Denver Neighborhood Guide: Washington Park

Living in Wash Park: A Timeless and Highly Coveted Denver Neighborhood

Celebrating Heritage and Ensuring Splendor Remain at the Forefront

The Washington Park neighborhood stands as a scenic and highly desirable area to call home in Denver, Colorado. Taking its name from the expansive Washington Park, this local favorite combines natural beauty, abundant recreational options, and a delightful residential community.  The commonly known "Wash Park" neighborhood is often divided into eastern and western sectors, each with unique historical paths. The eastern Washington Park neighborhood is defined by Downing Street, Cherry Creek, I-25, and University Boulevard according to city-defined borders.

Washington Park and its surrounding streets deliver infinite dining, shopping and recreational options.  

Here are a few of our top picks in Wash Park below. We love supporting our local Denver neighborhoods!

Dining & Restaurants

Whether for dining or happy hour, Max Gill & Grill (left) is a local wash Park Favorite while Devil's Food Bakery (right) offers delicious pastries, coffee and tea for Wash Park residents and visitors. (Photos courtesy of Max Gill & Grill and Devil's Food Bakery)

Max Gill & Grill: A Wash Park Surf 'n' turf casual setting with patio known for its choices like crab cakes, items from the raw bar and fresh fish of the day. There’s also a range of happy hour deals and daily specials like $2 oyster Mondays.
Amy and Natalie's picks! Located at 1052 S Gaylord Street

Bon Ami: A relaxed bistro with a great patio, serving classic French dishes, including savory & sweet crepes. 
Amy's pick! Located at 295 S Pennsylvania Street

Devil's Food Bakery: An RGK team favorite - the perfect cozy neighborhood bakery with craft coffee drinks & an array of sweet & savory baked goods.
Located at 1004 S Gaylord Street

We Knead Donut: Old fashioned donuts made the old fashioned way. Handmade, rolled, proofed and fried in clean oil every morning…go back to your childhood and experience donuts the way they used to be. The delicious menu also includes tacos, croissant sandwiches, kolaches, boba, coffee, ice cream and burritos.
Natalie's pick! Located at 723 South University Blvd

Reivers Bar & Grill: A Washington Park staple since 1977! Showcasing modern pub fare and artisanal brews in a relaxed and approachable atmosphere. Enjoy their two patios and discover why Reivers Bar and Grill have been a long time neighborhood favorite.
Jane's pick! Located at 1085 S Gaylord Street

Bonnie Brae Ice Cream: Bonnie Brae Ice Cream, a locally owned and family-operated establishment is your go-to neighborhood shop for premium quality ice cream. They take pride in offering a welcoming space for our neighbors to gather and enjoy the finest ice cream since 1986.
Located at 799 S University Blvd  

Perdida: Showcasing Mexican coastal cuisine served on an expansive outdoor seating area, a 30-seat bar, and inviting banquettes designed to foster conversation and connection. Immerse yourself in the surf culture with videos playing in the space, and relax on the intimate back patio featuring a vintage VW van. Perdida serves as a true gateway to a different way of life.
Amy and Natalie's picks! Located at 1066 S Gaylord Street.

Wash Park Grille: This longtime neighborhood favorite "draws inspiration from the modern Italian culinary to create made from scratch meals and celebrate the restaurant's ongoing relationship with its local family of farmers & suppliers." Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights also feature live music. Located at 1096 S Gaylord Street.

Wash Perk: Just a few blocks from the park, Wash Perk has been delighting customers with a delectable offering in a down-to-earth atmosphere for more than 12 years. They strongly believe in the unique role that a neighborhood coffee shop plays in fostering community connections.
Jane's pick! Located at 853 E Ohio Avenue

Blackbird Public House: The Downing Street pub offers a diverse menu featuring comforting dishes, cocktails, and craft beers. Among the local favorites are the mac-and-cheese, candied-bacon salad, and charcuterie board. A weekend brunch staple serving all the brunch goodness Saturday and Sunday until 2 PM.
Located at 305 South Downing Street

Wash Park Dining - Bonnie Brae and Homegrown

Homegrown Tap and Dough blends Colorado life and Italian cuisine into a perfect meal (left) while Bonnie Brae (right) has served up neighborhood ice cream for four decades. (Photos courtesy of Homegrown Tap & Dough and Bonnie Brae)

Homegrown Tap & Dough: At Homegrown Tap & Dough, significant inspiration is drawn from traditional Italian cuisine, infusing it with a distinct Colorado flair. The menu features irresistible house-made specialty pasta and hand-tossed, wood-fired pizzas. For a unique touch, guests can savor their meals seated in vintage ski chairs and gondolas, paying homage to our beloved state.  
Located at 1001 S Gaylord Street

Lucile’s Creole Cafe: A favorite spot for weekend brunch, and daily lunch service. Indulge in Louisiana-style delights like chicory coffee, eggs sardou, and shrimp and grits. Make sure to savor the delightful beignets and buttermilk biscuits.
Located at 275 South Logan Street

Things To Do

Above: Washington Park features two lakes, trails and plenty of room for recreation for all ages throughout the year.

Visit Washington Park: Washington Park spans 155 acres, establishing itself as an urban oasis celebrated for its abundant green landscapes. The park boasts two flower gardens, with one replicating the beauty of George Washington's gardens at Mount Vernon. Additionally, it features two picturesque lakes, Smith Lake and Grasmere Lake, alongside meticulously maintained pathways.

Walk, Run, Bike & More: Washington Park offers two loops for visitors to enjoy. The outer loop, a gravel trail, is designed with walkers and runners in mind, spanning 2.6 miles. Meanwhile, the inner loop, paved and ideal for biking as well as walking, is car-free and divided into two lanes—one designated for walking and running, and the other for cyclists. Enjoy boating and fishing at the two park's lakes - Smith Lake and Grasmere Lake.   

Visit Old South Gaylord Street: Nestled in the heart of Wash Park, this charming neighborhood block, situated between Mississippi and Tennessee Avenues, presents an array of fine dining, local boutiques, and annual community events. Including the Memorial Weekend Kickoff to Summer Festival, Farm to Bottle Fall Festival, Halloween Trick or Treat Street, and Holiday Fest.

Homes

The residential neighborhoods around Wash Park feature tree-lined streets, historic homes, and a diverse range of architectural styles, including Victorian, Tudor, and bungalow designs. Numerous properties in this area exhibit charm and character, serving as tangible reflections of the neighborhood's celebrated history.

Wash Park exhibits distinct personalities with East Wash Park (homes located east of Franklin Street) and Washington Park West (homes situated west of Downing Street). As the park took form in the early 1800s, East Wash Park evolved into a sought-after residential area, distinguished by the construction of splendid homes with views of the western mountains—many of which remain standing today.

Washington Park Homes, Styles, Real Estate Experts

Above: The gorgeous 1065 South Race in East Wash Park Sold by Rankin, Goulder and Kissinger in 2023 (photo: Rankin, Goulder & Kissinger)

Simultaneously, Wash Park West began to emerge. Initially attracting a blend of working-class families and young professionals, this neighborhood offered a diverse range of housing options, including single-family homes, apartment buildings, and duplexes. Over time, both sections of the park have developed unique features while preserving their individual characteristics.

It's not surprising that Wash Park is consistently selected as one of Denver's beloved neighborhoods. Boasting the beautiful Washington Park, galleries, specialty shops, boutiques, and locally-owned dining, to name a few, it offers a perfect escape without venturing too far. Simply head to Wash Park the next time you crave a getaway.

For more information on the rich history of Washington Park, as well as to stay connected with community events, explore www.wpena.org.

Whether you're considering buying or selling anywhere in the Denver area, reach out to Allison Rankin, Jane Goulder, or Amy Kissinger today! Whether you're a first-time buyer, an investor, or an experienced buyer looking to upsize or downsize, we possess the experience, resources, and relationships to assist you. Let us help you embark on your next chapter in the Denver area!

Wash Park Denver: Guide to Living & Dining

The beautiful Washington Park in Denver (seen from above), with the mountains the west and the city in close proximity, has long been a hot spot in Denver real estate. (Photo copyright Rankin, Goulder, Kissinger)

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