Sunnyside often gets lumped in with adjoining Highland, but in recent years, the once worn-down and industrial-leaning neighborhood has crafted a likable reputation all its own, thanks to an influx of new eateries, shops, and residents. The area’s revival is impacting home prices, too, with sale totals up almost 12 percent between 2017 and 2018. Plus, RTD’s new (as of April 2019) G Line stops just across the neighborhood’s eastern border, in Globeville. Sure, some of Sunnyside’s growth can probably be attributed to a spillover effect from the increasing popularity of Highland (to the south) and Berkeley (to the west), but the northern district—which has held on to its strong Hispanic influences—is clearly poised to become one of Denver’s next great ’hoods.
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 & Drink
You can satiate your hunger all day long in Sunnyside. In the a.m., choose between Sunny’s, Bacon Social House, and the Universal. Lunch is all about sandwiches, with Buchi Cafe Cubano and Carbone’s at the Monkey Barrel both understanding that there’s an art to between-the-bread creations. After the sun sets, go casual (El Jefe, Ernie’s Bar & Pizza) or more refined (The Wolf’s Tailor). Late-night, check out the Original Chubby’s, a neighborhood institution.
Where people move, breweries and wineries open. So it goes in Sunnyside, home to Diebolt Brewing, Factotum Brewhouse, and 13-year-old Bonacquisti Wine Company.
Caffeinate
Since 1992, Common Grounds has been roasting coffee beans in the Sunnyside neighborhood. In 2013, it added the cafe portion, providing a sunlit gathering space for area residents. Other coffeehouses—Huckleberry Roasters and Cherry Bean—have also found an eager audience in the neighborhood.
Shop
In the sweetly named Cobbler’s Square, Sub Rosa Mercantile is stocked with unique, handcrafted gifts, home decor, and accessories. Down the block, Denver Fashion Truck’s brick-and-mortar sells men’s and women’s fashions. And you can craft the perfect dinner party with the help of Cheese & Provisions, which sells gourmet cheeses, cured meats, and more. On West 38th Avenue, find longstanding flower shop Diz’s Daisys.