There was a time when South Pearl Street, a collection of businesses, shops and restaurants in the Platt Park area, was overshadowed by its bigger neighbor, Washington Park. Then in 1985 Toshihiro Kizaki, one of the best sushi chefs in the world, and his brother Yasuhiro, opened Sushi Den and the street exploded in popularity. Note the Ferraris lined up waiting for valet service out front. However, there is more to this area than world-class sushi. Pearl Street has something for everyone from the beer connoisseur to the coffee sipper. Here is how you do a pub crawl on South Pearl Street.

Sushi Den: Sushi Den is Denver’s premier sushi house and is also notorious for not taking reservations for parties of less than five people. What that means for you and your date is if you don’t get here before 6 PM on Friday, you’ll have to wait in line, probably outside. Leave work early if you have to, so you can enjoy Sushi Happy Hour and one of the most extensive sake menus in the city. (1487 S. Pearl St.; 303-777-0826)

Izakaya Den: Also owned by the Kizaki brothers and located next door, Izakaya literally translates to “sake house with small plates.” Izakaya is also the place to go when you can’t get into Sushi Den. Try the Bamboo Picnic Sake Flight of Sayuri, Umeishiki, and Chokaisan with a side of Kinpira (root vegetables) for $20. (1487 S. Pearl St.; 303-777-0691)

Hanson’s Grill & Tavern: Hanson’s, on the 1300 block, features the street’s longest happy hour on Wednesdays from 11 AM to Midnight. Play pool upstairs in Hanson’s Hideaway Lounge. The pool is free, but reservations are encouraged for groups of five or more. (1301 S. Pearl St.; 303-744-1052)

Black Pearl: Highlighting the best of American cuisine, Black Pearl uses fresh, locally produced ingredients in the food and drink menus. Enjoy the bar’s Summer Wine Series the first Wednesday of each month. September features Cinderella Wines with Domaine Wachau and October is Big, Bold & Beautiful with Trinchero Family Estates. (1529 S. Pearl St.; 303-777-0500) 

Session Kitchen: The latest offering from the Wynkoop-Breckenridge Restaurant Group features a delicious assortment of cocktails and 12 taps of tasty Wynkoop and Breckenridge beers (and a few rotating friends like Victory and Prost). Enjoy happy hour on the sidewalk patio from 4 to 6 PM, Monday through Thursday and starting at 3 PM Friday through Sunday. (1518 S. Pearl St.; 720-763-3387)

Lincoln’s Roadhouse: On the northern edge of Platt Park, Lincoln’s Roadhouse features the area’s most eclectic menu with an awarding-winning Meatloaf Cheeseburger, a Pot-Roast Burrito and full menu of Cajun food. Enjoy live music Friday through Sunday and Wednesdays are Acoustic Open Mic. (1201 S. Pearl St.; 303-777-3700)

Sexy Pizza: Of the three locations for this Denver pizza parlor, the South Pearl Street location is the only one to serve beer and wine (the Jefferson Park location will start serving soon). While the drink menu is small, guests will find local craft favorites and, well, we just like the name. Gluten-free and dairy-free pies are also available. (1579 S. Pearl St.; 303-777-5878)

Denver Pearl Brewing Co.: The brand spanking new Denver Pearl Brewing Company is located on the south side at Pearl & Jewel Streets. Only opened for a couple months, the brewery already has 11 beers on tap. The brewery is open from 3 to 10 PM Tuesday through Thursday, 3 PM to Midnight on Friday and noon to midnight on Saturday. Sundays are noon to 8 PM. (1875 S. Pearl St.; 303-968-6674)

Park Burger: Also located at Pearl and Jewel, Park Burger serves up award-winning burgers, fries, shakes and - our favorite – beer. The bar’s collection of Colorado craft changes often so just ask your server what’s available. While it might be a burger joint, Park Burger also offers a selection of wines by the glass and classic cocktails. (1890 S. Pearl St.; 720-242-9951)

Stella’s Coffee House: Stella’s inviting front porch was made for hanging out after an evening pub crawl on South Pearl Street. Open until Midnight on Friday and Saturday, Stella’s offers a sobering assortment of coffee beverages, after dinner sweet treats, and a variety of teas. Some nights also feature live music. (1476 S. Pearl St.; 303-777-1031)

Photo via Black Pearl