INN & OUT: DENVER & SURROUNDING AREA

Found yourself with a surprise trip to the Mile-High city? We recently spent a lovely weekend galavanting between Denver and Golden, Co. Of course, the views are everything you can imagine, however… Colorado has so much more to offer than natural aesthetics. Here’s a few of our suggestions you should go see first hand:

LIBATIONS

Avanti Food & Beverage: Cocktails, views and many snacks… what else do you need? This food hall has a rooftop overlooking downtown Denver with an outdoor area for summer (or those who can brave a chilly winter) and an indoor area with the same view. Make sure to go hungry because there are several tasty options to pick from their restaurant selections.  The cocktails are fantastic but don’t sleep on the food! You’ll get the picture just looking at their Instagram, literally.

The Family Jones Distillery: First off, quite impressed by the spirits. Order the flight so you can really taste what they’ve done here between vodka, gin, rum and whiskey. We appreciated all the family pictures in their menu, reminded us a lot of ours in the 1970’s and 80’s. A swanky place for sure and fantastic food options, arguably as good or better than the home-made spirits! 

Mythology Distillery: Creative cocktails with their own local batches. After exploring the Lower Highlands district we were in need of some refreshments, so we tried a few of their summery choices like ‘Kelso’s Country Store’ & ‘Lester Had A Coconut’. If fun summer cocktails are your thing, these won’t disappoint! (Side Note: they accurately distinguish ‘The Classic Old Fashioned’ and ‘Your Grandfather’s Old Fashioned which has a splash of soda. We’ve found they still serve it this way when traveling the midwest)

Terminal Bar: Located inside the historic ticketing office of Denver Union Station (circa; 1914), the Terminal Bar is a great metamorphosis of old and new. We highly recommend the Wynkoop Sour for those bourbon lovers seeking a refreshing boost!

The Tatarian: An adorable craft cocktail bar in the heart of the Tennyson District. There isn’t a season or time of day we don’t love this bar (and the town itself). The mixologists here are about as talented as we’ve seen putting on a display of fire and smoke behind creative and delicious drinks. Don’t believe us? Put them to the test and have them create a custom cocktail for you by what experience you seek. We did… they didn’t disappoint! 

The High Lonesome: On our afternoon jaunt, we simply stumbled upon this gem. Clearly, its built in one of Denver’s historic industrial buildings which drew us in, but when the bartender told us the building has been home to a bar at least 60 years… we were in! It mixes a trendy watering hole with the classic divey neighborhood bar appeal. We could have stayed for hours just pumping dollars into the jukebox. (PS: They have great happy hour prices). 

HOTEL

The Crawford Hotel: Also inside the historic Denver Union Station, this luxury hotel has it all (including iconic views of the Rocky Mountains). Plus, the Terminal Bar is on the same property!

The Ramble Hotel: Located in Denver’s hip RINO district, this place is also home to the popular cocktail bar Death & Co.

The Dove Inn: If you seek something a little different, might we recommend venturing to neighboring Golden, Co. where this 1866 Victorian inn is quiet, quaint and moves more at a weekend pace. Not quite an AirBnB, not quite a boutique hotel  but something in between. You are left to your own devices in a house built by one of Golden’s original mayors. Seriously, if you’re looking to slow your pace… this is your dream come true. We will be back! PS- We stayed in the Serenity room and it felt like we were spending the night at a family member’s house..

DINING

Barcelona Wine Bar: We went on a double date and it was a ten all around. Would it be crazy to say we liked the croquettes better than Spain’s? Not one dish was subpar. Try 10 or more, they’re perfect to split up in a group of four! Warning, this place is a scene! If that’s not your thing… continue walking the area, RiNo District has so many incredible options. (Tip: Bacon wrapped dates, order it)

Tavernetta: Not your typical spaghetti & meatballs Italian… although, pasta and tomatoes are plentiful, this place makes unique dishes while a sommalier can pair the perfect wine within your price range. After an incredible Negroni (white or red), we enjoyed a wonderful chianti! The menu changes… but looks like the carpaccio stays put. Get it!

Denver Central Market: I’ve been dreaming about the French Dip I had… but I could gone back here for every meal as they have multiple vendors including a RIDICULOUS bakery, bbq, pizzas, a grill and bar. PS: tried the espresso martini, twas great! This place is amazing for lunch or brunch almost any day of the week.

Root Down: Built into an old gas station in the Lower Highlands, this is the perfect brunch spot to meet friends or a first date. Gluten free, vegetarian, vegan or a spicy chorizo; no one is left out at Root Down. The cocktail selections are delicious and their bottomless mimosas don’t stop coming.  

EXPLORING

River North Art District (RiNo): If you’re familiar with (and enjoy) the Wynwood District in Miami, FL. or Brooklyn, NY then you’ll LOVE this area. Yesterday meets today with art galleries, cocktail lounges, markets and trendy restaurants in revamped industrial buildings of Denver’s 1920’s. I also snagged a 1986 Cyndi Lauper ‘True Colors’ tour shirt at a pop up vintage vendor.

We highly recommend several hours for exploration, meals and a few drinks!

Lower Highlands District (LoHi): We spent the day exploring this neighborhood in the midst of its renaissance. Houses and businesses that in some cases date as far as the late 1800’s right next to ultra-modern structures giving the neighborhood a unique vibe. There are a number of great bars and restaurants in the area, our jaunt took us day drinking & snacking at local distilleries, restaurants and a few revitalized bars paying homage to the cities historic industrial architecture. 

Coors Field: Ever been to a baseball game 1 mile above sea level? That’s why they call is Mile High Stadium! On a clear day you can see the mountains through the outfield. Get yourself a Coors Banquet on tap, a hot dog then spill out right downtown!

Honestly, this blog could go on forever but we know we must stop at one point. Tell us some of your favorite Denver spots and we’ll be sure to give it a go upon our next visit.

 Cheers, Gents!