LoHi, short for Lower Highlands, is easily one of the best neighborhoods in Denver, Colorado. It’s walkable, close to the highway, has a great nightlife scene, and has tons of great places to eat.
From quick and easy lunch spots, to boozy brunches, to fancy tapas with city skyline views, there are options for just about anyone who happens to find themselves in LoHi.
With such a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, here’s our list of the best places to eat at in LoHi, Denver.
1) Uncle
Uncle is a local favorite and is located on 32nd Ave right between Highland Tap and Burger and Native Roots (I’m mentioning this since there isn’t a large sign that says Uncle and it is only marked by a yellow bowl drawn on a glass door).
The menu at Uncle is fairly simple: some small plate appetizers, Bao Buns, rice bowls, and, what they are most famous for, their Ramen. They have a few different options, but you really can’t go wrong here and it all comes down to personal preference.
The Popular Pick: Spicy Chicken Ramen
Our Recommendation: Start with the Spicy Cucumbers or Hanger Steak. For the Ramen, we’d recommend either the Duck or Chashu (pork belly). Duck and pork belly are notoriously tricky to cook well, but Uncle cooks them both perfectly every. single. time.
Hours: Monday – Saturday 5:00pm – 9:00pm (no reservations)
2) Root Down
Root Down is a popular restaurant in LoHi that specializes in farm-to-table cuisine. The menu changes frequently to reflect the freshest seasonal ingredients, but there is always something interesting and delicious to choose from.
The dining room has a casual yet stylish vibe, and the outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying a sunny day. They serve up great cocktails here as well, and is a great spot for a date night.
The Popular Pick: Columbian Arepas & Natural Chicken Two Way
Our Recommendation: Rockfish Tom Kha is our go-to entree at Root Down, but I’d also recommend checking out the specials menu – I know that’s not specific, but as a fantastic farm-to-table restaurant, their specials are always fresh, creative, and delicious!
Hours: 5:00pm – 10:00pm seven days a week, plus 10:00am – 2:30pm on Saturday and Sunday for Brunch
- Monday – Friday: 5:00pm – 10:00pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:00am – 2:30pm; 5:00pm – 10:00pm
3) Señor Bear
Another fantastic date night spot on this list has to go to Señor Bear. It’s a fun, relaxing atmosphere, and they serve up delicious Latin-inspired small plates and meals to share.
The menu does tend to change a little throughout the year, but the servers how are always incredibly friendly and I’ve never gone wrong listening to their recommendations.
Our Recommendation: The Brócoli Saltado and Arroz con Coco are always delicious, but my main recommendation would be just ordering 1-2 small plates per person at your table and sharing family-style.
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 3:00pm – 10:00pm
- Saturday: 3:00pm – 11:00pm
- Sunday: 10:00am – 10:00pm (brunch available on Sundays!)
4) Cart Driver
Cart Driver is a hip spot for wood-fired pizza and creative small plates in Denver’s Lower Highlands. The pizza is excellent, made with fresh ingredients and thin, crispy crusts.
The toppings are inventive and range from classic combinations like pepperoni and mushroom to more daring choices like Palisade peaches and guanciale (some options change throughout the year).
Popular Choice: The Daisy Pizza
Our Recommendation: Cart-Driver or the Clam. Also, sometimes their seasonal pizzas have an egg as topping, and I promise you that it actually makes for a delightful pizza topping here.
Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Thursday: 4:00pm – 10:00pm
- Friday – Saturday: 12:00pm – 10:00pm
5) Avanti
Avanti is one of the more interesting choices on this list. People go there for day drinking on a nice weekend to enjoy the rooftop views, it’s a popular bar at night, and it operates as higher-end food court, or a collective eatery as they call it.
There are seven different options within Avanti, including pizza, burgers, barbecue, gyros, seafood, asian cuisine, and arepas.
Our Recommendation: It’s hard to say what a popular choice here would be since it is essentially 7 different restaurants in one place, but two of my favorites would be Gorlami Pizza and Vaca Gordo BBQ. Again, Avanti is a casual, fun, collective eatery and is one of my go-to lunch spots in LoHi.
Hours:
- Sunday – Wednesday: 11:00am – 11:00pm
- Thursday – Saturday: 11:00am – 1:00am
6) El Five
El Five is one of the hottest new restaurants in Denver, and for good reason. The food is incredible, the atmosphere is hip and trendy, and the views are absolutely breathtaking since the restaurant is actually a top floor penthouse.
Whether you’re enjoying a romantic dinner for two or celebrating a special occasion with friends, El Five is the perfect spot. The menu features a variety of small plates and tapas-style dishes, so you can try a little bit of everything.
Popular Choice: Shrimp and Calamari a la Planch; Coliflor Paella (chicken)
Our Recommendation: The Harissa Eggplant Fries are our favorite starter here, and our favorite entrée is the Seafood Paella
Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 5:00pm – 10:00pm
- Friday – Saturday: 5:00pm – 11:00pm
7) Ash’Kara
If you’re looking for an incredible dining experience in Lohi, Denver, look no further than Ash’kara. This restaurant serves up modern Israeli cuisine, and every dish is absolutely delicious. The staff is incredibly welcoming and the atmosphere is incredibly cozy.
They have both a brunch and dinner menu, both of which have some small plate and traditional entrées.
Popular Choice: Starter – Hummus and Pita. Meal – Lamb Kofte
Our Recommendation: We tend to prefer the Brunch/Lunch menu here (available on weekends), and the Hummus is an absolute must-have to start out with. After, the Chicken Shawarma House Wrap never disappoints
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 3:00pm – 10:00pm
- Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 2:00pm; 3:00pm – 10:00pm
8) Postino
Another staple of LoHi’s dining scene has to be Postino, a wine bar with some simple, delicious food and an amazing atmosphere.
The food isn’t necessarily what brings you to Postino, but it’s a great place to kick your weekend off with a bottle of wine, a good beer list, and some bruschetta or panini options to make sure you don’t start your night out with an empty stomach.
Popular Choice: Bruschetta Board + bottle of wine of your choosing
Our Recommendation: Definitely get a Bruschetta Board (you can choose up to four flavors). Our two favorite options being the Brie, Apple & Fig, and the Burrata, Bacon, Arugula and Tomato. If you’re a little hungrier, the Roasted Turkey panini is a great choice as well.
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:00am – 11:00pm
- Friday: 11:00am – Midnight
- Saturday: 9:00am – Midnight
- Sunday: 9:00am – 10:00pm
9) BriDer
Another fantastic lunch option on our list is the Rotisserie Chicken restaurant, BriDer. Most of the items on the menu incorporate their famous rotisserie chicken, and it really is hard to go wrong here.
Popular Choice: Chicken and Pesto sandwich
Our Recommendation: The Rotisserie Chicken Banh Mi is not only my favorite item on this menu, it’s one of my favorite sandwiches in general. For a slightly healthier option, the Brussel Sprout Caesar Salad with protein of your choice is also an excellent option.
Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 10:00am – 9:00pm
10) Linger
This unique restaurant in the heart of LoHi, Denver offers a variety of delicious small plates that are perfect for sharing.
The atmosphere is casual yet refined, and the outdoor, rooftop patio is the perfect place to enjoy a meal on a warm day. Whether you’re looking for an intimate dinner for two or a fun night out with friends, Linger is sure to please.
Our Recommendation: The menu does change season to season here, but the spring rolls and a variety of Bao Buns always seem to be a staple here and never disappoint. Just go with a few friends, get a variety of small plates, and try a bit of everything – that’s genuinely the best way to experience Linger.
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
- Friday: 5:00pm – 11:00pm
- Saturday: 10:00am – 2:30pm; 5:00pm – 11:00pm
- Sunday: 10:00am – 2:30pm; 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Honorable Mentions:
- Bar Dough – fancier pizza and pasta options
- The Well – best “football pizza” in LoHi
- My Neighbor Felix – very fun place for margaritas and tacos
- Denver Poke Company – poke bowls with tons of great toppings
- Ohana Kitchen – Hawaiian Cuisine – great lunch spot
- Daughter Thai – Thai Food
- Little Man Ice Cream – Best ice cream in all of Denver. So good, it even made our best things to do in Denver article!
Thank you for reading our list of the best places to eat in LoHi, Denver! If we missed anything or if you have a place you’d like us to cover next, please feel free to comment below!