LoHi is short for the "Lower Highlands" neighborhood located just west of the central downtown area. Technically speaking, it's the neighborhood that is sandwiched between LoDo and the Highlands, or for those who are more familiar with the streets of Denver, the area that extends south of Platte Street, across I-25 and blends into 32nd Street.
LoHi has quickly become your Denver destination for some of the best restaurants and bars in the city. The overall vibe is more San Francisco than Denver, and the area's hills certainly add to that feel. Those hills also lend to some of the best views of the Downtown area you will find anywhere.
Photo courtesy of Linger Facebook page
LoHi has been a significant focus for new development, which has added more density to the area (condos and townhomes) and more primo commercial space for restaurants and shopping. So when looking for the most happening restaurants, gorgeous city views, and trendy rooftop bars - it doesn't get much better than LoHi.
Part of the popularity of LoHi isn't just the proximity to Downtown Denver, and it's easy to access LoHi from the West metro area (especially anywhere along the 6th Ave corridor). That makes LoHi easier to access for the extensive suburban population west of Denver.
So, how would you spend one perfect day exploring LoHi? Follow our playbook below for one busy (and remarkable) day.
Here is how we would spend one perfect day in LoHi:
Start your day off with a fresh cuppa joe at Metropolis Coffee. With their wide variety of coffee drinks and laid-back atmosphere, it's a perfect way to begin your day!
Walk just a few blocks south, and you'll arrive at Root Down Denver. They serve globally-inspired cuisine and aim to use only natural, organic and local ingredients. They even grow their fruits and vegetables on-site and integrate them into their seasonal menus. In addition, you'll find a delicious breakfast menu to fuel your body with some needed nourishment for the day's activities.
Insider Tip: Root Down also has a location at DIA in Concourse C; it's the best dining option at the airport.
Next, we are heading down to the Platte River to walk off those calories and stretch the legs a bit. It's a popular spot for locals who want to relax near the river and dip their toes in the water. Stop in at REI, their flagship store. It's an old warehouse, built by the International Harvester Company - and completely restored by REI. It's a very cool shopping experience and worth the stop. Check out the rock climbing wall, premium outdoor equipment, and gear for even the most extreme nature-lovers. It's easy to spend a few hours getting lost while dreaming up your next outdoor adventure!
Grab a quick siesta and spend a few lazy hours lounging in Commons Park. It's the perfect spot for people watching while taking in the view of Denver's cityscape and the Rocky mountains draped behind. Make sure to check out the kayakers tumbling down the man-made rapids.
Once you've had your fill of people watching, head on over to check out the shops in central LoHi. Peruse the RusticThread Boutique, a womenswear shop featuring original clothing & accessories with a sophisticated, bohemian-chic feel. Another interesting stop is the funky furnishings and home accessories found at LuLu's.
Head over to Avanti Food and Beverage, the perfect place to enjoy lunch and drinks with rooftop seating, craft beer, and cocktails - and a fun mix of cuisine from all over the world. It's a restaurant idea incubator where entrepreneurs can test a food concept before committing to a larger restaurant space. It's also an excellent spot for a large group; there's something to satisfy everyone.
For dessert and some much-needed sugar, head over to Little Man Ice Cream! You haven't tasted ice cream until you've sampled the unique homemade flavors they serve all summer long. Of course, part of the fun is the experience of standing in line (which there always is on a hot day).
For Happy Hour and the 2nd best view in all of LoHi, we're sending you to Linger. The former Olinger Mortuary dropped the "O" so they could still use the iconic lit-up sign on the rooftop. It's a throwback to the history of the mortuary, with creative use of materials and space throughout. The rooftop deck is one of the best views you will find in LoHi, and make sure to check out the bar inside as well. The bar top is made of lite-brite, giving it a nostalgic experience for anyone that grew up in the '80s.
The next stop will be El Five for a unique dining experience you won't want to miss! El Five is the sister restaurant to Linger, Ophelia's, and Root Down. Five floors up in LoHi, El Five features the most breathtaking views of the city. The restaurant space is full of colorful décor and noticeable energy. The cuisine is Mediterranean-focused and advertises its food as "Tapas De Gibraltar." Much of the menu's options are Spanish-inspired, while the rest is a mix from countries like Morocco, Israel, Turkey, Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon. We especially loved the Goat Cheese Croquettes (melt in your mouth delicious!), Crispy Cauliflower Yufka (a real-life taste of heaven), and the Patatas Bravas (potatoes never tasted so good!).
In addition to their mouth-watering vegetarian options, they also have some other unique items on their menu, including Turkish Pizza (Pheasant Confit, Apricots, Raisins, Chestnuts, Bitter Greens, Chocolate Jus, Garlic Toum), Tabbouleh Lettuce Wrap (Bulgar Wheat, Medjool Dates, Preserved Lemon, Feta, Pistachios, Za'atar Crackers), and Grilled Hanger Steak (Moon Hill Chévre, Vermouth, Radish, Charred Cherry Tomatoes, Grain Salad, Quince Jam).
Photo courtesy of El Five Facebook page
Finish your day with a stroll over the Millenium Bridge towards LoDo and Union Station. We hope you enjoy the unique and trendy LoHi neighborhood as much as we do! And if you want to stay longer, you can always check out LoHi Denver Homes for Sale, and make sure to search our LoHi Real Estate page for active listings and contact our best Denver real estate agents when you are ready to see a home up close.
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