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Is Old Denver Alive on Tennyson

Posted on May 9, 2024   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Adrian González

Adrian González

An employee changes the marquee sign at The Oriental Theater in 2011. (RJ Sangosti / Denver Post via Getty)

An employee changes the marquee sign at The Oriental Theater in 2011. (RJ Sangosti / Denver Post via Getty)

Reading about local author Jill Carstens’ memories of old Denver and the massive change on Tennyson Street had us thinking about places along the corridor that have stood the test of time. Here are a few of our old Tennyson favorites.

Tucked away in the shadow of a Natural Grocers, this Den-Mex diner is still serving up old Denver memories. Their chilaquiles plate will forever be a part of me.

As its Instagram profile says, this is a North Denver institution. The Berkeley Inn has gone through many iterations since opening in 1934, but one thing remains: its quintessential neighborhood bar vibe.

Google Maps screenshot of Tennyson Street in Denver's Berkeley neighborhood.

Tennyson Street has been changing along with north Denver. (Google Maps)

Previously — and unofficially — named after “Little Women” author and women’s suffrage movement icon Louisa May Alcott, the small park on Tennyson Street and West 41st Avenue was officially named after the civil rights activist in 2005.

The three-story structure was originally built as a motion picture palace in 1927 and has since served as a live performance venue for music, comedy, fundraisers, and even a City Cast Denver x Mortified event where host Bree Davies shared some rather embarrassing teenage journal entries. 🫢

🍕 Bonus: Parisi

This Italian eatery originally opened at West 44th Avenue and Lowell Boulevard in 1998 and relocated to Tennyson Street in 2004. Its time on Tennyson might be short, but it’s been serving the northside for over 25 years.

📧 What Old Tennyson Spot Did We Miss?

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