South Federal Boulevard & Westwood Neighborhood Guide

South Federal Boulevard offers a taste of everything from hand-crafted beers and modern Italian cuisine to the best authentic Asian and Mexican eateries. All along the boulevard are bright murals adjacent to specialty shops, as well as antique and vintage signs that line the historic and diverse area. The Westwood Creative District is to the southwest of where South Federal and West Alameda Avenue meet. It's known for its welcoming Mexican-American culture.

If you're the type who likes to track down the most authentic, off-the-radar restaurants in any given city, then you'll want to head to South Federal, where unpretentious eateries are local favorites. Asian markets and Vietnamese restaurants abound in Little Saigon, between Mississippi and Alameda avenues, as do Mexican restaurants and shops in the Barnum area (named after circus mogul P.T. Barnum).

Neighborhood Map

Explore Westwood & South Federal Boulevard

Attractions

Meow Wolf Denver's Convergence Station is an unforgettable and transformational experience for all ages. Discover immersive, mind-bending art across the four alien worlds of C Street, Eemia, Ossuary and Numina. Uncover the secrets within. It goes pretty much without saying that Empower Field at Mile High is home of the three-time Super Bowl-winning Denver Broncos. You don't need game tickets to experience the magic. The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame is located on the west side of the stadium and takes visitors on a journey through Colorado sports history. Entrance to the museum is free, but there is a charge for the 75-minute stadium tours. The stadium also serves as a venue for the biggest acts in music.

Parks

Several parks with water features offer an escape just off busy South Federal Boulevard. Visit Barnum Park for its views of downtown Denver; Jefferson Park, Huston Lake Park or Garfield Lake Park, each with lakeshores to explore; or Sanderson Gulch Park or Lakewood Gulch Park, where South Platte River tributaries meander through green spaces.

Craft Beer

A few blocks east of Federal Boulevard and across the South Platte River, you'll find two fantastic breweries. Strange Craft Beer Company was the first small taproom brewery to open in Denver. With an inviting bar made of reclaimed wood, a spacious outdoor seating area with yard games, rotating food trucks and 15 taps of award-winning beers, there’s plenty to enjoy.

Explore in Style

Head to Pedego Electric Bikes to grab a rental and explore the neighborhood! Or purchase your very own Pedego electric bike and accessories.

Westwood Creative District

Morrison Road cuts diagonally through the heart of the colorful Westwood Creative District. The neighborhood's Mexican-American roots shine through in the form of culturally inspired murals adorning walls, electrical boxes and even trash cans, as well as the food, with Kahlo's Mexican Restaurant (named for iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo) and other eateries on the main drag. Cultura Chocolate is a can't-miss spot for chocolate lovers. It's a Latina-owned bean-to-bar chocolate-making company with a mission to create truly amazing chocolate that has greater transparency, sustainability and accessibility. Local leaders, meanwhile, are working to transform Morrison Road into the pedestrian-friendly Mercado Lineal (Spanish for "linear market"), with plazas, gardens and more public art. The brainchild of nonprofit Re:Vision is an evolving community hub that's home to special events, an urban farm and a no-cost grocery program.

Asian Markets

A favorite of the neighborhood is Little Saigon Market, which carries produce, meats, spices and imported Asian products. Over at the Far East Center, a pagoda-style entry welcomes guests to explore a shopping center chock full of Asian eateries, markets and gift shops. Feast on coconut buns and noodle bowls, and shop for Buddha statues, straw hats, Chinese herbs and hundreds of other treasures. Explore more places to find the best Asian food and goods along South Federal Boulevard.

Locals Know

For the best mystery dinner theater in the state, locals head to Adams Mystery Playhouse, with shows for any age on most Friday and Saturday nights.

The Denver Trolley is a replica of an open-air "Seeing Denver" streetcar operated by the Denver Tramway Company in the pre-World War I era. The trolley follows a scenic route along the South Platte River, beginning near the REI building at Confluence Park. It then goes by the Downtown Aquarium, Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, Empower Field at Mile High and other attractions. Check the website for hours and ticket prices.

A hidden gem of the neighborhood is the Vinh Xuong Bakery. The décor has a traditional coffeehouse feel and serves some of the best banh mi and sesame balls in the city.

Annual Events

Chinese and Vietnamese New Year

Every year the Far East Center celebrates the New Year in January with food, dragon and lion dancing and more.

St. Cajetan's Parish Bazaar

A neighborhood highlight, taking place in August, with food, dancing and fun, celebrating the parish's patron saint.

Chile Fest

The annual Westwood Chile Fest in September features booths with artists and food vendors, live music, and an abundance of green chile to celebrate its harvest.

See All Events

Federal Boulevard Map

Start your neighborhood adventure at this suggested spot! This is a centrally located position that you can input into your GPS to get started exploring.