City Guide / Denver

Denver Neighborhood Guide: Washington Park

By Bri Hand | Jul 19, 2021
View of Washington Park in Denver.

If you’re planning on moving to Denver, Colorado, you’re likely trying to figure out the best neighborhoods in Denver, and which one would be the right fit for you. Washington Park is a more residential neighborhood with sports facilities, playgrounds, and golf courses that Denverites love. Also known as “Wash Park,” this area is filled with environmentally conscious and community-minded residents who enjoy the neighborhood’s peaceful vibe and many small, independently owned businesses.

Thinking about moving to Washington Park? Here’s our guide to the best restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, outdoor attractions, gyms, nightlife, and transportation in the neighborhood. 

Where to go out to eat in Washington Park

One of the best sushi restaurants in Denver, Sushi Den, has been in business for over 40 years and even gets its fish shipped in daily from Japan! This spot is perfect for any night out, whether you’re trying to impress a date, show your family the city, or enjoy a great dinner out with friends. We recommend trying the Pork Belly Miso Ramen—but be warned, it might be too big to finish! 

Vert Kitchen is another popular Wash Park eatery for those who like to eat healthy and organic. Hit up this spot for one of its delicious sandwiches or powerhouse salads, such as the Shaking Wagyu Beef and Noodle Salad with napa cabbage and chili Vietnamese vinaigrette. Yum! 

Want to spend your dough on some dough? Stop by Homegrown Tap & Dough on Gaylord Street for some delicious artisanal wood-fired pizzas. You can’t go wrong ordering a classic margarita pizza, or try the Rustic Ranger with BBQ sauce, smoked mozzarella, chicken, bacon, caramelized onions, oregano, and green chili. You can even sit outside on their patio! 

Other Washington Park eateries to add to your must-try list are Max Gill & Grill, a seafood restaurant, Bon Ami, a French restaurant, and Lucile’s Creole Cafe, which serves an amazing brunch. And, for dessert, you have to try neighborhood staple Bonnie Brae Ice Cream

Where to get groceries in Washington Park

There are plenty of grocery stores within walking distance of Washington Park. Grab your weekly haul at Whole Foods, Natural Grocer, or Safeway. You can also get your favorite fresh produce at the South Pearl Street Farmers Market, which is open every Sunday from May to November. 

Where to get coffee in Washington Park

The cutely named WashPerk is a beloved cafe among residents, serving up espresso drinks, various teas, and baked goods. If you come during peak hours, don’t be deterred if there’s a massive line—their system is efficient enough to get you your caffeine fix on time! 

Start your morning off on the right foot at Downpours Coffee, which sells all your favorite coffee drinks, along with pastries, breakfast burritos, homemade syrups, and almond milk. 

Another popular coffee shop in Washington Park is Ink Coffee. Try one of their specialty drinks, like the Hot Black and White or the White Chai, or give one of their blended espresso drinks a go on a hot Denver day. 

Outdoor attractions in Washington Park

This neighborhood would be incomplete without its namesake, Washington Park. This tree-lined park is known as the Central Park of Denver and is home to not one, but two lakes! Smith Lake and Grasmere Lake are two great spots if you want to rent a boat and spend the day out on the water. 

Washington Park is also a popular area for walking, jogging, biking, playing sports, and dog-walking. As a Wash Park resident, you’ll be able to spend many wonderful afternoons wandering around the flower gardens and admiring the Washington Park Boathouse event venue. 

Places to work out in Washington Park

While Washington Park itself is the perfect place to get a walk or run in, the area also has multiple gyms to choose from. The Washington Park Recreation Center is a centrally located fitness center housing weight and cardio rooms, basketball courts, an indoor pool, and a multipurpose room. You can also hire personal trainers here, or if you have kids, enroll them in the center’s youth fitness program. 

This area is also home to multiple Pilates studios, including Fierce 45 West Wash Park, PS: The Pilates Studio, Evolve Pilates, Synergy Pilates and Wellness, and Center Strength Studios Washington Park

If you’re looking for a place to practice yoga, be sure to stop by the Yoga Center of Denver

Nightlife in Washington Park

The long-standing Reiver’s Bar and Grill is a popular spot for a night out, with classic bar food like burgers, sandwiches, and wings. Try one of their craft mules, or if you prefer your nightlife during the day, take advantage of their bottomless mimosas! 

The Pub on Pearl is the perfect spot to catch a game, serving all-you-can-eat wings on Thursdays. If you enjoy a divey vibe, this is the bar for you. 

You don’t have to be a college student to enjoy Campus Lounge, which has a fantastic food and drink menu. Try the Black Cherry Mojito or the Key Lime Martini, and be sure to pair your drink with a bowl of homemade popcorn topped with truffle parm, ginger curry, or cinnamon sugar. 

Things to do in Washington Park

If you’re a music lover, check out the Denver Folklore Center, an acoustic music shop that has been a mainstay on South Pearl Street for almost 60 years. The shop sells various instruments and accessories, and can even handle repairs. 

In the mood for some retail therapy? You’re in luck! Historic South Gaylord Street is the place to shop in the area, featuring locally owned restaurants and shops, art galleries, and sports bars. South Pearl Street is another popular shopping district filled with small businesses, restaurants, and pubs. 

Transportation in Washington Park

Washington Park is only 10 minutes from downtown Denver, and you can get around the area on the 11 and 12 RTD buses. You can also access the light rail at the Louisiana & Pearl light rail station, which is a short walk away. Denver is also a very bike-friendly city, so if you don’t bring a car to Denver, you should still be able to easily get around. Uber and Lyft are also available here. 

Land in a great apartment in Washington Park

If you like the idea of moving to Washington Park in Denver, Landing offers fully furnished apartments with flexible lease terms, concierge services, seamless transfers, and all the amenities you need.

Browse our available apartments in Washington Park, or contact us to learn more about how Landing works.

Still looking for the right Denver neighborhood for you? Browse our other Denver neighborhood guides, including:

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Bri Hand

Bri Hand is Landing's Content Marketing Manager. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts, with her partner and dog, Arlo, but relishes any opportunity she can to travel so she can try new foods, see gorgeous sights, and daydream about living somewhere new after visiting there for less than 24 hours.