Where to eat, drink and snack your way down one of Denver’s liveliest streets
Tennyson, a quaint, historic neighborhood just 15 minutes outside downtown Denver, is known among locals as a haven for good food and drinks, dotted with high-end restaurants, casual delis, dessert shops, and everything in between.
But those who aren’t familiar with Metropolitan Denver beyond the traditional hotspots might not be aware that this neighborhood has a fun, energetic feel, with boutiques and workout studios dispersed among the many bars and restaurants.
If you find yourself wandering down this street, here’s a comprehensive guide on the best spots to indulge.
Where to Eat
Hey Kiddo
Set above Tennyson Street on a third-floor perch, Hey Kiddo features an indoor seating area and rooftop bar, as well as a bespoke cocktail lounge in the back referred to as “Ok Yeah.”
Its menu is limited, but unforgettable, featuring Asian-inspired shareables like pork ribs with salted plum barbecue sauce and fried chicken with a k-town dry rub, landing it on Michelin’s list of recommended spots in Denver.
Call Your Mother
Originally from the Washington, DC area, high-hailed breakfast destination Call Your Mother now hosts six locations across Colorado, including its shop on Tennyson Street. Good bagels in Denver are hard to come by, but Call Your Mother scratches that itch for East Coasters who miss the authentic texture of the dense, chewy bagels of back “home.” This bagel shop serves both breakfast and lunch options.
Insider tip: Don’t sleep on the homemade latkes – they’re perfectly crispy on the outside and just the right touch of fluffy on the inside.
Atomic Cowboy/Denver Biscuit Co/Fat Sully’s
Housed in one convenient location, Atomic Cowboy is home to two legendary eateries, Biscuit Co. and Fat Sully’s. The two-in-one restaurant is open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. on weekends, serving everything from late-night drinks to early-morning hangover cures.
Diners can start the day with Denver Biscuit Co., a local favorite and brunch staple, serving a Southern-inspired menu of biscuit treats, including sweet and savory breakfast sandwiches, giant biscuit cinnamon rolls, and biscuit French toast. The restaurant transitions into the afternoon, starting to serve the Fat Sully’s menu mid-morning when pizza and burgers are added to its savory repertoire.
Vital Root
Vital Root is a fast-casual, all-day, plant-forward spot serving provisions for those looking for a quick and nutritious bite. Though it’s known for being a healthy dining destination, Vital Root doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Their sweet treats will leave you wondering how they could possibly be… “good for you?”
Happy Hour runs 3 – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, offering discounts on cocktails, beer, and on-site favorites like the Banh Mi Tacos and the vegan Cashew “Queso” Nachos.
Hops & Pie
Hops & Pie is a local artisan pizzeria and craft beer taproom that’s been serving up traditional, pan, and Detroit-style pizzas to Denverites and visitors alike for over 15 years. Their pizzas are delicious, but if you’re not in the mood for a pie, they also offer several tasty sandwiches and salads, including the Crunchwrap Superior – a fun take on everyone’s favorite fast-food taco joint.
The consistently rotating list of craft beers makes for an ever-changing yet always enjoyable pizza pairing, and includes beers sourced locally from Colorado and beyond. The restaurant and bar feature a large indoor space and an outdoor patio with heaters in the winter, giving patrons a chance to breathe in the fresh Rocky Mountain air year-round.
Post Oak BBQ
Post Oak BBQ is almost always buzzing with customers seeking a taste of iconic Central Texas BBQ flavors. Dedicated to the art of their craft and keeping things as authentic as possible, Post Oak uses wood-fired pits with post oak wood delivered straight from Austin.
Their cooking methods are impressive, but their meats are by far the shining star of the show, including juicy, melt-in-your-mouth brisket, pork, and turkey, among other savory, satisfying choices – but no BBQ feast is complete without an array of properly mouthwatering sides.
From Jalapeño Bacon Mac n Cheese to Texas Caviar, Post Oak’s sides are a perfect complement to any choice of meat. The restaurant also features a bar with an excellent whiskey list and a selection of yummy cocktails.
Mazevo Mediterranean Eatery
Mazevo Mediterranean Eatery is open for lunch and dinner daily to diners seeking a flavor-filled tour of Mediterranean cuisine, featuring staples like Tahini Hummus, Baba Ganoush, Kofta Meatballs, and Falafel.
If you can’t pick just one, the Mazevo Platter is a smattering of fan favorites, best paired with one of the eatery’s divine house cocktails.
Insider tip: Mazevo’s window-front seats can be a perfect vantage point for entertaining “people watching” along Tennyson Street, while enjoying a bite.
Blackbelly Market
Located in the heart of the neighborhood, perched in the middle of Tennyson Street, Blackbelly Market is a beloved local gourmet grocery and deli serving Colorado-style breakfast burritos in the morning and large, meaty sandwiches in the afternoon.
Don’t miss trying the Cubano or Smoked Turkey Club, which are both best paired with their authentic Old Bay Tots. The market also sells charcuterie, Antipasto, deli meats and gourmet grocery goods and provisions for creating a beautiful and fresh charcuterie board at home.
Glo Noodle House
While Glo Noodle House isn’t technically located on Tennyson Street (it’s just on the other side of 38th and close enough for locals to “count!”). Glo earned its first Michelin nod two years ago, landing on the much-respected “Bib Gourmand” list.
You can’t go wrong with choosing anything on the menu, but the skewer appetizers and ramen bowls are local-favorite picks. It’s an intimate seating space, so you must make a reservation in order to enjoy this unique dining experience. If you want to get in on the “real” action, be sure to book one of the kitchen counter seats for an insider view into the ramen-making process.
Where to Drink
Alley Brews
Women-owned and operated Alley Brews lives in one of Denver’s most beloved brewery spaces, having recently entered a new ownership chapter, run by locals and beer experts, Liz Hess and Chelsea Rhoads (the brilliant minds behind the popular “Body by Beer” podcast!).
Pro tip: Alley Brews now also serves an array of cocktails, and has expanded its hours to the morning, offering a coffee and breakfast program, including a daily happy hour from 3- 5 p.m.
My Boy Tony
For a cozy evening with knowledgeable bartenders and tasty beverages, visit My Boy Tony, which features an impressive wine menu and a selection of inventive cocktails like the “Tertiary Latitude” – a twist on the classic Manhattan.
The inside is lined with couches and small tables, making the space feel intimate, and the back patio can be perfect for enjoying drinks al fresco with friends on a warm afternoon or evening.
Berkeley Inn
If you’re seeking the atmosphere of a classic dive bar, look no further than Berkeley Inn. It’s located in an unmistakable yellow building at the top of Tennyson Street, appearing just as “divey” on the outside as it feels on the inside.
The bar is known for proudly catering to “professional divers,” and has been a staple on the street for five generations. It’s perfect for a casual hangout spot or a relaxed destination to organize a big night out – featuring a long bar, plenty of seating, and two pool tables for those seeking a little competition.
Insider tip: Berkeley Inn hosts weekly drink specials and events, including karaoke nights on Thursday and Saturday, poker night on Wednesday, and open mic night on Tuesday.
The Empourium Brewing Company
While Denver has no shortage of amazing craft breweries, a true, traditional microbrewery that’s worth a visit, whether you’re a beer snob or just looking for a tasty beverage, is The Empourium Brewing Company.
Beers are made on-site using local ingredients, and the bartenders are knowledgeable about their selection of brews, offering insight into the various styles and seasonal offerings. Empourium’s space features indoor tables and an outdoor patio perfect for enjoying Colorado’s frequent sunny days. The brewery also hosts regular community events, such as trivia, live music, and food trucks, and often partners with nearby shops to further support the tight-knit small-business community on Tennyson Street.
The Tatarian
A crowd favorite in the Berkeley neighborhood, The Tatarian is a contemporary cocktail bar featuring an elevated, yet intimate vibe. The bartenders are masters of their craft, and every cocktail here looks and tastes like a work of art.
Pro tip: This sophisticated, yet approachable spot can be a great date spot for those seeking to impress.
Where to Get a Sweet Treat
Legacy Pie Co.
Pie lovers can rest easy knowing there is an entire shop dedicated to the dessert on Tennyson Street. Legacy Pie Co. sells both sweet and savory pies in a variety of sizes, and their mini-sized sweet pies are a perfect post-dinner sweet treat for you and a friend.
The shop focuses on the classics like apple and key lime, with occasional seasonal offerings that are always worth sampling. For celebrating holidays and hosting dinner parties, their 10-inch pies are always a crowd pleaser.
Bakery Four
Bakery Four is a beloved fan-favorite business in Denver’s bakery scene. Potential patrons will frequently encounter early morning lines of visitors and locals alike, poised to snatch up the tastiest pastries as soon as the shop opens.
Every baked treat will make your mouth water, but pastry connoisseurs are known to rave about specific creations like the Cardamom Bun, Pizza Roll, and Rosemary Herb Boule. Baker Four also sells full loaves of country bread, focaccia and baguettes to take home as a souvenir and elevate any meal, in any setting.
Pro tip: Baking aficionados can even ask for their sourdough starter, which the on-site team will gladly share at no cost.
Gelato Boy
With five locations in Denver, Gelato Boy is known for scooping authentic, creamy gelato in both traditional and inventive flavors. The gelato shop was created by a husband-and-wife duo: Guilia, an Italian native, and Bryce, a Colorado native who met and fell in love with Guilia (and gelato) while studying abroad in Italy. The Tennyson shop serves up 16 flavors of gelato, including crowd favorites like Sicilian pistachio, pumpkin pie cheesecake, and peanut butter brownie.
A Day, Night, Or Afternoon Out Exploring the Tastes of the Town
Although its retail section only spans six blocks, Tennyson Street has it all from chef-driven, multi-course meals and fast-casual fare to decadent desserts and craft cocktails, and everything in between. The area is one of Denver’s most beloved neighborhoods, and can be a great start for a recommendation when visitors ask the inevitable, “where should I go to eat in Denver?”