Located just five miles to the east of downtown, Park Hill is one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods. Encompassing just over five square miles, Park Hill packs a lot of personality and charm into its small land area. Quaint tree-lined streets and an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants make this the perfect place for urban professionals and young families to call home. For those looking to explore all that this dynamic neighborhood has to offer, it’s worth spending a day discovering its hidden gems and popular destinations.
Starting Fresh
With so much to see and do in Park Hill, it’s important to start the day with a hearty breakfast. With a stop at Cake Crumbs Bakery and Cafe, you will have plenty of fuel to start the Park Hill adventure. Known for its custom-made cakes as well as comforting breakfast dishes, Cake Crumbs is the ideal spot to enjoy a relaxing morning meal with house favorites including the Kearney St. Breakfast Sandwich or the Better than your Grandma’s Biscuit and Gravy.
Set Foot Around Park Hill
Since the beginning of the 20th century, Park Hill has been known to be the centerpiece of Denver’s storied architectural history. A trip to Park Hill would not be complete without a walk along the lush greenery-filled streets to view some of the famed architectural homes. One of the most charming streets in Park Hill, Montview Boulevard, allows visitors to take in these architectural marvels with homes built in the Queen Anne Victorian, Denver Foursquare and Craftsman Style Bungalow styles.
By this point, a quick pick-me-up is in order. For a fresh, healthy and on-the-go refresher, try The Juicing Tree. Open since 2012, The Juicing Tree offers an array of unpasteurized juice options all created with local and seasonal ingredients. Using a natural, cold pressed method of juicing, guests can enjoy flavors such as watermelon mint and apple pie.
A Leisurely Lunch
A busy morning makes way for a relaxing lunch and in Park Hill, the best way to unwind is at Chop Shop. Located in the heart of Park Hill on Colfax Avenue, Chop Shop is a casual eatery with an industrial vibe. Focused on handcrafted food that uses locally-grown ingredients, this lively neighborhood restaurant offers an inventive menu with items such as a Chop Shop Burger, Grilled Achiote Salmon and a Southwestern Chop Salad. We stopped by and ordered the Crispy Chicken Sandwich and the Smoked Chicken Pastrami (pictured below). Both were incredibly delicious.
Browsing and Window Shopping
A trip to Park Hill calls for a visit to one of Denver’s most beloved book shops, Park Hill Community Bookstore. Open since 1971, this volunteer-driven bookstore is home to over 10,000 titles.
Located just beyond Park Hill Community Bookstore is Spinelli’s Market, a long-standing market that offers specialty items and gourmet foods. This neighborhood favorite is a great place to browse for hard-to-find Italian ingredients as well as artisanal products.
One of Park Hill’s newest shopping destinations, Oneida Park, can be found on the northern edge of the neighborhood. Currently going through a major revitalization, Oneida Park is a shopping area that covers a full city block and offers a mix of restaurants and boutique stores.
Dinner and Dessert
There are some great French restaurants throughout Denver, but one of the highest rated happens to be in Park Hill. Open since 2014, Bistro Barbès is a quaint French bistro with a nod toward North African influences. Perfect for special occasions or an intimate dinner, this charming eatery is a feast for the senses with meticulously prepared fare and an extensive wine menu.
For those looking for a more rustic vibe, head to Tables where diners will feel transported to a cozy Southern bungalow. Eclectic details such as the mismatched decor and vintage barn doors instantly sets the tone for a relaxed evening filled with seasonal treats including Peaches and Creamy Ricotta, Grilled Lamb Loin and Summer Corn Flan.
The perfect end to a busy day in Park Hill is at Nuggs Ice Cream. Offering a true nostalgic vibe, Nuggs harkens back to vintage soda and ice cream shops to deliver mouth-watering flavors such as Great Northern Maple Walnut, Malted Milk Ball and Tiki Torched Toasted Coconut.
Usaj Realty is a boutique real estate brokerage firm specializing in Denver’s most popular neighborhoods. We help our clients find everything from the classic vintage home to a more modern condo. For more information about buying or selling a home in Denver’s charming Park Hill neighborhood, please contact us.