What to Do in Berkeley and on Tennyson Street
It’s a sunny summer Saturday. You’re in Denver and you want to spend your day outside doing something fun and interesting. Head over to the Berkeley neighborhood in northwest Denver for an afternoon of strolling, eating, drinking, and just plain chilling.
Nicole Schnitzlein of Berkeley boutique Lady Jones says that while living in neighboring LoHi, she found herself spending a lot of time on Tennyson Street.
“When thinking about which neighborhood Lady Jones could best fit, Berkeley just stood above everything for me. There is a real sense of community here, a unique Main Street feeling that I haven't come across elsewhere in Denver. We are super lucky to be a part of life on Tennyson, and we’re excited to see new restaurants, shops and apartments finding their homes here, too.”
Berkeley is the square of Denver between Federal Boulevard, 38th Street, Sheridan Boulevard, and I-70, and Tennyson Street between 38th and 46th is essentially its downtown. Here you’ll find great local shops, excellent restaurants, coffee, beer, people who have lived in the neighborhood for 50 years, young families, and new-to-Denver hipsters.
The Quick Guide to Berkeley
MORNING
Grab a late breakfast at The Universal. It’s about half a block outside of technical Berkeley, but it’s one of the best breakfasts in town. Then head over to Tennyson Street where there’s plenty of free street parking, or ride your bike for an even better time. For the gals, pop into indie boutiques Lady Jones, Billie and Inspyre. For the guys, head over to Berkeley Supply and Spruce. Everyone will enjoy local gear shop Feral Mountain Co. For a quick art fix, browse the Westward Gallery.
Got kids? Tennyson has excellent family-friendly options. Visit Second Star to the Right to browse books and stay for story time. Children of all ages will have a blast at Lalu where they can spend an hour or two on arts and crafts. Real Baby is right next door if you need to pick up anything for your very little ones.
AFTERNOON
Once you’re ready for a coffee break, head to big and bright Allegro or cozy Downpours. For lunch, go to Parisi for amazing Italian food served fast-casual style or Biju’s for Indian curry that brings the heat. If you want to dive into happy hour, head to the lively Call to Arms, or BookBar for a glass of wine and a new paperback or two.
EVENING
If your Berkeley visit extends into the night, grab dinner on the patio at veggie-focused Vital Root. Head to The Way Back for a standout cocktail, Local 46 for live music and a pitcher of beer, or see who's playing at the Oriental Theatre.