2022 rank: 4
There’s a lot to love about Platt Park. The charming blocks of South Pearl Street, its main commercial drag, host a popular farmers’ market and an abundance of top-notch eateries and boutiques. Surrounding the mercantile hub is a quiet—but not too quiet—neighborhood of Craftsman bungalows, modern renos and duplexes, and Victorians that stretch all the way to South Broadway, a funky corridor where you can always find something wild happening.
With I-25 running across its north end, a nearby light rail station, and a modest green space to call its own, Platt Park fulfills the location, location, location adage while providing access to two high-achieving schools and urban amenities in a serene setting.
Neighborhood Rankings
How we got these numbers: We utilized the city’s official list of 78 neighborhoods (only 73 had enough data to be included), and ranked them using four variables: home prices, crime dataschool rankings, and an X factor score that accounts for things like access to open space, proximity to public transportation, and restaurant and shopping options. For more on our methodology, return to the main page.
Your Itinerary
Eat and Drink
Sushi Den is the grand dame of South Pearl Street, but there are options for every budget and craving along the strip, like Bird’s elevated comfort food, Jack’s on Pearl for a steak, Hoja’s contemporary Mexican cuisine, and recently reopened Ototo for a new spin on sashimi. Wherever you dine, save room for the scratch-made, Japanese-style pastries at Tokyo Premium Bakery.
Off the strip, Lucile’s Creole Cafe is a long-standing brunch favorite. Expect to wait in line for the Creole-style dishes—the beignets are worth it. Nixon’s Coffee House—with its garage door windows—or the patio at Steam Espresso Bar make for ideal out-of-the-house work spots. Like any Denver neighborhood worth its salt, Platt Park is also home to a brewery (Platt Park Brewing Co.) and a cocktail bar (Hazel).
Broadway, the neighborhood’s western border, offers a global array of nibbles, from Tikka and Grill to La Chiva to Adelitas Cocina y Cantina. You’ll also find some of the city’s most laid-back watering holes; add Dive Inn and Dos Luces Brewery to your regular rotation. For live music with your pint, check out Herman’s Hideaway.
Shop
South Broadway’s Antique Row never disappoints, with eccentric selections at venues like Watson and Co and Brooklyn’s Antiques. Back on South Pearl Street, small boutiques reign; among our must-visits are Melrose and Madison (women’s clothing), Where the Sidewalk Ends (toys), Gallery 1505 (local art), and Ruby’s Market (a bazaar featuring food goods and wares crafted by refugee, immigrant, and Indigenous artisans).
Find Your Center
Take time for self-care at one of the myriad wellness-focused businesses in the area, including Karma Yoga Center, Denver Meditation, Twin Rivers (IV therapy), Clean Your Dirty Face (facials), and the Point (acupuncture).
Spots to Eat
About This Neighborhood
- Washington Park
- Hilltop
- Berkeley
- West Highland
- Cherry Creek
- University
- Congress Park
- Washington Park West
- Sloan’s Lake
- Rosedale
- Southmoor Park
- Platt Park
- Highland
- City Park
- Regis
- Lowry Field
- Gateway - Green Valley Ranch
- Sunnyside
- Indian Creek
- Five Points
- South Park Hill
- Cole
- North Park Hill
- Central Park
- Jefferson Park