The Guide to Jefferson Park

Jefferson Park has watched quietly as its neighbors, West Highland and LoHi, became hot spots. Now, it’s this little district’s turn. Need proof? Take a look at West 25th Avenue and Eliot Street, where three of the corners’ occupants opened their doors within the past 14 months and a mixed-use development is under construction on the fourth. A colorful mural—“Eternal Compass” by Anthony Garcia Sr.—marks the intersection. Here’s where to go from there.

Araujo’s Restaurant > This could be called a hole-in-the-wall if not for its mint green facade, which isn’t the only thing that makes Araujo’s stand out. The restaurant offers $1.50 handheld breakfast burritos featuring different meats each day (bacon Mondays, chorizo Tuesdays, etc.; Saturday is the chef’s choice). If dining in, we suggest the spicy, green chile–smothered version ($3.50) and a strawberry agua fresca ($2.95).

2900 W. 26th Ave., 303-455-3866

Deseo Salon & Blowdry > Dark wood and a sparkling chandelier welcome patrons to two-month-old Deseo Salon and Blowdry, which offers cuts, color, and blowouts and also brings facial waxing services to Jefferson Park.

2855 W. 25th Ave., 720-662-7100

^{—Photo courtesy of Simply Sugar Photography}

Sexy Pizza > After opening its first two locations in hipster haven Capitol Hill and family-friendly Platt Park, Sexy Pizza split the middle with its latest restaurant in Jefferson Park. The third spot is more than just a pizza depot—the 68-seat restaurant hosts an open mic comedy night every Thursday, complete with all-evening happy hour for liquid courage.

2460 Eliot St., 303-927-7764

Sully & Co > Most days, you’ll be greeted affably by this menswear shop’s namesake miniature schnauzer and his owner, Mark Snipe. Let the former break the ice and the latter guide you to American-made clothing for discerning gentlemen, including New England Shirt Co. button-ups, modern-cut trousers from Grown & Sewn, and ties with just enough flash to let everyone know that, yes, you read GQ.

2443 Eliot St., 720-398-8064

^{—Photo courtesy of Mark Snipe}

Jefferson Park Pub > Jefferson Park Pub (pictured above), which opened in March 2014, is more polished than your average dive, with its exposed brick, cozy fireplace, and windowed garage doors. But after settling into a high-top to watch the game, ordering a beer from the well-curated draft list, and noshing on a Bavarian pretzel (from Lakewood’s Baker St. Pretzels) with local mustard, you can’t help but feel embraced by its classic neighborhood watering-hole atmosphere.

2445 Eliot St., 720-328-2982

Sarto’s Social Italian Eatery > This 14-month-old restaurant’s cool color palette attracts an even cooler crowd (or maybe it’s the Campari-tinged cocktails and Italian wines). Start with the “cicchetti”—small bites that change daily—then try one of the house-made pasta dishes. If you’re looking for a laid-back lunch, pop into the adjoining Sarto’s Pantry to enjoy a braised meatball panino. And while you’re there, you might as well pick up fresh-made capellini for dinner at the on-site market.

2900 W. 25th Ave., 303-455-1400

^{—Photo courtesy of Brit Tucker}

2914 Coffee > Every neighborhood needs a solid java joint (see “The Beginner’s Guide To Denver’s Exploding Craft Coffee Scene,” page 74), and Jefferson Park got one when 2914 opened in March 2012. Enjoy locally roasted Kaladi Coffee Roasters beans, Little Man Ice Cream, and graffiti-style art from owner Anthony Davis.