Denver, CO

Here's the truth: I am deeply in love with Denver, Colorado. The food, the nature, the culture. It has my heart. Unlike many of the other cities on this website, I divided the Denver section up by neighborhood as it seemed like the best way to usher you around. The Happy Hour list simply had to go first, but, after that, the coffee shops, book stores, museums, movie theaters, bars, and restaurants are divvied up by 'hood. This city is absolutely booming at the moment, so new places spring up almost daily, but these are just some of my favorite spots.

HAPPY HOURS:

One of the most extraordinary things about Denver is the popularity of the Happy Hour Menu. Here, in addition to the deals on beer, wine, and cocktails, these specials include food! And we're talking good food- great food- and all the restaurants in town are onboard, including some of the very best, so it's hard to choose the standouts, but below is a short list of my personal favorites...

JAX Fish House

JAX Fish House has seriously great seafood, and their Happy Hour deals are steals at this cozy LoDo restaurant. $1.50 oysters, $3 Kennebec Fries, $9 Clam Chowder Poutine, and $9 Blackened Shrimp Dumplings, all alongside drink specials that only sweeten the deal. Get your cast together, order lots of small plates, and chow down.

1539 17th St, Denver, CO 80202
HAPPY HOUR: 4PM- 6PM Daily
HOURS: Mon-Thurs 4PM- 10PM
Fri- Sat 4PM- 11PM
Sun 4PM- 9PM
http://www.jaxfishhouse.com/lodo/menus/happy-hour/
** Close to DCPA Actor Housing**

Panzanos

In Panzanos lounge area, between 2:30pm and 6pm, this fantastic restaurant treats you to small plates that will keep you coming back 'til every item's been ticked off the list. In addition to food, $4 beer and $5 wine and cocktails are there for a day off or at the end of a long rehearsal day. Although the menu is ever-changing, you cannot go wrong with the Pastiche with meatball and cheese tortellini baked with sage and spiced custard under a savory thyme crust ($6) or the Duck Confit Pizza ($8.)

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver, 909 17th St, Denver, CO 80202
HAPPY HOUR: 2:30PM to 6PM Daily
HOURS: Mon- Thurs 11AM- 2:30PM, 6:30PM- 10PM
Fri- Sat 11AM- 2:30PM, 6:30PM- 11PM
Sun 11AM- 2:30PM, 6:30PM- 9PM
panzano-denver.com ** Close to DCPA Actor Housing**

The Corner Office

The Corner Office is located right across the street from The Denver Center for the Performing Arts and right around the corner from the DCTC actor housing, so, whether you like it or not, you will be visiting this bar. I promise. And you will benefit greatly from their Happy Hour deals, both mid-day and late night. Small bites include Thai Chicken Meatballs with cashew sauce and rice ($6) and Polenta Con Funghi with spinach and wild mushrooms ($6), as well as drink specials ($3-$7). Grab a table and order from their very friendly staff who are happy to split checks for mingling companies of theatrefolk.

1401 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80202
HAPPY HOUR: 3PM- 6PM, 10PM- 12AM
HOURS: Mon- Tues 6AM - 12AM
**Could not be closer to DCPA Actor Housing** Wed- Sat 6AM- 2AM
** Open Late** Sun 6AM- 12AM
** Kitchen Open Late** https://thecornerofficedenver.com/

ChoLon

ChoLon is a very special restaurant, and one of my absolute favorite spots in the country. It calls its food "modern Asian" but think Asian flavors and ingredients in imaginative and unique combinations. For Happy Hour enjoy a Korean Hot Fried Chicken Slider ($5), Kaya Toast with Coconut Jam ($8), Wagyu Beef Skewers ($11), and, the best of the best, their Soup Doublings with French Onion and Gruyere ($10.)

1555 Blake St #101, Denver, CO 80202
HAPPY HOUR: Mon- Sat 2PM- 6PM, 9PM- close
HOURS: Mon 11AM- 9PM
     Tues- Thurs 11AM- 10PM
   Fri 11AM- 11PM
     Sat 2PM- 11PM
Sun 5PM- 9PM
cholon.com
**Close to DCPA Actor Housing**

Old Major

Ohhh Old Major, you meat heaven, you. Come to this Happy Hour with your carnivore on. Expect Pork Fat French Fried ($4), a plate of House-Made Sausages ($5), their Waygu Hot Dog ($7), Rib Tips ($7) and so much more. This dark-wood paneled, sexy spot in the trendy neighborhood of The Highlands is an inviting, low-key love-letter to all things meat, and a long stint at the bar with their Happy Hour will hit the spot, I promise.

3316 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
HAPPY HOUR: Mon- Fri 3PM- 6PM
Sat- Sun 4PM- 6PM
HOURS: Mon- Tues 11AM- 3PM
Wed- Sun 11AM- 10PM
oldmajordenver.com

City O' City

City O' City is an eclectic, vegetarian treasure. Part coffee shop, part bar, part comfort food restaurant, part health-food place, the huge variety available here at all hours of the day is embraced by staff and clientele who lack any pretense. This place is downright fun and will make you want to get work done or drag all your friends, or maybe both! Happy Hour includes their Seitan Wings ($7), Poutine ($5), and Korean BBQ Tacos ($2) just to start. Their late night Happy Hour is for drinks only but with $4 wine- that's not bad either.

206 E 13th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
HAPPY HOUR: Mon- Sun 2PM- 6PM
Mon- Sun 11PM-2AM (kitchen close at 1AM)
HOURS: Mon - Sun 7AM- 2AM (kitchen closes at 1AM)
cityocitydenver.com
** Open Late**
** Kitchen Open Late**

TAG Restaurant

TAG Restaurant combines Colorado ingredients with a wide range of Asian flavors and styles of cooking. This makes for a truly exciting menu at this brilliant little treasure on Larimer Street. So, why not have your first sample in the form of one of their $5 small plates? Pair it with a $5 drink special, and, in this swanky little haunt, you'll feel very excited to return for dinner in the future.

Larimer Square, 1441 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202
HAPPY HOUR: Mon- Sun 2PM- 6PM
HOURS: Mon - Thurs 11:30AM - 10PM
   Fri 11:30AM- 11PM
   Sat 5PM- 11PM
   Sun 5PM- 9PM
tag-restaurant.com
** Close to DCPA Actor Housing**

Oceanaire

I cannot rave enough about the Oceanaire Seafood Room in Denver, Colorado- specifically their Happy Hour (I have to be honest, I've never been here for dinner.) The only downside to this spot is that it doesn't stay open terribly late, but, if you are blessed with a show that will let you out in time to snag these late-night Happy Hour small plates, you are in for an absolute treat. The Happy Hour food here is wonderful: fresh, flavorful, and with generous portion sizes. The bar is quiet with a very friendly, attentive staff who, at the end of the night, will encourage you to order as much as you can squeeze in before closing time: truffle fries ($6), oysters ($1), blackened fish tacos ($6), char-grilled octopus ($12). This Happy Hour is not to be missed. (Also, all-day Happy Hour deals on Sunday means it can be your first stop before the day off!)

1400 Arapahoe St, Denver, CO 80202
HAPPY HOUR: Mon- Sat 5PM- 6PM, 9PM- 10PM
Sun ALL DAY
HOURS: Mon- Sat 5PM- 10PM
Sun 5PM- 9PM
theoceanaire.com
** Couldn't be Closer to DCPA Actor Housing**

Vesta

Vesta Dipping Grill is another incredible restaurant that has been a favorite with the locals for a while now. Consistently winning awards for its ambiance and "first-date" perfection, this intimate, inviting dining room boasts a menu of bold flavors using seasonal ingredients, but the Happy Hour is what we're here to talk about: Ahi Tuna Tonnato with tuna aioli and castelvetrano olive vinaigrette ($8), Smoked Venison Kielbasa with pickled cabbage, mustard seed caviar, tostones ($8), or you can't go wrong with the House-Made Burrata served with local Colorado mushrooms, toasted levain, chervil, hazelnut-truffle oil, black hawaiian sea salt ($7.) With $4 beer, $6 glasses of wine, as well as other drink specials, pull up a stool and enjoy everything this small but flavor-packed Happy Hour menu has to offer.

1822 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202
HAPPY HOUR: Mon- Sun 5PM- 6:30PM (at the bar)
HOURS: Mon- Sun 5PM- 10PM
http://www.vestadenver.com

Euclid Hall

Euclid Hall will be mentioned again later, under a different category, but here it is on the Happy Hour list because you should go and fall head over heels for this extraordinary spot, and Happy Hour's as good an excuse as any. Get Euclid's incredible Duck and Chips (made-in-house potato chips topped with shredded duck confit and shaved frozen duck with a lemon goat cheese dip) ($6), Fries with bacon aioli ($3), Duck Poutine ($7), or Pad Thai Pig Ears ($5), plus $4 select drafts, house wines, and well liquors. Get all of this and keep going back to this special spot, housed in an old building from the 1880's and right off the main drag of Larimer- you will fall in love.

1317 14th St, Denver, CO 80202
HAPPY HOUR: Daily 3PM- 6PM
HOURS: Sun- Thurs 11:30AM- 2AM
(Kitchen closes Sun-Thurs at 12AM; Fri and Sat at 1AM)
http://www.euclidhall.com
** Close to DCPA Actor Housing**
**Open Late**
** Kitchen Open Late**

Rhein Haus

In a city famous for its beer, a solid bier garden is a must and Rhein Haus Denver provides. This beautifully constructed, beautifully lit beer hall in LoDo is just enough off the beaten path not be too mobbed (if there isn't a big sporting event on), and, with $4 select draughts and wines as well as Pretzel Bites ($4), Beef Goulash ($6), Chicken Schnitzel Sliders ($9), and other Germanic favorites all available on both their mid-day and late night Happy Hour menus, this is a spot worthy of your cast hangouts.

1415 Market St, Denver, CO 80202
HAPPY HOUR: Mon- Fri 3PM- 6PM
Fri- Sat 10PM- 12A
HOURS: Mon- Thurs 11AM- 11PM
** Close to DCPA Actor Housing** Fri - Sat 11AM- 2AM
**Open Late** Sun 10AM- 11PM
** Kitchen Open Late** http://rheinhausdenver.com

LARIMER STREET:

Larimer Street, located right around the corner from The Denver Center for the Performing Arts and Actor Housing, is a strip you can't miss when wandering LoDo. Lit by warm, festive lights year round, this attractive strip of stores and restaurants and bars is home to a few can't miss spots.

Rioja

Rioja boasts a Mediterranean-inspired menu from executive chef Jennifer Jasinski who received a James Beard Award for Best Chef Southwest in 2013 and was a Semifinalist for Outstanding Chef in 2016. High quality doesn't mean stuffy, though, in this bright, friendly dining atmosphere. This is a special occasion spot, and if the occasion is special, treat yourself to a tasting menu as this chef knows exactly what she's doing and leaving yourself in her hands can't be anything but a good idea.

1431 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202
BRUNCH: Sat - Sun 10AM- 2:30PM
LUNCH: Wed- Fri 11:30AM- 2:30PM
DINNER: Sun- Thurs 5PM - 10PM
Fri - Sat 5PM- 11PM
http://www.riojadenver.com
**Close to the DCPA Actor Housing**

Euclid Hall

Euclid Hall. Here is it again. With executive chef Jennifer Jasinski behind the wheel of this gastropub, expect a tremendous craft brew collection complimented by a menu of innovative takes on bar favorites. I've already told you about the duck and chips. Other worthy notables are Blistered Center-Cut Beef Marrow Bones with grilled sourdough, their Sausage Tasting Menu that includes beef short rib kielbasa and boudin noir, as well as their Squid Mac and Cheese. Yep. It's as odd as it is exquisite, I promise, and you can never go wrong with the Daily Butcher's Cut.

1317 14th St, Denver, CO 80202
HOURS: Sun- Thurs 11:30AM- 2AM
(kitchen closes Sun-Thurs at 12AM; Fri and Sat at 1AM)
http://www.euclidhall.com
**Close to Actor Housing**
**Open Late**
**Kitchen Open Late**

Osteria Marco

Osteria Marco is a subterranean, Italian haven on Larimer Street. With dark wood all around and a long layout, this restaurant stands out due to the quality of its ingredients. Simple Italian done well. Everything they've got here is delicious, but the pizza really can't be missed. Perfectly charred in the oven, the specialty toppings like Wild Mushrooms with robiola and truffle oil and The Carbonara with pancetta, egg, and pecorino will leave you totally satisfied. The Sunday night special here is a Slow-Roasted Suckling Pig which- if you can make an occasion to do- DO. It won't let you down.

1453 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202
HAPPY HOUR: 3PM- 6PM ($4 drinks)
HOURS: Sun - Thurs 11AM- 10PM
Fri- Sat 11AM - 11PM
http://www.osteriamarco.com
** Close to the DCPA Actor Housing**

The Green Russell

The Green Russell is a bar with cocktails and pie. Heaven, yes? This tiny speakeasy located down some stairs and behind a fake pie shop is worth raving about. Enter into a dimly lit, low-ceilinged bar, playing music from the 20's and tell a bartender here what you like to drink. These bartenders are artists, and you may very well find something on their thoughtfully crafted, ever-changing menu, but they love a nice conversation about flavors you're in the mood for and the liquor to pair with it. Expect beautiful, carefully made creations with a slice of warm pie and home-made whipped cream on the side. This spot is a must while you work in Denver.

1422 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202
HOURS: Sun- Mon 5PM- 10:45PM
Tues- Thurs 5PM- 11:45PM
Fri - Sat 5PM- 12:45AM
http://www.greenrussell.com
**Close to the DCPA Actor Housing**

LO-DO (LOWER DOWNTOWN):

Lower Downtown is Denver's oldest neighborhood and retains much of its history and architecture. It's home of The Denver Center for the Performing Arts and phenomenal dining and recreation.

Peak's Lounge

So. You want a view? I'll give you a view. Enter the lobby of the Hyatt Regency in downtown Denver and take the elevator to the 27th Floor. There you will find Peak's Lounge at the Hyatt Regency Hotel with unparalleled views of the Rocky Mountains and the city all around. Although the ambiance is a little corporate, the view makes up for it, and this relaxed setting is perfect for a small group of friends or visiting family. Enjoy a cocktail or a coffee as the sun sets over the purple mountains.

650 15th St, Denver, CO 80202
HOURS: Sun- Thurs 4PM- 12AM
Fri - Sat 3PM- 2AM
https://denver.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining/PeaksLounge.html
**Close to the DCPA Actor Housing**

Tattered Cover Bookstore

The LoDo Tattered Cover Bookstore is a Denver mainstay. This is their flagship store, and it is furnished with plush, eclectic furniture scattered throughout, a cafe inside with tables to linger at, and hand-written staff-recommendations next to books all over the store. With a healthy used-books section as well, it's perfect for a quick bargain read, or they can order you just about anything that has ever been published. The Tattered Cover is a place worth bringing your business while working in Denver- even if it's just stationary needs, gift-wrapping, or a coffee to go along with script work.

1628 16th St, Denver, CO 80202
HOURS: Mon- Fri 6:30AM- 9PM
Sat 9AM- 9PM
Sun 10AM- 6PM
Other locations:
2526 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80206
7301 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, CO 80120
http://www.tatteredcover.com

ChoLon

ChoLon has already gotten its first shout-out above, and, although dinner can be expensive, this is a truly special restaurant where, if you're willing to splurge on a special occasion, the food will not disappoint. In 2011, ChoLon was a James Beard finalist for “Best New Restaurant in America," and the executive chef, Lon Symensma, was nominated for Food & Wine’s “Best New Chef” in the Southwest in 2012. These exciting takes on Asian cuisine like Saigon Crepes with lettuce cups, nuoc cham and fresh herbs as well as a Lamb Shank with coconut cauliflower risotto, carmelized yogurt and mint will make you want to try everything on the menu.

1555 Blake St #101, Denver, CO 80202
HAPPY HOUR: Mon - Sat 2PM- 6PM; 9PM- close
HOURS: Mon 11AM- 9PM
Tues- Thurs 11AM- 10PM
Fri 11AM- 11PM
Sat 2PM- 11PM
Sun 5PM- 9PM;
https://www.cholon.com/denver/
** Close to the DCPA Actor Housing**

The Pig and the Sprout

When I read that The Pig and the Sprout was designed to feel like a "casual get-together hosted by a stylish friend" I had no clue what to expect, but that is precisely what this unique, hip, ultra casual spot feels like. With a split menu catering to both carnivores and vegetarians/pescatarians, this restaurant lives up to its name offering vegetarian options like a killer Falafel Plate Entree and a Hatch Green Chili Poutine as well as options for us meat-eaters like a Jeagar Schnitzel with crispy breaded pork loin, red cabbage, black pepper spaetzle, and jaeger sauce. They also boast a thoughtful cocktail menu, so come for the drinks and stay for the food is my recommendation. These plates are perfect for sharing and the long couches and open, hip atmosphere are perfect for hanging with a group.

1900 Chestnut Pl, Denver, CO 80202
HOURS: Mon- Fri 11AM- 2AM
Sat & Sun 9AM- 2AM
http://www.pigandsprout.com
** Open Late**
**Kitchen Open Late**

The Kitchen

The Kitchen restaurant resembles its name- clean, precise, classy, and simple. The flagship location opened in downtown Denver in 2004 and has now spread to include outposts in Chicago, Memphis, Boulder, and Fort Collins. However, don't let multiple locations fool you, this restaurant's mission is as clean and clear as the day it began- to source seasonal ingredients exclusively from American farmers. Expect clean food done right like their Signature Tomato Soup, their Wisdom Farm Smoked Chicken and Dumplings, and their Farrow and Sunseed Risotto with sun chokes, pomegranates, and parmesan. This isn't really a spot for a cast hangout or a casual lunch, but it is a special restaurant group that's worthy of your patronage.

1530 16th St, Denver, CO 80202
HAPPY HOUR: 3PM- 6PM
HOURS: Mon- Tues 11AM- 9:30PM
     Wed- Fri 11AM- 10:30PM
   Sat 10AM- 10:30PM
     Sun 10AM- 9:30PM
http://thekitchenbistros.com/denver/
**Close to DCPA Actor Housing**

Double Daughters/ Two Fisted Mario's Pizza

Double Daughters/ Two Fisted Mario's Pizza should have been included in the Happy Hour section as well, but the truth is, drinks here are always cheap. Double Daughters is without doubt one of the strangest bars you will ever walk into. Bedecked with neon lights and red patent leather booths, it has a circus decor, but think American Horror Story Cirque not Barnum & Bailey, complete with a bright red concoction of seventeen liquors behind the bar displayed in a long tank, gurgling with bubbles. You must give that house specialty a try at least once. AND, to soak up that booze, the bar is connected to a truly spectacular pizza spot, Two Fisted Mario's, manned by local hippies. Happy Hour deals at Double Daughters include $3 well drinks, $4 wine and select drafts, and $5 specialty cocktails, and the pizza keeps coming until 2AM or 3AM, so this is just a good idea all around.

Double Daughters
1632 Market St, Denver, CO 80202
HAPPY HOUR: 5PM- 7PM
HOURS: 5PM- 2AM
http://doubledaughters.net/Marios_Double_Daughters_Salotto/Splash.html

Two Fisted Mario's
1626 Market St, Denver, CO 80202
HOURS: Sun - Thurs 11AM- 2AM
Fri - Sat 11AM- 3AM
http://twofistedmarios.com
**Close to DCPA Actor Housing**
**Open Late**
**Kitchen Open Late**

Wines Off Wynkoop

Wines Off Wynkoop is a fabulous wine shop worthy of a shout out. Offering affordable bottles alongside the fancy stuff, the staff here is eager to help without ever up-selling you. The whisky, bourbon, and scotch collection here is also impeccable, and, with its quiet location off a cobblestone alleyway, you'll feel as though you've stumbled onto something special- and you have.

1610 16th St, Denver, CO 80202
HOURS: Mon- Thurs 10AM- 8PM
   Fri 10AM- 9PM
      Sat 11AM- 9PM
   Sun 11AM- 7PM
http://www.winedenver.net
** Close to the DCPA Actor Housing**

Little Owl Coffee

Little Owl Coffee is a Brooklyn-esque coffee shop amidst the hustle and bustle of LoDo, serving up solid lattes and cappuccinos that will make you want to sip slowly. There aren't a ton of cozy spots to sit- mostly high-top chairs and a couple of tables out front in the warmer months- but a chill vibe and a low-key music selection will make up for it.

1555 Blake St #150, Denver, CO 80202
HOURS: Mon- Fri 7AM- 5PM
Sat 8AM- 4PM
Sun 8AM- 3PM
http://www.littleowlcoffee.com
** Close to the DCPA Actor Housing**

1Up

1Up is a place you must visit with your cast. Cheap drinks coupled with classic arcade games and even giant jenga, this special spot is ideal for groups who enjoy nostalgia and having a great time.

1925 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202
HOURS: Mon- Thurs 3PM- 2AM
Fri- Sun 11AM- 2AM
http://www.the-1up.com
** Not far from the DCPA Actor Housing**
**Open Late**

The Study/ The Nickel

Inside the Hotel Teatro right around the corner from The Denver Center, the actor housing, and the rehearsal hall are two immaculately appointed spaces for reading with tea or late night beverages. The hotel, which is housed in the former Denver Tramway Building constructed in 1911, is a welcoming space, and The Study, just inside the lobby, is an ideal spot to snuggle up on one the plush couches or armchairs and enjoy coffee, a cheese plate, or a glass of wine with your book. The Study serves whatever is available at The Nickel, the hotel's bar and restaurant directly across the lobby, so sit back and stay awhile.

1100 14th Street Denver, CO 80202
HOURS: 6:30AM- 11PM DAILY
** Close to DCPA Actor Housing**

The Nickel Bar specializes in local craft beer and even a number of Colorado wines, and their restaurant serves up a full menu of tempting dishes, as well as some solid charcuterie if you're in a snacking mood. During their Happy Hour, or "Social Hour" as they call it, you can try $5-$7 wines, $2 off their beer on tap, and even specially priced small bites.

1100 14th Street Denver, CO 80202
HAPPY HOUR: 3PM- 5PM at the bar and in The Study
LUNCH: Mon- Fri 11AM- 3PM
BRUNCH: Sat- Sun 10AM- 3PM
DINNER: Mon- Sat 5PM- 10PM
Sun 5PM- 9PM
http://www.thenickeldenver.com
**Close to DCPA Actor Housing**

Backstage Coffee

Backstage Coffee is connected to The Denver Center Theatre complex and, in addition to its convenience, support local and hit up this spot as opposed to that small Seattle chain across the street. The folks who work here could not be nicer, and they will get to know you by name in a week.

1000 14th St Denver, CO 80202
HOURS: Mon 6:30AM- 8PM
Tues- Fri 6:30AM- 10:30PM
Sat- Sun 8AM- 10:30PM
http://backstagecoffee.com
** Close to DCPA Actor Housing**

Snarf's

Snarf's is a family owned business, based out of Boulder, Colorado that makes exceptional subs with all the accoutrement. Located a couple blocks from the rehearsal hall and actor housing, it's a great, quick spot for a sandwich and chips. It's your local sandwich alternative.

891 14th St, Denver, CO 80202
HOURS: Mon- Sat 11AM- 9PM
Sun 11AM- 5PM
http://www.eatsnarfs.com
** Close to the DCPA Actor Housing**

The Galleria Bar

All you need to know about The Galleria Bar is $3 and $4 drinks. This tiny theatre bar stays open into the wee hours of the night whenever there's a big touring show in town, and it can spoil you rotten with dirt cheap prices and wildly generous pours from the kind, affable staff, but, be aware, this is a finicky place, like a fairyland, and you'll often find it closed even on a weekend evening. So, take advantage when their light is on and drink well and hearty and long.

1101 13th St, Denver, CO 80204
HOURS: very much based on the shows in town...really....
(right off the lobby of the Galleria Theatre)
** Close to the DCPA Actor Housing**
** Open Late** (when it's open)

Union Station:

Built in 1881, Denver's Union Station underwent a major renovation in 2012 that resulted in one of the most breathtaking and welcoming transit stations you are likely to find anywhere. Gorgeous, bright white stone and gold copper adornments open the hall up in a grand way, and dark, cushy benches and chairs covering the main floor make the space feel like a cozy spot to sit and stay awhile. Lining either side of the main hall are shops and food outposts with exclusively local vendors. In the upper levels, The Crawford Hotel has rooms which open out onto the main hall. Find multiple bars that transform into sexy watering holes at night as the hall lights up with a golden glow from the chandeliers. This is a place where you must find an excuse to spend time while working in Denver, either for lunch, dinner, a drink, a coffee, or anything in between.

1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202
https://unionstationindenver.com
**Close to DCPA Actor Housing**

Acme Delicatessen

Acme Delicatessen gives you a select menu of top notch, meat-packed sandwiches perfect for a lunchtime grab. The Railroad Reuben is a particular standout.

HOURS: 7AM- 11PM
http://www.acmedelicatessen.com

Mercantile Dining and Provisions

Started by the award-winning chef of Fruition Restaurant, Alex Seidel, Mercantile Dining and Provisions, combines a high-quality market with a cafeteria style menu of comfort food done very VERY well, and that's just during daytime hours. At night it becomes a fine-dining restaurant. During the day, if you need coffee and a muffin, this is your spot. If you need some cheese, they've got that too. You can just order, take a number, grab a seat, and be served up delicious, fresh, locally sourced dishes like a Quinoa Salad with farm greens, grilled zucchini, charred onion, lentil granola, polenta croutons, goat’s feta, and a red wine vinaigrette or a killer Pastrami Sandwich with brussels sprouts salad, pickled onions, and bread & butter aïoli on toasted rye. Then, at 5PM, this award-winning restaurant pulls out the fine china and the wine glasses and transforms into a top-notch restaurant, serving a farm-fresh, seasonal menu. It is another special occasion spot where the knowledge that you're supporting local farms and farmers can put your pocket book a little more at ease.

HOURS: Sun- Thurs 7AM- 10PM
Fri - Sat 7AM- 11PM
http://mercantiledenver.com

Bloom

Bloom is a stunning little florist booth inside Union Station. With affordable, tiny creations to grab for an opening night or more ornate arrangements if you need to give someone something special, these carefully crafted bouquets are like works of art.

HOURS: Mon- Sat 10AM- 7PM
Sun 11AM- 5PM
https://www.bloomdenver.com

MilkBox Ice Creamery

Milkbox Ice Creamery offers 16 all-natural ice creams all provided fresh daily from Little Man Ice-Cream, a wildly popular local creamery. They can be served as shakes, malts, sundaes, in cones or cups, as well as in boozy alcohol shakes like Butterscotch with Bourbon or Coconut Almondy Fudge with Rum. If you take your ice cream sans alcohol, they offer the usual flavor suspects as well as Strawberry Balsamic, Bhakti Chai, and Milk Stout Chip.

HOURS: 11AM- 11PM
http://www.milkboxicecream.com

Next Door

Next Door is part of The Kitchen Restaurant Group, which means you'll be getting locally sourced food from American farmers, but their Union Station outpost decor is quite different than LoDo's The Kitchen. With neon signage and a preppy diner feel, there's a more casual vibe at Next Door, and I highly recommend the bar for a beer along with comfort-food classics done right like Meatballs with parmesan polenta, marinara, grilled broccolini, and almond gremolata or the Pineapple Express Burger with bacon, pineapple, swiss, arugula, and honey sriracha. A late night Happy Hour is available as well.

HAPPY HOUR: Daily 3PM- 6PM; 9PM- close
HOURS: Sun- Thurs 11AM- 10PM
Fri - Sat 11AM- 11PM
https://www.nextdooreatery.com/location/union-station/

Pigtrain Coffee

Pigtrain Coffee brews locally-roasted coffees and espresso beans from locally-owned Conscious Coffee, so it's a great spot to grab a quick cup to go.

HOURS: 6AM- 11PM
http://www.pigtraincoffee.com

The Cooper Lounge

The Cooper Lounge is a class act with gorgeous cocktails served on silver platters with their own side of bar snacks. Come with a small group and snag one of their sleek couches or pull up a seat at the bar. This is a spot best enjoyed in the evening time. When the windows look out over downtown Denver, the balcony looks out over a golden glow from the Great Hall of Union Station.

HOURS: 4PM- 12AM
http://cooperlounge.com
**Open Late**

Snooze

Snooze is an eatery most folks will recommend you try in Denver. The first Snooze was founded in Denver in 2006 with an all-day brunch menu to die for. Their outpost in Union Station doesn't depart from the menu or the friendly, fast-paced service of the original. Try a pancake flight so you can sample three of their incredible pancake offerings like Pineapple Upside Down or Nana's Hot Cocoa. You can't go wrong with any of their twists on Eggs Benedict either. They call the whole section "The Art of Hollandaise", and they even give you the option of a half order so that you sample even more flavors.

HOURS: 6:30AM- 2:30PM
http://snoozeeatery.com/locations/union-station/

Stoic and Genuine

Stoic and Genuine is the Union Station offering from chef Jennifer Jasinksi of Rioja and Euclid Hall fame. This polished, dark-wood oyster bar is impeccable in its commitment to freshness and simplicity. The menu offers fresh, sustainable seafood like oysters (of course), lobster, caviar, Scallops with crispy coconut rice, mango, pickled fresno, chives, and coconut cream, and Hawaiian BBQ Octopus with fried rice, smoky shrimp aioli, house made kimchi, ginger paper, and cilantro. I really could go on and on but if the price tag of seafood is too steep, their Happy Hour is a perfect way to sample the atmosphere and the menu of this comfortable little gem with $2 oysters and $3 drinks including their Daily Granita Vodka Cocktail.
HAPPY HOUR: Sun- Fri 2PM- 6PM
HOURS: Sun- Thurs 11AM- 10PM
Fri & Sat 11AM- 11PM
http://www.stoicandgenuine.com

Terminal Bar

Terminal Bar is the more casual alternative to Cooper's Lounge. Located at the front entrance of the hall where the ticketing station used to be, the long, narrow bar is the perfect spot to sample some of Colorado's best craft beer on tap. With a knowledgable, beer-loving staff, you will be encouraged to sip and stay awhile.

HAPPY HOUR: Mon- Fri 4PM- 6PM
HOURS: Mon- Sat 10AM- 2AM
     Sun 10AM- 12AM
   * Kitchen open till 11PM
http://www.terminalbardenver.com
**Open Late**
   **Kitchen Open Late**

THE HIGHLANDS:

The Highlands is a neighborhood that has exploded in the last decade or so in Denver. With steep, steep hilly streets and stunning views of downtown Denver, this neighborhood is full of some of the newest and best spots for food and drink that the city as to offer, and the stroll to it across either of the two pedestrian bridges ain't so shabby either.

Sushi Sasa

Good sushi in Denver may seem like an impossibility given the city's location, but there is in fact GREAT sushi coming to Denver every day, fresh off the airplane. And one of the best spots for it is Sushi Sasa. In a tiny, quiet dining room, the fish here is the centerpiece, and, trust me, you want their negiri. They sport an incredible Happy Hour menu in their lounge area as well to save you a little bit of cash, but the real rockstars here are the fish, so don't leave without having some.

2401 15th St, Denver, CO 80202
HAPPY HOUR: Daily 5PM- 7PM (lounge only)
HOURS:Lunch: Mon- Sat 11:30AM- 2:30PM
Dinner: Sun- Thurs 5PM- close
Fri & Sat 5PM- 11PM
http://www.sushisasadenver.com

House of Commons

House of Commons is an unpretentious British tea shop perfect for a proper English High Tea. Never too crowded or noisy, this unique little UK outpost is home to just about the friendliest staff in town, and they know their tea. Ask for recommendations, and you will get careful, impressive explanations about their world-class tea collection, but the High Tea service is really the highlight of this joint- fresh scones and tea sandwiches alongside home made jam, clotted cream, and lemon curd means you get to sip and nibble at your leisure.

2401 15th St Suite 170, Denver, CO 80202
HOURS: 10AM- 6PM
http://www.houseofcommonstea.com

Williams and Graham

Williams and Graham opened in the highlands in 2011 to instant acclaim. This perfectly manicured speakeasy, located behind a bookcase, is more often than not going to ask you to wait, but it will be worth it. I promise. Because once you're inside this dark, busy, candlelit haven, you will be treated like you are their guest of honor. With personal attention like you wouldn't believe, they want you to talk about your cocktail choice, talk about your food cravings, and let them find exactly what you're in the mood for. They only take reservations for a small number of tables Sunday through Wednesday by calling 303.997.8886 after 4:30PM. If you come sans reservation, plan to come early (they open at 5PM) to put your name on the list (they only take names in person), and they will call you as soon as they have space. Dress up, come thirsty, and stay till the wee hours when all the restaurant staff far and wide come here, which is just about the best testament to any place.

3160 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
HOURS: 5PM- 1AM
http://williamsandgraham.com
**Open Late**
**Kitchen Open Late**

Little Man Ice Cream

You know you're approaching Little Man Ice Cream when the giant 14,000 lb cream can begins to loom into view. This insanely popular spot serving up notoriously good ice cream is a landmark here, and one you may have to wait in line to enjoy. (However, this is one of those happy Colorado lines where everyone is having a good time in anticipation of something special.) Next to the ice cream stand is a large, cobblestone patio area that hosts a number of neighborhood events like movie screenings and harvest festivals, but the main attraction here is the ice cream. And you can't go wrong with one of their waffle cones, made fresh daily on the premises.

2620 16th St, Denver, CO 80211
HOURS: Sun- Thurs 11AM- 11PM
Fri - Sat 11AM- 12AM
http://www.littlemanicecream.com

There...

There... began as a highly popular late-night eatery in Telluride, CO, before opening its Denver outpost in 2016. With bar food that's been elevated through the roof, expect to pair affordable drink options with exotic small plates like a Lettuce Wrap with Ground Colorado Elk, ginger, garlic, shallot patty, topped with crispy garlic, white sesame, scallion, yuzu soy, and finished with hot sesame oil or Pork Belly Skewers that are fennel salt-cured, sous vide, and served with diced grilled pineapple, and mojo dipping sauce or a Mushroom Beet Tostado made with local organic corn with boiled brunoise beets, mushroom paste, balsamic reduction, and topped with feta cheese and orange zest. This is a cool place, and they're open late with great drink deals and affordable small plates plus a Happy Hour that includes $3 snacks like select Tostadas, Steamed Buns, and Lettuce Wraps as well a $5 Specialty Martini and $3 Telluride Drafts. Late Night Happy Hour is $1 off the entire menu, making this a great night place for a cast hang.

3254 Navajo St, Denver, CO 80211
HAPPY HOUR: 4:30PM- 6:30PM; 10PM- 1AM
HOURS: Sun- Thurs 4:30PM- 1AM
Sat 10AM- 2PM; 4:30PM- 1AM
http://experiencethere.com
**Open Late**
**Kitchen Open Late**

Colt and Grey

Created by Colorado native, Nelson D. Perkins, Colt and Grey is a true labor of love with the restaurant's name even coming from Perkins' two eldest children (Coulter and Grayson.) With an in-house butcher shop and curing facility, the meat and charcuterie here is something special and worth trying, but really Colt and Grey has made a name for itself through a consistent high-quality menu of locally sourced ingredients. They now offer a Happy Hour, too, at the bar, where you can enjoy BBQ Chicharons ($6), Bacon and Cashew Caramel Corn ($4), a killer $7 Old Fashioned along with other reduced prices on wine and cocktails.

1553 Platte St, Denver, CO 80202
HAPPY HOUR: 4PM-6PM
HOURS: Tues- Thurs 5PM- 10PM
     Fri - Sat 5PM- 11PM
     Sun 5PM- 9PM
     Closed Mondays
https://www.coltandgray.com

Saint Ellie

Saint Ellie is the downstairs cocktail lounge under Colt and Grey named after Chef Perkins' daughter, Ellie. A gorgeously appointed underground space with cream-colored walls and a dark-wood bar, this ambiantly lit little darling is a calming, charming, laid-back answer to a fancy cocktail joint. The Bartenders will put you at ease to enjoy the light piano music and chat about the drink menu.

1553 Platte St, Denver, CO 80202
HOURS: Sun-Thurs 6PM- 12AM
Fri - Sat 6PM- 1AM
Closed Mondays
https://www.saintellie.com
**Open Late**

Uncle

There is always a wait at Tommy Lee's hip ramen spot Uncle, but there's good reason for that. This hole-in-the-wall in the Lower Highlands serves up creative takes on traditional Ramen and Japanese side dishes with an ever-changing menu. With spins like Duck Ramen with shoyu broth, confit duck, arugula, gala apples, shichimi togarashi, scallion, and soft egg as well as their incredibly popular Spicy Chicken with spicy sesame broth, confit chicken, bean sprouts, scallion, and soft egg, this is a tiny menu of all-star dishes that the chef is constantly swapping out for new ideas. Expect a wait, but have a drink on the porch or at a bar nearby and treat yourself to this Denver favorite. It's heaven.

2215 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
HOURS: Mon- Sat 5PM- 10PM
Closed Sundays
http://www.uncleramen.com

Root Down

Reading Root Down's sustainability information will make your heart sing. Aside from their delicious dishes, the restaurant is powered 100% by wind energy, over 50% of their ingredients are sourced from Colorado from over 55 ranchers, farmers, and food vendors, 75% of the restaurant was built from reclaimed, reused, and recycled materials, and all of this in addition to using exclusively non-GMO cooking oil, certified seafood, and certified humane animal products. This restaurant operates with the full weight of its convictions behind it, and over the years it has become beloved by the Denver community. Also, have I mentioned that the food is incredible? Stuffed Kuri Squash Salad with roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, shinko pear or Parsnip Gnocchi with Longs Peak Lamb Bolognese, swiss chard, fines herbs, pecorino toscano, and parsnip chips. The fact that Denver, Colorado has fallen head over heels for this restaurant should tell you almost everything you need to know about Denver and Root Down.

Happy Hour includes a tasty selection of small plates, including Sweet Potato Fries with curry lime dunk ($4), Jerk Duck Wings with pickle, lime, and mango aioli ($5), and Roasted Baby Beets with arugula, local goat cheese, toasted hazelnuts, beet-sunflower-seed pesto and basil vin. Wash it all down with $6 wine, $4 beer, or $5 cocktails.

1600 W 33rd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
HAPPY HOUR: Mon- Fir 4PM- 6:30PM (bar only)
HOURS: Mon- Thurs 4PM- 10PM
     Fri 11AM–2PM; 4:30–11PM
     Sat 10AM–2:30PM; 5–11PM
     Sun 10AM–2:30PM; 5–10PM
http://www.rootdowndenver.com

Bar Dough

Bar Dough does Italian right. With simple, fresh ingredients in a low-key setting, this Highlands favorite is known for nailing everything- fish, pasta, salads, and pizza (made in their hand-tiled imported oven.) Enjoy small plates like their Garlic Squid, perfect pastas like Tortellini en Brodo with pork shoulder, mortadella, and parmigiano (even available in a half-size), or their Mountain Man Pizza with gorgonzola, guanciale, onion, pistachio, and calabrian chile. Enjoy famously good cocktails with your meal or a glass of Italian vino and make this a fun night out with a group.

2227 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
HOURS: Mon- Thurs 3–11PM
Fri - Sat 3PM–12AM
Sun 10AM–11PM
http://bardoughdenver.com

Old Major

Old Major got a shout out in the Happy Hour section above, but here it is again. This is meat heaven. Opening in 2013 to instant acclaim, executive chef Justin Brunson has an in-house butchery and charcuterie program here, along with sustainable seafood, and ingredients sourced from local farms, all helping to create a delicious, hearty menu befitting the warm, dark-wood environment of this comfortable spot. Absolutely everything on this carefully selected menu is done with all the care and expertise in the world, but of course you can never go wrong with their Charcuterie Plate, a selection of house cured meats listed daily on a chalkboard. Other highlights are the Lobster Poutine, the Royal Rooster Fried Chicken, and absolutely anything on the Butcher's Pride Menu.

3316 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
HOURS: Mon- Tues 11AM–3PM
     Wed- Fri 11AM–10PM
     Sat 9:30AM–10PM
     Sun 9:30AM–10PM
http://oldmajordenver.com

Western Daughters Butcher Shop

Western Daughters Butcher's Shoppe is the home of antibiotic, hormone-free, pasture-raised meat that all comes from within a 250-mile radius of Denver. So, if you need meat while working in town, visit this homey little store full of passionate, knowledgable staff who will be thrilled to find you exactly what you're looking for.

3326 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
HOURS: 10AM- 7PM
http://westerndaughters.com

Mas Kaos Pizzaria and Taqueria

Mas Kaos Pizzaria and Taqueria is the happiest of marriages between Italian and Mexican. Sourcing from local farms and farmers as well as their own farmland and greenhouses, this top-quality restaurant, in an industrial, split-level space with an indoor-outdoor bar in the summertime, is about as unpretentious as a place can get, and the care going into the pizzas and tacos on this menu is second to none.

4526 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212
HOURS: Sun- Tues 11:30AM–9PM
Wed 4–9PM
Thurs 11:30AM–9PM
Fri - Sat 11:30AM–11PM
https://maskaosdenver.com

THE RI-NO (RIVER NORTH):

This neighborhood is cool, and she knows it. Full of repurposed warehouses and garage spaces, one of the best parts about the RiNo is that it has retained its gritty, industrial architecture even while the prices of cocktails go up. The RiNo is a string of truly unique and inspired bars and restaurants that are worth a stroll from actor housing to visit.

Mister Tuna

Mister Tuna's space will make you feel like you've just walked onto an HBO set. With walls covered in punk art and a huge stainless steel, open-air kitchen area, executive Chef Troy Guard knows how to follow up such a bold first-impression with bold and boundry-pushing dishes. Drawing from his Hawaiian roots (he was born and raised there), Guard pairs island flavors and ingredients with hearty wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and meat and fish entrees. His Oak Grilled Salmon with soba noodles or his Scraped Hawaiian Ahi with carrot, onion, and jalapeño are just two of the bright, spicy dishes available right now on this seasonal and ever-changing menu.

3033 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216
HOURS: Mon- Thurs 4PM- 9:30PM
     Fri 4PM- 10:30PM
     Sat 5PM- 10:30PM
     Closed on Sundays.
https://www.mistertuna.com

Black Shirt Brewery

Black Shirt Brewery is a small operation. Started by two passionate, beer-loving best friends and featured in the documentary "Crafting a Nation" about the rise of Microbreweries in America, thank goodness this tiny startup is still going strong. Come in for an ever-changing taplist of their favorite brews (the red ales here are particularly worth writing home about) along with some killer artisan pizza on the side.

3719 Walnut St, Denver, CO 80205
HOURS: Sun- Thurs 11AM- 10PM
Fri - Sat 11AM- 12AM.
www.blackshirtbrewingco.com

Pon Pon

You will think you misread your google maps when looking for Pon Pon the first time. This tiny bar may not technically be a speakeasy, but it has embraced the industrial landscape. It is tucked away in to such an extent that it's tricky to find. Let this fact make you love Pon Pon even more. This tiny funky watering hole offers up delicious seasonal cocktails, as kooky as they are delicious, and Pon Pon's located alongside a trendy art gallery so check that out with your drink in hand.

2528 Walnut St, Denver, CO 80205
HOURS: Mon- Sat 4PM- 2AM
Sun 4PM- 12AM
http://ponponbar.com
**Open Late**

The Populist

At The Populist they believe in sharing- sharing tables, sharing food- and everything about this beautifully appointed, plant adorned place will encourage a communal state of mind. Easy and laid back, with a menu including small plates for grazing, entrees for hungrier nights, or a Chef's Tasting Menu for a special occasion, this well-manicured little beauty is ideal in the spring and summer months when you can come with a group, sit out back, and enjoy the evening air.

Happy Hour includes $3-$6 drinks specials and snacks like Salt and Vinegar Popcorn ($2), Green Lentil Croquettes ($6), and Chamomile Cured Steelhead ($7)

3163 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
HAPPY HOUR: Tues- Fri 5PM- 7PM
HOURS: Tues- Sat 5PM- 10PM
Sun- Mon CLOSED
http://www.thepopulistdenver.com

Infinite Monkey Theorum

Infinite Monkey Theorum sees Denver's many microbreweries and raises them a winery. An urban winery. The grapes are grown in Colorado, and then the wine is made, laboratory style, in a warehouse in the RiNo. Results? Shockingly tasty wine. They even serve some of it in cans. Yes. Cans. The lack of pretension should make you love this winery and everything it's about. So visit the Winery and get a 60 minute tour at $25 per person with a tasting of 5 wines included. The large, open tasting room or the outdoor patio area are both perfect for groups. Order some wine and enjoy the night outside or the soft rock music inside. These folks will be very happy to see you.

3200 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
HOURS: Mon 4PM- 8PM
Tues- Thurs 4PM- 10PM
Fri- Sun 2PM- 10PM
http://www.theinfinitemonkeytheorem.com

Snooze

Snooze got a mention above, too, but the mothership restaurant in the RiNo is no less adorable. Because it's worth reiterating: try a pancake flight so you can sample three of their incredible pancake offerings like Pineapple Upside Down or Nana's Hot Cocoa. You can't go wrong with any of their twists on Eggs Benedict either. They call the whole section "The Art of Hollandaise", and they even give you the option to order half a portion to sample even more flavors. When brunch calls you, this is worth a stop.

2262 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
HOURS: Daily 6:30AM- 2:30PM
http://snoozeeatery.com/locations/ballpark/

Biju's Little Curry Shop

Biju's Little Curry Shop uses the ingredients of Southern India plus a kick of their own spice blends to create savory wonders that keep Denverners coming back for more. With affordable bowls of beef or chicken with fresh veggies and spices, pair these with their house-made chai and some biriyani and you have a flavorful lunch or early dinner that's smart on the pocketbook, too.

1441 26th St, Denver, CO 80205
HOURS: Mon- Sat 11AM- 9PM
Sun 12PM- 8PM
http://www.littlecurryshop.com

Rebel Restaurant

Rebel Restaurant strives to live up to its name with a dangerous menu including Fried Tripe “Poutine” with crispy fried tripe, foie gras gravy, cheese curds, and parsley, their Turkey Fries & Pork Belly Stew with turkey testicles, sauerkraut, confit potatoes, mustard, and caraway pork jus, or their Signature Pig Head Bossam with persimmon chutney, lettuce, rice, and ssamjang. But I don't mean to scare you off- exactly the opposite, this adventurous Denver restaurant is pushing boundaries because they're convinced they can make these ingredients taste delicious, and they've proven they can! But, if your not in the mood to try something new, this intensely flavorful menu contains a whole host of affordable small plates with much safer ingredients involved, but, with top notch cocktails on the ready, why not step outside the box a little?

3763 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80216
HOURS: Mon- Wed 5PM- 10PM
     Thurs 5PM- 12AM
     Fri 5PM- 2AM
     Sat 3PM- 2AM
   Sun CLOSED
http://www.rebelrestaurantdenver.com
**Open Late**
**Kitchen Open Late**

Crema

Crema is the type of trendy coffee shop you'd expect to find in the RiNo. With a mod staff and no two chairs that look alike, the great coffee and casual vibe here will make you want to stay awhile.

2862 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
HOURS: Daily 7AM- 5PM
http://cremacoffeehouse.net

Hop Alley

Hop Alley, from Uncle's Tommy Lee, is a teeny tiny wonderland of spicy shared plates. With a tight bar upfront where you can kill time with a cocktail while waiting for your table, Hop Alley strives to do what its sister restaurant Uncle did with Ramen and Japanese small plates, taking typical Chinese fare and adding a twist like Bone Marrow Fried Rice, Kung Pao Cauliflower, and Bejing Duck Rolls. Their signature La Zi Ji Fried Chicken Dish with dried chiles and sichuan peppers, though, is one not to miss. Pair this spicy dish with their perfect Negroni, and you will find your happy place.

3500 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
HOURS: Mon-Sat 5:30PM- 10:30PM
Sun CLOSED
http://hopalleydenver.com

Los Chingones

Los Chingones, another Troy Guard (Mister Tuna) destination, is a glorious, multi-level complex in the RiNo with unique and killer tacos paired with exquisite margaritas. Try their exotic variety of taco meats like Lamb Neck, Octopus, or (the special the night I went) Rattlesnake and Rabbit with a spicy sauce. With salsa flights to sample from and a few different specialty guacs, this a fun, fast-paced restaurant to stake a claim at the upstairs bar or outdoor deck and chow down.

2463 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
HOURS: Mon- Thurs 11:30AM- 10PM
Fri - Sat 11:30AM- 11PM
Sun 11:30AM - 9PM
http://loschingonesmexican.com

The Meadowlark/ Meadowlark Kitchen

Housed inside and beneath a historic building from 1885, The Meadowlark is a tiny, underground bar with exposed brick walls and is a homebase of Denver's incredible local music scene. The expansive patio out back hosts many concerts, and this space vibrates with red-neon, whisky-and-beer-drinking coolness. The Meadowlark Kitchen next door serves up quintessential, no-frills bar food like its award-winning burger, a classic BLT done right, or their perfect chicken nuggets, and these snacks stick around on their late night menu between 10:30PM and 1AM, making this a great spot for a post-show bite or even one at the end of a long day of tech.

Meadowlark Bar
2701 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
HOURS: Daily 4PM- 2AM
http://www.meadowlarkbar.com

Meadowlark Kitchen
2705 Larimer St., Denver, CO 80205
HOURS: Mon- Sun 4PM- 2AM
http://www.meadowlarkkitchen.com
**Open Late**
**Kichen Open Late**

The Great Divide Barrel Bar

The Great Divide Barrel Bar is an intimate tasting room located inside Great Divide's storage and packing facility just down the road from Great Divide's original brewery. The Barrel Bar location is fairly off the beaten track, so go here with friends for a more leisurely tasting experience and try one of their core favorites like their Denver Pale Ale alongside seasonal offerings like their Chai Yeti in the winter.

1812 35th St, Denver, CO 80216
HOURS: Sun- Tues 12PM- 8PM
Wed- Sat 12PM- 10PM
https://greatdivide.com

Ratio Beerworks

Founded by three friends who met on the live music circuit, Ratio Beerworks, backs up its impressive brick and metal home with a solid selection of their own beers. The extensive outdoor area is home to long tables and corn hole, and there is always an impressive local food truck situated out front. These beers are solid and strongly influenced by the founder's California roots. Antidote, their West Coast-style IPA, is beautiful, and everyone raves about their Chocolate Stout as well. So, I suggest (surprise, surprise) a flight to begin, and then order a pint of your favorite.

2920 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
HOURS: Sun- Wed 12PM- 11PM
Thurs- Sat 12PM- 12AM
http://ratiobeerworks.com
**Open Late**

Stem Ciders

Stem Ciders has their taproom in the RiNo and is well worth a visit. With a care toward making only the finest dry apple cider they can, this cidery also has a bold adventurous spirit and will often pair with another local Denver company to experiment with brand new cider concepts. Their taproom offers three ciders on tap to share including (currently) their Almond Cider Collaboration with The Pure Brewing Project, their Banjo Collaboration with Laws Whiskey House, and their Coffee Cider Collaboration with Novo Coffee.

2811 Walnut St #150, Denver, CO 80205
HOURS: Mon- Thurs 4PM- 10PM
     Fri 3PM- 11PM
     Sat 12PM- 11PM
     Sun 12PM- 10PM
https://stemciders.com

Finn's Manor

Finn's Manor really is as cool on the inside as it is on the outside. This spot is a cocktail bar AND a food truck pod hosting some the best food trucks in Denver. The bar has 16 rotating taps as well as killer cocktails, and the regular food trucks here include Dos Abuelas serving up Puerto Rican fare made with only the finest ingredients as well as Chicken Rebel with their intense fried chicken sandwiches. With four or five food trucks to choose from on any given night, come with an appetite and sample alongside an extensive liquor shelf that may inspire you to try a gin or tequila on the rocks.

2927 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
HOURS:   Mon CLOSED
   Tues- Thurs 5PM- 12AM
   Fri & Sat 12PM- 1AM
   Sun 2PM- 9PM
http://www.finnsmanor.com
**Open Late**

Proof Wine and Spirits

Proof Wine and Spirits is an adorable little wine and liquor store on the main drag of the RiNo, and a perfect spot to find a unique wine label to take back to the actor housing. The affable staff is happy to talk to you in depth about the wine selection, and tastings even happen every Friday between 4PM and 7PM.

3360 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
HOURS: Mon- Thurs 11AM- 9PM
Fri- Sat 11AM- 10PM
Sun 11AM- 7PM
https://www.proofwinedenver.com

THE SOURCE

Located inside a former iron foundry, The Source houses 25 independent food and retail vendors as well as 2 top breweries, and soon it will also be a hotel! But- you're here for the food. And drink. And whatnot. This Chelsea-Market-esuqe complex has embraced the archicture of its home and feels industrial and thrilling. The vendors in The Source are unique, local, and worthy of your business.

3350 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216

Comida

Comida is the expansion of the wildly popular food truck Tina and has stayed true to its original mission of slow-cooked Mexican street fare done right. With tacos, tortas, and quesadillas all made from scratch, this delicious spot will encourage you to pair them with a perfect margarita and stay awhile.

Happy Hour offers a variety of specialty margaritas including their Classic Margarita ($5) along with $2 beers, $5 wines, and $5 street snacks like Chips and Guac, Stuffed Jalapeños, and Tender Belly Hot Dogs along with a $6 special on three tacos.

HAPPY HOUR: Mon- Fri 3PM- 6PM
* All day Taco Tuesday
HOURS: Mon- Sat 11AM- 10PM
Sun 11AM- 9PM
http://www.eatcomida.com

Crooked Stave Brewery

Crooked Stave Brewery was founded in Denver in 2010 as an artisan beer project. Their approach to brewing is art meets science, using Brettanomyces yeasts and maturing their brews in oak. Their beers have a devoted following for their incredibly unique flavor profiles, and their Tasting Room in The Source is the perfect spot to come and sample these spectacularly unique beers. I highly recommend the sours. I had never enjoyed sours before, and these changed my mind.

HOURS: Sun- Tues 12PM- 8PM
Wed- Sat 12PM- 10PM
http://www.crookedstave.com

Acorn

Acorn was in some ways the first star of The Source. A sister restaurant to the highly successful restaurant OAK, this highly inventive New American menu was an instant hit. In graffiti tatted, metal, and open-kitchen digs with a blazing stove, expect bold flavors in dishes like Oak Grilled Italian Sausage with angel hair, sea island red peas, swiss chard, clam cream, and chili oil or Wood Oven Roasted Clams with fennel sofrito, cava, sundried tomato, saffron, bacon, and pine nuts. Straddling the line between a nice sit-down dinner and an enjoyable night out with friends, I would recommend snagging a seat at the bar and sampling from this high-quality menu with a friend or two.

HOURS: Mon- Sat 11:30AM- 10PM
Sun 5:30PM- 10PM
http://www.denveracorn.com

Babette

Babette is the brainchild of Steve Scott, who has created a boulangerie specializing in French country breads, breakfast pastries, and a whole grain French seeded rye to die for. Known for their signature dark crusts, these loaves are made fresh daily, and they will often sell out. But, not to worry, you cannot go wrong with anything here, and more often than not the staff is eager to give you a taste from a collection of torn up pieces they keep on hand.

HOURS: Mon CLOSED
Tues- Sun 8AM- 2PM
https://www.babettesbakery.com

Beet and Yarrow

Beet and Yarrow is a gorgeous little florists' shop. Offering bouquets of flowers or small potted succulents along with a few cards and ceramics as well, it's the perfect way to support local and to buy a gift for a friend or a loved one or find a collection of flowers to brighten up that actor housing.

HOURS: Mon CLOSED
Tues- Sat 10AM- 7PM
Sun 10AM- 2PM
https://www.beetandyarrow.com

Caffe Figurati

Caffe Figurati is Commonwealth Coffee's offering to The Source. A Denver-based coffee roaster, this small shop offers espresso drinks and pour-over coffee as well as small desserts.

HOURS: Mon- Sun 8AM- 12PM

Western Daughter's Butcher Shop

Western Daughters Butcher Shoppe got a shout out above but just to reiterate: all their product comes from humane and sustainably ranched farms—all within a 250-mile radius of Denver. It is entirely antibiotic-free, hormone-free, and pasture-raised. This small vendor serves butcher cuts along with sandwiches, house-smoked barbecue, house-made sausages, and some produce.

HOURS: Mon CLOSED
Tues- Sat 11AM- 7PM
Sun 10AM- 2PM
http://westerndaughters.com

Mondo Market

Mondo Market hosts a high-end collection of spices, vinegars, and oils along with artisan cheeses and cured meats. At their outpost in The Source you can take these items home along with an artisan sandwich that will rock your world.

HOURS: Sun- Thurs 9AM- 8PM
Fri - Sat 9AM- 10PM
http://www.mondomarketdenver.com

The Proper Pour

The Proper Pour features old world wines and top shelf spirits along with a highly curated selection of beers. This spot demands that you try something new, and, for the connoisseurs in the group, they also offer exquisite bartending tools and cocktail manuals.

HOURS: Sun- Thurs 11AM- 8PM
Fri - Sat 11AM- 10PM
http://the-proper-pour-605978.shoplightspeed.com

RiNo Yacht Club

In the middle of The Source is the RiNo Yacht Club, a wonderful bar that's as community oriented as its location would suggest. With owners who both hail from the South, their desire to bring Southern hospitality to the forefront here is manifest. Pair any of the carefully crafted cocktails with BBQ and sit in the middle of the action at The Source to soak it all in.

HOURS: Mon- Thurs 4PM- close
Fri- Sun 12PM- close
http://rinoyachtclub.com

THE CENTRAL MARKET

In addition to The Source, Denver Central Market opened its large doors in the Fall of 2016 and now gives shelter to 11 local artisanal food stands. A wonderland of drinks, snacks, espresso, and chocolate, The Central Market is housed in a large communal hall of brick and tons of natural light, and it comes with a more expansive seating area than The Source. So, gather your goodies and stretch out at one of the many tables available.

2669 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
http://denvercentralmarket.com

Crema Bodega

Crema Bodgea is The Central Market's offering for coffee lovers. An annex of Crema Coffee House (that got a shout out in the RiNo section), this local coffee favorite is perfect for a cup after your lunch or for taking a bag of beans back to the actor housing- this is the good stuff.

HOURS: Sun- Thurs 8AM- 9PM
Fri - Sat 8AM- 10PM
http://denvercentralmarket.com/vendors/crema-bodega/

Green Seed

Green Seed is a produce-happy vendor with tasty salads and veggie bowl creations in addition to their juices which they make fresh daily. They also sell fresh produce alongside their menu in case you REALLY like what you ate and want to take the ingredients home to make it yourself!

HOURS: Mon-Sun 8AM- 8PM
http://www.greenseedmarket.com

SK Provisions

Two antique Rotisserie ovens are the cornerstones of SK Provisions that slow roast chickens and porchetta in these ovens to create incredible sandwiches or entree meals alongside a variety of roasted veggies or greens.

HOURS: 8AM- 8PM
http://denvercentralmarket.com/vendors/sk-provisions/

Temper Chocolates

The child of French-trained chef Jon Robbins', Temper Chocolates displays 15-20 varieties of chocolate truffles every day in its Central Market home. Hand-tempered in a kitchen you can see right into, these incredible morsals include traditional chocolate truffles in addition to fancier ones like "Date Night" Pinot Noir, Honey Lavender, and Basil and Strawberry Ganache. Yup.

HOURS: Sun- Thurs 8AM- 9PM; Fri & Sat 8AM- 10PM
http://denvercentralmarket.com/vendors/temper/

The Local Butcher

The Local Butcher tells your everything you need to know in its name. This full service butcher shop is ideal for anyone who might want to talk about what they're buying. The experienced and attentive staff is eager to answer questions, talk about where the meat came from, as well as give advice how best to cook different cuts. They offer two sandwich options daily as well as some house-smoked BBQ including pork baby back ribs, smoked pulled pork, and smoked brisket. All of their bread comes straight from Izzio’s Bakery in The Market, and their house-made beef jerky is well worth a try as well.

HOURS: Mon- Sun 8AM- 9PM
http://www.thelocalbutcherdenver.com

High Point Creamery

Started by a husband and wife team obsessed with creating perfect ice cream, High Point Creamery deserved a second home in the Denver Market after years of community obsession. These perfect ice creams come (thank God) in FLIGHTS! Meaning you don't have to pick just one, and, with innovative flavors like Basil with Blackberry Swirl and Tin Cup Whiskey with Pistachio Brittle, you won't want to.

HOURS: Sun- Thurs 8AM- 9PM
Fri - Sat 8AM- 10PM
http://www.highpointcreamery.com

Vero

Vero is part of a wildly popular and ever expanding empire by chef Andrea Frizzi, and the centerpiece of this Italian outpost is the mosaic-tiled oven made from Vesuvian soil. Frizz's Italian roots come through strong with these pizzas and pastas done right.

HOURS: Mon- Sun 10AM- 10PM
http://eatvero.com/about/

Izzio Artisanal Bakery

Izzio Artisan Bakery is the first year-round retail bakery outlet for the spectacularly popular bread and pastry maker. Before now, Izzio (formally Udi's Artisan) was a mainstay at both The Cherry Creek and The Boulder's Farmer's Markets, but this outpost in The Central Market will make it easier for you to try some of this truly exceptional bread or one of their perfect pastries.

HOURS: Sun- Thurs 7AM- 8PM
Fri - Sat 7AM- 9PM
https://www.izziobakery.com

Culture

Remember Old Major? This is that guy all over again. Culture Meat and Cheese is Justin Brunson's offering to The Central Market with a collection of cured meats and cheeses to make you salivate. Featuring a select menu of sandwiches and a meat and cheese board, this is the perfect spot for a bite. Their Happy Hour features small bites such as a "mini board" and a "lil grilled cheese.".

HAPPY HOUR: Mon- Fri 3PM- 6PM
HOURS: Sun- Thurs 8AM- 9PM
Fri - Sat 8AM- 10PM
http://denvercentralmarket.com/vendors/culture/

Curio

The folks at The Central Market knew what they were doing when they made the center of their Market a bar. Curio is staffed by a fun, laid back group who are happy to set you up with a cocktail to browse with (yes, you can wander the market with your drink in hand) or pair up your food with the perfect cocktail to match.

HOURS: Mon- Thurs 11AM- 10PM
   Fri 11AM- 12AM
   Sat 10AM- 12AM
   Sun 10AM- 11PM
http://denvercentralmarket.com/vendors/curio/

Tammen's Fish Market

Supplying seafood to the best fish and sushi places in town, Tammen's Fish Market is now available to all in The Central Market and, boy, should you take advantage. Start your lunch or dinner at Central off with some freshly shucked oysters or a perfect ceviche.

HOURS: Sun- Thurs 10AM- 9PM
Fri - Sat 10AM- 10PM
http://denvercentralmarket.com/vendors/silvas-fish/

BALLPARK NEIGHBORHOOD:

Though not an official neighborhood according to the city of Denver, the area around Coors Field has come to be called The Ballpark Neighborhood by all the locals. With a plethora of bars and restaurants, I have only listed one below, but wander and you'll find many many more to pop into.

Mile High Distillery and Tasting Bar

The Mile High Distillery and Tasting Bar is an ideal way to kill a day-off. In their sexy lounge area, these Colorado distillers are thrilled to share their creations with you, all cut with fresh Rocky Mountain water. From bourbon to vodka to gin to tequila to rum, these men and women use Colorado ingredients to strive for perfection in their hand-crafted creations. For $10 they are happy to give you healthy tastes of all their six spirits and let you judge for yourself. Free tours are also available on the weekend.

2201 Lawrence St, Denver, CO 80205
HOURS: Mon- Wed 2PM- 12AM
   Thurs & Fri 2PM- 2AM
   Sat 11AM- 2AM
   Sun 11AM- 12AM
www.drinkmilehighspirits.com

FIVE POINTS:

Is an old old area of Denver with a lot of history, and a lot of wonderful, hole-in-the-wall restaurants and bars...

Coperta

Specializing in Southern Italian cuisine, Coperta is a tiny, gem of a restaurant worthy of a nice but affordable night out. "Coperta" means blanket in Italian and with that spirit indulge here in pasta pasta and more pasta-- with some wine on the side. With offerings like Chestnut Mafaldine with braised duck, cerignola olive, and red cabbage or Linguine con Granchio with blue crab, radicchio, and brussel sprouts, this farm-to-table menu will make it hard to decide. Or swing by for their Happy Hour offerings like a salami plate ($8), fried calamari ($6), or homemade mozzarella en carozza ($6.)

400 E 20th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
HAPPY HOUR: Mon- Fri 2PM- 6PM
Sat- Sun 4PM- 6PM
HOURS: Mon- Thurs 12PM–9:30PM
     Fri 12PM–10:30PM
     Sat 4PM–10:30PM
     Sun 4PM–9:30PM
http://copertadenver.com

Retrograde Speakeasy

Retrograde Speakeasy will make all those artisanal spots I've recommended look a little like they're trying too hard. This funky, eclectic spot serves up perfect cocktails in digs that seem like the 60's met sci-fi. Behind a freezer door inside an ice cream shop called Frozen Matter, this bar is TINY (about 25 seats total), so try to come on a weeknight or a Sunday. It will be entirely worth the effort.

530 E 19th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
HOURS: Sun- Wed 5PM- 12AM
Thurs- Sat 5PM- 1AM

Beast + Bottle

From the chef who brought you Coperta comes Beast + Bottle, offering a rustic American menu that has been satisfying locals for years. This is just a solid joint with a very limited, ever-changing menu of local fare that seems to shift almost on a daily basis depending on what's available.

719 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
HOURS: Mon- Thurs 5PM–9PM
     Fri 5PM–10PM
     Sat 10AM–2PM, 5PM–10PM
     Sun 10AM–2PM, 5PM–9PM
http://beastandbottle.com

CHERRY CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD:

A 12 minute drive from the Denver Center actor housing, you may find occasion to head Cherry Creek's way for its massive malls, where both a Whole Foods and a Trader Joes reside. In addition to the mall, there are a couple of note-worthy food destinations in the neighborhood as well....

Departure

Departure is deeply hip. It almost hurts how hip it is, BUT it's worth a shout out because in the spring and summer months, this restaurant opens its roofdeck and provides a slice of heaven for those who travel upward. Their bold and solid Asain cuisine is delicious, and they even offer an affordable chef's menu for $65 to sample almost everything they have to offer. But, guys, it's all about summer cocktails on the roof. If you're in town in during warmers months, make it a point to come here.

249 Columbine St, Denver, CO 80206
HOURS: Mon - Thurs 6:30AM–10PM
     Fri 6:30AM–11PM
   Sat 7AM–11PM
     Sun 7AM–10PM.
http://departuredenver.com

Cherry Cricket

Cherry Cricket is all about the burger. Consistently winning blind taste tests and local accolades, this simple, straightforward burger, served up in a fun, modish joint will make this worth an afternoon trip.

2641 E 2nd Ave, Denver, CO 80206
HOURS: Daily 11AM- 2AM
http://www.cherrycricket.com

Fruition Restaurant

Every city has those special couple of restaurants that opened their doors long ago to illustrious acclaim and have worked tirelessly to keep that reputation afloat. Fruition Restaurant is just that in Denver. Chef Alex Seidel's haven for those who want fine dining food without stuffy decor is a foodie's paradise. Local fare on an ever changing menu of plates manufactured to please, this place was around long before most other spots hit the scene. So, if you have a special occasion, this very special place is still well worth a nice night out.

1313 E 6th Ave, Denver, CO 80218
HOURS: Mon- Sat 5–10PM
Sun 5–9PM
http://www.fruitionrestaurant.com

PLATT PARK:

A ten minute drive south from Denver Center actor housing, Platt Park used to be a different city all together until the turn of the 20th century. Below are just three places to check out, but there are many, many more to explore in this vibrant hood.

Sushi Den/ Izakaya Den

In 1985 Chef Toshi Kizaki moved from Tokyo/ LA to open a sushi restaurant in Denver, and lucky Denver. Sushi Den was born. This spot has consistently garnered national awards as one of the best sushi restaurants in the country, with a Chef's Tasting Menu considered one of the best in the U.S.. Now, I'm not saying many of us can afford a $120 tasting menu, but this tasteful, elegant restaurant is worth a trip to the bar to taste even some of what this sushi master has to offer. Happy Hour specials on drinks provide a further incentive to pull up a chair and have a taste.

1487 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210
HAPPY HOUR: Mon- Sat 4:45PM- 6PM
HOURS: Mon- Thurs 11:30AM–2:30PM, 4:45–10:30PM
Fri 11:30AM–2:30PM, 4:45–11PM
Sat 4:30–11PM
Sun 5–10:30PM
http://www.sushiden.net

Izakaya Den is Sushi Den's gastropub little sister. Drop in here for exciting Japanese small plates (it calls itself a "sake den with tapas") in a lively setting sure to make you want to have a couple of cocktails to go with your Shrimp and Lobster Wontons with bok choy, wasabi tobiko, shiitake mushroom, and otoshi & ponzu sauce. Happy Hour here (at the bar only) offers drink specials as well as small bites like Grilled Tuna Steamed Buns with mesquite grilled tuna belly, housemade hoisin sauce, and cabbage slaw tossed with fish sauce ($7.)
1487A S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210
HAPPY HOUR: Tues-Fri 4:30PM- 6PM
HOURS: Sun- Mon CLOSED
   Tues- Thurs 5–10PM
   Fri 5–11PM
  Sat 11:30AM–2:30PM, 5–11PM
http://www.izakayaden.net

Palenque Mezcaleria

As Denver's first and only Mezcaleria, Palenque Mezcaleria, is a very special spot for all lovers of this smokey adult beverage. Accessed via a side entrance behind the restaurant Adelitas Concina y Cantina, Palenque Mezcaleria offers an enormous host of mezcals and a knowledgeable staff eager to introduce you to their favorites. Sample a flight or dive right into one of their thoughtfully crafted cocktails, and, with a small menu of Oaxancan dishes to pair alongside, this dark, earthy bar will be a perfect night out.

1294 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210
HOURS: Mon- Thurs 4–11PM
     Fri 4PM–12AM
     Sat 11AM–12AM
     Sun 11AM–10PM
http://www.palenquemezcaleria.com

SANTA FE ARTS DISTRICT:

Home to over 30 art studios and galleries, this neighborhood's industrial chic style is paired well with its punk artistic flare. With its Hispanic roots evident everywhere, this neighborhood has a vibrancy under its surface that is well worth sniffing out. From the Denver Center actor housing, wander to the other side of The Key Foods, walk south, and you're there.

The Molecule Effect

"Coffee. Wine. Art." is the motto at The Molecule Effect, an uber-modern downtown space with assorted furniture for long conversations, long book reads, and/or long laptop time. With locally-sourced simple foods in case you need to munch, this outpost in an up-and-coming neighborhood is well worth your business.

1201 Santa Fe Dr A, Denver, CO 80204
HOURS: Mon- Fri 6AM–9PM
Sat 7AM–9PM
Sun 7AM–7PM
http://www.themoleculeeffect.com

Renegade Brewery

Renegade Brewery is a husband-and-wife-endeavor that was one of the early craft microbreweries in Denver's beer renaissance. Opening a second facility in 2014 to service their ever expanding needs, this large, industrial space in the Santa Fe Arts District offers a laid-back brewery experience for a long, afternoon hang.

925 W 9th Ave, Denver, CO 80204
HOURS: Mon- Thurs 1–10PM
     Fri 1–11PM
     Sat 12–10PM
   Sun 12–8PM
http://renegadebrewing.com

BAKER:

Another old and historic neighborhood in Denver, Baker is full of 19th and early 20th century homes and tree lined streets. Broadway and South Broadway have always been popular strips for bars and shops and restaurants, but now new, wonderful places are popping up all over this area which oozes character and charm.

The White Whale Room

The White Whale Room thinks of itself as a place for commuters of all kinds, those who need an espresso to begin the day or a cocktail to celebrate the end of one. Using coffee from the local company Boxcar Roasters and a variety of affordably priced (but thoroughly well done) cocktails, this nautical themed bar is a trendy spot near the railroad in Baker for an afternoon chill out or late drink. And with a Happy Hour to sweeten the deal featuring $5 wines, $6 cocktails, and $1 off all drafts, this little treasure deserves a swing through.

415 S Cherokee St #125, Denver, CO 80223
HAPPY HOUR: Mon ALL DAY
   Tues- Sat 5PM- 7PM
HOURS: Mon- Wed 7AM–10PM
   Thurs - Fri 7AM–11PM
   Sat 10AM–11PM
   Sun 10AM–8PM
www.chasethewhitewhale.com

Denver Biscuit Company

Ok. Confession. This is the first place where I ever had biscuits and gravy. Yes! I can hear all of you moaning about how having them in the South is an entirely different experience (and I have since had some in North Carolina that rocked my world) but these biscuits and this gravy will always have a special place in my heart. A Food Network darling, Denver Biscuit Company is the epitome of a comfort food spot with an eclectic collection of coffee mugs, snug booths, and an energic atmosphere all day every day. The only downside here is that there can sometimes be a wait, but grab some complimentary coffee and wait. This dish is worth waiting for.

3237 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
HOURS: Mon- Fri 8AM–2PM
Sat - Sun 8AM–3PM
http://www.denbisco.com

Trve Brewerry

With drafts named "Possession", " Cursed", and "Six Three Times" Trve is not your average Denver Microbrewery. Embracing a heavy metal style both in its tasting room and in its beer creations, this is a unique brewery that you need to make time to visit while in town.

227 Broadway #101, Denver, CO 80203
HOURS: Mon- Wed 3–11PM
Thurs- Sat 12PM–12AM
Sun 12–10PM
http://trvebrewing.com

Beatrice and Woodsley

Beatrice and Woodsley is local favorite in Denver. Aside from the wonderful rustic, seasonal menu, the decor is astounding. The goal was to bring autumnal aspen trees indoors, and that's precisely what this golden, glowing restaurant manages to do. Without ever falling into the realm of a Disney attraction, this tasteful, gorgeous dining room and bar is perfect for a special meal, and the Happy Hour menu is an ideal option while soaking up the special atmosphere.

38 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
HAPPY HOUR: Mon- Fri 5PM- 6:30PM
HOURS: Mon- Fri 5–10PM
Sat- Sun 9:30AM–2PM, 5–10PM
http://beatriceandwoodsley.com

CAPITOL HILL:

To get to Capitol Hill, make a right when exiting the Denver Center Actor Housing and keep walking. There was a time when the downtown, financial center of the city of Denver was mostly filled with office space, but no longer. Apartment buildings are flying up overnight and with them come food, drink, and culture...

Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum is well worth the $13 admission fee for out of town residents. This expansive museum downtown has a modern, contemporary feel to it, but the art inside ranges from wildly innovative sculpture to Medieval tapestries. Give yourself an afternoon here, especially on a lovely day as the windows and skylights all around give light and breath to the space in a breathtaking way.

100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204
HOURS: Sat- Thurs 10AM- 5PM
Fri 10AM- 8PM
http://denverartmuseum.org

Pint's Pub

The good folks at Pint's Pub are brewers of authentic traditional British "live" ales, meaning hand crafted ales served from hand pumps, highly uncommon in America. Their cask cellar is even on full display through the floor window on the east side of the pub. They are also proud purveyors of the world’s broadest selection of single malt whisky. So, settle into a booth with some solid, greasy bar food, a pint, a whisky alongside, and enjoy the British music selection. This is a terribly fun place to drink.

221 W 13th Ave, Denver, CO 80204
HOURS: Sun- Tues 11AM–10AM
Wed-Sat 11AM–12AM
http://www.pintspub.com

Landmark Esquire

Landmark Esquire is here to scratch your foreign/independent movie itch. Part of the Landmark movie theatre group, this lovely old movie house is ideal for finding the non-summer-blockbuster films and enjoying absolutely delicious popcorn while you're at it.

590 N Downing St, Denver, CO 80218
https://www.landmarktheatres.com/denver/esquire-theatre

Hudson Hill

In bright tiled and cherry wood digs, Hudson Hill is a casual kind of bar. Masquerading as a coffee shop during the day, don't let this place fool you. It does coffee beautifully, but it does cocktails even better. With real vinyl records on in the background, there is an intimacy to this place that makes it special and worthy of a visit.

619 E 13th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
HOURS: Mon- Wed 7:30AM–12AM
Thurs- Sat 7:30AM–1AM
Sun 8:30AM–4PM
http://www.hudsonhilldenver.com

City O City

Here's City O City again, that vegetarian mecca. As mentioned above in the Happy Hour section, part coffee shop, part bar, part comfort food restaurant, part health-food place, the huge variety available here at all hours of the day is embraced by both staff and clientele who lack any pretense. This place is downright fun and will make you want to get work done or drag all your friends or maybe both! I gave you the Happy Hour hot picks above, but, in addition to those, their Chicken and Waffles are legendary with bourbon-brined-"chicken"-fried cauliflower and a choice of "Traditional Style" with bourbon maple syrup, chive creme fraiche, and carrot bacon or "Southwestern Style" with chipotle chili sauce, vegan sour cream, pineapple pico, and pickled red onions.

206 E 13th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
HAPPY HOUR: Mon- Sun 2PM- 6PM
Mon- Sun 11PM-2AM (kitchen close at 1AM)
HOURS: Mon - Sun 7AM- 2AM (kitchen closes at 1AM)
cityocitydenver.com
** Open Late**
** Kitchen Open Late**

BREWERIES:

It's DENVER so we must have a section exclusively for beer. Some of these spots will be repeats from above, but they're my personal favorites in a long, long list of exceptional craft breweries around town.

Bull and Bush Brewery

Founded in 1971 by identical twin brothers, Dean and Dale Peterson, Bull and Bush Pub and Brewery is modeled after a British pub in Hampstead Heath constructed in 1645, and the brothers spared no expense in their re-creation. This pub is the real deal inside, including a dartroom. The brewery next door wasn't built until the mid-90's, but very quickly Bull and Bush beers began winning tons of local awards. They now distribute, but only in Colorado, wanting to keep the enterprise local. The history, high quality of beers, and loyal local clientele are all great reasons to visit this landmark with a table of friends all around.

4700 Cherry Creek S Dr, Denver, CO 80246
HOURS: Mon- Fri 11AM–2AM
Sat - Sun 10AM–2AM
https://bullandbush.com

Crooked Stave

Crooked Stave got a shout out in The Source section above, but they are so such a unique brewery that they absolutely deserve a spot on this list as well. This brewery was founded in Denver in 2010 as an artisan beer project. Their approach to brewing is art meets science, using Brettanomyces yeasts and maturing their brews in oak. Their beers have a devoted following for their incredibly unique flavor profiles, and their Tasting Room in The Source is the perfect way to sample these spectacularly unique beers. I highly recommend the sours. These sours changed my mind on sours, but really, do flights to sample everything- even their stout and IPA will taste different than any other stout or IPA you've had.

HOURS: Sun- Tues 12PM- 8PM
Wed- Sat 12PM- 10PM
http://www.crookedstave.com

Great Divide Brewery and Barrel Bar

The Great Divide Barrel Bar got a mention in the RiNo section, and it is the more intimate tasting room for this brewery. Located inside their storage and packing facility and just down the road from Great Divide's original brewery, the Barrel Bar is a more leisurely tasting experience. The Great Divide Brew and Tap Room in Denver's Ballpark neighborhood (slightly closer to the actor housing) is their slightly larger tasting room with 16 rotating taps of seasonal and year-round brews (try the Nomad, it's a Pilsner this brewery worked long and hard at and it shows.) Local food trucks linger outside to take care of any cravings. You can tour the original brewhouse for free here.

Tours are limited to the first 20 guests who arrive, no reservations are taken, and the tour times are Mon- Fri at 3PM, 4PM, and 5PM and Sat- Sun at 2PM, 3PM, 4PM, 5PM, and 6PM.

Ballpark Brew and Tap Room RiNo: Barrel Bar and Packaging Wonderland
2201 Arapahoe St, Denver, CO 80205 1812 35th St, Denver, CO 80216
HOURS: Sun- Tues 12PM- 8PM HOURS: Sun- Tues 12PM- 8PM
Wed- Sat 12PM- 10PM Wed- Sat 12PM- 10PM
https://greatdivide.com https://greatdivide.com

Renegade Brewery

Renegade Brewery, also listed under the Santa Fe Arts District above, is a husband-and-wife-endeavor that was one of the early craft microbreweries in Denver's beer renaissance. Opening a second facility in 2014 to service their ever expanding needs, their large, industrial-space taproom offers a laid-back brewery experience for a long, afternoon hang. Their philosophy here is both to push flavor boundaries and also work hard on doing the basic brews right. So try your standard favorites here along with something brand new (their Conviction Series of beers are one-off experiments that sometimes lead to local favorites so branch out and sample some.)

925 W 9th Ave, Denver, CO 80204
HOURS: Mon- Thurs 1–10PM
     Fri 1–11PM
     Sat 12–10PM
   Sun 12–8PM
http://renegadebrewing.com

Breckenridge Brewery and Farm House

Breckenridge Brewery and Farm House is a 20 minute drive from actor housing but well worth the escape from downtown in order to visit this special spot. The mantra "our house is your house" is true here at The Farm House at Breckenridge Brewery. Offering a full menu in their spacious restaurant, what you'll be more interested in is the beer garden and back porch looking out to the Rocky Mountains. With bocce, giant Jenga, corn hole, and fire pits, sample pints made just next door at their brewery facility and enjoy local food trucks that hover nearby. This gorgeous and laid-back place is magical.

2990, Brewery Ln, Littleton, CO 80120
HOURS: Mon- Thurs 11AM- 10PM
   Fri 11AM- 11PM
     Sat 10AM- 11PM
     Sun 10AM- 10PM
http://www.breckbrew.com/visit/littleton

Black Shirt Brewery

Black Shirt Brewery is a small operation located at the far end of the RiNo. Started by two passionate, beer-loving best friends and featured in the documentary "Crafting a Nation" about the rise of Microbreweries in America, thank goodness this tiny startup is still going strong. Come in for an ever-changing taplist of their favorite brews (the red ales here are particularly worth writing home about) along with some killer artisan pizza on the side.

3719 Walnut St, Denver, CO 80205
HOURS: Sun- Thurs 11AM- 10PM
Fri - Sat 11AM- 12AM.
https://www.blackshirtbrewingco.com

Trve Brewery

With drafts named "Possession", " Cursed", and "Six Three Times" Trve is not your average Denver Microbrewery. Also listed above, this brewery embraces a heavy metal style both in its tasting room and in its beer creations. Their Ancient Bole has garnered particular acclaim. A saison/farmhouse ale with enough hoppiness to give it a unique flavor profile, this summertime drink is a perfect example of why you need to visit this unique microbrewery.

227 Broadway #101, Denver, CO 80203
HOURS: Mon- Wed 3–11PM
Thurs- Sat 12PM–12AM
Sun 12–10PM
http://trvebrewing.com

Bierstadt Lagerhaus

Opening its doors in 2016, Bierstadt Lagerhaus is a very very VERY special operation. These brewmasters make just three year-round beers — their award-winning and best selling Slow Pour Pils (which I will go into detail about in a moment), their "helles" (light lager), and their "dunkel" (dark lager.) They also produce a few seasonals like a Baltic porter and an Oktoberfest, but everything they make is brewed as closely as possible to fit the Reinheitsgebot, a set of sixteenth-century Bavarian beer-purity laws that require, among other things, that beers are brewed with nothing but barley, hops, and water. That's right. No additives whatsoever in Bierstadt beers. And, they do all this in an eighty-four-year-old brew kettle from Germany. Even their glassware is German made, and the tall, elegant glasses that they have made specifically to serve their Slow-Pour Pils in, have become a staple of the company. No bar that wants to serve their Slow-Pour Pils is allowed to do so without agreeing to only use these particular glasses (tall, elegant creations with a small, thin base and an etching at the bottom to help release some carbonation, creating an attractive stream of bubbles.) The Slow-Pour Pils, true to its name, also takes 3-5 minutes for any bartender to serve. This slow pour process changes the texture of the beer by releasing carbonation and softening the beer, removing bitterness. Special taps help this process by aerating the beer while it is being poured. Inside the Rackhouse Pub, which is located right in the middle of their 21,000 square foot production facility, enjoy pub grub and sample all three of their signature lagers at this passionate microbrewery.

2875 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205
HOURS: Sun- Wed 11AM–11PM
Thurs 11AM–12AM
Fri - Sat 11AM–12AM
http://www.bierstadtlager.com

Briar Common Brewery

Briar Common Brewery + Eatery is a lovely little oasis of a brewpub. Founded by brothers with a shared love of potent IPA's, the space opened in 2016 and became a local favorite for its less rowdy beer-enjoying environment and farm fresh small plates all made specifically to complement what they have on tap. Try their 40 Pound IPA which is just delicious, and, if you fall in love with any brew in particular, take a growler back to actor housing with you.

2298 Clay St, Denver, CO 80211
HOURS: Mon- Thurs; 4–10PM
   Fri 4–11PM
   Sat 10AM–11PM
   Sun 10AM–10PM
http://www.briarcommon.com

DAY TRIPS:

With so many amazing places within spitting distance of Denver, day trips on a day off will call to you. Follow those impulses to some stunning towns nearby that will offer perfect day-off atmosphere for yourself or for a small group of castmates.

Boulder...

A 40 minute drive from Denver or an hour by public transit, a Boulder day trip is a must when working at DCPA. Or, if Colorado Shakes brings you to town for a beautiful summer experience, this is where you'll be all summer long, and you will be one lucky duck.

Local Light Rail Service

The RTD B-Line Light Rail service that connects Denver's Union Station to downtown Boulder is an easy, affordable way to travel to and from these cities. At only $4.50 a ticket each way and consistent trips throughout the day, this is a wonderful option to support local infrastructure and allow yourself some IPA's on a day off.

Pearl Street Mall

Pearl Street Mall is the main shopping and dining strip in downtown Boulder. Under the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, this beautiful red-brick-lined pedestrian thoroughfare is decorated with lights in the winter months and bright flowers in the summertime. With a hot chocolate or a gelato in hand, stretch your legs on a day off, soak in the mountain air, and buy a new book maybe?

Frasca

Inspired by the food of northeast Italy, Frasca Food & Wine is one of the best restaurants Colorado has to offer. A consistent winner of awards like The James Beard for Best New Chef in 2005, Outstanding Wine Service in 2013, Food and Wine Magazine's Best New Chefs, as well as a Finalist in the James Beard Restaurant category multiple times, this glorious restaurant is a special occasions spot, it's true, but the kind of special occasion spot that you talk about years and years after.

1738 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302
HOURS: Mon- Fri 5:30PM- 9:30PM
Sat 5:30PM- 10:30PM
Sun CLOSED
http://www.frascafoodandwine.com

Pizzaria Locale

Ok. So. This is one of my favorite places on earth. The sister and next door neighbor to Frasca, Pizzaria Locale is the perfect blend of upscale ingredients in their simplest form. These personal-sized pizzas are to die for with the freshest, brightest flavors imaginable like tomatoes from San Marzano and Calabrian chilies and house-made smoked mozzarella, these pizzas will leave all other things that call themselves pizzas in the dust. And Locale's white, light drenched dining room is ideal for an upscale lunch with friends or a treat at the bar for yourself. (hint: get a few different pizzas and take leftovers back to actor housing. It's the best plan.)

1730 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302
HOURS: Mon- Thurs 11:30AM- 10PM
Fri- Sat 11:30AM- 10:30PM
Sun 11:30AM- 9PM
http://localeboulder.com

OAK

OAK at fourteenth, the mothership from which Acorn was born, is as solid a restaurant as one can imagine. With a chef at the helm, Steve Redizowski, who has been a James Beard Finalist for Best Chef Southwest on multiple occasions, this rustic American fare using locally grown ingredients centers all its inspiration around the flavor profile of the oak oven they use.

1400 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302
HOURS: Mon- Sat 11:30AM- 10PM
Sun 5:30M- 10PM
https://www.oakatfourteenth.com

Bramble & Hare

Jill and Eric Skokan have a 130-acre Certified Organic Farm called Bramble Hill, and it is from there, in addition to natural foraging, that they compile their menu at Bramble & Hare. This traditional, Front-Range menu features sheep, pigs, chicken, geese, and turkies in addition to locally grown produce that is harvested every single day. The rustic interior, complete with wallpaper and warm lamps, makes you feel like you're in someone's living room, so treat yourself to this place that features everything that Colorado, and specifically the Front Range, has to offer.

1970 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302
HOURS: Sun- Wed 5PM- 10PM
Thurs- Sat 5PM- 12AM
http://brambleandhare.com

Dushanbe Teahouse

You may not know this, but Boulder, CO, has a sister city- Dushanbe, the capitol city of Tajikistan, a country located just south of the Silk Road Trail with a population of 7 million, bordered to the east by China, to the north by Uzbekistan and Kyrgystan, and to the south by Afghanistan. OK, now that the geography lesson is over, in 1987 the Mayor of Dushanbe announced that his city wanted to present Boulder with a Teahouse to celebrate their sister city ties. Over the next 3 years, more than 40 artisans from Tajikistan created the decorative elements of the Dushanbe Teahouse, including the hand-carved and hand-painted ceiling, tables, stools, columns, and exterior ceramic panels. The result will absolutely take your breath away. The fact that it is also an operational teahouse is almost the most shocking part, as the building and every aspect of it, inside and out, is a work of art, but sit inside and enjoy tea and a meal on seated cushions with friends. This gracious staff is happy to see you, and you'll want the time to soak up the peaceful beauty of this stunning work of art.

1770 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302
HOURS: Mon- Sun 8AM- 9PM
http://boulderteahouse.com

PMG "pour ma gueule"

PMG "Pour ma gueule" or "for my trap" is a term that winemakers use for the stash of wine they keep for themselves, friends, and family. It also means the wine that you prefer to drink rather than spit out at a tasting because its too good. So, with a name like that, this wine bar is setting the bar pretty high for the wine they have on hand- and they deliver. This tiny jewel of a bar is off the Pearl Street main drag and decorated in a simple and elegant fashion to highlight the star player here- the wine menu. With a brilliant staff who are passionate about what they do, I recommend discussing your selection with them, but, the truth is, you can't do wrong with anything here.

2018 10th St, Boulder, CO 80302
HOURS: Sun- Wed 5PM- 9PM
Thurs- Sat 5PM- 10PM
http://www.pmgwine.com

The Bitter Bar

The Bitter Bar is a cocktail lovers dream. Unpretentious and infinitely more affordable than the spots you'll find in New York City, this cocktail haven is all about getting it right, not going for the fireworks. Try a cocktail here that you've had before, and it will be the best one you've had anywhere. I promise. Happy Hour includes $6 cocktails, $4 beer, and $5 wines as well.

835 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302
HAPPY HOUR: Mon- Fri 5PM- 8PM
HOURS: Mon- Wed 5PM- 12PM
Thurs- Fri 5PM- 1AM
Sat 5PM- 12PM
Sun 5PM- 11:30PM
https://www.thebitterbar.com

The Sink

The Sink made up its mind long ago to serve up the best comfort food in Boulder, Colorado, and boy do the locals agree. This funky spot with scrawled-on ceilings and walls is consistently voted the best burger AND the best pizza in town (if you can believe that one-two punch.) Now I'd have to give my vote to Pizzeria Locale, but these are different kinds of pizzas. This Boulder institution pairs their menu with dozens of local microbrews on tap which are sure to please your palate, so swing by here for a piece of Old Boulder. Maybe even at Happy Hour to sweeten the deal?

1165 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302
HAPPY HOUR: Sun - Fri 3PM- 6PM (food specials)
Wed - Sat 10PM- 1AM
Sunday (All day drink Specials)
HOURS: Mon- Sun 11AM- 2AM
https://thesink.com/?utm_source=Local&utm_medium=Organic&utm_campaign=GMB

Fior di Latte

With two locations on Pearl Street, Fior di Latte began as a local religion of sorts at the Boulder Farmers Market before demand made the two separate storefronts necessary. Created from scratch every day, this gelato is the result of extensive trips to Italy for research, and the results speak for themselves. This place is a must-go while strolling down Pearl Street. Flavors include: roasted strawberry coconut, cappuccino fudge, and bourbon butter pecan just for starters...

1433 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302
HOURS: Mon- Wed 1PM- 9PM
   Fri 1PM- 10PM
   Sat 12PM- 10PM
   Sun 12Pm- 9PM
http://fiordilattegelato.com

Avery Brewing Co

Avery Brewing Co has a national reputation for high quality beers with bold flavors. Their IPA is a consistent award winner, along with their Bounds Stout. This Taproom is a little off the beaten path of Pearl Street but well worth a visit as Avery is one of Colorado's finest Breweries without question. The Taproom has a full menu, but come for the beer and maybe stay for the food would be my advice.

4910 Nautilus Ct N Boulder, CO 80301
HOURS: Mon 3PM- 11PM
Tues- Sun 11AM- 11PM
https://www.averybrewing.com

Mountain Sun Pub and Brewery

Right on Pearl Street, Mountain Sun Pub and Brewery makes over 75 different beers throughout the year with new releases happening every month, so this is a spot that will always have plenty of options for you. With more than 20 Mountain Sun beers on tap, feel free to ask for a taste of something, or try a flight to sample what their innovative brewery has to offer. With scrabble boards instead of tv's, this is a spot for a good conversation and a good beer, or three!

1535 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302
HOURS: Mon- Sun 11AM- 1AM
http://www.mountainsunpub.com

West Flanders Brewing Co.

Also located on Pearl Street, with big silver vats labeled with hand-written signs, West Flanders Brewing Company's Brew Pub feels as classic as they come. With Belgium-inspired brews with a New World twist, try what's on tap and brewed on the premises alongside hearty fare like Buffalo Meatloaf, Pretzeled Chicken Pot Pie, or Pork Shank that's been beer-brined for 48-hours alongside a stout gravy.

1125 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302
HOURS: Mon- Thurs 11AM- 10PM
Fri- Sat 11AM- 11PM
Sun 11AM - 9PM
http://www.wfbrews.com

BRU Handbuilt Ales and Eats

BRU Handbuilt Ales and Eats was built on love. The passion of the Brewmaster, Ian Clark, who hand painted his own taproom, is evident in the care and passion put into every beer on tap and every dish on the menu. Using wind power and eco-friendly chemicals as well as recycling, composting, and donating to the community, this brewpub's heart is in the right place. Enjoy unique blends of beer and food with dishes like BRU Wood Roasted Sourdough Pizza made with IPA tomato sauce, ale sausage, kale, and smoked shallots or their beer Obitus American Brown Ale, handbuilt with roasted dates and caramelized sugar. With 14 rotating ales on tap, slide up to one of the long, community tables and taste what this family owned and run operation has to offer.

5290 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80303
HAPPY HOUR: 3PM- 6PM Daily
Tues: ALL DAY
HOURS: Mon- Sun 11:30AM- 10PM
bruboulder.com

Laughing Goat Coffee Shop

This is The Laughing Goat Coffee Shop flagship location and the only one that features live music, alcohol, and outdoor seating with views of the mountains. This is precisely the kind of spot that lets you know you're still in a college town- rows of laptops and textbooks and a chill vibe of focused and quiet conversation abound, but the coffee here is really really good!! Grab some for your stroll on Pearl Street or one for the drive/train ride home. This local fave got its reputation for a reason.

1709 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302
HOURS: Mon- Fri 6AM- 11PM
Sat- Sun 7AM- 11PM
http://thelaughinggoat.com/goat-pearl-st/

Ozo Coffee Co

For a slicker option for caffeinated beverages on Pearl Street, Ozo Coffee Co is an inviting, sleek coffee house that serves up perfect espresso drinks with enough tables to ensure room for you and friends.

1015 Pearl Street Boulder, CO 80302
HOURS: Mon- Sat: 6AM - 7PM
Sun: 7AM - 7PM

Trident Booksellers and Cafe

Trident Booksellers and Cafe is an old, eclectic bookstore, packed to the gills with new and used editions. The staff here could not be more knowledgable or more eager to help you locate precisely what you're looking for, and with a cafe inside serving up Dragonfly Coffee Roasters Espresso, a small batch roaster located in Boulder, it might be worth sticking around awhile.

940 Pearl Street Boulder, CO 80302
HOURS: Mon- Fri 6:30AM - 11PM
Sat- Sun 7AM- 11AM
https://www.tridentbookscafe.com/about-us

Boulder Bookstore

The Boulder Bookstore is simply stunning. End of sentence. With multiple levels of carefully crafted "Favorites" displays and book sections, this is the type of bookstore that encourages long browsing. I always want to buy ten titles by the time I'm done wandering around this magnificent place. Hand written signs litter the shelves recommending certain titles or explaining awards or accolades or upcoming sequels. The people who work here love the written word and clearly want to share it with every individual who walks through the door.

1107 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302
HOURS: Mon- Sat 10AM- 10PM
Sun 10AM- 8PM
http://www.boulderbookstore.net

Breckenridge...

Ninety minutes west of Denver, past Boulder, is gorgeous Breckenridge, Colorado. Known as a ski destination, this liberal, eclectic little town is perfect to eat, drink, walk the main street, and soak up the natural wonders of the mountains all around.

Kava Cafe

Kava Cafe is a family owned coffee shop in a wooden shack on mainstreet that serves up hot and fresh mini doughnuts all day long. So come for the coffee, but stay for the doughnuts- man are they worth it.

209 N Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424
HOURS: Thurs- Tues 8AM - 1PM
Wed CLOSED
http://www.kavabreck.net

Angel's Hollow

Follow the locals to Angel's Hollow. When the waitress told us they had the best margarita in town, she wasn't kidding. This tequila-heavy, handmade cocktail perfection couldn't be served up more simply (in a pint glass!) or pack more of a punch. Alongside absolutely flawless chicken fingers and brilliant nachos, this low-key, easy-going joint is ideal for comfort food and lots o' margaritas. I dare you not to fall in love with this place, I really do.

113 S Ridge St, Breckenridge, CO 80424
HAPPY HOUR: 4PM-6PM
HOURS: 11AM- 10PM
https://www.angelshollow.net

Crepes A La Cart

Crepes A La Cart has been an institution on mainstreet in Breckenridge for years and for good reason. These crepes are made fresh, and, with both sweet and savory options available, this can be any kind of snack you want- from dessert to an afternoon savory bite. With a line that can sometimes seem intimidating, trust that they know how to move folks along, and once you've got your little piece of heaven, eating it outside is half the fun.

307 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424
HOURS: Mon- Fri 10AM- 9PM
Sat- Sun 10AM- 10PM
http://192.254.168.42/~crepesalacarts/

Motherloaded Tavern

Motherloaded Tavern was founded by two alumni of Breckenridge Brewery, and you'll be hard pressed to find a more straightforward, people friendly bar anywhere, let alone in Breckenridge. With darts and southern fare to pair alongside strong cocktails or local craft beers, this large, rock-music-heavy watering hole keeps its customers happy, and you can feel it from the moment you walk in the door.

103 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424
HAPPY HOUR: Mon- Sun 3PM- 6PM
HOURS: Mon-Sun 11:30 am - 2am
http://motherloadedtavern.com/Site_2/Welcome.html

Broken Compass Brewery

Broken Compass Brewery is just outside of downtown Breckenridge (think a 5 minute drive) but more than worth the trip to sample the delicious things this brewery is cooking up. In a high-ceilinged, narrow tasting room, the bartender is eager to please and to give you some flights to introduce you to what the brewery currently has on tap. Pair a pint with some freshly made popcorn (they give you the bag and the microwave) and a board game at the long, wooden tables, and this tap room is a casual and delightful mountain brewery.

68 Continental Ct, Breckenridge, CO 80424
HOURS: Mon- Sun 11:30am- 11pm
http://www.brokencompassbrewing.com

Breckenridge Brewery

Founded in 1990, Breckenridge Brewery is the third oldest craft brewery in the state, and, with its second location now in Littleton, Colorado, these beers have been solid favorites for a long time now. The bartenders are happy to answer your questions about the brewery's history or about any of their craft beers currently on tap. Swing by for Happy Hour and enjoy $2 off draft beers, a worthy deal on some absolutely delicious brews.

600 South Main Street Breckenridge, CO 80424
HAPPY HOUR: Sun- Thurs 3PM- 5PM (Food)
Mon- Sun 3PM- 6PM (Drinks)
HOURS: 11AM- Close
https://www.breckbrew.com

Breckenridge Distillery

Recently, Breckenridge Distillery has been a proud parent with their bourbon taking home award after award in International Whiskey Competitions. Distilled at 9,600 feet with snowmelt from the Rockies, these bourbons, gins, rums, and vodkas are high-quality and gorgeous. Come to their Tasting Room on Main Street where a well educated staff member will tour you through their liquors and let you sample (remember to tip, ladies and gents) while explaining how they make what they make. Trust me, these creations are not to be missed on a trip to Breckenridge.

The Distillery
1925 Airport Road Breckenridge, CO 80424
HOURS: Mon- Sun 11AM- 6PM
http://breckenridgedistillery.com

Main Street Tasting Room
137 S Main Street Breckenridge, CO 80424
HOURS: 11AM - 9PM
http://breckenridgedistillery.com

Estes Park...

About 90 minute from the DCPA actor housing in Denver, take the Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway to Estes Park on a day off and soak up the glorious natural beauty of the Front Range of the Rockies Mountain.

Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway

Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway stretches from Black Hawk to Estes Park. This highway wanders through valleys and takes you up along the tops of ridges with views for days. Take Colorado 119 from Black Hawk north to Nederland then follow Colorado 72 to Raymond. From here, proceed on Colorado 7 past the 14,255-foot Longs Peak to Estes Park. If you can hit it during the autumn months, when the Aspens are in bloom, be prepared for some particularly breathtaking sights.

Downtown Estes

I really don't know what I was expecting, but during our drive through Downtown Estes, I was blown away by how adorable their main street is. This tiny town in the Rockies is well know for its National Park, but the town itself is bustling with shops and dining and families out and about. Next time through I will have to look into where to go and what to do here, but this is your heads up that you should do the same!

Stanley Hotel

Look familiar? The Stanley Hotel has been around forever and has earned a place on the National Register of Historical Places, but it's now most famous for its role as THE Hotel in the film "The Shining." And yes, they now give ghost tours in the evenings here, because there is in fact something vaguely sinister in these old hallways- they even have a maze out front. So stop by, have a drink at one of their many bars, or just wander through.

333 E Wonderview Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
http://www.stanleyhotel.com

Bear Lake Loop

Bear Lake Loop came recommended as a quick, easy get-out-into-nature trek, and, ohmygod, it was ideal. We went in the Fall when the golden pockets of color amidst the pines were just beginning to burst through, and the reflection of the trees in the pristine mountain lake is breathtaking. Only lasting .8 miles, you're going for the scenery and mountain air and not the workout. The earlier you can get here the better as, during peak season especially, these scenic hikes can get extremely popular. Chances are good that even in the morning you will have to park and take a shuttle to the trailhead, but the good people of the Parks Service really do have it down to a science. Plus, the drive on the shuttle generally makes everyone shut up and gawk at the scenery out the windows the whole time.

Nederland...

Nestled in a glacier-carved valley, the tiny rustic mountain town of Nederland is 45 miles, about an hour drive, from Denver, and the trip up through the Front Range Mountains is the perfect way to soak in a little nature on your day off. The town is quaint and old (nothing hip or hipster about this place), but there are enough cool things to do to warrant a pint of beer, a homemade pizza, a stroll, and then maybe a latte before the beautiful drive back.

New Moon Bakery and Cafe

With locally roasted coffee and baked goods from scratch New Moon Bakery and Cafe is your perfect first spot after the drive up the Nederland. Their cozy interior with walls adorned with local artwork or their lovely patio deck are both comfortable places to sit and stay awhile.

1 W 1st St, Nederland, CO 80466
HOURS: Mon- Fri 6:30AM- 4PM
Sat- Sun 7AM- 5PM
https://www.newmoonbakery.com

Very Nice Brewing Company

Very Nice Brewing Company has a casual taproom in downtown Nederland that even allows dogs inside, but the beer here is really worth the trip. With hearty, flavorful craft brews, this is a perfect spot to grab a pint, and, if you get hungry, Backcountry Pizza is just upstairs with delicious options that will hit the spot in warm or cold weather so....enjoy!

20 Lakeview Dr Suite 112, Nederland, CO 80466
HOURS (Nov 1st- May 15th): Wed- Thu.: 2PM- 8PM
Fri 2PM- 9PM
Sat 12PM- 9PM
Sun 12PM - 7PM
SUMMER HOURS: Mon- Tues CLOSED
Wed- Sat 12PM- 9PM
Sun 12PM- 8PM
http://www.verynicebrewing.com

Strawberry Park Hot Springs...

Strawberry Park Hot Springs is where the locals will tell you to go to take advantage of the natural hot springs that litter this area of Colorado. This 104-degree mineral spring is open-air and surrounded by gorgeous wilderness (unlike some of the indoor springs around), and the folks that frequent it tend to be the local crew. So, for only $15 a ticket, treat yourself to the kind of experience you need to soak up while in Colorado.

44200 Co Rd 36, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
HOURS: Sun- Thurs 10AM- 10:30PM
Fri- Sat 10AM- 12AM
http://strawberryhotsprings.com

Garden of the Gods...

A little over an hour south of Denver lives this stunning and incredibly unique National Park called Garden of the Gods. A plethora of 300-foot sandstone rock formations that shoot up out of the earth like hands reaching toward the heavens, this natural wonder is nothing less than awe-inspiring. Pike's Peak looms in the background, and you have the option of driving through The Garden or getting out and hiking around this intense, austere landscape of green hills and red stone. Make this a worthy day off trip and take advantage of the natural beauty that's all around while working in Denver.

Denver, CO

HAPPY HOURS:

JAX Fish House

​Panzanos

​The Corner Office

​ChoLon

​Old Major

City O' City

​TAG Restaurant

​Oceanaire

​Vesta

​Euclid Hall

​Rhein Haus

LARIMER STREET:

​Rioja

​Euclid Hall

​Osteria Marco

​The Green Russell

LO-DO (LOWER DOWNTOWN):

​Peak's Lounge

​Tattered Cover Bookstore

​ChoLon

​The Pig and the Sprout

​The Kitchen

​Double Daughters/ Two Fisted Mario's Pizza

​Wines Off Wynkoop

​Little Owl Coffee

​1Up

The Study/ The Nickel

​Backstage Coffee

​Snarf's

​The Galleria Bar

​Union Station:

​Acme Delicatessen

​Mercantile Dining and Provisions

​Bloom

​MilkBox Ice Creamery

​Next Door

​Pigtrain Coffee

​The Cooper Lounge

​Snooze

​Stoic and Genuine

​Terminal Bar

THE HIGHLANDS:

​Sushi Sasa

​House of Commons

​Williams and Graham

​Little Man Ice Cream

There...

​Colt and Grey

​Saint Ellie

​Uncle

​Root Down

​Bar Dough

​Old Major

​Western Daughters Butcher Shop

​Mas Kaos Pizzaria and Taqueria

THE RI-NO (RIVER NORTH):

​Mister Tuna

​Black Shirt Brewery

​Pon Pon

​The Populist

Infinite Monkey Theorum

​Snooze

​Biju's Little Curry Shop

​Rebel Restaurant

​Crema

​Hop Alley

​Los Chingones

​The Meadowlark/ Meadowlark Kitchen

​The Great Divide Barrel Bar

​Ratio Beerworks

​Stem Ciders

​Finn's Manor

​Proof Wine and Spirits

THE SOURCE

​Comida

​Crooked Stave Brewery

​Acorn

​Babette

Panzanos

The Corner Office

ChoLon

Old Major

TAG Restaurant

Oceanaire

Vesta

Euclid Hall

Rhein Haus

Rioja

Euclid Hall

Osteria Marco

The Green Russell

Peak's Lounge

Tattered Cover Bookstore

ChoLon

The Pig and the Sprout

The Kitchen

Double Daughters/ Two Fisted Mario's Pizza

Wines Off Wynkoop

Little Owl Coffee

1Up

Backstage Coffee

Snarf's

The Galleria Bar

Union Station:

Acme Delicatessen

Mercantile Dining and Provisions

Bloom

MilkBox Ice Creamery

Next Door

Pigtrain Coffee

The Cooper Lounge

Snooze

Stoic and Genuine

Terminal Bar

Sushi Sasa

House of Commons

Williams and Graham

Little Man Ice Cream

Colt and Grey

Saint Ellie

Uncle

Root Down

Bar Dough

Old Major

Western Daughters Butcher Shop

Mas Kaos Pizzaria and Taqueria

Mister Tuna

Black Shirt Brewery

Pon Pon

The Populist

Snooze

Biju's Little Curry Shop

Rebel Restaurant

Crema

Hop Alley

Los Chingones

The Meadowlark/ Meadowlark Kitchen

The Great Divide Barrel Bar

Ratio Beerworks

Stem Ciders

Finn's Manor

Proof Wine and Spirits

Comida

Crooked Stave Brewery

Acorn

Babette

Beet and Yarrow

Caffe Figurati

Western Daughter's Butcher Shop

Mondo Market

The Proper Pour

RiNo Yacht Club

THE CENTRAL MARKET

Crema Bodega

Green Seed

SK Provisions

Temper Chocolates

The Local Butcher