The Best of Lakewood, Colorado

Lakewood, Colorado, the 5th largest city in the state, is nestled comfortably between the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and downtown Denver. This extremely diverse city has seen an insane amount of growth in recent years due to the development of a true downtown area, Belmar. We’ll highlight our favorite things to do and places to eat in Belmar as well as the best of the rest of Lakewood. We’ll even pick out a place for you to live! 

Belmar

Belmar is a new bustling area that has become the true downtown area that Lakewood had been lacking for years. There are tons of dining, shopping, entertainment, and apartments all within walking distance, making this a very desirable area to live.

What to Do

Belmar Block 7

Belmar Block 7 is a collection of 8 different art galleries where artists and crafts people show off their artwork and provide public classes and workshops. On the first Friday of the summer and fall months, there is a Block 7 Art Walk where you can join your friends and fellow art enthusiasts to tour the galleries and mingle with the artists!

Lakewood Heritage Center

The Lakewood Heritage Center teaches you all about the history of the city and changes that have taken place over the years. The museum has over 30,000 artifacts, 10 historic structures, a beautiful outdoor amphitheater, and a festival area. There are also a few guided tour options to get an in depth look at the historical structures and local artifacts that shaped Lakewood into what it is today.

Where to Eat/Drink

Breakfast: The French Press

While they also serve traditional drip coffee, the name of the restaurant says everything you need to know. Wake up to a French Press made with locally sourced coffee from Boulder Organic Coffee Co. and order one of their signature “Bennies” like the Smoked Salmon Bennie (pictured below). There are other classic breakfast items available as well as a few gluten free and veggie friendly options.

Lunch: Stack Subs

Stack Subs is the hottest sandwich shop in all of Lakewood, and we’re not just saying that because they toast every sub, they’re really THAT good. Choose your bread (get the Pretzel Roll), then your meat and cheese (or veggies!) and watch as they stack your additional ingredients end to end so there is goodness in every bite. Wash this down with an Oreo milkshake and you’ve won the day.

Dinner: Little India Restaurant

If you’re looking for the “Best Indian Food” in Denver, look no further than Little India. Order traditional Indian dishes like Tandoori Chicken or Chicken Tikka Masala or if you’re looking for vegetarian options, we recommend the Bharta Makhni! The warm, fluffy naan is a perfect vehicle to soak up all the delicious sauces once you’ve finished your main course.

Happy Hour: Baker St. Pub

Baker St. Pub is named after the London address of the fictional character, Sherlock Holmes but their happy hour is far from fictional. Every Monday thru Saturday from 2:00-9:00 PM and all day Sunday, enjoy $3.00 well drinks, 3.65 call drinks, $5.25 select liquors like Jack Daniels and Tito’s, and for the wine lovers, you’ll get a 9 0z. pour for the 6 0z. price. On Monday’s, you can order cheeseburgers for $3.99!

Where to Live

7166 @ Belmar Apartments

Living in the 7166@Belmar Apartments gives you the convenience of living downtown without having to sacrifice luxury. The pet-friendly community features 1, 2, and 3 bedroom urban lofts with state-of-the-art amenities in both the units and the common areas. Each unit comes with high ceilings, wood plank flooring, spacious closets and gourmet kitchens. The gourmet kitchens come equipped with an island in select units but all are decked out in sleek, upgraded appliances. The community amenities include a resort style pool and spa, outdoor grilling and picnic area, a business center, and an all-inclusive fitness center. Combine all of that with breathtaking views and the close proximity to shops, entertainment, art galleries, dining options, and more and you can see why 7166@Belmar are the best apartments to live in Belmar.

Best of the Rest

While Belmar has become the hip and trendy downtown area, there are still plenty of other exciting things to do scattered around Lakewood. Whether you’re more of the artistic type or looking for fun, outdoor adventure, Lakewood is not lacking in either category!

What to Do

40 West Arts District

40 West Arts District is a Colorado Certified Creative Arts District and is full of energy and creativity! With more than a dozen galleries, multiple performance areas, 20+ public art installations, and over 100 artistic members, this district has helped revitalize the West Colfax corridor. Check the website for the current exhibition or event!

Bear Creek Lake Park

Lakewood residents love the outdoors and open air and Bear Creek Lake Park can satisfy all of your needs. Whether you’re looking to fish, water ski, run on the trails, or have a nice afternoon picnic, this 2,600 acre park is the place to be in the warmer months. Even in the winter months, you can go on guided night tours to howl at the moon like the wolves and roast marshmallows at the campfire after!

Experience a Show Casa Bonita

If cliff divers jumping off 30 ft. waterfalls, puppet shows, and magicians are a mainstay at your dinner, then you’ll fit right in at Casa Bonita. If not, prepare to be amazed at the sights you’ll experience at one of the top 10 roadside attractions in the U.S. While it may add a few extra minutes to your wait, ask for a seat by the waterfall. You will not regret it!

Where to Eat/Drink

Breakfast: Blue Sky Cafe

The first word that comes to mind to describe Blue Sky Cafe is Utopia because everything is perfect from the second you arrive. From the service to the quality of the food and juices, you’ll be sure to make this a regular breakfast destination. Start off with a fresh cup of Kale Spinach Apple Carrot Juice and pair that with a breakfast scramble or omelette. There are plenty of gluten free and vegetarian options to enjoy!

Lunch: ModMarket

ModMarket isn’t into diets and fad feeding frenzies, they would prefer to make fresh, wholesome food. Everything here is made from scratch and changes seasonally to use only the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Choose between a variety of salads, sandwiches, soups, and brick oven pizzas. The Fiesta salad and the Prosciutto Pizza are two of the local favorites.

Dinner: 240 Union Restaurant

240 Union offers contemporary American food ranging from fresh seafood to specialty pastas in an upscale casual environment. The menu is constantly changing with the freshest seasonal ingredients but the quality never does. Some highlighted menu items from their Autumn 2015 menu include appetizer’s like the Blue Crab Quinoa Salad with apples and onions and the Pistachio Crusted Pork Chops with a plum wine sauce and scallion risotto.

Happy Hour: Teller’s Tap Room

Happy Hour at Teller’s Tap Room is a can’t miss event. Every Monday-Friday from 2-6:30 PM gather with friends for incredible drink specials at this neighborhood hangout. 2 for 1 well drinks, $1.50 PBR drafts, and $1 off all wine are just a few of the deals that will have you feeling happy in no time. Don’t worry, there are plenty of food specials ranging from 3-5 dollars that will keep you from staying on a “liquid diet” for the night.

Where to Live

7166 @ Belmar Apartments

Living in the 7166@Belmar Apartments gives you the convenience of living downtown without having to sacrifice luxury. The pet-friendly community features 1, 2, and 3 bedroom urban lofts with state-of-the-art amenities in both the units and the common areas. Each unit comes with high ceilings, wood plank flooring, spacious closets and gourmet kitchens. The gourmet kitchens come equipped with an island in select units but all are decked out in sleek, upgraded appliances. The community amenities include a resort style pool and spa, outdoor grilling and picnic area, a business center, and an all-inclusive fitness center. Combine all of that with breathtaking views and the close proximity to shops, entertainment, art galleries, dining options, and more and you can see why 7166@Belmar are the best apartments to live in Belmar.

Best of the Rest

While Belmar has become the hip and trendy downtown area, there are still plenty of other exciting things to do scattered around Lakewood. Whether you’re more of the artistic type or looking for fun, outdoor adventure, Lakewood is not lacking in either category!

What to Do

40 West Arts District

40 West Arts District is a Colorado Certified Creative Arts District and is full of energy and creativity! With more than a dozen galleries, multiple performance areas, 20+ public art installations, and over 100 artistic members, this district has helped revitalize the West Colfax corridor. Check the website for the current exhibition or event!

Bear Creek Lake Park

Lakewood residents love the outdoors and open air and Bear Creek Lake Park can satisfy all of your needs. Whether you’re looking to fish, water ski, run on the trails, or have a nice afternoon picnic, this 2,600 acre park is the place to be in the warmer months. Even in the winter months, you can go on guided night tours to howl at the moon like the wolves and roast marshmallows at the campfire after!

Experience a Show Casa Bonita

If cliff divers jumping off 30 ft. waterfalls, puppet shows, and magicians are a mainstay at your dinner, then you’ll fit right in at Casa Bonita. If not, prepare to be amazed at the sights you’ll experience at one of the top 10 roadside attractions in the U.S. While it may add a few extra minutes to your wait, ask for a seat by the waterfall. You will not regret it!

Where to Eat/Drink

Breakfast: Blue Sky Cafe

The first word that comes to mind to describe Blue Sky Cafe is Utopia because everything is perfect from the second you arrive. From the service to the quality of the food and juices, you’ll be sure to make this a regular breakfast destination. Start off with a fresh cup of Kale Spinach Apple Carrot Juice and pair that with a breakfast scramble or omelette. There are plenty of gluten free and vegetarian options to enjoy!

Lunch: ModMarket

ModMarket isn’t into diets and fad feeding frenzies, they would prefer to make fresh, wholesome food. Everything here is made from scratch and changes seasonally to use only the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Choose between a variety of salads, sandwiches, soups, and brick oven pizzas. The Fiesta salad and the Prosciutto Pizza are two of the local favorites.

Dinner: 240 Union Restaurant

240 Union offers contemporary American food ranging from fresh seafood to specialty pastas in an upscale casual environment. The menu is constantly changing with the freshest seasonal ingredients but the quality never does. Some highlighted menu items from their Autumn 2015 menu include appetizer’s like the Blue Crab Quinoa Salad with apples and onions and the Pistachio Crusted Pork Chops with a plum wine sauce and scallion risotto.

Happy Hour: Teller’s Tap Room

Happy Hour at Teller’s Tap Room is a can’t miss event. Every Monday-Friday from 2-6:30 PM gather with friends for incredible drink specials at this neighborhood hangout. 2 for 1 well drinks, $1.50 PBR drafts, and $1 off all wine are just a few of the deals that will have you feeling happy in no time. Don’t worry, there are plenty of food specials ranging from 3-5 dollars that will keep you from staying on a “liquid diet” for the night.

Where to Live

Elevate @ Red Rocks Apartments

If the busy downtown scene is not your style, Elevate @ Red Rocks Apartments offers residents a chance to live in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with downtown still only minutes away. Choose between 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments with a wonderful collection of community and in home amenities. Break a sweat in their fully equipped fitness center before relaxing by the pool on their spacious sun deck. There is also a business center if you need to get work done and a TV lounge to hang out and mingle with the fellow residents. Each room comes with hardwood style flooring in the kitchen area, upgraded appliances, spacious floor plans giving you the power to decorate your home to your liking. There is ample storage area and spacious closets so there is plenty of room to keep all your belongings. Elevate @ Red Rocks is very close to the popular Colorado Mills shopping mall and a short drive to Belmar as well!