Eat, shop, and play along South Broadway in the artsy Baker neighborhood.
Denver's Baker District is a historic neighborhood filled with quirky hot spots, from coffee shops to tattoo parlors to vintage boutiques. It's a great place for frugal hipsters to dig through used books and records while also being a spot for foodies to land their next great meal. You'll also find some of the best dive bars in the city, and there are even yoga and fitness studios for health-conscious folks. Baker has a little bit of something for everyone.
Here's where to eat, shop, and play on South Broadway.
Wine and Dine
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While Baker has a wide variety of restaurants and bars, it's also home to some of the best Latin American cuisine in the city. Enjoy dressed-up versions of South American favorites at Leña (we recommend the Pollo con Mole) or try a few Spanish small plates at Gozo.
If you're in the mood for bar food (and the drinks that go with it), check out The Hornet, a lively bar featuring a number of classic food choices along with frequent drink specials. Or, if you're with a rowdy bunch, you can shoot pool or explore the arcade at Punch Bowl Social. Another one of our favorites is Sputnik, for both the records their DJs spin and the plethora of sauce choices that come with their sweet potato fries.
Don't forget dessert! You're in luck here, because Baker is home to some pretty stellar ice cream. Stop by Sweet Action to see what flavors are available -- their ice cream is made in small batches, so flavors change regularly. They always have vegan options as well (our favorite was the vegan jalapeño lime).
Shop Until You Drop
The Baker neighborhood is packed with thrift stores. While you'll find the best deals at the local GoodWill, you can find a curated selection of secondhand clothing and oddities at Buffalo Exchange. Or shop vintage dresses, t-shirts, sunglasses, and more at Goldmine Vintage or Boss Vintage. For new clothes, visit Fancy Tiger, which also has adorable jewelry and an attached craft store.
If you're looking for the perfect gift, check out Hope Tank, which came to the neighborhood in 2013. You'll find some of the city's best stuffed animals and toys, cute home goods and accessories, and even some Colorado souvenirs. Plus, a portion of each sale goes to various charities, so you can feel good about your purchase.
For books, records, knick-knacks, and great coffee, stop into Mutiny Information Cafe. There's always something going on at Mutiny, from live music shows to comedy nights.
Play All Day
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When you're done snacking at Sputnik, head next door to Hi-Dive for a live show. You can see both local and national acts at reasonable prices, and there's plenty of variety. It's also the new home for Guilty Pleasures, a 70s through 2000s pop dance night.
Speaking of dance nights, Syntax Physic Opera is the place to catch the monthly Mile High Soul Club, where you can belt "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" at the top of your lungs while dancing. You'll also find open mic nights, live jazz, and other events on their calendar.
Last but not least, don't forget to hit up The Mayan Theatre, where you can catch foreign and independent flicks that aren't available everywhere. You'll also be greeted by a dressed-up skeleton sitting in the theater's vintage box office.
While this isn't a comprehensive list of everything the Baker neighborhood has to offer, it's certainly enough to get you started enjoying the area's hip offerings. Did we miss any of your favorite spots? Let us know in the comments.
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