Guide to River North, Denver

From Downtown Denver to RiNo, you can drive, walk, hop on a scooter, or ride a bicycle – it is fairly close.

You don’t need to sign up for a two-hour walking tour of the RiNo neighborhood’s murals, but it is the best way to learn about this public art. Each year there is an event, Denver Walls, where graffiti artists from around the world are selected to paint over many of the murals/graffiti so this tour will change from year to year. Some murals are permanent fixtures though and you can take photos. You’ll be walking through alleys, across streets, in parking lots, and it’s a blast.

Beyond the art galleries and public art is a park that has creative spaces for the whole family to enjoy. In the park itself, there are giant swings, expansive benches with views of the South Platte River, murals on brick building walls, and sculptures. Connected to the park is the Arkins Promenade, a stilted walkway that gives a unique view of the river, the mountains, and the neighborhood. Within the promenade is a playground with structures to climb, benches, and a teeter-totter.

The Mission Ballroom is a live music venue operated by AEG Presents. Opened in 2019, this is a 60,000-square-foot room with a dance floor in the middle and not a bad seat in the house. The mix of shows here is from up-and-coming to well-known acts such as Macklemore, Death Cab for Cutie, Trey Anastasio, or The Pixies.

Before anyone heard of The Lumineers, they were playing gigs in this basement bar on Larimer St. This is an old-school bar and music venue with a capacity for about 100 inside, and in summer another 200 people can spill out into a backyard area. In addition to live music, there is a karaoke night, a DJ night, or just stopping by for a drink.

There are over a dozen art galleries and studios in RiNo so grab a guide and select what interests you, or just make a beeline for RedLine, a contemporary art center that serves multiple purposes. This is an art gallery for changing exhibits, displaying artwork and providing space for local artists. It is also an art studio where artists work on specific projects, allowing visitors to witness their progress, and a gift shop for artists to sell their creations.

There are at least three dozen places in RiNo to eat and drink so if one is busy, you can have a second and third choice. Barcelona Win Bar stands out for their tapas and Spanish wines in this industrial-yet-cozy setting. The service is top-notch and the clientele is a mix of all ages, locals and tourists.

When you aren’t sure what you want to eat, a food hall can provide options. Zeppelin Station, named for the developer who is behind projects in RiNo such as The Source and Mission Ballroom, is meant to be international with tastes from different parts of the world: sushi, pasta, tacos, and gyros. Upstairs is a bar opening in the evenings for lounging and sipping your favorite beverage. In the daytime, large garage doors roll open to let in the Colorado sunshine or for you to sit on the patio while you eat.

Located across from the entrance of Mission Ballroom, is perfect for that pre- or post-show drink and a bite to eat. Left Hand Brewing got started in Longmont, Colorado, and established a solid reputation as a craft brewer and for its art; it is perhaps best known for the invention of Milk Stout Nitro.

MATTER is a design studio with a Black and woman-owned bookstore you can visit to buy some of their original creations, and also books. Check their website for upcoming events like a poetry reading or book week or some other surprises that might expand your mind.

For some durable backpacks and bags and pouches as well as outdoor apparel for men and women you have to visit Topo Designs. Their USA-made socks, hats, and other accessories are recognizable on the trails with bright colors and specific shapes.

The Source Hotel + Market Hall is another must-visit option. It’s a bit confusing, but there are two buildings: the revitalized iron factory with restaurants and shops, and the new building next door, which is home to the hotel and more restaurants. Inside the cavernous original building is Darklands – a vintage store for men and women with threads from approximately the 1950s to the 1990s. You’ll also find a florist and a bakery here.

The sleek Source Hotel is a modern lodging option with polished concrete floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and spacious rooms. Some of the guest rooms include soaking tubs. Choose between rooftop dining, a meal at Safta, or going next door to the Market Hall for additional food and drink options.

Another great option is the Ramble Hotel has 50 rooms and suites decorated in rich colors and fabrics to match the style of the popular Death & Co. bar in the lobby. Super Mega Bien, a restaurant with a “Pan-Latin” menu has a separate entrance next door but is considered part of this hotel. Head up to the Mezzanine level to The Garden for an open-air bar or maybe a weekend yoga class.

While the RiNo Art Park, Arkins Promenade, and colorful murals will appeal to kids, this neighborhood is best for those who want the freedom to go out late for drinks and wander the art galleries.