Highlands
The Vibe
Residential neighborhood with strong community identity, family-friendly parks, and casual local dining. Young families walk dogs to Highland Park before grabbing breakfast tacos from Kiké's food truck to eat on park benches, while longtime residents frequent Highland Tap for burgers and beers at their reliable neighborhood bar. Tennyson Street's First Friday art walks bring gallery openings, live music, and street vendors creating community gathering. The neighborhood where Victorian porch culture meets modern walkability—residents know their neighbors, kids bike to school, and weekend mornings mean farmers market runs before Highland Harvest Fest. Less trendy than LoHi across I-25, more established than up-and-coming RiNo.
Description
Historic neighborhood northwest of downtown that predates Denver's incorporation (1858), featuring Victorian homes, bungalows, and modern infill on a bluff overlooking the city. The neighborhood developed as streetcar suburb in the late 1800s, with Highlands Square's commercial district at 32nd and Lowell serving as community anchor since the 1920s. Highland Park provides green space, while Tennyson Street's independent shops and restaurants create walkable commercial corridor. The neighborhood where old Denver families maintained roots through decades while younger residents discovered historic homes close to downtown. The Infatuation's highlight of Kiké's birria tacos and Highland Tap's any-time reliability showcase the neighborhood's casual dining culture.
Neighborhood Stats
Popular With
- Families
- Longtime Residents
- Dog Owners
- Young Professionals
Key Attributes
- Residential
- Historic
- Community-Oriented
- Parks
- Family-Friendly
Food Scene
The Infatuation recommends Kiké's for birria tacos to enjoy in Highland Park and Highland Tap as reliable any-time spot. Salt & Grinder serves huge Italian sandwiches including classic meatball subs, while Tennyson Street brings small independent restaurants, cafes, and bars. The neighborhood prioritizes casual, reliable neighborhood spots over destination dining—pizza joints, breakfast cafes, and family restaurants define the scene. Residents walk to nearby LoHi or drive downtown for upscale dining, keeping the Highlands focused on community gathering places. Weekend brunch at local cafes, weeknight dinners at neighborhood pizza spots, and Highland Tap's bar food define the unpretentious food culture.