15 Denver Hidden Gems From a Local
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There are some true hidden gems in Denver, you just have to find them!
Denver is one of Colorado’s hidden gems, but within this hidden gem are so many more! It’s the shops, the food, the views, and the people that make up Denver (and, of course, the mountains!), but so many of them lie under the radar.
We’ve scouted out the coolest places in all of Denver while living downtown that don’t receive the hype they should so that you don’t have to! These secrets are simply too hard to keep.
Below, we’ve curated an extensive list of hidden gems in Denver that certainly need more recognition!
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Denver Hidden Gems You Can’t Miss
Forest Room 5
Come visit the forest within the city at Forest Room 5, one of Denver’s wildest hidden gems! This hip hang-out spot features beautiful rustic decor indoors and outdoors, bringing the warmth of the mountain forest right to you in the middle of the city!
Forest Room 5 is conveniently located off of I-25, hidden in a plaza off 15th Street in Denver. This forest in the city offers a modern menu with a variety of cuisines and cocktails.
Enjoy a night out around the fire pit and explore this hidden gem in Denver!
Stanley Marketplace
Stanley Marketplace is truly one of Denver’s best-kept secrets. At first glance, it seems to be an average marketplace filled with places to eat and things to do, but this marketplace is so much more.
The Stanley Marketplace is just outside of Denver and features a community of small businesses that offer a place to eat, drink, shop, work, play, grow, gather, and explore. There is truly something for everyone at the Stanley Marketplace in Denver.
One of Denver’s best restaurants, Denver Biscuit Co., even has a location here. (Pro tip: try to join the waitlist ahead of time.)
Head over to one of their shops, grab a bite to eat, and plan an entire day under one roof at one of Denver’s hidden gems!
The Buckhorn Exchange
Dine with the deer, elk, and buffalo at Denver’s oldest restaurant! This hidden gem is the original steakhouse of Denver and holds decades of history. Hidden among the walls of The Buckhorn Exchange is the first liquor license issued in Colorado, which has got to be one of the coolest things in Denver.
This restaurant is just a 5-minute walk from downtown Denver and is open for dinner 7 days a week. Munch on some of their exotic appetizers and prime-grade proteins while you’re in Denver!
Don’t forget to try their famous Rocky Mountain Oysters!
The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse is one of Denver’s hidden gems inside and out. If you look closely at the beautiful architecture and ceramic tiles, you’ll find hidden patterns and poems starting to emerge!
This hidden gem, though technically located in Boulder, serves its very own premium teas alongside lunch, dinner, cocktails, and desserts. They are open daily, but try taking a trip to the Teahouse on a Saturday or Sunday to enjoy brunch and a whole new menu!
And in case you’re searching for a hidden gem within a hidden gem, check out their farm and education center, Three Leaf Farm!
Adrift Tiki Bar & Grill
Enjoy an exotic island getaway without all the packing and traveling at Adrift Tiki Bar and Grill in Denver. This hidden gem takes you adrift with island-inspired cocktails crafted with the freshest ingredients around.
They also offer a small menu with fresh food inspired by the islands to complete your dreamy beach vacation at the foot of the mountains. Be sure to join them on Tiki Tuesday for an all-day happy hour!
Fifty-Two 80’s
Take a trip back to the 80’s at Fifty-Two 80’s in Denver. This shop is filled with the coolest things in Denver, and the coolest things from the 80’s!
Fifty-Two 80’s offers a unique shopping experience that took decades to collect, all for you to complete your very own collection of toys, games, and collectibles from the past.
Walk through this ship and enjoy a blast from the past at one of the coolest shops in Denver. Be sure to check out their website to add to the nostalgic experience!
Meow Wolf Convergence Station
Once a hidden gem and now on the rise, this immersive art experience is truly one of the coolest things to do in Denver. Experience some intergalactic travels and amazing art at Meow Wolf Convergence Station!
This multiverse transit station transforms art into one of the most unique performances in Denver. Grab your time and tickets online, or opt for a time warp ticket and show up anytime!
There’s truly nothing like the Meow Wolf Convergence Station in Denver, making this hidden gem one of the best in Denver!
Linger
Find out what’s lingering at one of Denver’s hidden gems, Linger! Linger was formed out of a historic mortuary and is now a lively restaurant and rooftop lounge. Their menu is veggie-forward and offers flavorful vegan dishes!
Linger is part of a family of six restaurants in Denver owned by Edible Beats! You’ll be sure to enjoy good food and good music while dining at Linger.
Art District on Santa Fe
Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe is a home for all artists. This hidden gem is painted and polished into a community of artists and art rich in culture and heritage.
The Art District is dedicated to promoting public awareness and education while furthering the art, culture, and creativity in Denver.
Discover some of the coolest art pieces in Denver at the Art District on Santa Fe!
D’Corazon
Finding a down-to-earth restaurant in the big city of Denver can be tricky, but no need to look any further! Dine at D’Corazon for some authentic Mexican comfort food! This hidden gem offers the comfort of Mexican cuisine in the heart of downtown Denver.
Sip on a margarita made from scratch and enjoy a handmade enchilada at D’Corazon in Denver!
Fox Run Cafe
Located right off of 1-70 is Denver’s hidden gem, Fox Run Cafe (even though it’s not necessarily hidden with a location like that).
This cafe is open daily for breakfast and lunch, serving the same menu until close, allowing you to grab breakfast at any time and not just before 11 am.
The true hidden gem of this cafe is the food and service. Housemade breads and pastries bring the comfort of home to this brunch spot!
This low-key cafe is the perfect brunch hangout spot, so come in and hang out!
Denver Milk Market
The Denver Milk Market is the cornerstone of Denver’s historic Dairy Block. This all-local, fresh food hall is truly one of the coolest concepts in Denver!
The Denver Milk Market is known for sharing its creative flare to create new culinary concepts in the heart of Denver while offering you endless options for gourmet foods.
Not sure what you’re hungry for? Not a problem. Take the time to browse the halls of Denver Milk Market and choose from one of the 16 food venues!
Room for Milly
Beyond the basics of bar drinks and comfort cocktails, Room for Milly offers an inviting experience inspired by travels and explorations. This modern space truly reflects a love for travel, color, and cocktails, from the design to the glassware.
Room for Milly is one of the coziest hidden gems in Colorado and offers a comfortable adventure indoors while sipping on cocktails.
Explore the modern details of Room for Milly while staying in the heart of Denver!
Oakwell Beer Spa
Okay, so we’ve all heard of the spa (and probably all need a trip to one), but have you heard of a beer spa? Oakwell Beer Spa has created a concept that Denver didn’t know they needed: a spa experience with a handcrafted beer in hand!
This top-notch wellness experience is truly one of the coolest things in Denver. Book a session in one of their beer therapy rooms, spend some time in the cozy taproom, and enjoy a relaxing massage in their relaxation lounge while sipping on a locally sourced beer!
There are some true hidden benefits to combining beer and relaxation, so on your next day off, be sure to discover this hidden gem in Denver!
Stem Ciders
Perhaps you’ve seen carefully crafted Stem Ciders on the shelves at the grocery store, but did you know Stem Ciders is broken down into a few locations for a well-rounded experience of their ciders?
That’s why this hidden gem in Denver needs a highlight.
Stem Cider Taproom won diner’s choice in 2023, shortly after opening its doors. This welcoming bar and brewpub offer an inviting dining experience while highlighting their locally crafted ciders!
Also, be sure to check out their urban countryside experience at Acreage, which has some fresh food and breathtaking views!
Final Thoughts: Hidden Gems in Denver
From our experience, these are some of the coolest things and hidden gems of the beautiful mountain town of Denver. The next time you’re out and about or looking to share the town of Denver, be sure to check out these secret spots!
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