Food halls, collaborative work-spaces, artisan and urban markets are a trend on the rise here in Denver and the U.S. in general. Joining the club here in Denver is the new Stanley Marketplace, fully opening in April 2017, in the former Stanley Aviation headquarters in Aurora, CO. The hip, industry-style marketplace will feature a variety of carefully curated dining concepts, local shops, boutiques and a few other businesses.

Comprised of more than 100,000 sq. ft. on 22 acres, the adaptive reuse development aims to become the communities’ new centerpiece. In addition to the culinary options, it will be home to a spacious community park, indoor/outdoor event venue, office space and a wide array of shopping and recreational options, as well as residential offerings. What we learned on our visit was how this marketplace sought out and brought together a community of like-minded businesses and people who believe in doing things differently with sustainability, creativity, passion, and their customers' happiness forefront in their business practices.

We tasted a wide selection of dishes offered at the various Colorado-based eateries and found there is something for everyone. Another great feature is you aren't limited to one eatery, as many are designed to take-away if you'd like to keep exploring/shopping or grab more additions (or alcoholic beverages) to your meal. It's an informal, laid back space with storefronts of beautiful trinkets, treats and welcoming people. We invite you to take a look and have some things to eat and drink.

Dining options include:

Annette, Comida, Cheluna Brewing, Denver Biscuit Co., Glazed & Confused Doughnuts, Infinite Monkey Theorem, Logan House Coffee, Maria Empanada, Miette et Chocolat, Mondo Market, Rolling Smoke BBQ, Rosenberg's Bagels, Sazza, Stanley Beer Hall, Sweet Cow Ice Cream, and Yellowbelly Chicken.

www.stanleymarketplace.com

Photo Credit: Robert Castro

Colfax is our very own Cinderella story. From drug deals to delicious farm-to-table restaurants. Colfax has transformed into a modern day Kim K, all without losing its street cred. It's still that eclectic street where hole in the wall coffee joints exist next door to dilapidated buildings. But, that's exactly what makes Colfax so amazing... that and also the fact that it's home to 4 of our favorite music venues..

Tasty Colfax is an event that celebrates the randomness of Colfax. It sheds light on a multifarious area that is growing and rapidly becoming a hub for foodies and hipsters alike. Which is why we jumped on the opportunity to stuff our faces, jam out to music and explore this ever expanding food haven.

With 22 stops on our list we set out with determination. At around our 5th stop we started to get a little sluggish, but that didn't stop us from hitting all the marks. A few standouts were New World Cheese, The Good Son, Annie's Cafe and Bar, Tommy's Thai, The Humble Pie Store, Bastien's Restaurant, Fat Sully's Pizza and Denver Biscuit Co.

With a list like that it's hard to not make Tasty Colfax an annual tradition. Count us in for next year...and the year after that. Who knows what our eclectic, evolving street will become by then.

Getting served some top notch beer cheese curds from New World Cheese.

Ain't nothing better than good old fashioned BBQ from Annie's Cafe and Bar.