Review: Larimer Square

Zoom out—what's the big picture here?
Picture the prettiest street in any city: wide sidewalks, red brick buildings, and restaurant patios full of well-dressed 30-somethings sipping wine. Boutique storefronts threaten your pocketbook, twinkle lights sparkle at night, the James Beard Award–winning Rioja celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and newcomer Bao Brewhouse serves all-you-can-eat soup dumplings on Tuesday nights. This is Larimer Square, the city’s first historic district.

What’s the vibe?
During the day, shoppers scout out high-end home goods at Element or splurge on a new party dress at Hailee Grace. At night, there's a flurry of Ubers and taxis as people arrive for dinner or for a stand-up performance at Comedy Works.

Tell us more about the crowd.
Larimer Square is a see-and-be-seen kind of spot; some locals sport fancy suits and dresses while others remain committed to the standard Denver uniform of T-shirts and jeans. And even though you haven’t really been to the Mile High City unless you’ve Instagrammed the street’s signature twinkling lights—pro tip, they look especially amazing around the holidays—Larimer Square somehow manages to remain an authentic, non-touristy destination.

Did it meet expectations?
Whether you do a quick stroll during the day for some shopping or stick around for dinner and drinks, Larimer Square lives up to the hype. The street served as the birthplace of Denver, home to the city’s first bookstore, post office, bank, and dry goods store. It survived the boom-and-bust cycles familiar to all gold and railroad towns, and it was saved by preservationists in the 1960s as other blocks downtown were demolished. Larimer Square has more grit and history than most pretty streets, making it a don’t-miss Denver destination on any itinerary.

So, then, what, or who, do you think it’s best for?
This square is best for shoppers and anyone looking for a night out on the town.