Barnum is a low-key neighborhood on the far west side of Denver. As the rest of the city changed all around it, Barnum has remained relatively untouched over the decades. The little enclave grew out of land once owned by famous and controversial showman P.T. Barnum. Far from those circus-connected roots though, the community today is culturally vibrant, home to gorgeous greenspace and an unexpected bounty of culinary greatness.
The Pulido family has been serving up Denver-style Mexican food for close to three decades out of this little restaurant nestled unassumingly along the Federal Boulevard corridor. Enjoy classics like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros, or a killer breakfast burrito stuffed with chorizo, chicharrón, jalapeños, or whatever your heart desires.
Running through neighborhood blocks alongside a subtle waterway, this urban path is a welcoming wander through the community for dog walkers, cyclists, and families with small kids. The shaded trail takes city explorers to the top of Barnum Park, where you can catch one of the best views of the Denver skyline.
Milkshakes piled high with wafer cookies and whipped cream, hot cheetos drowning in nacho cheese, and Instagrammable mangonadas dripping with chamoy — La Bonita is a munchie-seeker’s dream!
Catering especially to kids in the neighborhood, this small but entertaining rec center pool has a splash pad, a separate wading area for infants and toddlers, and water slide for older kiddos looking to have the perfect summer day.
This old school walk-up burger joint serves single, double, and triple patties on deliciously greasy buns piled high with the works. Not a burger lover? Try their chicken fried steak, corn dogs, or Grandpa’s famous shakes, which come in flavors like cinnamon, peach, peanut butter, and more.
This segment was written by Bree Davies, host of the City Cast Denver podcast.
