My Current Denver “Must Visit” List [2021]
Welp, the last time I blogged about Denver was back in 2019, which means that my “must visit” list is most certainly due for an update (you can read my 2019 list here).
You’ll notice a few repeats, but with the rate at which Denver is growing, it’s hard to not find another new amazing place around every corner (if you want to read more about why Denver is one of the fastest growing cities in the US, check out this post).
Shameless plug: I’ve lived here for 22 years (minus the two-year stint I had in Des Moines, IA while going to Drake University).
So aside from the fact that I love to document some of my favorite spots in all the places I’ve traveled (that includes my humble home), a big reason that I wanted to pen some of my Denver favorites to the Internet is that Teddy and I (and Frankie, of course) are hitting the road very soon and going to visit more of the US to see if there's somewhere else we want to land!
I cannot emphasize enough that Colorado is a beautiful state, and I absolutely love this city. BUT I have always dreamed about living somewhere else. My limiting belief as a personal trainer was that I had to be at the gym for 10-12 hour days in order to be successful. It put a ceiling on my ability to think that a life of travel was an actual possibility.
This summer, I’m breaking that ceiling.
At this point, we have the first eight weeks planned (thanks, Teddy) but are planning on moving around until the end of September, just driving and stopping at different towns and cities along the way.
This feeling is truly bittersweet.
I am SO thankful and grateful for all the gyms I’ve worked for, been a part of, and have had the honor of co-owning over the years (shout out to my Compass Fitness family)! And now, I’m ready to float my wings and help change people’s lives from afar with the TL Brand.
Before we set out on that road trip, here are some of my personal favorites from right here at home (because you will always be home, Denver).
FOOD & DRINK
COFFEE
Steam (1801 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210) - Do yourself a favor and order the iced oat milk latte (yuuummmmm). The staff is the best, and there’s an amazing outdoor patio.
Crema (2862 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205) - An oldie, and still a goodie, from 2019. This joint is my favorite place for good coffee and breakfast food. They are one of the only spots in the city where I can sit, work, drink coffee, and eat an awesome breakfast burrito.
Fluid (501 E 19th Ave, Denver, CO 80203) - My order here is the Chai with almond milk. It’s a great place to work and love the comfy feel of it.
BRUNCH
Hoja {1284 S. Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210) - Oldie and goodie number two. Focused on clean eats, this breakfast spot off of South Pearl has the best breakfast burrito. The Farmer’s Burrito is quite literally the best burrito I’ve ever tasted. Organic tofu scramble, green chili, hash browns, and cheese (AKA uh-MAZE-ingggg).
Bacon Social House (2160 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210) - I highly recommend the breakfast sammie (obvi, get a side of bacon). Great drink. Everything is good. Every time. Seriously. Also, shameless plug, their new location is across from Compass Fitness.
Devil’s Food (1004 S Gaylord St, Denver, CO 80209) - Crafty coffee drinks and the sweet treats always keep me coming back for more.
DRINKS
Hudson Hill (619 E 13th Av, Denver, CO 80203) - I’m forever obsessed with this quirky joint. It’s a coffee place by day that turns into a really great cocktail bar at night. They also serve awesome grilled cheese sandwiches. Random, I know. But you must absolutely give one a try.
Boys and Girls Club (249 Columbine St, Denver, CO 80206) - Okay, this is the coolest speakeasy in the middle of Cherry Creek. Tell them what liquor or drink you like, and they will make you your own custom cocktail!
Green Russell (1422 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202) - Custom drinks and dark, moody atmosphere. Enough said.
BREWERY
Prost Brewery (2540 19th St, Denver, CO 80211) - This is a brewery that crafts German-style beers. I recommend the Prost Pilsner. If nothing else, go there for the patio with skyline views.
Denver Beer Co (1695 Platte St, Denver, CO 80202) - Alright, animal lovers, this place has a huge patio that’s pet friendly! My order: Senor Pina Blonde Ale.
Ratio Beer (2920 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205) - Large, industrial taproom featuring a variety of craft brews & another dog-friendly courtyard. Plus, games! I love games. Recommendation: Dear You Beer.
DINNER
Cochina Tacos (176 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209) - I mean, tacos. Need I say more? Okay, fine, I will. These tacos are out of this world, and the atmosphere never disappoints. The Funky Chicken Tacos are my go-to.
Taki Sushi (420 E Bayaud Ave, Denver, CO 80209) - Always good and affordable sushi that is super underrated. For all my first-timers, make sure you order the Cherry Creek Roll.
Corner Ramen (1629 Bruce Randolph Ave, Denver, CO 80205) - Best ramen in Denver. There, I said it. Seriously, it cannot be beat. Highly recommend the Spicy Miso Ramen.
DESSERT
Sweet Cow Ice Cream (1882 Pearl Street) - I have five words: chocolate chip cookie dough sandwiches. I pretty much eat one a night. The menu is always changing so it is definitely worth weekly visits.
Make Believe Bakery (214 E 13th Ave, Denver, CO 80203) - Fortunately for us, this one is right down the street from our house. You must order the Scout Cookies.
D Bar (494 E 19th Ave, Denver, CO 80203) - This place actually serves food and drink, but I come for the desserts (duh). My go-to: Molten Cake.
BODY WORK
CHIROPRACTOR
Jace at Wellset (4433 W 29th Ave, Suite 203, Denver, CO 80212) - I’ve been going to Jace since 2017, twice a month, every month.
CUPPING
Katie at Wellset (4433 W 29th Ave, Suite 203, Denver, CO 80212) - I go to cupping with Katie once a month to give me some release in my back since my disc issues I had a couple years ago. She is an absolute Jedi.
MASSAGE
Onyx Massage (4340 E Kentucky Av #353, Glendale, CO 80246) - Not your casual vacation massage. I recommended her back in 2019, and I still recommend her today. I don’t think I’ve ever had a better athletic massage. Beware, she is strong!
ACUPUNCTURE
Daxx Vedrin at Point Zero Acupuncture (1127 Auraria Pkwy #201, Denver, CO 80204) - As an orthopedic acupuncturist, Daxx does manual muscle testing and movement analysis.
TO SWEAT
ALL THINGS MOVEMENT
Compass Fitness (1842 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210) - I know I’m a little biased because I co-own this gym, but it’s truly one of the most amazing fitness communities I’ve ever experienced. We offer a wide variety of classes, including boxing/kickboxing, HIIT, yoga, core, dance cardio, and agility.
YOGA
The River (1212 Delaware St, Denver, CO 80204) - This is one of my favorite places to flow. Fun fact: this is also where I got certified as a 200 yoga teacher. Try one of their heated classes.
PILATES
The Pilates Studio (614 E Kentucky Ave, Denver, CO 80209) - All I can say here is that it’s just a really great spot. Try it out and let me know what you think.
BEAUTY
HAIR
Jaqui Lord Hair Design - She’s been a friend of mine and client for years. We both have similar fine/thin hair, so she always knows how to take care of my mane.
EYEBROWS
Lea Curry at Arrow Beauty - I’ve been going here for three years now! Lea knows how to keep thick eyebrows in check.
FACIAL
Katrina at FacesFirst - They have a monthly membership where you get one facial a month plus discounts on products and new services. The B-E-S-T!
LASER HAIR REMOVAL
Katrina at FacesFirst - I won’t see anyone else because she’s already seen all my bits. I’ve had armpits, Brazilian, face, and nipples lasered so far. One of the best investments of my life (goodbye, razors!).
NAILS
Purluxe Beauty Cherry Creek - Go for the luxury fun mani. You won’t regret it.
Final note. If you’re interested in checking out any of these places but don’t have anywhere to stay in Denver, I gotchu!
See you on the road, my friends.
If you want to stay up to date on my travels, make sure to give me a follow on Instagram and sign up to receive my newsletters (where I drop all the goods).