With the South Platte River bordering it to the west and South Broadway anchoring it in the east, the Baker neighborhood has become one of the most exciting dining destinations in Denver!
This walkable neighborhood near our luxury Downtown Denver apartments offers everything from Michelin-recognized restaurants to beloved dive bars, cozy cafes, late-night doughnut shops and more. Whether you're craving craft cocktails, authentic barbecue or a perfectly pulled espresso, there’s almost definitely something you’ll like here near our Baker apartments.
Though there’s plenty to choose from, here are some of our own favorite places to eat and drink in this eclectic corner of Denver.
Restaurants, bars & cafes in Baker
Best restaurants in Baker
MAKfam
If you haven't heard of MAKfam yet, you’re in for a treat!
This elevated fast-casual Chinese restaurant has been racking up accolades since it opened back in 2023: a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand designation in 2025, as well as placing as a James Beard Emerging Chef semifinalist!
The husband-and-wife team of Doris Yuen and Chef Kenneth Wan started with similar pop-ups in the NYC area before moving to Denver and eventually opening their brick-and-mortar spot in Baker — the rest, as they say, is history!
The menu draws from their Chinese American heritage with dishes inspired by Chinatown favorites and family recipes. The mala chicken wings coated in a spicy-yet-tingly seasoning are a must-order, too; The corned beef fried rice has become a signature dish and offers a familiar-yet-inventive take on a classic, while other standouts include the hand-folded chicken and chive potstickers and the crab rangoons.
La Forêt
Located in the former Beatrice & Woodsley space on South Broadway, La Forêt opened for service in March 2024 and quickly made a name for itself in the local dining scene. The restaurant describes itself as "cocktail-forward French rustic," which we feel is a pretty accurate summary of the cuisine and overall vibe.
The menu focuses on game meats prepared and served with classic French techniques. The beef bourguignon features short rib with mushroom, onion, carrot and lardon, while the baked brie comes with garlic-herb butter and spiced-fig jam. For something more adventurous, try the frog legs or the stag au poivre!
The cocktail program is equally impressive. The signature "La Forêt" drink arrives on a bed of moss with green tea poured over dry ice to create a misty woodland effect — an appropriate dish for a restaurant called “The Forest.” For dessert, the café brûlot pour un involves a tableside flambé of coffee and cognac. With a stunning interior (featuring floor-to-ceiling aspen tree sculptures!) and some truly astounding dishes, it’s no wonder La Forêt was named Best French Restaurant in the 2025 Readers' Choice Awards!
Smokin' Yards BBQ
For barbecue lovers, you’re in luck! With its original location in Idaho Springs, the family-owned Smokin' Yards BBQ has been perfecting what they call "High Elevation BBQ" ever since they opened back in 2008.
The brisket and burnt ends are the stars here, though you won’t go wrong with the baby back ribs that are fall-off-the-bone tender. All meats are dry-rubbed with sauce served on the side so you can taste the smoke first and the flavor second, and they’ve got a great selection of in-house made sauces.
Don't forgo the sides, either. The country style mac-n-cheese, creamed corn and fried pickles all get high marks from regulars, and they serve smoked prime rib on Saturdays as a weekly special. The restaurant also has vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available!
Moxie Eatery
For breakfast and lunch, Moxie Eatery on South Broadway has become a neighborhood staple. This daytime spot focuses on healthy and wholesome options without sacrificing flavor. The acorn squash torta and warm kale salad appeal to the health-conscious crowd while sandwiches and ramen satisfy heartier appetites. It's the kind of place where you can grab a leisurely weekend brunch or a quick weekday lunch.
Baker’s best bars & breweries
Adrift
Adrift on South Broadway transports you straight to the tropics with a tiki bar vibe that specializes in handcrafted cocktails and Polynesian-inspired fare. The interior is covered in bamboo with murals of vintage Polynesian scenes and cozy lighting, creating an overall immersive experience that makes you forget you're landlocked in Colorado!
The bar carries an extensive rum collection from around the world. Like many beach-side bars, the classic mai tai is a favorite and the signature "Adrift" cocktail comes in a collectible mug. For groups, the shareable skull-bowl cocktails offer dramatic presentations with fire and dry ice!
Food-wise, the poke nachos are a crowd favorite, while the coconut shrimp, volcano fries and pork belly lettuce wraps also get consistent praise. All in all, if you’re feeling gray and gloomy, this bright little bar is the perfect pick-me-up!
Novel Strand Brewing Company
Novel Strand Brewing Company offers an open, airy and comfortable brewery experience tucked away in a quiet residential section of Baker.
The taproom features exposed brickwork, high ceilings, exposed ductwork and plenty of natural light that feels cozy all year long. The menu focuses primarily on lagers and hoppy ales, with a rotating selection that keeps regulars coming back. They've even been featured on Westword's list of best Denver breweries!
Historians Ale House
For a more traditional bar experience, Historians Ale House on South Broadway is your classic all-American joint where you can chow down on your favorite burger, beer and brews. The main draw here is the rooftop deck with views overlooking the street, making it the ideal reliable neighborhood bar that’s perfect for casual outings.
Li'l Devils
Located across from Adrift on South Broadway, Li'l Devils is one of Baker's historic gay bars and is a neighborhood favorite! With a welcoming atmosphere and raving reviews, it's been part of the Baker community for years and remains a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
Cafes in Baker
MiddleState Coffee
With another location in Highland near the Denver North High School, the flagship MiddleState Coffee location is right here in Baker next to the MMA gym on South Broadway.
The bright, airy space here is filled with art, plants and good music — alongside some great brews and beverages. MiddleState Coffee sources specialty coffees from roasters around the world and serves unique beverages you won't find at chain coffee shops, which is perfect for anyone looking for a higher-quality coffee experience or a break in routine.
Bardo Coffee House
Night owls and night-shift workers, we see you! Here’s a spot where you can enjoy a cuppa joe long after the sun has set.
While most Denver coffee shops close mid-afternoon, Bardo stays open until midnight every day, making it a rare find for evening meetups, late-night studying or after-dinner coffee. It opens at 6 a.m. too, so the location serves as a versatile community gathering space at any hour of the day!
Corvus Coffee Roasters
Corvus Coffee Roasters on South Broadway has been a Denver favorite since 2010.
The Baker location has an industrial-chic vibe that serves house-roasted brews, as well as seasonal specialties like honey-pear lattes and rosemary lemon beverages. They source green coffee beans directly from farmers and roast in small batches, and you can also buy bags of their beans to take home.
Queen City Collective Coffee
Named after Denver's "Queen City of the Plains" nickname, Queen City Collective in Baker sources beans directly from farmers and roast everything in small batches on-site. The café has a simple and laidback vibe that puts the focus on the coffee itself. Bonus points for supporting the Made by HER program which empowers women coffee farmers!
Other notable spots in Baker
Postino Broadway
Wine cafe Postino Broadway occupies a beautifully restored 1895 brick building that previously housed a creamery and, later, Denver's oldest gay bar. Today, the space features vintage décor including a colorful Murano glass chandelier and a wall covered in 1960s and 70s concert posters.
They carry over 30 wines by the glass, including proprietary blends you won't find elsewhere! If you like Colorado wine, this is the place to go!
Azucar Bakery
This award-winning bakery on South Broadway specializes in custom cakes and cupcakes, along with empanadas, pastries and coffee in a friendly café setting. They're known for elaborate custom designs for celebrations and even give couples who ordered wedding cakes a free anniversary cake each year!
Voodoo Doughnut
The famous Portland doughnut chain has a location in Baker that stays open late — as in, 2 a.m. late! The beloved chain offers over 40 flavors of fun and quirky doughnuts, including more than 10 vegan options that are nationally-renowned. The Voodoo Doll filled with raspberry jelly and topped with a pretzel stake is their signature creation, but the fan favorite Bacon Maple Bar has been voted America's Greatest Doughnut three years running! The vegan doughnuts taste nearly identical to the regular versions which, if you’re familiar with baking and treat-making, is rare for commercial vegan baked goods!
They even perform wedding ceremonies if you're feeling spontaneous and a little (dough)nutty!
Huckleberry Roasters
Known locally as "HUCK," Huckleberry Roasters focuses on sustainability and community (alongside their great coffee). Their Baker location offers a relaxed atmosphere and rotating seasonal beverages, though you can find their creations all over Denver at their different locations.
Baker's dining scene reflects the neighborhood itself — diverse, unpretentious and full of character. From James Beard-recognized chefs to family-owned barbecue joints, there's something here for every taste and budget. The walkability of the area makes it easy to explore multiple spots in one outing, too, giving you plenty of opportunity to stumble on your next favorite spot.
Whether you're a longtime resident of our luxury Denver apartments or are brand new to the city, Baker's restaurants, bars and cafes are worth the visit!
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Featured photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
Second photo by Nick Hillier on Unsplash
Third photo by Ali Inay on Unsplash
Fourth photo by Fred Moon on Unsplash
Fifth photo by Ruben Ramirez on Unsplash
The AMLI Editorial Team consists of a team of writers and editors who work together on blog articles, and may occasionally employ AI tools to assist in developing content.
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