Wash Park, short for Washington Park, is a picturesque and highly sought-after neighborhood in Denver, Colorado. Named after the expansive Washington Park, which serves as the neighborhood's centerpiece - and also known as Denver's version of New York's Central Park - this area offers a blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and a charming residential community.
Washington Park itself is a 155-acre urban park, renowned for its lush greenery including two flower gardens - one of which is a replica of George Washington's gardens at Mount Vernon - two scenic lakes, and well-maintained pathways. It provides ample space for various outdoor activities, including jogging, biking, picnicking, and team sports. Visitors can also enjoy boating and fishing at the two park's lakes - Smith Lake and Grasmere Lake.
The Wash Park neighborhood surrounding the park is characterized by its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and a mix of architectural styles, including Victorian, Tudor, and bungalow-style houses. Many properties in the area exude charm and character, reflecting the neighborhood's rich history.
Wash Park has split personalities with East Wash Park (homes east of Franklin Street) and Washington Park West (homes west of Downing Street). As the park began to take shape in the early 1800s, East Wash Park became a desirable residential area, characterized by the construction of beautiful homes overlooking the western mountains, many of which still stand today. The neighborhood attracted well-to-do residents, including prominent Denver figures and professionals. Wash Park West began to develop around the same time. This neighborhood initially attracted a mix of working-class families and young professionals. It featured a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, apartment buildings, and duplexes.
Over the years, both sides of the park have evolved while maintaining their distinct characteristics. East Wash Park has retained its reputation as an upscale residential area, with well-preserved historic homes and a strong sense of community. It features Old South Gaylord Street, a shopping and dining district that offer an array of boutique shops, restaurants, cafes, and local businesses, creating a vibrant and walkable commercial scene.
Wash Park West, on the other hand, has experienced a revitalization and transformation in recent decades. It has become increasingly popular among young professionals, artists, and individuals seeking a more affordable alternative to East Wash Park. The neighborhood has seen the emergence of new businesses, restaurants, Whole Foods, and a vibrant cultural scene along its main corridors, such as South Broadway.
Residents often take advantage of the park's amenities, organizing social gatherings, picnics, and sports activities. The neighborhood fosters a strong sense of community, with various events and festivals held throughout the year. It is a highly coveted neighborhood for those seeking a balance between nature, recreation, and a welcoming community atmosphere in the heart of Denver with easy access to everything.
EAT + DRINK
Devil's Food Bakery & Cookery - A solid meeting location on South Gaylord Street that offers an array of tasty treats. The bakery split off from its joint business endeavor, The Cookery At Myrtle Hill, in 2021 and now is located just north of the restaurant. Its interior is rustic and quaint. The entire original building was gutted and intentionally filled with antiques to pull it back in time. Pastries are displayed in classic glass cases, and the cafe is filled with natural light pouring in from the sunroof. They also offer cute to-go floral bouquets and great gluten free options too.
The Green Collective - Delicious, clean + fast-casual breakfast and lunch eatery that serves smoothies, smoothie bowls, salads, toasts, adaptogenic lattes, coffee, and tea. Their menu is organic whenever possible, refined sugar free and superfood forward. Pro tip: order online if you're in a hurry and grab + go.
Homegrown Tap & Dough - Neighborhood pizza joint that offers salads and games for kids + adults alike.
Perdida - The team behind Park Burger and Birdcall opened Perdida in 2021. The restaurant has a sleek, beachy-vibe and offers fish + shrimp tacos, as well as staples such as fajitas, pozole and enchiladas and a few higher-end dishes like ribeye carne asada, whole bass zarandeado (marinated, butterflied and grilled over wood), and scallops with rice fritters and guajillo coconut sauce. Great appetizers and a bar with a variety of margaritas + cocktails.
Wash Park Grille
Olivia - Restaurant Olivia is a pasta-focused restaurant. You'll find classic Italian dishes and flavors + recipes from around the world. Plenty of beverages that are expertly-crafted, alongside an Italian-focused wine list. Olivia is the second project from chef Ty Leon, beverage guru Austin Carson, and hospitality maven Heather Morrison. A very quaint + elevated dining experience.
Bon Ami - French bistro with delicious beef bourguignon + many crêpe options.
Uncle - Uncle 2.0 is the second Uncle outpost by chef and owner Tommy Lee. The space was designed by Denver architect Kevin Nguyen (Regular Architecture), the L-shaped restaurant is wide, open, and filled with natural light—a contrast to its LoHi location’s—thanks to floor-to-ceiling sliding windows. There’s a full bar where you can watch the pro bar team stir, shake, and pour an all-new menu of cocktails, wines (think: off-dry Rieslings) that match the chile-centric food, and a unique and hard-to-replicate sake list. Think modern ramen shop with creative small plates, ramen, entrees, craft cocktails, sake, beer and wine. Be sure to order the chilled tofu appetizer!
Carmine's on Penn - Family-style Italian with a cute outdoor patio. The original Carmine's on Penn has held down its corner of Pennsylvania and Bayaud since 1994. When the restaurant opened, it was intended as a place where large groups could converge and enjoy themselves without thinking too much about what they were eating — ordering big platters of Italian food served family style, which is still the approach today under owner Brad Ritter, who purchased the restaurant in 2006.
Mister Oso - Tropical vibes at this second location of Mister Oso (original location is in Rino) in Wash Park. Mister Oso offers Mexican cuisine including tacos, empanadas, and ceviche to delicious frozen margaritas.
The Kentucky Inn - This Wash Park dive (recently renovated) with a new menu look. Anything pimento cheese is delicious! A great,local dive bar with equally great food.
Candlelight Tavern - Neighborhood dive bar that offers greasy grub, the full gamut of bar games, and open-arms attitudes from staff and regulars alike.
Lincoln's Roadhouse - This Blues bar and Cajun Cafe features live music on Friday + Saturday night. A good mixed crowd from the older locals to the younger crowd.
Rosebud Café - Cute, quaint cafe that offers a house-made chai, lattes or pastries along with breakfast and lunch items. Try the Persian breakfast and get a French baguette instead of the pita bread.
EVENTS
Wash Park West events: https://www.wwpna.org/events
East Wash Park events: https://www.wpena.org/upcoming-events#upcoming-events
