Thanksgiving can be a busy week for many, with friends and family coming into to town sometimes the last thing we want to do is cook. Lucky for us these amazing Denver restaurants are willing to put in the hard work for us. Check out some of our favorite spots and what they have to offer this week.
Thanksgiving Eve – gather with friends on Weds night:
A meetup with old friends before the crush of family obligations on the holiday means an energetic bar, open-air rooftop, and free-flowing drinks. Federales (2903 Larimer St) checks all the boxes: a vibrant bar and restaurant with tacos, tortas, tequila and cocktails in a high-energy environment, just the thing for catching up with your friends before the holiday. Don’t miss the green chile nachos or the Pork & Pineapple tacos, Federales’ take on al pastor, and be sure to finish your night with the Choco Taco before heading home.
Energy and drinks are the name of the game at Barcelona Wine Bar (2900 Larimer St., Denver). Though known for their eclectic and easy wine lists, Barcelona is also a hidden-gem cocktail bar with Mediterranean-inspired cocktails, traditional + creative gintonics, and wine/port-based beverages – and a lively, U-shaped bar anchoring the space and tailor made for socializing, casual conversations, or intimate catch ups before the haste of the holiday. On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, don’t miss the seasonal flavors in the Bourbon Spice Rack like Cardamaro, maple syrup, cardamom and lavender; or the Dos Peninsulas with joven tequila, sherry, lemon + agave and finished with nutmeg.
Thanksgiving Day – Kick back at home with these meals to-go:
Don’t slave in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day; instead head to Mondo Market at Stanley Marketplace (2501 N. Dallas St., Aurora) pick up a full Thanksgiving meal for groups all sizes from 2 all the way up to 8 and including classic turkey, sides, smoked hams, and cheese boards, as well as also offering a holiday breakfast option for take and bake. Meals come with turkey and traditional sides along with gourmet optional add-ons; the Mondo team also tucks in a sheet with turkey roasting and sides reheating instructions for you. Consider adding on the holiday breakfast items, including Quiche Lorraine, breakfast potatoes and croissants for bake-at-home, and you can also order cheese/charcuterie boards from Mondo Market to round out your holiday meal. Order online or call 303-248-3983.
Whole Sol (multiple locations) is known for delicious vegan dishes and drinks, and this year they are serving up a to-go Vegan Thanksgiving Dinner for a healthy celebration at home. Bonus: Solo diners can order the dinner for one if you happen to be the only vegan in the family. The dinner options feed 1 or 4-6 people and includes vegan takes on favorites like green bean casserole, butternut squash and herb stuffing, spiced pumpkin mac and cheese, french fried onion tofu, and more. Don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth with vegan and gluten-free desserts like the oreo cream pie, classic pumpkin pie with coconut whipped cream, and cranberry tart. All dishes are vegan, gluten-free, and organic. Order online wholesol.com; orders close Monday, November 22nd at 8:00 am and will be available for pickup at the Pearl St and RiNo locations on November 24th or November 25th.
Chef Bill Espiricueta at Smok (3330 Brighton Blvd., Denver) is offering a few take home ways to enjoy the regionally-inspired barbecue at home this Thanksgiving. For those looking for a bird-only option, the $50 4lb smoked turkey breast for the table is the go-to choice for those looking small and comes with instructions for reheating; or go big with the Take Home Thanksgiving Meal ($75). Dinner serves 6-8 people and includes 4lb smoked turkey breast, one shareable pan of jalapeño cornbread with honey butter and fluffy mashed potatoes with housemade gravy. Reheating instructions are included for every item, and don't forget to add Smok's individual pecan pies to the order to share with guests or hang on to for post-holiday treats. Please call 720-452-2487 to reserve your dinner by 11/18.
Black Friday – take a break from the shopping craze:
Number Thirty Eight (3560 Chestnut Place) knows exactly what to do the day after Thanksgiving. Whether it's from all the food, all the fun or all the family - it's a day for recovering. Why not lounge in your PJs with your friends at the RiNo hotspot's Post-Thanksgiving Pajama Party? Roll out of bed, step into your slippers and head to Number Thirty Eight where you can cozy up to three new winter beverages - the Hot Chocolate Toddy made with Idlewild Vanilla Vodka and caramel; a Hot White Russian made with coffee, vodka and Kahlua or add Telluride Peppermint Schnapps to your hot chocolate for spiked cold-weather classic - all festively topped with whipped cream.
Give your feet a break after a Black Friday shopping spree and visit Bellota (3350 Brighton Blvd) for a pick me up at the hopping bar: choose from the famed frozen margarita with milagro blanco tequila, house orange liqueur, agave and fresh lime; the La Perla with tequila, fino sherry, St. George pear, and strongwater cocao bitters; or the holiday-festiveRum-Chata with flor de cana rum and housemade horchata. Don't miss Chef Manny Barella’s trio of salsas – smoky morita, spicy verde and chile de arbol – to kick off your visit.