Capitol Hill - Denver, CO Area Guide

The Capitol Hill neighborhood in Denver, Colorado, has a history that dates back to 1864, when Henry Brown claimed the area's hilltop and reserved a portion of it for the Colorado State Capitol. Following the construction of the Capitol, Brown and J.W. Smith established "Smith's Ditch," in order to distribute water throughout the area. The area soon became sought after by wealthy Colorado residents who constructed elaborate mansions along Grant Street and East Colfax Avenue. The Silver Crash of 1893 lead to a population boom in the area, which resulted in many of the area's mansions being converted into affordable apartment housing. Capitol Hill's population rose again after World War II and the area continues to thrive today.

The Molly Brown House Museum on Pennsylvania Street features historic artifacts, artwork and furnishings owned by Titanic survivor Molly Brown. The museum also hosts special musical events that honor western frontier history.

Capitol Hill residents enjoy living within walking distance or just a short drive away from a wide selection of restaurants, pubs and night spots, conveniently located on and around Lincoln Street, East 8th Avenue and East 17th Avenue.

When locals have a taste for regional American fare served in a hip diner, they head over to Steuben's on East 17th Avenue. With a funky dining room decked out in retro decor, friendly servers and classic comfort food items such as fried chicken with mashed potatoes and homemade clam chowder, Steuben's loyal patrons keep coming back for more. Local insiders highly recommend saving a little room for dessert, as Steuben's butterscotch pudding and truck stop chocolate cake can change your life.

For delicious French cuisine, stop by Le Central Affordable French Restaurant on 8th Avenue. Locals enjoy the restaurant's bright country atmosphere, as well as its vast menu of delectable items such as French cheese, pate, Monte Cristo sandwiches and Quiche Lorraine. This popular neighborhood bistro also serves an amazing a la carte brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, so be sure to set your alarm so you don't miss out on tasty options such as ouefs Benedict, scrumptious pastries and brioche topped with eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms and spinach.

For a light and tasty Greek meal, locals recommend Melita's Greek Cafe and Market on Lincoln Street. Melita's features a vast menu of Greek favorites, as well as a market filled with a wide selection of take-home items such as fresh hummus, spices, pastries and meats. If you've got a hearty appetite, regular patrons suggest the beef gyro pita, a savory concoction of spiced beef, tomatoes, lettuce and onions served in a warm pita pocket with cucumber yogurt sauce.

When locals crave tangy margaritas and Mexican fare served in a festive cantina, they pay a visit to Benny's Restaurant and Cantina Bar on East 7th Avenue. With margaritas by the pitcher and some of the best burritos you can sink your teeth into, Benny's makes for the perfect evening.

For an exciting night of drinks and dancing, check out the X Bar on East Colfax. Locals rave over the X Bar's awesome DJs, as well as its nightly drink specials and party-like atmosphere. X Bar also features a lively outdoor patio and an annual "X Idol" singing competition, so the party never stops

The Capitol Hill neighborhood is pedestrian and biker-friendly, as many of the popular establishments and attractions reside within walking and biking distance. Local cyclists also appreciate having access to over 100 miles of bike lanes throughout the Denver metro area.

Drivers can park for free on certain residential streets within the community, but should always adhere to the time restraints posted on the area's parking enforcement signs to avoid getting ticketed or towed. When parking downtown, drivers have access to approximately 44,000 off-street parking spaces located in paid parking garages and lots. Drivers may also utilize standard paid parking meters wherever available.

U.S. Highway 87 can be accessed via 6th Avenue and West 14th Avenue, which makes commuting simple and convenient. Individuals who utilize public transportation can catch Regional Transportation District (RTD) buses at a variety of stop locations throughout the city, including West 8th Avenue, East 14th Avenue and East 6th Avenue. Residents don't usually hail cabs within the immediate vicinity, however, taxis often circulate the downtown areas. Rides can also be reserved through Denver Yellow Cab and through ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft.

Capitol Hill residents appreciate living near a nice selection of scenic parks and dog parks provided by the Denver Parks and Recreation Department. The parks do not charge entrance fees, however, individuals in need of picnic shelters or gazebos must typically pay deposit fees in order to reserve the space.

Families enjoy gathering at Sunken Gardens Park on Speer Boulevard, as this spacious, family friendly park provides a nice playground area and shaded picnic tables. Dog enthusiasts often visit Barnum Dog Park on West 5th Street and Josephine Dog Park on 16th Avenue, as both parks feature sectioned areas for large and small dogs, waste dispensers and wide open areas for dogs to roam off-leash.

Individuals who enjoy outdoor fitness and exercise enjoy spending time at Valverde Park on South Navajo Street. This beautiful riverfront park provides a wide variety of amenities that include walking and jogging paths, outdoor basketball courts and playing fields.

The Denver Parks and Recreation Department oversees a variety of events that are fun for the entire family and help to bring the community together. The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival at Sloan's Lake Park features dragon boat races, live entertainment, crafts and delicious Asian foods. Every winter, Skyline Park on 16th Avenue hosts the Southwest Skating Rink, a free outdoor ice skating rink with overhead music and refreshments.

The cost of living in the Capitol Hill neighborhood falls approximately 34 percent lower than the cost of living in the City of Denver, with local renters paying approximately $990 in rent each month for one-bedroom apartments, townhomes and condominiums. Bus fares into the city center range between $2.25 and $4, with discounted rates for seniors aged 65 and over. Locals commonly pay between $4 and $6 for beers in local pubs and restaurants, however, certain establishments may offer drink specials and discounted happy hour prices, so specific prices can vary. Denver residents pay approximately 9 percent less per gallon of gas when compared to the national average.

Residents of the Capitol Hill community relish the convenience of living within minutes of a wide selection of grocery markets and specialty retailers, with many well-known shops residing on East 11th Avenue and Colfax Avenue.

When shopping for groceries and specialty food items, locals often visit Whole Foods on East 11th Avenue, Pearl Food Mart on East Colfax Avenue and Sprouts just east of Capitol Hill in nearby Congress Park. Standard grocery items and basic household supplies can also be found at the Wal-Mart Supercenter on 6th Avenue.

For one-of-a-kind gifts and accessories, check out Pandora on the Hill, a unique gift boutique located on East 13th Avenue. This cheerful, locally owned shop features a wide selection of candles, handbags, jewelry and handmade items for special occasions.

If you're on the hunt for the perfect fashionable outfit but don't want to break the bank, Wardrobe Works on West 12th Avenue can help. This popular neighborhood boutique features quality, brand-name, second-hand apparel, shoes, jewelry and more at extremely affordable prices.

For high end-merchandise, local Capitol Hill shoppers suggest taking a trip to the Cherry Creek Shopping Center on East First Avenue. This expansive mall houses several exclusive retailers, including specialty jewelers Tiffany and Co., Godiva Chocolatier and Williams-Sonoma home goods.