The oldest commercial block in the city, Larimer Square, has been serving Denver as a center of shopping, food and drink since 1858. In 1971, it became Denver’s first historical district and ever since has been one of Denver’s greatest commercial centers and one of the only that has kept its historical look and feel.
Today, Larimer Square is one of the most diverse spaces for dining, drinking and shopping in the city. While it has become known for its luxury and expensive options, there remains cheaper alternatives within the square for the intrepid city adventurer. Here’s a small collection of things to do on the block.
Dining:
The square is probably best known for its dining, containing some of the highest rated restaurants in Denver and local favorites. There’s a diverse selection, ranging from the classic steak spot, Ted’s Montana Grill, to the local and Mediterranean fusion restaurant, Rioja. While all the restaurants in Larimer Square are more than worthy of trying, two spots in particular are unique among their neighbors. Bistro Vendôme, a left-bank style French bistro, serves up the best French fares in a beautiful courtyard setting in the historical Sussex building. The space is a little slice of Paris in Denver’s historical heart. The second unique option in Larimer Square is The Market, a deli, espresso bar, bakery and downtown grocery store that breathes historical ambiance. The space is not only incredibly aesthetically pleasing and welcoming, but offers some of if not the, cheapest food and drink on the block.
Drinks:
As a social center, Larimer Square bristles with excellent, albeit expensive options for libations. Examples include Corridor 44, which boasts itself as Denver’s only champagne bar and restaurant, Cru, a cozy wine bar with over 50 wines on its list that also serves cheese and stone-fire pizza and the Crimson Room, an intimate cocktail lounge that provides nightly live music.
Shopping:
Besides drinks and food, most people come to Larimer Square for its charming, luxurious boutiques and stores. Shopping on Larimer Square can be expensive, but there are some great finds to be found on the block. Goorin Brothers, founded in 1895, provides Denver with excellent haberdashery (hat making). The store is chocked to the brim with classic hats ranging from italian fedoras to 20s flapper hats. Next door to Goorin Brothers sits Gusterman’s Silversmiths, which specializes in handcrafted precious jewelry and repairs. Across the street, Blush boutique delivers beautiful, classy upscale women’s apparel. If you’re looking for shoes or boots, Scarpaletto is the premier destination for an enormous amount of fine shoes from around the world.
