Although not scheduled to open until 2016, The Gold Line of RTD light rail will provide direct access from downtown Denver to Olde Town Arvada. If you haven’t been to Olde Town yet, these few city blocks out in suburbia have a small town feel and great walkability. Olde Town is quickly becoming a den of trendy restaurants and shops — here's a guide to checking it out now, before light rail brings the crowds.

The Archive Room: This farm-to-table restaurant with a Mediterranean flavor was recently remodeled, including updates to the menu. Have wine by the glass or bottle or try one of the nine specialty cocktails like the Tattooed Mojito or the Arvada Margatini. The AR also has a large selection of Colorado craft beers on tap (5601 Olde Wadsworth; 303-432-0400).

Arvada Beer Company: Housed in a building erected circa 1916, this microbrewery has won over 400 awards in the seven years the beer has been flowing. Pouring from 14 taps, there is something for all tastes and the brewery prides itself on being family-friendly. Kids are welcome and board games are available. Food can be brought to the brewery from home or ordered from almost any Olde Town eatery. For summer try the Lemon Shandy made with the Water Tower Wheat mixed with fresh lemonade (5600 Olde Wadsworth; 303-467-2337).

Bella Bistro: A regular visitor to Italy, Bella’s chef Shelly always brings back something new from the old country. Bella Bistro also offers cooking classes, wine tastings and parings and special events open to the public (7702 Ralston Rd.; 303-358-7253).

D Note: This historic jazz club has been bringing city people out to the ‘burbs for over a decade. The Note also serves killer pizzas including six dessert pizzas. Check out the online calendar for popular bands like the Stonebreakers and the Johnny O Band (7519 Grandview Ave.; 303-GO-DNOTE, 303-463-6683).

Olde Town Tavern & Grill: This sports pub/karaoke bar/pool hall has it all. Over 20 beers are on tap and a there's a free happy hour taco bar from 4–7 PM weekdays (7355 Ralston Rd. #R-1000; 303-467-1472).

The Grandview Grill & Tavern: The Grandview is Olde Town’s friendly neighborhood pub with burgers and fries and a well known prime rib dinner. Get there early to enjoy your favorite beverage on the small but cozy patio. Also look for changing daily specials like the $5 taco plate (7427 Grandview Ave., 303-422-0781).

Silver Vines Winery: For those who enjoy a sip of the grape, Silver Vines Winery makes almost a dozen varieties onsite, including a Chocolate Delight dessert wine and offers tastings and pairing open to the public. The winery even has live music on Saturdays. Silver Vines wines can be found all over town, but why not try them from the source (7509 Grandview Ave.; 303-456-5212).

Yak & Yeti Brewpub and Restaurant: Housed in a historic residence built in 1864, the Yak and Yeti Brewpub serves up Nepalese and Indian food alongside handcrafted, award-winning beers. The place is also supposed to be haunted. Head brewer Adam Draeger has been creating all kinds of unique brews in the restaurant’s tiny but productive brewery. Yak and Yeti’s Himalayan IPA won the gold medal at GABF in 2010 (7803 Ralston Rd.; 303-431-9000).

Photos by Carrie Dow