Best Places To Eat on 4/20 In Denver

On 4/20, Stanley Marketplace is your one-stop shop for sweet and savory snacks. When the cravings kick in, head to Chi Lin for all things crispy and crunchy like the Harumaki Egg Rolls made with chicken, napa cabbage and carrots, the Basil Karaage Chicken Wings with spicy mayo, or the Chi Lin Fries topped with sriracha, spicy mayo and seaweed. Munchies at Comida mean Pimento Cheese Stuff Jalapenos with cooling cucumber jalapeno crema and Hot Dogs with Queso for some meaty goodness. And take your mood to the next level with the Sombra' Shrooms Burrito filled with Comida rice, beans, cabbage and salsa. Famous J's makes 420 dreams come true withcheesy pizza pies, garlic knots and pepperoni pinwheels. If you've got room for one more bowl.

Rolling's Smoke BBQ's Smoked Mac N Cheese should be at the top of your list when you top it with your choice of meat. Snack the day away at Stanley Beer Hall with the buttery bite-sized Warm Pretzel Bites served with beer cheese for dipping, and you're doing it wrong if you're not getting the Funnel Cake Fries as the ultimate sweet treat.

At Denver Biscuit Company, the McHashbrowns are an obvious choice alongside a Giant Biscuit Cinnamon Roll. After you've devoured the savory, get your final fix from the cinnamon sugar churros (traditional and filled) from Churreria de Madrid.

Cure the munchies on 4/20 with a stop at Yardbird in RiNo for southern snacks that quell cravings for salty, sweet, crunchy and more. The menus are loaded with satisfying bites and a few favorites for 4/20 include:

  • Fried Green Tomato BLT with house-smoked pork belly, pimento cheese, frisée, smoky tomato jam, and lemon vinaigrette

  • Chili Crisp Chicken with boiled chili oil, house pickles, and scallions

  • Deviled Eggs, towering high and topped with smoked trout roe, dill and chives

  • Sweet tooth? Opt for Banana Pudding Cheesecake or Deep Fried Orea

  • And of course, dig into the Yardbird Specialties:

    • Chicken & Waffles with honey hot sauce, chilled spiced watermelon, vermont sharp cheddar cheese waffle, and Yardbird bourbon maple syrup

    • Coal Roasted Rotisserie Chicken with chimichurri, lemon, ancho chili marinade, and mama's mash

    • Lewellyn’s Fine Fried Chicken, a full one half bird with mama's mashed potatoes, arugula salad, and Yardbird’s own honey hot sauce

  • BONUS: the fried chicken can be made gluten free, and Nashville Hot or Korean Style is also available. 

When munchies strike, Barcelona Wine Bar has a Happy Hour with drinks, bites, and flavors ideal for post 4/20 unwinding. Pull up a seat at the busy central bar and snack on crunchy and salty bites like:

  • House made Potato Chips with Chorizo Soria

  • Queso Plancha with seasonal fruit, like Luxardo cherries

  • Pork Pintxos with mojo rojo

  • And the beloved Gilda Pintxo with Boquerónes, guindilla peppers and olives

"Opening Day" Places To Celebrate In Denver

One of our favorite days in the Mile High City is Opening Day. Although we haven’t had much to cheer from our hometown Colorado Rockies, we do get to celebrate a few of our favorite restaurants and their special offerings for this celebratory day. Be sure to stop in before, during and after the game to enjoy some of these amazing drinks and food pairings.

Catch the opening day action at Federales (2901 Larimer St), just a 20-minute walk from Coors Field, where the RiNo bar & restaurant is celebrating with a special extended happy hour from 11am - 7pm: special pricing on margaritas, taquitos, nachos, queso and guac; plus $15 beer buckets + $5 Coors Light drafts. You can catch the game on one of the of the 14 wide screen TVs as the Rockies take on the Nationals.  

Stop in to 5280 Burger Bar at the Pavilions ahead of the game for some creative takes on stadium nachos like the Ahi Nachos, togarashi dusted ahi tossed in sesame soy with a gingered carrot-cucumber relish on wonton chips; or dig into the Stadium Nachos with 5280’s housemade chips and queso, slow-roasted pulled pork, fresh pico de gallo and house made roasted corn and black bean salsa. Don’t miss the restaurant’s own 5280 Lager to round out your visit.  

Drop into Barcelona Wine Bar after the game to celebrate the win (or ignore the loss). It’s a quick walk from the stadium to unwind with friends after the game and enjoy elevated post-game snacks like the spring-forward Harissa Carrots with pistachio pesto, the Chicken Thigh with aji verdi or the Albondigas, spiced meatballs in jamon-tomato sauce and wash it down with a Biodynamic-calendar-inspired Gintonic or unwind with a Bees & Bays (no ABV) cocktail. 

Score twists on your ballpark favorites at EDGE Restaurant and EDGE Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel Denver. The swanky bar offers fun takes like the Chicharrones with espelette, lime and salt; Beer Battered Onion Rings with black ‘n’ blue EDGE spice plus Cholula aioli; Bougie Wings with truffle Fresno hot sauce, pickles, and labneh ranch; and the housemade Warm Pretzel Rolls with charcuterie, beer cheese, housemade apricot mustard, grilled fennel sausage and cornichons. Bonus: valet park your car at the hotel and a visit to EDGE nabs you a discounted rate for the evening. 

Grab a pre-game sandwich and snacks to-go from Little Finch downtown Denver and make the 10-minute walk to the stadium. Start with a fresh-pressed juice or craft coffee like the Cafe Cajeta to fuel up for the game along with the Curry Chicken Croissant sandwich with herb roasted chicken breast, red onions, celery, golden raisins and curry sauce; or the Southwest Flatbread for on-the-go eats. Don’t forget to grab the white chocolate dipped twinkie on your way out for that seventh-inning stretch snack.  

If you can’t make it to the ballpark, a visit to Stanley Marketplace (2501 Dallas St, Aurora) covers all the bases on Opening Day.You’ll feel like you’re at the ballpark at Stanley Beer Hall when you nosh on Southwest Bison Brat or the Warm Pretzel Bites as you catch the game on their multiple big-screen TVs, and there’s no waiting in line at the 51 self-pour taps featuring local beers, wines, cocktails and more.

Follow it up with a visit to Cheluna Brewing Co., for a craft cerveza from the state’s first Latinx-owned brewery, and finally drop by Churreria de Madrid for authentic Spanish churros, a sweet handheld game day snack.

 

Just down the street from Coors Field, Three Saints Revival offers new-for-Spring dishes for game-goers like the Pork Cheek Casuela with hazelnut picatta and pickled raisins, Risotto with sweet peas and asparagus and the Spicy Greens with chistorro sausage and orange in a mushroom broth. Finally, trade your baseball beer for refreshing cocktails like the bright and fresh Spice Trade or the adventurous and tropical clarified punch, Monarch of the Sea.

Head out of downtown after the game to Cantina Loca for tacos and tequila drinks from James Beard Award nominee Dana Rodriguez. Try a variety of the agave cocktails, from classic or frozen margaritas to the Rosita, made with Rodriguez’s Doña Loca reposado tequila, sweet & dry vermouth, amaro and bitters, and don’t miss building your own Barbacoa, Carne Asada or Pollo Adobado tacos.

9 Places To Eat Healthy in 2023

Like us, many of you probably decided to eat healthier in 2023. With a large array of different options to choose from these 9 restaurants have taken your typical salad to a whole new level. Whether you're looking for a latin inspired salad to your traditional green salad you will find a dish to your choosing. Check out the following restaurant offerings from some of our favorite spots.

Three Saints Revival

In LoDo, Three Saints Revival (1801 Wewatta Street) is offering up two vibrant salads this winter. Warm Brussel Sprouts star in the first seasonal salad. The veggie comes together with egg, bacon and just the right amount of mustard for a delicious starter. Winter citrus takes the spotlight in the Winter Orange Salad. Slices of bright, Blood Orange are topped with a dressing of olive, mint and sage oil for a simple flavor combination that’ll keep you cooking back for more.

Cantina Loca

At James Beard Outstanding Chef Semifinalist Dana Rodriguez’s Cantina Loca (2890 Zuni Street), the Seasonal Salad is a flavor-packed way to start the meal. Between the lima beans, arugula and chimichurri, the dish offers a spectrum of satisfying greens - all topped with shaved parmesan for that perfect finishing touch.

Guapo Taco

The Ranchero Ensalada at Guapo Taco (Colorado Mills, Lakewood) is the ideal southwestern salad. Greens are topped with perfectly cooked skirt steak, avocado, roasted tomatillos, Tajin spiced pepitas, roasted corn and black bean salsa, asadero, tequila lime-cilantro vinaigrette to create layer after layer of flavor. Stop in to power up before hitting the mall or to enjoy while you take inventory of the day’s finds.

5280 Burger Bar

Salads may not be the first dishes that come to mind when you think of 5280 Burger Bar (Pavilions in Denver and 4301 Main Street, Westminster), but don’t perhaps they should be. The Power Greens salad, for example, is filled with superfoods like kale, cabbage, shaved brussel sprouts, arugula, carrots, roasted pepitas and sunflower seeds topped with a refreshing house-made orange ginger vinaigrette.

Barcelona Wine Bar

Radicchio is the winter green you didn’t know you needed with the crunch, flavor and texture to pop a salad to star level in the colder months. The simply named Radicchio Salad at RiNo’s Barcelona Wine Bar (2900 Larimer) satisfies a winter craving for crunch and a Mediterranean twist with radicchio, dates, walnuts, a pungent blue Valdeón cheese and sherry vinaigrette. Pair this salad with a selection of winter whites from the extensive wine lists or an exploratory flight - we like the “Bio Curious” for additional flavors.

 

Little Finch

Executive Chef/Owner Mary Nguyen at Little Finch in the LoDo neighborhood at Blake & 16th was inspired by the all-day cafes and bistros dotting the European countryside and created  several rotating daily salads for the new concept including the Salad Francaise, hearty and satisfying for the winter with shaved shaved carrot, fresh parsley, tangy dijon and notes of cumin throughout. Enjoy this salad solo or pair with a cup of the soup of the day and always served with a fresh baguette.                                                                                    

Federales 

The RiNo taco & tequila concept Federales (2901 Larimer) serves up a Southwest Chicken Salad for a break from tacos that’s still substantial enough to hit the spot for lunch or dinner.  Over a bed of romaine, the hearty trio of avocado, black beans and chicken creates a filling base of protein & fiber while the popular blend of pico, cotija cheese, chipotle ranch keeps this dish crisp and refreshing. Garnished with a sprinkle of cilantro and a handful of crunchy tortilla strips, the fan-favorite plate earns its spot as a staple on the menu. Compliment with a craft cocktail like the frozen tequila rose or Jalapeño Cooler for a memorable meal. 

Stanley Marketplace

Reclaimed airplane factory hangar-turned-market hall Stanley Marketplace offers a several options for winter salads on repeat: favorites include Elita Specialty Market & Kitchen where you can find the Elita Quinoa Bowl, satisfying Middle Eastern-meets-Latin flavors with garlic-herbed quinoa, cabbage, Israeli  salad, black beans, pepitas, avocado, queso fresco, and salsa tatemada; the Green Goddess Bowl at Chook Charcoal Chicken layered with hearty cauliflower rice, green beans, and roasted chickpeas, plus avocado, broccoli, roasted red peppers, pistachios and green goddess dressing; and the roasted beet salad at Stanley Beer Hall with earthy spinach, vibrant beets, avocado, red onion, and cucumber, finished with goat cheese, toasted pepitas and coriander balsamic.  

EDGE Restaurant & EDGE Bar at the Four Seasons

A lunchtime visit to chic downtown spot EDGE Restaurant and EDGE Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Denver (1111 14th St) on a winter’s day often means elevated steaks and hearty sandwiches; but those looking for lighter fare will relish the simple elegance of the Seafood Cobb Salad with a trio of seafood - lobster, crab, and shrimp - finished with traditional egg, tomato, and avocado. House made basil-ranch dressing plus a side of focaccia rounds out this satisfying bowl to beat the winter blues.

Party Without A Hangover, Denver Spots For Dry January

For many the month of January is a chance to partake in “Dry January”, while many options are limited, some of Denver’s finest restaurants and bars are offering some low/no ABV cocktails to indulge. These cocktails are creative concoctions available now (and possibly after January) and will not make you feel left out.

Bar teams across our city have been developing creative, interesting mocktail programs to live on menus in January – and year-round - so that those who are (quietly, or not-so-quietly) looking for ways to manage alcohol intake don’t feel left out of celebrations.

Bees & Bays: Barcelona Wine Bar

Barcelona Wine Bar is known for their eclectic wine lists but in response to growing requests for non-ABV drinking, they have the incredibly popular Bees & Bays, the team’s first No ABV cocktail and a sweet, spicy and citrusy sipper with lime, salted honey syrup and warming cardamom. Tumbled with ice and topped with sparkling water, it’s garnished with torched smoky bay leaves. No lack of complexity, and no ABV. 

The Rehydrator: Bellota

The Rehydrator from Bellota (The Source in Denver and 4580 N. Broadway in Boulder) is created with aloe vera juice, cranberry, lime, agave and housemade grenadine. The gorgeous cranberry-hued drink is naturally frothy, not too sweet and has a nice tart finish.

At Three Saints Revival they have another creative bar program, they’re taking a page from the trend book and offering two “Spirit Free & Full of Flavor” drinks that are complex alternatives to traditional boozy cocktails. The 24 Carrot Gold is made with carrot, ginger, cinnamon syrup, blood orange and nutmeg for seasonal spice while the Steep Dreams is made with muddled blackberries + rosemary, chamomile + lavender, cardamom syrup, lemon juice and aquafaba for a creamy finish. Delightful sips for spirit-free fun. 

On elf the many tasty cocktails at Edge Restaurant and Bar.

At EDGE Restaurant and Bar  at Four Seasons Hotel Denver, the put together The Dragon’s Tonic with blueberries, lemon and tarragon and they also have the Fire on the Mountain with grapefruit, basil and lime. The trend of low/no ABV cocktails is here to stay, and bar manager Scott Larson makes these NA drinks so guests can indulge, celebrate, be part of the party and enjoy healthy sips with flavors that mean you won’t miss the booze. Such creativity in that bar program! 

Looking For Things To Do This Thanksgiving? We've Got You Covered!

Thanksgiving Eve – gather with friends on Weds night: 

  • The lively, U-shaped bar anchoring the space at Barcelona Wine Bar feels tailor made for catching up with friends before the crush of family on Thanksgiving. The menu of Mediterranean-inspired cocktails plus traditional + creative gintonics and wine/port-based beverages offer some gems - don’t miss the traditional Sangria or the seasonal Thanksgiving-forward flavors in the Bourbon Spice Rack like Cardamaro, maple syrup, cardamom and lavender; we also recommend the Dos Peninsulas with joven tequila, sherry, lemon + agave and finished with nutmeg.

  • Catch up with old friends at Federales (2903 Larimer Street, Denver) and enjoy a margarita or tequila-based cocktail at RiNo’s lively bar and restaurant. The menu of tacos, tortas, tequila and cocktails in a high-energy environment is just the thing for catching up with friends before the holiday and is sure to have something for everyone. Don’t miss the green chile nachos or the Pork & Pineapple tacos, Federales’ take on al pastor, and be sure to ”ring the bell” with friends before you leave.

  • Spending the day in Boulder or RiNo before the Thanksgiving feast? Wow your guests with a visit to Bellota (The Source in RiNo and 4580 N. Broadway in Boulder) for can’t-miss dishes from appetizers through desserts. Start with the sweet potato Wild Thing Fries topped with carnitas, cotija, lime, onion, cilantro and morita powder before tackling the Taco Flight - all seven of Bellota’s tacos on one platter. Finish with everyone’s favorite dessert, the Carlota, a creamy and tart lime pudding with vanilla cream and a Mexican cookie.

Thanksgiving Day – spend time with family

  • Treat yourself with an upscale harvest celebration at EDGE Restaurant & Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel Denver. Traditional and inventive Thanksgiving starters, sides and mains including elevated culinary stations will be offered on Thanksgiving Day from 11 AM to 4 PM and then again from 5 PM to 9 PM. Enjoy starters like pumpkin veloute, poached pears and fresh fuyu persimmons, traditional entrees like turkey roulade with chestnut stuffing, confit leg cranberry relish and giblet gravy alongside hickory smoked Colorado prime beef rib with merlo Demi and horseradish cream; and more unique options like salmon and scallion fish cakes, Alamosa bass and slow roasted lamb shoulder with harissa. Treat yourself with choices from the EDGE Raw Bar and desserts include white chocolate chai cream puff, mini pumpkin tarts, brown sugar cranberry cheesecake and milk chocolate mango pot de crème. Kids’ buffet options include sliced Tom turkey, grilled fish and broccoli, penne pasta, hummus fruit cups and holiday sugar cookies, mimi pumpkin tarts and milk chocolate pot de crème. To make a reservation, please call EDGE Restaurant & Bar directly at 303-389-3050.

  • Vibrant Three Saints Revival offers a bohemian wine bar feel with tapas, small plates, entrees and dishes every from coast of the Mediterranean (think Spain to Italy to Greece, Turkey, Egypt and more). Bring yourself, your family, or your group of friends to Three Saints Revival where the talented culinary team helmed by Chef John Broening will be offering a limited menu of the Mediterranean-inspired dishes they’ve become famous for. Don’t miss the extensive and eclectic cocktails, or the menu of wines by the bottle and by the glass with a “map menu” to track which part of the Mediterranean your vino hails from. You can call (720) 707-3500 for more information or make your reservations online.

  • Don’t slave in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day; instead, fake it ‘til you make it by heading to Mondo Market at Stanley Marketplace and pick up a full Thanksgiving meal to take home for groups all sizes from 2 all the way up to 8 and including roasted or fresh turkey, sides, smoked holiday hams, salads and charcuterie boards. Meals come with turkey and traditional sides and condiments like cranberry orange relish and beet salad; the Mondo team also tucks in a sheet with turkey roasting and sides reheating instructions for you. Place orders by Monday 11/14.

Black Friday – take a dining break from the shopping craze:

  • Spending the biggest shopping day of the year downtown requires a beer and a big, juicy burger. Find both at 5280 Burger Bar in the Pavilions on the 16th Street Mall. There is no better combination than the Perfect Burger topped with gruyére cheese, bacon onion jam, pickled red onions and the house-made roasted garlic aioli and a cold draft beer.

  • Leaving the mall is not required to find a delicious meal on Black Friday. Guapo Taco opened in Colorado Mills (Lakewood) just last month and the taqueria is already the talk of the town. Whether you’re shopping solo or with a group, Guapo Taco serves up tacos from traditional to unconventional that are great for fueling up. Start with the crowd-favorite Corn Ribs - charred perfectly and topped with a delicious blend of Mexican spices - before digging into a plate of the Lamb Birria tacos, paired with the braising liquid for a dunkable dish.

  • Stay out of the fray altogether by shopping and dining in Denver’s River North neighborhood this holiday. With fun boutiques spread out in the neighborhood, there’s something for everyone, and you can leave the food to Dana Rodriguez. The James Beard Award finalist’s restaurants Super Mega Bien and Work & Class make up one of the most craveable corners in Denver at 25th and Larimer Streets. Find exactly what you’re looking for, whether that’s classic Red Wine Braised Short Rib with a side of Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese at Work and Class or a more spontaneous evening, grabbing whatever catches your eye on the passing Dim Sum carts at Super Mega Bien. Don’t let the Ropa Vieja made with Cuban style slow braised beef with jasmine rice, plantains and olive tapenade, or the addictive corn and cheese Arepas de Queso with pepita pesto and achiote crema pass you by.