I Was Robbed in Downtown Denver…for My Leftovers

Every time I write about a restaurant opening in downtown Denver, inevitably a comment or two (or ten) is posted about how “dangerous” the area is. But as someone who frequently dines out all over the city, I’ve never felt unsafe going anywhere downtown, whether it’s to a new restaurant on the 16th Street Mall or a bar in RiNo — though I admittedly don’t frequent LoDo after let-out. But then, no restaurants are open there at that hour anyway.

The “danger” many are talking about is directly related to the homeless population, which has become more visible since the pandemic. I’ve had plenty of interactions with people on the streets while out and about; I’m happy to hand an extra cigarette to anyone who asks, or spare some change or even a couple of bucks if I have the cash on hand….