Every thriving urban neighborhood has a few things in common, and they go beyond tidy boutiques, art galleries and trendy outdoor cafes.
These days, the best neighborhoods offer dense, pedestrian-friendly corridors that always have something new and affordable to discover.
That fits north Denver’s Highland perfectly, and the compact stretch of West 32nd Avenue roughly between Julian and Meade streets is that neighborhood’s biggest success story.
“It has so much variety as far as what it offers in restaurants and entertainment, and with easy access to everything,” said John Nadasdy, owner of the Coral Room restaurant, one of the strip’s enduring attractions.
Indeed, the bookstores, cafes and boutiques are just the beginning. A hybrid of urban chic, refined indulgence and flip-flop friendly comfort, it’s as casual and cool as anywhere in the city.
“When we first opened seven years ago, the neighborhood was definitely up and coming,” Nadasdy said. “At this point I think it’s arrived.”
Today, we offer a critical guide to the best of that stretch of 32nd Avenue. Consider it an invitation to check out a few places if you don’t know the area, or a refresher on what’s happening there now if you do.
Mondo Vino
Wine snobs are a mere notch below dictators and slow left-lane drivers, but Mondo Vino knows how to make wine fun and unpretentious. Every Friday and Saturday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., their staff unveils an international assortment for tasting and gives tips on enjoying them without sounding like a jerk. They also feature delicious, hard-to-find beers, such as Left Hand Brewery’s JuJu Ginger. 3601 W. 32nd Ave.
Mead Street Station
This neighborhood cornerstone satisfies with formidable appetizers (sweet potato fries, BBQ pulled pork sliders), vegetarian- friendly fare and sandwiches so substantial you’ll beg for a box. Live jazz, folk and blues provide the near-nightly soundtrack for munching and imbibing. Hint: Don’t overlook the Dublin Fish & Chips, possibly the city’s finest. 3625 W. 32nd Ave.
Real Baby
Aimed directly at the Highland mommies set, the original Denver location of this upscale children’s store (there’s another in Boulder) offers the full array of hip gear for the little ones. Sure, the $1,000 designer stroller is a little over the top, but there are loads of affordable gifts for birthdays, showers and holidays. 3616 W. 32nd Ave. 303-477-2229 or
Bull Locks
Somewhere between the old-school neighborhood barbershop and the hipper environs of places like Floyd’s 99 Barbershops is Bull Locks, a playfully named, unisex barbershop and salon that offers everything from Marine Corps buzz-cuts and shaves to elaborate dye jobs — all with friendly conversation and laid-back atmosphere. At $15 for a men’s haircut, they’re also cheaper than many shops in town. 3621 W. 32nd Ave. 303-993-5136
Coral Room
This Asian-informed eatery occupies one end of perhaps the swankiest strip mall in the city. Inspired cocktails (champagne mojitos with muddled strawberries) and a killer brunch complement the decor, which ranges from earthy leaf patterns to decoupage comic book pages. Ginger and soy marinated filet mignon dishes ($27) sit comfortably side-by-side with lemongrass soup and crispy pork rolls. 3489 W. 32nd Ave.
West Side Books Annex
The best bookstores combine the lived-in feel of an old friend’s house and an up-to-the-minute selection of best sellers. This store lives up to its mantra — “new, used, scarce and unusual” — with nearly 20,000 tomes selected by owners Lois and Jimmy Harvey and their smart, friendly staff. Signings, readings and a playful array of blog topics (sample: “Enjoying the smell of old books”) make this more than just a handsome repository of the written word. 3434 W. 32nd Ave. westsidebooks
Three Dogs Tavern
There’s a reason Denver is often voted the most dog-friendly city in the country, and the name of this place gives that a nod. Sure, the sliders and homemade potato chips are stellar, and the ice cold drafts, wooden booths and fetching servers make you want to plant yourself there. But the dozens of framed, black-and- white pictures of pooches are charming, then comforting, upon repeat visits. Great for watching the big game or challenging a friend to weeknight shuffleboard. 3390 W. 32nd Ave. 720-854-1277
Venue Bistro
Former Table 6 floor manager Holly Hartnett’s new joint is clean and simple. The bistro changes its menu every few weeks, answering the question, “What to pair with a laser-honed wine selection?” Ripe, mouth-watering heirloom tomatoes of varying hues soak up pesto olive oil. Honey rhubarb butter and fresh bread accent St. Kilian’s cheeses from just around the corner and main dishes of gnocchi, pork ribs and rabbit bolognese. Succulent, savory and spot-on. 3609 W. 32nd Ave.
Common Grounds
Mary and Lisa Rogers’ distinctive coffee house has been, as its owners like to point out, a respite from Denver’s bar scene since 1992. They were also one of the first to jump into the Highland neighborhood, offering a (then-rare) nonsmoking atmosphere and live music. A LoDo location opened in 1999, but their cozy store on 32nd is the original, hosting the family roasts and brews (Highland Coffee & Tea), relaxed laptop users and enough friendly conversations to fill an ice cream social. (They also serve ice cream from Capitol Hill’s ever-popular Liks.) 3484 W. 32nd Ave. commongroundscoffeehouse
El Camino
Formerly Swimclub 32, this funky Mexican hangout (think hot-pink exteriors and beer-can fixtures) provides ample people- watching from its front tables. Wash down a chunky chicken quesadilla or house Chacala salsa and chips (made daily) with one of 30 beers on tap and in cans. The daily happy hour features $3.75 margaritas, and on Mondays and Tuesdays proceeds and discounts go to area elementary schools and their teachers, respectively. 3628 W. 32nd Ave. elcamino
John Wenzel: 303-954-1642 or jwenzel@denverpost.com
