Best Restaurants for People Watching in Highlands

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchSpanish

Regions

Denver

Neighborhoods

Cherry CreekDowntown / LoDoHighlandsSunnysideWashington Park

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

17 restaurants available nearby

1. Sunday Vinyl

4.7

Exceptional(79)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Wine Bar • Downtown / LoDo

Booked 31 times today

Nestled in Denver's vibrant Union Station neighborhood, right next to Tavernetta, Sunday Vinyl is where every night feels like a joyous dinner party. We're spinning the greatest vinyl records, pouring exceptional wines, and serving show-stopping food that delights the senses.Our menu is all about simplicity and excellence: we source the finest ingredients, treat them with the utmost respect, and create crave-worthy dishes designed to pair perfectly with our award-winning wine program. Whether you're dropping in spontaneously or have a reservation, you'll find a warm welcome and a memorable dining experience.Sunday Vinyl has garnered impressive accolades, including being a James Beard Foundation semi-finalist, included in 5280's Best Restaurants in Denver, and earning recognition from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast. Join us and discover why every night at Sunday Vinyl is a celebration of great food, wine, and music.

A photo of Le Colonial - Denver restaurant

2. Le Colonial - Denver

4.7

Exceptional(203)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Vietnamese • Cherry Creek

Booked 127 times today

Le Colonial is a celebration of seductive spirit and vivid flavors reminiscent of Saigon in the 1920s. With locations in Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Delray Beach, Lake Forest and Naples, the famed Vietnamese restaurant is designed to capture a bygone era of sophistication and opulence. Celebrated restaurateurs Rick Wahlstedt and Joe King deliver on exquisite attention to detail in a luxurious classic and romantic atmosphere in the heart of Cherry Creek. For special occasions, our private dining space provides a bespoke setting for unforgettable celebrations.

3. Urban Farmer

4.5

Awesome(2155)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown / LoDo

Booked 24 times today

In a world of white tablecloths and subtle snobbery, we're doing something rare: being real. We're less steak and more house. Our house - and yours. Urban Farmer was founded on the idea that combining responsibly sourced food, high-quality ingredients and down-to-earth values would create a new kind of steakhouse, where people could create memories and communities could thrive.

4. Hey Kiddo

4.7

Exceptional(71)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Highlands

Booked 21 times today

Hey Kiddo is a good + fun restaurant, serving up thoughtful cuisine by Chefs Kelly Whitaker and Egan Ma in a playful atmosphere; Book your full dinner experience here, but be sure to come early or stay late for a sip at Ok Yeah, our walk-in only cocktail and hand roll bar tucked in the back of the restaurant.

5. Ultreia

4.5

Awesome(1017)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Downtown / LoDo

Booked 22 times today

We are a Spanish and Portuguese restaurant with a lively atmosphere, serving plates from the Iberian Peninsula that are meant to be shared. Gin tonics and sherry adorn the cocktail menu along with Basque ciders.

A photo of Thirsty Lion – Denver, CO restaurant

6. Thirsty Lion – Denver, CO

4.7

Exceptional(1508)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Downtown / LoDo

Booked 23 times today

Offering gastropub fare and from-scratch cooking with a culinary commitment to local and seasonal ingredients, the food is both craveable and bold. At the bar, a wide range of local craft beers are available, an option for every palate and plate. Craft cocktails are made with fresh fruit purees, juices, and premium liquors, while wines come in 25 varieties. Enjoy your lunch, dinner, daily happy hour or weekend brunch craft brew while watching the game on one of the flat screens amidst an open kitchen, central bar and a patio that soaks up the sun. Whether it's a cozy dinner for two or lunch with the whole office, Thirsty Lion is the perfect destination for any party size, including large groups and events.

A photo of Woodie Fisher Kitchen + Bar restaurant

7. Woodie Fisher Kitchen + Bar

4.4

Awesome(143)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / LoDo

Booked 13 times today

The oldest remaining structure in Denver’s iconic Union Station neighborhood, historic Hose House No. 1 was one of the first fire stations in Denver. Established as a volunteer fire station in 1881, before the City of Denver created a paid fire department, it has been lovingly restored and re-imagined as an iconic, inclusive kitchen & bar.Named after one of Denver’s earliest fire foremen, Redwood “Woodie” Fisher, Woodie Fisher Kitchen & Bar reflects the historic building’s symbol of heritage, quality, and character. Those same values return to the historic Hose House through intentional, thoughtful design and menu items that will surprise, intrigue, and welcome.Located on the corner of 20th and Chestnut on the edge of Denver’s Union Station, Lower downtown and Ballpark neighborhoods, Woodie Fisher is an ideal location for baseball fans, city explorers, and local neighbors.

8. Bacon Social House - Sunnyside

4.7

Exceptional(1116)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Sunnyside

Booked 13 times today

At Bacon Social House, breaking bread means building bonds over a shared love of brunch. Not to be confused with your average mom-and-pop pancake joint, Bacon rejects the expected to create an unforgettable food experience. Inspired by amped-up takes on American classics, our bacon-forward menu brings decadent flavors that satisfy and surprise. From our signature bacon flight to our churro French toast to piled-high Bloody Marys, there is something on our menu for everyone and every occasion.Join us at Bacon Sunnyside, our flagship location, to start your day off right! Situated in Cobbler’s Corner, this two-floor, mid-century-modern space is a hidden gem in Denver’s Sunnyside neighborhood.

A photo of Le Bilboquet - Denver restaurant

9. Le Bilboquet - Denver

4.6

Exceptional(1995)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• French • Cherry Creek

Booked 22 times today

Le Bilboquet, bringing a premier French restaurant experience to Denver and Cherry Creek North.This bistro is modeled after the Upper East Side original — a dining room dressed in white linens, with velvet seats, dark wood, and brass finishes. The Denver menu will include traditional and modern French fare, as well as the house special: Cajun Chicken.Le Bilboquet is a 6,000-square-foot location at 3rd and Saint Paul has a premier 70 seat patio, a beautiful lounge, a 24 seat private dining room and a main dining room that can seat up to 110 guests.Reservations over 6 guests in the dining room please inquire at Reservations@lebilboquetdenver.com

10. Satchel's on 6th

4.8

Exceptional(1601)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • Cherry Creek

Booked 21 times today

Satchel's on 6th.Named after the owner’s youngest son, Satchel’s on 6th is the place to eat and drink. Our Chef has created a contemporary, eclectic, New American neighborhood menu using seasonal ingredients that results in refined flavors and inspired plates. We've put our heart and soul into this place and it gives us great pleasure to serve you. Warm wood tones and exposed brick highlight this cozy, 50 seat space that has made its home on East Denver reinvigorated 6th Avenue. Says Casalini, Our goal is to become the best go-to, indispensable restaurant in the neighborhood. Period. End of story.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
JulieVIP
Denver / Colorado •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Delicious food, beautiful dining room, very nice staff. I think they are definitely the high end of a food budget, but worth it.
More info
Le Colonial - DenverPrice: Expensive• Vietnamese• Cherry Creek
•
4.7
M
MatthewVIP
Denver / Colorado •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food was very good. We had the Valentine’s Day prefix menu. It was a “high casual” restaurant…. Meaning, jeans and a polo or a suit jacket and a button down shirt would all fit in
More info
Urban FarmerPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown / LoDo
•
4.5
J
James
Denver / Colorado •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We allowed the chef to take us through a variety of dishes. The experience wasn’t cheap but definitely worth it. Every dish was on point and we had a great time.
More info
Hey KiddoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Highlands
•
4.7
G
Grant
Denver / Colorado •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Each food item was wonderfully unique and delicious. The fried potatoes were wonderfully unlike anything you'd get at a typical restaurant. The trout with apple, grapes, and a wonderful chipotle-style sauce was outstanding. Small and cozy, I highly recommend this as a date-night location.
More info
UltreiaPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Downtown / LoDo
•
4.5
V
VinetaVIP
Denver / Colorado •15 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 8, 2025
Such a great place! Excellent people and train watching, we were lucky to get that twilight magic full with outside evening lights. The food is really something, masterfully created and very tasty. Perfect music vibe and sound from vinyl records, hope to be back soon!
More info
Sunday VinylPrice: Very Expensive• Wine Bar• Downtown / LoDo
•
4.7

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