I'm talking Lo-Hi, just off of the 20th Street exit, the Olinger Mortuary area, as opposed to the 32nd & Lowell area. Parking is good, crowds aren't huge, and these places are worth checking out.

1. Little Man Ice Cream. This is the greatest idea in the world. It's a huge metal milk can that's an ice cream shop, built on a tiny, otherwise unusable triangle of land at the Olinger Mortuary. You walk up to the windows, order your ice cream or gelato, and then sit at the lovely wrought iron tables. It just opened on July 4, but it's packed every night. More importantly, it brings out the young and the old of the neighborhood -- last night there were more kids under 5 than I ever saw in the four years we lived there, plus lots of elderly folks. Great place.

2. Sushi Sasa. Forget about the crowded, loud, wait-forever-for-a-table vibe at Sushi Den. This is your spot for date night. It's on 15th & Platte, tiny little place. Order the chef's tasting menu for $100 and split it. Plenty of courses and the freshest fish, and stuff you would NEVER know to order. One of the best restaurant experiences I've had in Denver.

3. Lola. Yes, it's the hippest patio in Denver. Yes, the mojitos are delicious. Yes, the guacamole they make right at your table is worth the trip. Ladies, pick this for your girls-night-out destination. It's one of the few places in Denver that you can dress up and not feel out of place -- and you won't feel old there. You know what I mean.

4. If the patio at Lola is packed, just head next door to Vita. They have an upstairs and a downstairs patio and a stunning view of downtown.

Enjoy.