Highlands & LoHi Denver Guide

Where Denver Gets Trendy

Just across the Platte River from downtown, the Highlands (and its subset LoHi—Lower Highlands) have become Denver's dining and nightlife capital. Victorian homes line tree-shaded streets while 32nd Avenue and Tennyson Street pack in restaurants, boutiques, and rooftop bars.

The neighborhood transformed from working-class Italian neighborhood to trendy hotspot over the past two decades. You'll find James Beard-nominated restaurants next to old-school pizzerias, craft cocktail bars beside dive bars, and young professionals mingling with longtime residents.

The Highlands Pedestrian Bridge connects LoHi directly to LoDo and Union Station, making it walkable from downtown. Come for brunch, stay for dinner, and end at a rooftop bar watching the sun set over the mountains.

Highlands Highlights

The best of the neighborhood

32nd Avenue

Main Street

The Highlands' main drag from Lowell to Federal. Packed with restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. Perfect for an afternoon of eating and browsing.

Tennyson Street

Berkeley District

Artsy stretch with galleries, bookshops, and eclectic restaurants. More laid-back than 32nd, with a creative neighborhood feel. Great for wandering.

Highland Bridge

Downtown Connection

The pedestrian bridge connects LoHi to downtown via Platte Street. Walk across for stunning views of downtown, the Rockies, and Confluence Park below.

Sloan's Lake

Urban Oasis

Denver's largest lake sits on the neighborhood's western edge. The 2.6-mile loop is perfect for running, biking, or walking. Mountain views at sunset are spectacular.

Where to Eat

Linger: Rooftop restaurant in a converted mortuary with global small plates and city views. The setting is unforgettable. Reservations essential.

Hop Alley: Modern Chinese with hand-pulled noodles and dim sum. Energetic atmosphere in a graffiti-covered building. Late-night menu for post-bar cravings.

Highland Tap & Burger: Casual spot with excellent burgers and craft beers. Great patio for sunny days. No reservations—expect a wait on weekends.

Root Down: Farm-to-table in a converted gas station. One of Denver's most celebrated restaurants. The garden patio is magical in summer.

El Camino: Tacos and tequila on a legendary rooftop. The Fax line views are Instagram gold. Come for happy hour before crowds arrive.

Rooftop Bars

Avanti: Food hall with rooftop seating and rotating vendors. Casual atmosphere, great for groups who can't decide on one cuisine. The views of downtown are excellent.

Linger: More upscale rooftop with craft cocktails and small plates. The converted hearse parked on the roof is a conversation starter.

El Camino: Tequila-focused with a party atmosphere. Gets loud and crowded on weekends. Sunset views of the mountains are worth the crowds.

54thirty: At Le Méridien hotel, this is Denver's highest rooftop bar. Upscale vibe, stunning 360-degree views. Dress code enforced.

Getting There

Walking: Cross the Highland Bridge from LoDo. It's a 10-minute walk from Union Station to LoHi proper.

Driving: Street parking on residential streets is free. 32nd Avenue has metered parking. Garages at Platte Street developments.

Biking: B-Cycle stations throughout. Connect from the Cherry Creek Trail via Confluence Park.

More Colorado Food & Drink Destinations

Love great restaurants and local bars? Explore these culinary hotspots

Old Town Fort Collins: Colorado's craft beer capital with more breweries per capita than anywhere. Great restaurants and local vibes.

Main Street Breckenridge: Mountain dining at its finest. From upscale to après-ski casual, 150+ establishments in one walkable strip.

Vail Village: European-inspired dining with mountain views. World-class restaurants in an alpine setting.

Highlands & LoHi