Neighborhood Spotlight: Lodo

Are you moving to Denver or want to get to know your Denver neighborhoods better? This blog post is going to highlight Lodo, Denver’s oldest neighborhood that has quickly become a vibrant hub for restaurants, caffees, shopping and businesses. If you’ve yet to experience this neighborhood, take the time to explore the hidden streets, popular dining, and fabulous arts and entertainment. 

 

With locations in over fifty cities around the world, this Brazilian Steakhouse, or also known as churrascaria) is premium dining smack in the middle Lodo. The menu includes a variety of fire-roasted meats carved tableside, as well as a seasonal and traditional salad and side bar, also known as the Harvest Table. If you’re looking to celebrate an event, birthday, or simply a special dining experience, then certainly look into Fogo De Chao for its high quality selection of meats, custom, table served cocktails, and luxurious dining experience.

 

If you’re anywhere near LoDo, then you won’t miss the statuesque Union Station. The original Union Station was built in 1881, burned on March 18 1894 due to a fire, and restructured to the current structure which was built in 1914. Although Union Station was first built as a hub for train transportation, and still is today, it has become much more of a wonder. Today, Union Station is the It-Spot for fabulous bars, fine-dining, shops, and celebrations. Just within Union Station, you’ll find the locally recognized and adored Terminal Bar where you’ll see Coloradons packed inside and outside of the bar; Mercantile Dining & Provision which follows in the footsteps of the award-winning Fruition Restaurant; and Milkbox Ice Creamery, a locally known ice cream shop serving flavors from Little Man Ice Cream available as shakes, malts, sundaes, and boozy shakes. Not only does Union Station host some of Denver’s best food and drinks, but also shops and the Crawford Hotel. 

 

Some of the coziest ways to get to know a new city is by exploring their local coffee shops. Luckily, LoDo, and Denver altogether, has erupted with local coffee shops that give Starbucks a run for their money. Little Owl Coffee for example has been rated as one of “The 21 Best Coffee Shops in America” according to the Thrillist; and you’ll be lucky to grab a seat in this miniature coffee shop. Best for companies of no more than 1-2 people, Little Owl Coffee is known for its delicious custom drinks and cozy atmosphere. Another must-see coffee shop that you definitely won’t miss is The Market at Larimer Square. Known for its historic roots, The Market is located between 14th and 15th street on Larimer Street, the last bastion of Denver’s historic architecture. What initially began as a neighborhood grocery store in the 1970’s eventually transformed into the bakery, deli, coffee and tea shop that is it today. Centrally located on Larimer Street, surrounded by bustling high-end restaurants and shops, this is the coffee shop every Colorado visitor must see. 

 

Located in the Ballpark neighborhood of LoDo and the historic Dairy Block, the Denver Milk Market is a 16-venue Food Hall run by Colorado chef Frank Bonanno. The Milk Market sits within the Dairy Block, a micro-district of mixed-use office, retail and hospitality development that boasts fifteen shops, nineteen restaurants, seven bars, a luxury coworking space, and a 172-room boutique hotel. And if this wasn’t enough, check out the Milk Market’s calendar of events to see live music performances, unique pop-ups, and a variety of classes. 

 

Are you looking to go somewhere where you can eat delicious, gastrobrothel-inspired food, listen to live music and appreciate boudoir-style decor? Well then, Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox is your one-stop shop for a good time. If you’d like to come just for dinner, then consider booking reservations between 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm before the show and crowds begin between 9:00 pm and 10:00 pm. If you’re wanting to stay for the show and have dinner, make a reservation and specifically mention you’d like to stay for the show, and ask for a balcony view. Depending on the availability of seats, you’ll have an opportunity to be seated next to the balcony that overlooks the stage on the bottom floor. Once you’re done with dinner, you can grab a drink at one of their two bars and head downstairs to enjoy the show.