Savoring Summer in the Mile High City: Coffee, Gluten-Free Eats, and Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures in Denver

Summer in Denver is the perfect time to explore new corners of the city, from shady coffee shop patios to tucked-away restaurants serving up delicious gluten-free fare. Whether you're a local looking to rediscover your hometown or a potential homebuyer curious about the Denver lifestyle, we've rounded up some of Denver’s best coffee shops, unique date night ideas, and off-the-beaten-path destinations that showcase the city’s vibrant, independent spirit.

Denver’s Best Coffee Shops for Summer Sipping

If you’re looking for an iced latte and a shady spot to enjoy it, Denver’s best coffee shops deliver.

• Stella’s Coffee Haus (South Pearl St): A cozy house-turned-café with an unbeatable front porch and pup-friendly vibe.

• Little Owl Coffee (Downtown): Modern and bright with great beans and matcha.

• The Molecule Effect (Santa Fe Arts District): Coffee + wine bar + art = a win-win for summer evenings.

Gluten-Free Dining in Denver

Finding delicious gluten free dining in Denver is easier than ever. Whether you have celiac or just feel better without wheat, these spots are must-visits:

• Vital Root (Tennyson): 100% gluten-free with a creative, global plant-based menu.

• Quiero Arepas (Avanti, South Pearl & Edgewater): Everything is naturally gluten-free — their arepas are fresh and filling.

• Just BE Kitchen (LoHi & DTC): 100% grain-free, gluten-free comfort food like biscuits, bowls, and burgers.

Local Breweries with Summer Charm

Denver is a beer town, and there are plenty of neighborhood breweries worth checking out when the weather’s warm:

• Woods Boss Brewing Co. (Downtown): Great outdoor seating and frequent live music.

• Cerebral Brewing (Bluebird District): Inventive beers, stylish branding, and a strong GF cider option too.

• Brewability Lab (Englewood): A mission-driven brewery supporting adults with disabilities — plus live music and a pizza kitchen with GF options.

Independent Grocery Stores to Explore

Skip the chains and support local with these off-the-beaten-path independent grocery stores:

• Marczyk Fine Foods (Uptown & Colfax): High-quality produce, butcher, and prepared foods.

• Leevers Locavore (Highlands): Boutique vibe with a focus on local goods, plus a wine bar inside.

• Clark's Market  (Lowry: Think upscale convenience meets liquor store, with healthy prepared foods and snacks. Great produce, too!

Fun Date Night Ideas in Denver

Romance, summer air, and city views — what more could you want?

• Picnic at Cheesman Park with takeout from a local gluten-free restaurant.

• Stargazing at Chamberlin Observatory followed by dessert at Sweet Action Ice Cream (GF cones available!).

• Evening paddleboarding at Sloan’s Lake, then drinks at Joyride Brewing Co.

• DIY Taco Tour: Grab tacos from multiple spots on South Broadway (many with GF options), then rate your favorites.

Denver is a city that rewards exploration — especially in summer. From shady patios at Denver’s best coffee shops, to creative gluten free dining, and breweries that double as hangout hubs, the city is full of places that make it easy to love where you live. Ready to put down roots in Denver? Reach out to a broker at Legacy 100 Real Estate Partners — we know this city inside and out.