Sittin’ on the Cap of the Hill

Not only is Capitol Hill one of them most expensive places to live in Denver, it’s also one of the gayest. Cap Hill has more gay bars, restaurants, events, and clubs than you can shake a di…err, stick at. If you’re lucky enough to be able to afford the rent or find good roomies, you’ll have no shortage of places to go and things to see.

BARS

Two-step your way to Charlie’s, lumber your way over to Wrangler, or gyrate your way to X Bar. No matter what your scene, persuasion, or music taste might be, chances are good that you’ll find it on the Hill. Be sure to peek in at Broadway’s for a drink and a song before you make your way to Boyztown to make a couple of half-naked friends.

RESTAURANTS

What exactly makes a restaurant gay? Could it be a rainbow of seasonings and spices on every dish? Or perhaps entrées that are in danger of corrupting impressionable youths? Either way, there are plenty of gay restaurants to enjoy in Cap Hill. You’ll feel comfortable dining and drinking at Barricuda’s no matter which way you swing. Hamburger Mary’s serves up great food and great laughs in equal measure while gay-owned Racine’s has the community racing through the doors. If you’re ever close to 17th and Pearl, be sure to stop by Steuben’s for some awesome American cuisine.

SPORTS TEAMS

No Denver neighborhood would be complete without some type of athletic endeavor for fitness buffs to indulge in. Fans of biking are encouraged to check out the Rocky Mountain Bicycle Boys club where they can engage in camping trips, whitewater rafting, and skiing. The Denver Gay & Lesbian Flag Football League focuses on the love of football paired with sportsmanship and community.

CRIME

Living in any major metropolitan area comes with its fair share of crime. Between 2009 and 2013, there were 652 cars reported as stolen in Capitol Hill. According to The Denver Post Crime Map and Stats, there were 216 crimes reported in Cap Hill between 2/16/2015 and 3/18/2015, with a majority of them being related to drugs and alcohol.

ACTIVISM

Cap Hill also makes for a great location for individuals with the fire of activism burnin’ in their souls. The Center originally opened in 1976 and since then has become the Rocky Mountain region’s biggest community center. Stop by their location on East Colfax and check out the lending library, social and support groups, and acting classes and receive legal help for gay marriage.

EVENTS

No guide to Capitol Hill is complete without a mention of the third-largest pride festival in the entire country. Denver PrideFest comes once a year in June and showcases entertainment, cultural programs, arts and crafts, and local businesses and organizations. AIDS Walk Colorado serves to honor and remember those we have lost to AIDS. In addition to the walk course, participants can also check out the Celebration of Life Festival, volleyball tournament, 5k run, and the Diva Dash Stiletto Fun Run.

If you like the idea of living in one of Denver’s most popular gayborhoods, then it’s time to pack your bags and head for the Hill.

RMBB.org

DenverGayFlagFootball.com

Crime.DenverPost.com

GLBTColorado.org

CAP HILL

Average monthly rent for a 2/2 place: ~$1800