Your Itinerary

Eat & Drink

The corner of 12th Avenue and Madison Street is a hot spot, with Detroit-style pies at Blue Pan Pizza, creative patties at Tag Burger Bar, and the endearing Sweet Cooie’s ice cream parlor. On the northern edge of the neighborhood, satisfy growling stomachs at Tommy’s Oriental Thai-Chinese, Mezcal, or diner-style Annie’s Cafe and Bar (the French toast never disappoints). Drinks are plentiful here, too, from contemporary-chic Bar Max to Cerebral Brewing and its enjoyably scientific approach to ale. For a caffeine boost, try Downpours Coffee or Lulu Rose General Store. 

Plan A Date

There’s plenty of fun to be had at Congress Park itself thanks to its many tennis and pickleball courts, an outdoor pool, and baseball and softball fields. For more greenery, head just beyond the neighborhood boundaries to enjoy Denver Botanic Gardens or City Park. When the sun sets, catch a local band at Lost Lake or a flick at Sie FilmCenter, home of the nonprofit Denver Film Society and hub for the notable Denver Film Festival (held in November).

Shop

It’s easy to lose a couple of hours perusing two Congress Park institutions: Twist & Shout, with its rows upon rows of vinyl and CDs (plus kitschy toys), and, next door, Tattered Cover Book Store, which spreads its wares across two floors and hosts stellar literary events. Inspired by the neighborhood’s green spaces? Pop into Wild Flowers. The 3,000-square-foot gardening store carries everything you need to add some lushness to your everyday.