Federal Blvd, Sun Valley

Federal is a North-South thoroughfare through Denver, and offers another seedy glimpse into the underbelly of Denver. While there are parts of Federal that offer interesting shopping and dining, it is not a place I would generally stop to visit. It is peppered with pawn shops, bail bonds, and strip clubs, along with liquor stores and payday loan sites. It is not my favorite Denver place, but I will travel via Federal Boulevard if it is necessary.

Federal Boulevard is another legendary north/south stretch on the west side of Denver, near downtown. The lure of this thoroughfare is the area around Alameda Avenue that hosts many Asian wonders, particularly restaurants and markets. You won't find "chow mein" here - everything is authentic and home-style. There are also plenty of Asian-owned businesses and services, including hair salons and insurance brokers. At night, Federal Boulevard is also a main cruising street, where one can find the city's multicultural youth showing off their tricked-out cars.