Life in Denver: Alamo Placita Neighborhood
OK, Alamo Placita isn’t officially a Denver neighborhood. But with its unique architecture, delicious eats, and outdoor amenities, it absolutely deserves a spotlight!
The Alamo Placita Historic District is a smaller slice of Denver’s Speer neighborhood. Its boundaries—6th Avenue (North), Downing Street (East), Speer Boulevard (South), and Pennsylvania Street (West)—place this small enclave just South of Capitol Hill.
Developed in part by our city’s first mayor, Robert W. Speer, the neighborhood has exploded with growth and development in recent years. Despite the recent boom, Alamo Placita maintains its small town, community feel. It’s the perfect place for young singles, families, professionals, Colorado natives, cross-country transplants, and… well… everyone.
What the Locals Say About Alamo Placita
After living in LoHi for 6 years, we made Alamo Placita our home in 2021! We fell in love with it because it has a charming neighborhood feel, but it also still satisfies our true Denver urbanite tastes. Plus, it's centrally located and walkable to everything we need and want: historic homes, parks, and neighbors from all walks of life. We found it all right here in this adorable little neighborhood.
12 Other Reasons to Love Alamo Placita
#1 Alamo Placita Park
Located just north of Speer Boulevard, Alamo Placita Park is the neighborhood’s anchor. Featuring beautiful sunken flower gardens, sandstone steps, picnic areas, basketball courts, and a playground, the park is a great spot to spend an afternoon. Alamo Placita translates to “Little Place of Cottonwoods,” which the park heavily features.
#2 OMG the Food
The variety of locally owned restaurants in Alamo Placita is literally mouthwatering.
Brothers BBQ Listen, there’s bbq, and then there’s Brothers BBQ. From the meats to the mac & cheese to the (SURPRISE!) vegetarian and vegan options, everything is simply *chef’s kiss.*
For Vietnamese cuisine, you must—must—check out Pho on 6th. Their prices and portion sizes are both generous, the people are lovely, the atmosphere is inviting, and the food? Well, reviewers call it “the bee’s knees,” “the bomb,” and “the best in the city.”
Cafe Byblos Mediterranean Grill offers fresh, healthy Greek and Lebanese eats dreamed up by Jerusalem-born cousins Joe and Justin Khraim. You won’t find better falafel anywhere.
Uno Mas Taqueria Y Cantina is a garden-to-plate, locally sourced Mexican restaurant that never disappoints. The coffee and ancho-chile-rubbed pork belly makes for some of the best tacos you’ve ever tasted!
No restaurant tour of Alamo Placita would be complete without Angelo’s Taverna. You might guess the place is pizza and pasta heaven. It absolutely is. But the oyster menu is the one of the best kept secrets in Denver.
#3 Alamo Placita Neighbors Association (APNA)
There’s nothing we love more than neighborhood pride! The Alamo Placita Neighbors Association (APNA) includes residents, property owners, and businesses collaborating to develop, preserve, and advocate for the community. If town halls and city council meetings aren’t your style, they also organize neighborhood happy hours and park events.
#4 Impressive Antique and Consignment Shops
Sometimes, you just need to walk around and look at really cool old stuff. (Or is that just us?) Stop by Sarkisian for fine art, imported rugs, and beautiful antiques. Or, if you’re feeling charitable, visit the La Cache consignment shop. This small storefront, run by volunteers, benefits Children’s Hospital Colorado.
#5 Cherry Creek Bike and Pedestrian Path
Cherry Creek Trail is a 40-mile stretch that winds along its namesake, straight through Alamo Placita. Its sunken path through Denver’s busier metropolitan areas gives the perfect separation from the bustle above. Continue your nature adventures by visiting a number of state parks along the trail. Or take a break and visit the nearby galleries, shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Window at Pablo’s Coffee on 6th Ave in Denver
#6 World-Class, Environmentally Friendly Coffee at Pablo’s
Pablo’s Coffee is a neighborhood favorite, with the line frequently wrapping around the corner. (We promise it’s worth it!) Their signature Danger Monkey Organic is a legendary blend!
#7 Mixed, Historic Architecture
Alamo Placita went through several waves of architectural development and revival. No two homes are alike, offering Victorian-era, Revival-style, Tudor, Spanish Mission, foursquare, and bungalow-style homes. The huge variety means anyone can find a home they love in this stylish neighborhood!
#8 Specialty Shops with Unique Gifts
Alamo Placita is lined with small shops like The Lark, offering beautiful cards, stationary, home décor, and gifts. If you’re a plant lover, we have to recommend The Herbery Boutique. Not your average plant nursery, this local gem specializes in succulents, cacti, tropical plants, and stunning pottery.
#9 The Art Students League of Denver (ASLD)
Nearby, you’ll find The Art Students League of Denver (ASLD), which offers a variety of classes for all ages. Sign up for traditional offerings like drawing and painting, printmaking and book arts, and ceramics and sculpture. You can also try your hand at their specialty classes, including fiber arts, jewelry making, alternative photography, and mixed media.
#10 A Boutique Hotel Scene Perfect For Your Next Staycation
Alamo Placita’s next door neighbor, Cherry Creek, boasts several boutique hotels, giving you a 5-star, out-of-town experience close to home. Halcyon is an upscale, urban hotel where instead of checking in at a normal front desk, you’re greeted with complimentary espresso or a glass of wine. Yes, please! If you’re into a more comfy, cozy, boho vibe, check out Moxy for an unforgettable getaway.
#11 The Esquire Theater
The historic Esquire Theater was built in 1927. Since then, it’s become a neighborhood staple for viewing anything from current blockbusters to avant-garde flicks. It’s the perfect after-dinner, date-night, or lazy-Sunday activity!
#12 Accessible Commuting Options
Denver’s public transit system, the RTD, makes commuting from Alamo Placita a breeze. For example, there are four easy options to get from the park to the 16th Street Mall. Biking or scootering to work is also a great option, thanks to the Cherry Creek Trail, which winds right through the heart of Denver. Or take a stroll! Capitol Hill is just a 20-minute walk from Alamo Placita Park.
Interested in a Tour?
We’d love to show you around! Book a Discovery Meeting today!
Images courtesy of Pablo’s Coffee Facebook Page, Uno Mas Facebook Page 