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

The Return Of Casa Bonita

With mere days away from the opening of the most anticipated restaurant in the Denver area, Casa Bonita is putting the finishing touches on what is to become the premiere tourist destination in the Mile High. After extensive renovations owners Trey Parker and Matt Stone are set to unveil what can only be described as “The Disneyland of Mexican Restaurants” the quote made famous by the South Park (S3/E11 2003) episode. We had a chance to take a sneak peak before it opens its doors to the public, and while somethings remain nostalgic improvements have been made to a majority of the restaraurant with a huge emphasis on efficiency, With over 4,000 guests a day expected to come through the doors, everything from a new kitchen built out to line management will make it one of the most seamless entertainment choices in our city. New owners didn’t spare no expense as they wanted to keep as much as the historic element of the venue while improving its outdated amenities.

The Holy Trinity of Matt Stone, Dana Rodriguez, and Trey Parker (Image courtesy of Casa Bonita)

Some things never change, The famous sopaipillas are back. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Known for live cliff divers jumping into a blue lagoon remain the same as do the world famous sopaipillas which are set to return. The biggest change will come in the form of food options as head chef Dana Rodriguez has completely taken over. The three time James Beard award winner (Super Mega Bien, Work &Class) has emphasized the “change nothing, improve everything” approach to the new menu. We got a tour of the newly built kitchen which will be responsible for feeding the masses, a window in which fresh made tortillas will capture the customers attention as they wait in line.

Below are some of the amazing dishes that will be available.

Taco Salad, Old Fashioned, Red Enchiladas, Margarita, I Wish You Mayahuel, Green Enchiladas, Christmas Enchiladas, Chips and Salsas Frescas, Camarones, Bee’s Knees, Paloma, and Mexican Firing Squad. (Images courtesy of Casa Bonita)

Divers launch themselves into the famous blue lagoon. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

A cultural institution in the Denver area since its opening in 1974, Casa Bonita will soon re-open to the public with limited dinner hours and there’s only one way to be among the first inside the newly restored restaurant - sign up at CasaBonitaDenver.com.

General Info courtesy of Casa Bonita

There will be no walk-ins. During this soft open period, guests will be selected exclusively from Casa Bonita’s email list. Full ticketing and pricing information coming soon! Trust us you won’t want to miss an opportunity to check this out.

The famous entry into Casa Bonita (Photo credit: Robert Castro)

About Casa Bonita:

Casa Bonita is located at 6715 West Colfax Avenue in Lakewood, Colorado. The 56,000 sq. ft. Mexican restaurant and immersive entertainment venue was first opened in 1974 by Bill Waugh and has been a popular tourist destination ever since. Casa Bonita was named a historic landmark in 2015 by the Lakewood Historical Society.

"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.

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.

Ultra5280's Top Picks For Thanksgiving Eats And Drinks

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.

Dia De Los Muertos Happenings Around Denver

Day of The Dead is the much celebrated event that takes place November 1 and 2nd amongst the Mexican community as well as other cultures around the world. A few of our favorite local spots are joining in on the fun to celebrate with some amazing events and specials to commemorate the holiday.

Federales Zombie Apocalypse:

It’s the return of the undead for Halloween at Federales (2903 Larimer St). RiNo’s lofty, open-air bar and restaurant is hosting a party all day on Saturday October 30. Infect yourself with some fun with your best zombie costumes and join the Federales team for tacos, taquitos, tequila and more with a high-energy party. Doors open at 11am; costumes are encouraged as the restaurant is decorated and transformed for the epic apocalyptic weekend. Make reservations here.

Whole-Some activities at Whole Sol

The flagship location of Whole Sol in Sloan’s Lake is celebrating their one-year anniversary with a Soloween Party all day to include whol-some activities like pumpkin carvings (11 a.m. to noon), MELT Project box class (noon to 1 p.m.) for all and cookie decorating (2 p.m. to 3 p.m.), a Living Décor Plant pop up from 11am-2pm and a FRE Wellness on Wheels Pop Up from 11am-3pm. The team will be offering food specials all day such as a $5 OG bowl, $5 any toast, $3 Vegan Cookie Dough, plus more of fun activities for all ages.

Monterrey, Mexico born and raised Chef Manny Barella from Bellota (3350 Brighton Blvd, Denver) and his team are planning celebratory events at the restaurant for the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos. Starting Monday 10/25, the team is building a traditional altar (ofrenda) for the community in preparation for the holiday which they’ll celebrate on Monday 11/1. The altar will include candles, photos, and traditional offerings and Bellota guests and friends are encouraged to join in by bringing in photos of loved ones they’d like to be included in the altar in remembrance and honor for the departed. Guests who bring something for the altar will be given a token to return on Monday 11/1 where they can be redeemed for a marigold-infused Milagro tequila shot (marigolds are traditionally known as the flower whose scent attracts the souls of the departed to revisit at the altar). Food specials include tamales with pork in salsa verde wrapped in banana leaves and a succulent Chicharron Taco with chicharron (fried pork skin) braised in salsa verde with cotija cheese and onions with lime. Drink specials include theTierra de los Muertos, a black cocktail with Sol De Mexico tequila, Fernet Vallet, Demerara sugar and Cacao bitters.

(2501 Dallas Street at Stanley Marketplace) is known for their Mexican soul food including a menu of mix and match variations of tacos and up to 10 kinds of margaritas. For Dia de Los Muertos, the team is asking guests to bring in photos of loved ones (including pets) to be added to the altar and in return Comida will buy them a house margarita of choice. On Monday 11/1, Comida will be offering special mezcal cocktails, including the Vida de Muertos Del Maguey Vida’s, with pear nectar, lemon, cinnamon simple syrup, and angostura.

Cheluna

The state’s first Latinx-owned Mexican craft brewery is brewing up a traditional altar for the community to enjoy for the holiday, a Dia de Los Muertos Halloween Costume Party with Karaoke on Friday 10/29 from 7-10 pm; and hosting a sugar skull crafting class with Adriana Gonzales, free with Cheluna purchase on Saturday 10/30 from 1pm – 3pm.