A Local’s Guide to Englewood: Best Coffee Shops, Parks & Family Activities
- Ben Willson
- May 16
- 4 min read
Englewood is one of those places people stumble into accidentally… and then refuse to leave. It’s not trying to be trendy, it just is. It’s a little bit gritty, a little bit artsy, surprisingly green, and packed with just enough history and hipness to keep you interested — whether you’re chasing toddlers, craft coffee, or late-night tacos.
This guide covers the real Englewood: the parks you won’t find on tourist lists, the coffee shops where locals actually hang out, and the businesses that define this quirky, lovable city.
Best Neighborhoods for Real Life (Not Just Real Estate Listings)
Englewood’s charm lies in its mix — quiet, tree-lined streets give way to buzzy commercial strips, and there’s something for everyone, whether you’re raising kids, dogs, or houseplants.
Old Englewood / South Broadway Corridor
Great for: Walkability, access to restaurants and nightlife
This is where the city’s personality really shows up. Think breweries, vintage shops, and the iconic Gothic Theatre — a solid live music venue that’s more substance than scene.
Belleview Park & Arapahoe Acres
Great for: Families with kids, mid-century home lovers
Belleview Park isn’t just a great playground — it has a miniature train, petting zoo, and big open space that’s ideal for exhausting small children. Nearby, Arapahoe Acres offers stunning MCM architecture and a strong sense of community.
Oxford Light Rail / Englewood Depot Area
Great for: Commuters who want to ditch the car
A smart area for young couples and DINKs (dual income, no kids) who want to be close to downtown Denver but live somewhere quieter. Access to public transit, walkable eats, and newer townhomes make this a rising favorite.
Coffee Shops: For Parents, Creatives, and the Over-Caffeinated
Local Favorites
Zomo Coffee House – A cozy, offbeat spot with great Vietnamese coffee and quiet corners to work or spiral into your second latte.
Stella’s Coffee Haus – Technically just over the border in Platt Park, but walkable and worth it for the back patio and live music.
Mojo Coffee – Locally roasted, deeply beloved. A hangout for real locals, not laptop warriors performing productivity.
Regional Staples That Fit the Vibe
Kaladi Coffee Roasters – Englewood’s own little legend. Dark roast die-hards swear by this place, and it’s one of the best places to strike up a conversation with someone who probably plays in a band.
Dazbog Coffee (Broadway location) – Russian-owned, strong coffee, solid workspace. The Broadway location is just Englewood enough to count.
Hidden Gems
Lost Coffee (just south on Hampden) – Worth the tiny detour for their seasonal drinks and minimal aesthetic.
Grounds for Dismissal (inside Englewood High School) – A student-run coffee shop that supports career training. Wildly underrated — and feels good to support.
Parks and Outdoor Spaces You Didn’t Know You Needed
Belleview Park
Already mentioned, but worth repeating. It has everything: creek access, playgrounds, a little train, and room to roam. This is where Englewood families actually go on weekends.
Cornerstone Park
A step up in activity — sports fields, mini golf, and a skatepark. Great for older kids or “we’re outside all day and burning off energy” Saturdays.
Pirates Cove Waterpark
Every Englewood parent knows this place. Seasonal, decently affordable, and way less chaotic than Water World. Pro tip: show up at 10 a.m. or right before closing to skip the heat-mad rush.
Harvard Gulch Trail
For strollers, scooters, or solo walks to keep your sanity in check. A peaceful greenbelt that locals love and Zillow won’t mention.
Family Activities, Rain or Shine
Englewood Public Library
Beyond books: they offer story times, toddler crafts, and the kind of programming that makes you forget it’s funded by city taxes. Bonus — it’s inside the Englewood Civic Center, so it’s easy to pair with errands or lunch.
Malley Center & Englewood Rec Center
Whether you want to swim laps, do toddler tumbling, or bribe your teenager into working out, the rec centers here are well-maintained and low-drama.
Gothic Theatre’s All-Ages Shows
Not every family activity needs to involve glue sticks. Check their calendar for early shows or community events — they’ve been known to host family-friendly movie nights, open mics, and even yoga pop-ups.
Events & Hyper-Local Traditions
Englewood Block Party (August)
Live music, food trucks, and the whole city shows up. One of the rare events that feels like Englewood, not like Denver overflow.
Holiday Express at Belleview Park
The miniature train becomes a holiday ride, lights go up, and it’s pure nostalgic magic.
Local Farmers Markets
Smaller than Denver’s, but less chaos. They rotate locations but often pop up at Cushing Park or in the city center. You’ll meet actual neighbors here.
Why People Stay in Englewood (Even When They Could Afford to Leave)
There’s a sense of realness here. No one’s trying too hard, but everyone shows up for the community. The schools are improving, the houses have character, and there’s still space to breathe — physically and creatively.
Englewood is for people who want:
Walkability without the noise
Quirky restaurants without long waits
Family-friendly spaces that aren’t overly curated
An actual sense of community (not just a neighborhood Facebook group)
Thinking about moving to Englewood?
Let’s talk neighborhoods, schools, hidden gems, and whether you’re more of a Belleview Park parent or a South Broadway night owl. Either way, you’ll fit in.
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