5280 Magazine

For over 30 years, 5280 magazine has served its readers as an essential guide to life in the Mile-High City and beyond. Throughout those three decades, the publication has stayed true to its original mission: proudly locally owned and strongly committed to delivering award-winning journalism that tells Denver’s story with authority and style. Each month, 5280 covers the greatest and latest in dining, culture, wellness, travel, and adventure content.

5280 Magazine

Historical Records

Compass

Rent The Dream • Plan an escape at one of these downright heavenly Colorado Airbnbs, where al fresco hot tubs, stargazing decks, and outdoor kitchens are the itinerary.

Off Broadway • Can a revived Underground Music Showcase thrive in RiNo?

Going Deep • A Colorado author celebrates pioneering outdoorswomen, flaws and all.

For Sale By Robot • A Boulder startup is using AI to shake up residential real estate.

Eat & Drink

Rise & Dine • Fresh-baked bread and cooked-to-order eggs are elevating coffeeshop breakfast sandwiches across the city.

Sleight Of Hand • At Uptown’s Noodles by Nina, the chefs double as magicians, conjuring sheaves of supple noodles and entrancing sauces.

Closing The Gap • What’s it going to take to finally finish the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado?

TOP OF THE TOWN 2026 • A dance company soaring higher than ever in brand-new digs, a Taiwanese eatery balancing tradition and invention, and 28 other editors’ picks that showcase the very best of Denver.

FAQ • How we selected this year’s Top of the Town honorees.

TOP BAKERY • CAFÉ TRES

TOP KOREAN • DAE BAK

2026 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS

TOP CHEF • PENELOPE WONG

TOP TACO • TACOS EL COMELON

TOP MIDDLE EASTERN • YEMEN GRILL

TOP FRENCH • LA FORÊT

TOP SUSHI • KIZAKI

TOP NEW RESTAURANT • PIG AND TIGER

TOP COCKTAIL MENU • THE PEACH CREASE CLUB

TOP BRUNCH • MIMOSAS

TOP BAR • AMERICAN LORE

TOP ACCESSORIES • REGAL VINTAGE

TOP ICE CREAM • SWEET COW

TOP GIFTS • FERN AND SKYE

TOP FOOD HALL • LA PLAZA COLORADO

TOP PIZZA • JOHNNY BECHAMEL’S

TOP AUTHOR • ANDREA GIBSON

TOP PLACE TO SEE ART • CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE

TOP BARBER • SINNERS

TOP GYM • SUNDROP PILATES

TOP HIKE WITHIN 90 MINUTES OF DENVER • BAY TO BAY TRAIL AT HORSETOOTH RESERVOIR

TOP THEATER COMPANY • CURIOUS THEATRE COMPANY

TOP GEAR BRAND • BIG AGNES

TOP DATE SPOT • BON AMI BISTRO & CREPERIE

WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW • As Colorado approaches its 150th birthday on August 1, we uncover the forgotten moments that have helped define the state’s history.

HISTORY 101 • Colorado’s past is a convoluted knot leading to heroes, villains, achievement, shame, and (finally) the truth. Let’s untangle it.

ENTRANCE EXAM • To test your knowledge of the past, we asked the big brains behind Colorado Encyclopedia—a History Colorado–run online repository of statewide facts that are sure to make you the star of your next dinner party—to put together this primer.

PHYS ED • Follow the line to find the Colorado athletes who match up with these groundbreaking feats.

GUEST LECTURE • Local author Alan Prendergast on the Ku Klux Klan’s reign in Colorado.

READING LIST • Three nonfiction books that unspool untold Colorado stories.

DATES TO REMEMBER • A wide-ranging (but, sadly, still incomplete) record of violence that has shaped Colorado.

ADVANCED BIOLOGY • Let it be known: 2026 is the Year of the Otter, or rather, according to Colorado...