Contributing authors: Loren Krehbiel and Diane Yee
09/04/19
“Where should we eat?” It’s a question I get asked all the time, and it’s the hardest question to answer because Denver has a variety of options when it comes to food.
It’s so easy to overlook places that are not in prime neighborhoods such as downtown, LoHi (Lower Highlands), RiNo (River North), and Capitol Hill. Thus we present: South Pearl and South Gaylord. Both are historic neighborhoods with lots of boutique stores, festivals, concerts, and of course some great eats.
So let’s dive into some of the best restaurants in both of these neighborhoods:
South Gaylord – Dining
1000 block of South Gaylord Street (between Tennessee and Mississippi Avenues)
Homegrown Tap & Dough
This chic pizzeria has a big outdoor patio, which is great for kids and dogs. And they also serve some great burgers, wines and beers. Perfect for a late night or early afternoon (pizza) pie.
Devil’s Food
This cozy spot staked its claim on brunch, but the lunch and supper offerings are nothing to sneeze at and the sweets are some of the very best in town. Enjoy variations of the delicious eggs Benedict, or comfort dishes like chicken pot pie and fried chicken and waffles.
Wash Park Grille
This is one of the better four-star restaurant experiences, where the waiters have a script and attend to your every need.
Agave Tacos
This is one of the better Taco Tuesday specials in town. Make sure you get in before 7pm, or else you’re looking at an hour wait.
South Pearl – Dining
1400-1500 blocks of South Pearl Street (between Louisiana and Florida Avenues)
Kaos Pizzeria
One of the first eateries you’ll see on South Pearl as you head south. This cottage pizza parlor opened in 2009 and has a great patio to enjoy pizza, pasta, craft beer, and wine.
Uno Mas Taqueria Y Cantina
After eating here, you’re gonna be yelling for just one more taco (it’s in the name). This cantina offers more than 70 tequilas and mezcals and features street tacos and classic Mexican dishes. They also smoke whole animals, including locally raised pigs, goats, and sheep.
Sushi Den
Be prepared to wait, but it’s worth it. The fish is flown in from Japan, so it must be good (and authentic). Pro tip: sit at the sushi bar for dinner and a show.
Bird Restaurant
From Gaia Bistro to Yard Bird to simply Bird. This place is the place for comfort food.
South Gaylord – Events
Memorial Weekend Kickoff to Summer Festival
Three-day festival at the end of May, including live music, rides, local vendors, food and drinks.
Farm to Bottle Fall Festival
Last Saturday of September from 3-7pm. Enjoy live music and of course selections from participating breweries, distilleries and wineries. They even offer free rides home from 1-8pm if you live in the surrounding area. Please drink responsibly.
Trick-or-Treat Street
On Halloween (October 31) the entire street will be closed off so that families can safely Trick-or-Treat.
South Pearl – Events
First Friday Art Walk
We all know the one on Santa Fe, but South Pearl gets in the action too from April to October, from 5-9pm. Local artists will be providing live demonstrations throughout the evening.
Farmer’s Market
Started in 2001 as a 1-day event with 10 vendors. Now it has over 150 vendors and spans 27 weeks/year. Sundays 9am-1pm, mid-May to mid-November. They even host events within this event such as Bike-O-Rama, salsa showdown, a car show, pet adoption fair and chili cookoff. They also have a Halloween Parade the Sunday before Halloween (if it’s not on the 31st), and on the last Sunday of each month the farmer’s market expands to include a flea market.
Brewgrass Music & Beer Festival
This annual June Saturday event offers 8 hours of live music and Colorado brews at the affordable price of $10.
Blues & Brews
If you missed the Brewgrass event come out in August for a similar event with bluzier music.
Winterfest
This early December event features 2 days of Box Elder Horse and Wagon rides. Come by to listen to carolers or take photos with Santa. And don’t forget the holiday market on Saturday featuring gifts and food.