Neighborhood Guide: LoDo, Denver

Lower Downtown Denver, more commonly referred to as LoDo, is the bustling downtown area full of bars, restaurants, galleries, and more. From Union Station, where the city's transportation hub doubles as a culinary and cultural destination, to Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, LoDo is full of activity.

Living in LoDo, Denver

If you’re trying to decide where in Denver to move, the Lower Downtown neighborhood (AKA LoDo) is an ideal choice if you love having something to do at all hours of the day and night. Here you’ll find cute coffee shops and excellent steakhouses, as well as plenty of live music and comedy. To learn more, keep reading this guide to moving to the Denver LoDo area.

High Rises and High End

LoDo is a concentrated, all-hours party zone filled with high-rise apartments and renovated warehouse lofts. Many rentals feature pools, rooftop lounges, and balconies with views of Coors Field or Confluence Park. Although generally high-end and more expensive than some other parts of the city, you can still find affordable options within the neighborhood.

An Ideal Location

LoDo is Denver’s oldest neighborhood and has remained the center of activity ever since its earliest days. Today, residents of LoDo love living smack dab in the heart of downtown.

The 16th Street Mall is an outdoor mall full of shops, restaurants, and cinemas throughout the Central Business District. The mall begins in LoDo and extends east for many blocks. Take the free “Mall Ride” from Union Station to Civic Center Park or stop anywhere along the way for a bite to eat or some street entertainment.

On the northwest border of LoDo, you’ll find the scenic South Platte River. Here you can stroll along miles of trails, play frisbee among the sculptures of Commons Park, or kayak through the rapids of Confluence Park.

Pleasant pedestrian bridges cross the Platte and I-70 to connect LoDo to the charming Highlands neighborhood. Here you can get a meal in a restored Victorian home or eat ice cream at the 30-foot tall milk pail that is Little Man Ice Cream.

A Sports Fan's Paradise

Denver’s LoDo neighborhood offers genuine fun for everyone.

Sports nuts rejoice on game days as the streets come alive with fans on their way to see the Rockies at Coors Field (baseball). Further down the road lies the Pepsi Center - home of the Colorado Avalanche (hockey) and the Colorado Mammoth (lacrosse). A short walk further down the South Platte Trail will take you to the Mile High Stadium, the home field of the Denver Broncos (football).

Denver’s central transportation hub, Union Station, is one of LoDo’s main attractions. Built into beautiful historic buildings or daring, modern architecture, you can find sports, live entertainment, great dining, shopping, and excellent parks. Just about anything a city lover could ever ask for is in these compact, exciting few blocks.

Entertainment Galore

LoDo also brims with opportunities for shopaholics and foodies. Cute boutiques, excellent steakhouses, peaceful coffee shops, and endless healthy vegetarian and gluten-free-friendly restaurants dot these streets. The highest concentration is found in Larimer Square, a magical block lit up by sparkling lights year-round.

Live music, live comedy, and live trivia abound. And, of course, never forget about Denver’s beer. As one of its proudest local industries, Denver residents love microbreweries. LoDo is home to the famous multi-story Wynkoop Brewery, owned by former Denver mayor John Hickenlooper.

Things to Keep in Mind

If you are just about sold on moving to LoDo, make sure that these last few LoDo-specific elements fit your lifestyle.

Parking and Traffic

LoDo, Denver is a busy part of town, and driving can be a real drag at certain times of the day. Parking availability varies by building, and searching for street parking will drive you crazy.

That’s probably why so many people enjoy a car-free life in LoDo. You can quickly get anywhere in the city by one of the many forms of public transportation, leaving Union Station all day or by the matrix of bike trails and lanes that spider out from the area.

Residents of LoDo thrive on the walkability of this neighborhood, with an excellent walk score of 93. But, for those who will need to rely on alternative transportation, LoDo also boasts a transit score of 89 and a bike score of 94.

Pets

Denverites are passionate about their pups, and despite the inevitability of apartment-living in LoDo, many folks still love having dogs. Walks at Commons Park and downtown allow pet-owners to keep their animals active, although it can be a lot of work when there aren’t many big spaces in which to let them run around.

Hustle & Bustle

If you love peace and quiet, LoDo might not be for you. You can find apartments that are as quiet as a church. However, the moment you step outside, though, you’ll be met with all the commotion and excitement of a big city.

Things to Do in LoDo, Denver

If you happen to be moving to this neighborhood, then you will be pleased with the never-ending supply of activities to do in this area. We have compiled a list of some of the absolute best things to do in LoDo to help get you started in your new neighborhood.

Catch a Rockies Game at Coors Field

Coors Field is an iconic, 50,000-seat baseball stadium that is the home of the Colorado Rockies. Attending a Rockies game at this stadium is the quintessential Denver LoDo experience. Some people would say that you can’t really call yourself a true LoDo resident until you have gone to a game.

If you love baseball or sporting events, then you will have a blast eating hot dogs and drinking some cold beer while watching a game. To score cheap tickets, try grabbing seats in the Rock Pile.

Drink at WynKoop Brewery

The WynKoop Brewery is the perfect LoDo spot to have a drink. At this brewery, you can find many award-winning beers. Whether something crispy and refreshing or dark and hoppy, you’ll find a beer that suits your tastes.

This brewery also has great food selections with local sources of meat and vegetables. WynKoop Brewery is a great place to go out with friends and a local favorite among LoDo residents.

Check out the Museum of Contemporary Art

Founded in 1996, the Museum of Contemporary Art has become a staple of the LoDo community. If contemporary art is your thing, there are tons of exhibits for you to check out here. Even if you look at this kind of art with a confused, blank stare, it’s still an interesting way to spend a Saturday with some friends.

Stroll Through Commons Park

Commons Park is a lovely park bordering the South Platte River. Here you’ll find quaint trails for walking and biking among beautiful views of the city skyline. You’ll find a vast mix of Denver locals enjoying the outdoors here.

Whether it be a lunchtime walk on a Wednesday or Sunday reading in the grass, it’s a great place to spend some time. In the warmer months, the park gets busy with locals soaking up the sun.

Feast at Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse

Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse is a must if you have a craving for meat. If you haven’t eaten at a Brazilian steakhouse before, it’s a unique experience. Waiters come around with delicious cuts of meat on skewers and shave off pieces for your plate. While the highlight is the steak cuts, the chicken, lamb, and pork are also mouthwatering.

The full meat experience and buffet will run you $53, so it’s more of a spot for a special occasion. If you end up dining here, come with an empty stomach and wear some loose-fitting pants.

Where to Eat and Drink in LoDo

LoDo is one of the most exciting neighborhoods in Denver. There are many tasty restaurants and vibrant nightclubs in this area. If you are looking for some fantastic spots to dine in LoDo, you will not be disappointed. The neighborhood is bursting with options. If you are new to the area, we compiled a list of some spots to check out first.

Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar

Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar is a favorite amongst seafood enthusiasts in the city. You’ll find the seafood staples here, crafted to perfection. Local favorites include the peel and eat shrimp and oysters (of course). The restaurant is super popular, though pretty small. Not the ideal combination, so be sure to call and make a reservation if you don’t want to risk a long wait.

Freshcraft

Freshcraft is one of Denver’s premier craft breweries. They typically have around 25 different craft beers on tap. If beer isn’t your thing, they still have cocktails and wine to order. If you're a beer enthusiast like many Denver locals, you’ll love this spot. Come for the craft brew, stay for the delicious bar bites. Pretzel bites, fried pickles, and wings make the perfect pairing with your beer. Stop by, grab an IPA, and enjoy the LoDo community.

Rio Grande Mexican

Rio Grande Mexican is a fun Mexican restaurant located right in the heart of Lodo. The menu features classic Mexican dishes, though it’s the margaritas that are the real show stopper here. The margarita menu has something for everyone. Whether you like yours frozen or on ice, classic or mango, the choices are endless. We’d recommend trying out the classic if you like to keep it traditional. If you want to get a bit experimental, give the manberry a go.

They have a spacious outdoor patio as well. A margarita and chips outside on a sunny Denver day? Sign me up!

Rhein Haus Denver

The Rhein Haus is a German restaurant with an exciting ambiance. The inside of the restaurant almost feels like a ski lodge with a German theme. Rhein Haus serves fantastic traditional German food. We’d recommend giving the currywurst, schnitzel, and bratwurst a try.

The restaurant also has bocce ball courts, and you’ll often find LoDo locals here enjoying a beer and bratwurst while cheering on the Nuggets. Join your new neighbors for a lively evening filled with great eats.

Jackson’s

Jackson’s is a great sports bar and grill in the LoDo area. It’s always filled on game days, making it a lively spot to go to watch a Broncos or Rockies game. The bar is located right across the street from Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies. If you want to grab a few beers before heading into the stadium, make sure to stop by.

Jackson’s also has a fabulous rooftop deck if you want to take in the views of downtown Denver. If you’re going to get to know the LoDo community, there might not be a better place.

Final Thoughts

These are a few of the places we’d recommend checking out first in LoDo. What are you favorite spots? Let us know by tweeting us @ApartmentList.