What started as a cluster of auto repair shops and industrial warehouses has transformed into one of the country’s most celebrated arts districts. The walls of RiNo are its gallery — thousands of square feet of murals by local and international artists cover nearly every building, making a walk through the neighborhood feel like a curated outdoor exhibition.
The food and drink scene here is the most adventurous in the city. RiNo is home to a disproportionate share of Denver’s James Beard nominees — from Brutø’s boundary-pushing tasting menu to Safta’s modern Israeli cuisine. The cocktail bars match the creativity: Williams & Graham remains one of the best speakeasy-style bars in the country, and the neighborhood has spawned a dozen excellent craft cocktail bars in its wake.
The brewery corridor along Walnut Street helped make Denver one of the top craft beer cities in America. Great Divide, Breckenridge, and Fiction all have taprooms within a few blocks of each other. On a warm Friday afternoon, the outdoor patios are standing-room only.
RiNo also has a strong music venue presence. The Mission Ballroom and the Ogden Theatre anchor the neighborhood’s live music identity, drawing national touring acts and homegrown talent alike.
What to know before you go: Parking is tight on weekends — take the A Line to 38th & Blake Station or use the B-Cycle bike share. The neighborhood is very walkable once you’re there. Most restaurants don’t take reservations for parties under four, so expect a wait at peak hours on Friday and Saturday.