Larimer Square: Denver's Historic Heart

Larimer Square is where Denver began. This single block of Victorian buildings dates to the 1870s and 1880s, surviving fires, demolition threats, and decades of neglect to become the city's most charming destination. The string lights overhead, the iron balconies, the carefully preserved facades - it feels like stepping into a postcard from old Denver.

In the 1960s, Dana Crawford saved these buildings from the wrecking ball, convincing the city that preservation beat demolition. She was right. Now Larimer Square is the crown jewel of downtown, filled with some of Denver's best restaurants, independent boutiques, and the kind of atmosphere that makes ordinary evenings feel special.

Where to Eat

Rioja is the flagship restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Jennifer Jasinski. The Mediterranean-influenced menu changes with the seasons, but the quality never wavers. The pasta is handmade, the ingredients are impeccable, and a meal here is a proper Denver dining experience. Make reservations.

Tamayo serves elevated Mexican cuisine with a rooftop that overlooks the square. Chef Richard Sandoval brings modern techniques to traditional flavors, and the margarita menu alone is worth the visit. The rooftop fills up fast on warm evenings.

Ocean Prime does surf and turf in an elegant setting, with excellent steaks, fresh seafood, and a see-and-be-seen atmosphere. It's a splurge, but the quality matches the prices. The cocktails are well-crafted, and the wine list runs deep.

Bistro Vendôme brings French café culture to Denver with a sunny patio and authentic bistro fare. The mussels are excellent, the steak frites is classic, and lingering over wine on the patio is encouraged. It's the closest you'll get to Paris without a passport.

Cocktails and Nightlife

Larimer Square is made for evening drinks. The string lights glow overhead, the patios buzz with conversation, and the cocktails are crafted by people who take their work seriously.

The Cruise Room at The Oxford Hotel is an Art Deco gem that's been serving martinis since the day Prohibition ended. The room hasn't changed much since 1933, and the classic cocktails are perfect. It's like drinking in a time capsule.

Green Russell hides behind an unmarked door in the basement, an intimate speakeasy with creative cocktails and a prohibition-era vibe. The bartenders are experts, the drinks are thoughtful, and the atmosphere is ideal for conversation. Get there early on weekends or expect a wait.

Corridor 44 serves champagne and sparkling wines in a sleek lounge setting. It's celebratory by nature, making it perfect for special occasions or when regular drinks just won't do.

Shopping

The boutiques of Larimer Square trend toward the unique and upscale. This isn't mall shopping - it's the kind of retail where shopkeepers know their inventory and can help you find exactly what you need.

Eve has been dressing Denver women for over 25 years with a curated selection of contemporary and designer fashion. Cry Baby Ranch stocks vintage-inspired Western wear that's genuinely cool, not costume-y. John Atencio designs jewelry in Colorado that's become a local institution.

For home goods and gifts, several shops stock interesting items you won't find elsewhere. It's the kind of strip where window shopping is genuinely enjoyable, even if you don't buy anything.

Seasonal Events

Larimer Square transforms for the holidays with lights, decorations, and a winter wonderland vibe that draws crowds from across the metro. The string lights multiply, the Victorian buildings glow, and it becomes one of the most photographed spots in Denver.

Summer brings outdoor dining in full force, with restaurant patios spilling into the pedestrian-friendly street. Various events throughout the year close the block to cars entirely, creating a European-style promenade perfect for wandering.

Nearby Attractions

Larimer Square sits at the edge of LoDo, so everything downtown is within walking distance. Union Station is about five blocks north, and the 16th Street Mall runs parallel one block over. You can easily combine Larimer Square with a broader downtown exploration.

The Denver Performing Arts Complex is nearby, making Larimer Square an ideal pre-theater dinner destination. Grab cocktails and a meal before a show, and you've got a perfect Denver evening.