boy Tony’s leather couch with friends and trade stories over cocktails, beer, or wine. This stylish bar is huge, so it’s easy to score a secluded nook. The drinks are solid and simple, the beer cold and cheap, and in the summer you’ll find a pop-up oyster bar on the patio. 4280 Tennyson St., Denver, myboytony.com
Vin Rouge Wine Bar & Tasting Room
Owner Jenn Feinstein got her start at a Santa Barbara winery before opening this classy and friendly Berkeley wine bar. If you can’t choose a glass or agree on a bottle, order a flight to sample multiple wines at once. For just $50 a year you can become a Vin Rouge member and get discounts and other perks, which is totally worth it if you’re a regular. 4412 Yates St., Denver, vinrougewinebar.com
The Tatarian
Not many bars theme cocktails after trees, but at sophisticated The Tatarian it’s part of the charm. Even though the drinks prove elevated, the staff and setting remain unpretentious. Do expect interesting flavors to meld together, for example the signature Tatarian cocktail comes with bourbon, amaro, maple, lapsang tea, and bitters. 4024 Tennyson St., Denver, thetatarian.com
Alley Brews
You can bring the whole family to Alley Brews, a women-owned brewery that welcomes children in the taproom, and dogs on the patio. The varied beer menu also includes gluten-free and nonalcoholic options, with coffee also available. On the food side, you’ll find an array of bar bites such as barbecue sliders, mac and cheese, pizza, pretzel bites, and more. 4342 Tennyson St., Denver, alleybrews.com
Stay in Denver’s Berkley Neighborhood
There aren’t a ton of hotel options in this mostly residential area, but luckily The Berkeley Hotel is all you really need. It’s located right in the center of Tennyson, making it a walking distance from the area’s best restaurants, and right above the beloved Bakery Four, perfect for breakfast.
Unlike a regular stay, The Berkeley is a suite hotel, combining elements of a hotel and a vacation rental. While there’s no reception area, the large and comfortable rooms and a rooftop with great views is all you really need. 4160 Tennyson St., Denver, berkeleyhoteldenver.com
Things to Do
Berkeley Lake Park & Rocky Mountain Lake Park
Berkeley Lake and Rocky Mountain Lake Park are the oases of the neighborhood. Each borders I-70 at Berkeley’s northern boundary, and offers walking paths, tennis courts, and sitting areas. Bonus, Berkeley Lake Park has a large and dedicated dog park with areas for small and large pups.
The Oriental Theater
The Oriental Theater is going strong in its 99th year, welcoming guests to comedy shows, concerts, films, and private events. The well-preserved space has a large dance floor area and a grand balcony, making it the entertainment center of the Berkeley neighborhood. The building is registered with the National Register of Historic Places, and it’s worth even just passing by to take in the Exotic Revival architecture. 4335 W. 44th Ave., Denver, theorientaltheater.com
