Denver’s Lower Highlands (LoHi) neighborhood was home to a few great restaurants 10 years ago. In the intervening years, it has exploded to become one of the Mile High City’s premier culinary centers.
If you haven’t sampled many of the fine restaurants that have moved into LoHi recently, here’s a list of trendy dining options near AMLI Riverfront Park.
Lola Mexican Fish House
Just a three-minute drive from AMLI Riverfront Park, Lola has emerged as the place to eat fish tacos. The ceviche and grilled fish are quite popular, and many regulars go exclusively for the margaritas. Lola signature margaritas start at five dollars during happy hour, which is all night on Mondays, from 4 to 6 PM Tuesdays through Fridays, and from 2:30 to 5 PM on weekends.
Old Major
Denver’s LoHi neighborhood is home to several standout New American restaurants. Chef-cum-restaurateur Justin Brunson’s Old Major, one of the closest to AMLI Riverfront Park (a three-minute drive), definitely makes the list. Regardless of whether you visit for dinner, dessert, brunch, or just a cocktail, Old Major’s expertise should impress. The menu is pig-heavy, featuring nose-to-tail noodle bowls, ham biscuits, smoked pork, pork schnitzel, and more. Several items on the menu are even smothered (or lightly dressed) in pork butter.
There’s also plenty on the menu to satisfy vegetarians and anyone who doesn’t eat pork. Plus, the bar doesn’t disappoint with cocktail, beer and wine selections fit for any connoisseur.
Root Down
While no longer new, Root Down is still news in LoHi and throughout the greater Denver area. Vegans, vegetarians, pescatarians, meat-eaters, and gluten-free dieters all go nuts for this place. Flavors from all over the world are represented, many of the ingredients are locally sourced, and everything is available without gluten. Root Down’s sophisticated, unpretentious air coupled with quality food, make for an impeccable dining experience that’s a mere ten-minute walk from AMLI Riverfront Park.
Highland Tavern
A touch more affordable that many trendy LoHi restaurants, Highland Tavern is a nice place to unwind with friends after a long day. This well-kept, slightly divey hangout is a three-minute drive from AMLI Riverfront Park (just a touch beyond Root Down), and offers everything from greasy burgers to rack of Korean sesame ribs. With appealing happy hour prices, a diverse and delicious menu, and a wide range of fun to keep everyone entertained (e.g., video games, pool, ping-pong), you’re sure to become a regular at Highland Tavern in no time.
Zengo
Sushi or tacos? Miso-glazed cod or adobo chicken? Sake or tequila? Walk five minutes down Little Raven Street from AMLI Riverfront Park and these are the decisions you’ll be making when dining at Zengo. Richard Sandoval’s modern Latin-Asian fusion restaurant offers dinner and lunch, plus an impressive bottomless brunch on weekends.
Where LoHi is concerned, it’s difficult to narrow down restaurant recommendations because there’s so many to choose from. So, the best thing to do is try one and only return if you absolutely love it – don’t waste your time on mediocre when there are plenty of other amazing places waiting for you just around the corner.
What’s your favorite LoHi restaurant? Leave a comment below to let us know.
Like what you just read? Why not subscribe to the AMLI Blog so you don’t miss another post?
View All Posts by Jason Ernst