THINGS TO DO, EAT, AND SEE IN DENVER’S PLATT PARK NEIGHBORHOOD
Denver’s Platt Park neighborhood features the charming South Pearl Street (image courtesy of @southpearlst), which hosts a number of popular shops, eateries, and coffee spots. Residents gain access to urban amenities, while still residing in a quieter part of town that has its own namesake green space. Platt Park is considered a walkable neighborhood and many homeowners in the area enjoy convenient proximity to their favorite neighborhood restaurants while also benefiting from being just a 10 minute drive from downtown Denver.
The Best Coffee Near Platt Park
Platt Park doesn’t lack coffee shops and you may need to try a drink at several before you settle on your go-to. Many of the shops have been Denver staples for years, thus building up loyal neighborhood followings with friendly service and high-quality cups of coffee.
Nixon’s Coffee House
695 East Louisiana Avenue
Nixon’s goal isn’t just to serve up freshly brewed coffee to revitalize their community members, it’s also to bring the neighborhood of Platt Park together with a top-notch customer experience and of course, excellent brews. Nixon’s sources their coffee from Kaladi coffee, which is fair trade and organically sourced. The coffee is roasted here in Denver and is sold by the bag, just in case you want to make coffee at home some mornings. Whether you’re in the mood for a cappuccino, latte, or one of Nixon’s mochas — you’re sure to be a repeat customer after the first sip.
Steam Espresso Bar
1801 South Pearl Street
Steam Espresso Bar takes a great deal of pride in their exceptional hospitality. Aside from a quality cup of Joe, coffee shops need to provide a positive customer experience in order to draw people back in for more. Steam sells coffee from Boxcar Coffee Roasters, Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters, and Sanctuary Chai. Pair one of the many pastries offered with your drink, such as a mushroom cheese croissant or a gluten-free muffin. Starting in the spring of 2023, Steam Espresso Bar will also be offering barista training classes for those interested in upping their home espresso game.
Corvus Coffee Roasters
1740 South Broadway
Corvus Coffee Roasters has an online shop, as well as their location on South Broadway, to ensure that everybody has access to their products. They take a great deal of pride in sourcing the best of the best and building sustainable relationships with farmers across the globe year after year. Serving up espresso shots, nitro cold brew on tap, and N’awlins — which combines chicory, housemade vanilla, and cream, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu at Corvus Coffee Roasters. You’re sure to leave with your new favorite order and a refreshed outlook on the remainder of the day with the welcome boost of caffeine.
Stella’s Coffee Haus
1476 South Pearl Street
Stella’s Coffee Haus has been proudly serving coffee since 1991. Their dog-friendly patio is a major plus to Denverites who want to bring their pup along on the outing and the wide selection of drinks and treats ensures that everybody can order something suited to their palate. When you visit Stella’s, you’re sure to be greeted with friendly service and a made-to-order drink. The menu features cortados, dirty chais, americanos, and even a con panna. Surprisingly, the non-coffee menu is nearly as extensive as the coffee menu itself, with options such as chai, dream tea, golden lattes, and cambric.
Where to Eat & Drink in Platt Park
Living within walking distance of your favorite cafe or restaurant is about as good as it gets. Platt Park residents may find that they discover a new favorite spot to grab a bite within a mile or two of their homes, which is one of the neighborhood’s many pros.
Duffeyroll Bakery Cafe
1290 South Pearl Street
Duffeyroll has been serving Denver for over three decades and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Largely popular due to its cinnamon roll recipe, the establishment continues to bake sweet and savory rolls at three Denver locations. The rolls can be shipped nationwide and can be stored in the freezer for whenever the craving strikes. Platt Park residents can head to the cafe on South Pearl Street and pick up a dozen original rolls, mountain maple cinnamon rolls, or savory bacon, ham, or veggie rolls that make the perfect morning pick-me-up.
Sushi Den
1487 South Pearl Street
Not only is Sushi Den one of Denver’s premier restaurants, but it’s also one of the best of its kind in the United States. The long 38-year history behind Sushi Den is a testament to its quality seafood offering. The kitchen menu features miso black cod, short ribs, Maine lobster tempura, and a catch of the day special. The restaurant has a selection of signature rolls, as well as nigiri and sashimi-style plates. Popular hand rolls include the rocky mountain roll and the salmon tartare roll. There is a veggie selection for those steering clear of fish, which includes an avocado roll, a cucumber roll, and eggplant sushi.
Breakfast Palace
2000 South Broadway
When you’re in the mood for breakfast, the Breakfast Palace is serving it up all day every day in Denver’s Platt Park. Beginning with the classics, the restaurant has eggs served any style with fresh Idaho hash browns and toast and chicken fried steak with eggs. House specialties include The Palace Feast, featuring 2 eggs, pancakes or French toast, hash browns, and bacon or sausage. The West Coast huevos are served with a warm corn tortilla and Spanish rice, as well as a green chile strip. There are multiple breakfast burritos to choose from, for those who need to grab a bite to eat on the go.
HOJA
1284 South Pearl Street
HOJA is a small Mexican restaurant dedicated to serving simple, yet delicious food. They provide dine-in services, as well as a to-go offering and grab-and-go options for those who are short on time. Their lunch menu features The HOJA Special, which is a classic breakfast burrito with bacon, ham, and fresh jalapeños with Mexican walnut chili oil and a carnitas bowl with hatch chiles, pork carnitas, and fresh cabbage, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Drinks include coffee options, as well as matcha lattes and almond chais. Cocktails lean heavily towards tequila-forward drinks, such as margaritas and Palomas but there is also a classic Negroni option for those who prefer the botanicals of gin combined with the bitterness from the liqueur addition.
Can’t-Miss Shops in Platt Park
Denver’s Platt Park neighborhood has some exciting shopping in store for residents, including vintage and antique shops and a long-standing bookstore where you’re sure to find the perfect gift for the bookworm in your life.
Regal Vintage
1866 South Broadway
Regal Vintage carries an eclectic selection of both used and vintage clothing, as well as jewelry and miscellaneous items. The shop was opened in 2008 and has since amassed quite a collection of vintage finds. Whether you’re looking for a specific piece of clothing or you want to curate an entire costume for an upcoming event, Regal Vintage should be one of your first stops. Every visit invites the opportunity to discover new inventory and hours can be spent looking at all of the one-of-a-kind items that are waiting to find their new home.
Gallagher Books & Antiques
1454 South Broadway
Gallagher Books has been located on Denver’s historic Antique Row since 1994 and continues to be the place to be for those searching for rare and unusual books and library-related antiques. This Denver gem has a generous selection and is kept well organized, though you’re still likely to spend hours perusing the aisles of unique and out-of-print books. Helpful staff members are available to help you in your search for something specific or simply point you in the right direction on your quest for that special book.
The Nightlife Scene Around Platt Park
Platt Park has some of Denver’s best live jazz music at Lincoln’s Roadhouse, which also puts on exciting trivia and open mic nights. If you want to settle into a cozy spot with a good beer, head to Grandma’s House.
Lincoln’s Roadhouse
1201 South Pearl Street
Lincoln’s Roadhouse is the Platt Park hangout for those wanting to enjoy live music. Friday and Saturday nights feature live singers and bands starting around 8 PM, with the last call happening at 1:30 AM. Tuesdays are DJ trivia and open mic on Wednesdays. Whatever your mood, Lincoln’s Roadhouse has an event for you. Blues, rock, and jazz fans come from all over Denver and surrounding areas to hear some of the best local and national performers each month. Arrive early for happy hour, running from 4 PM to 6 PM, and grab discounts on cocktails and appetizers such as onion rings and fried pickles.
Grandma’s House
1710 South Broadway
Those looking for a quieter night on the town will enjoy the low-key ambiance at Grandma’s House, a small brewery located on Antique Row. Many of the brews can be ordered by the pint, half, taster, pitcher, or in a 16 oz can when available. Light snacks are available, such as soft pretzels, frozen pizzas, kettle chips, and even chocolate chip cookies from Memaw’s Country Kitchen. Currently on the lineup are the Crocodile Tears, a key lime pie sour, and the Foggy Memory, a hazy IPA.
Platt Park’s Outdoor Spaces
Platt Park’s claim to fame as an outdoor space is indeed, Platt Park. While the park itself isn’t as large as some of Denver’s other green spaces, residents just have a short trip to nearby Washington Park to gain access to a trail loop and two lakes.
Platt Park
1500 South Grant Street
Platt Park features a playground, a horseshoe pit, a library, and a sizable open field for an array of games and activities. The recreation center provides access to a craft room, a lounge area, and a full kitchen. There is also a multipurpose ballroom that has a stage and a sound system for events. The park features picnic areas and great tree cover for sunny days. The park is close to the Pearl Street shops, which provides a great escape to relax and enjoy a picnic before hitting up local stores and enjoying the ambiance of the Platt Park area.
Platt Park’s Places of Interest
Platt Park has its own farmers market, as well as an all-inclusive acoustic center that sells a variety of instruments and provides a knowledgeable staff that can direct first-time buyers to the right sound for them.
The Denver Folklore Center
1893 South Pearl Street
The Denver Folklore Center is home to some of Denver’s finest instrument experts. The center’s goal is to provide an exceptional in-store experience for first-time players or long-term musicians who are looking for their next acoustic instrument. All instruments go through a multi-point inspection and customers will receive an in-store warranty good for up to a year on all new guitars, banjos, and mandolins. Aside from sales, the center also provides rentals and repair services.
South Pearl Street Farmers’ Market
1527 South Pearl Street
The farmers market on South Pearl Street runs from early May through mid-November and is one of the Platt Park neighborhood’s exciting weekend activities. The music schedule is posted at the beginning of the season, with 2023 performers including Laura Miller, Luke Story, Hank Williams, and The New Ben Franklins. The market runs on Sundays from 9 AM to 1 PM. A handful of the market’s vendors include Bosco Baking Company, Kiowa Golden West Farms, Rich Brownies, Haykin Family Cider, and Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs.
Want to Learn More About Living in Denver’s Platt Park?
CALL ME TODAY! 970-919-0447 OR EMAIL ME AT LIZ@DENVERNOOK.COM
