We’ve all been faced with the “Where should we go?” question. Sometimes the answer is obvious, but other times we need help. Whether it’s finding the perfect place to celebrate the right occasion, determining what kitchen can accommodate an unusual dietary restriction, or maybe just discovering a new place to satisfy a late-night craving, we've got you covered. The Colorado Concierge will help you find the best restaurant, bar or cafe to suit your specific needs.
This week's question comes from some Denver travelers who reached out to us recently:
Where should we stay if we're looking for great food and beverage experiences?
When seeking the ultimate Denver experience as a visitor or as a local looking for a styled-out staycation, there's no shortage of lodging options — but a room with quick access to local restaurants, bars, and great room service? The options are a little more narrow. Luckily, Denver's boutique-hotel scene is expanding, with projects like The Maven, The Ramble, Continuum Block A and The Source Hotel. These new projects will join the ranks of a small group of hotels that specialize in offering a true taste of Denver. But until those open, here are five great options for a room near the best eats in town.
The Crawford Hotel
1701 Wynkoop Street
720-460-3700
Step into Union Station, and it will quickly become obvious that meals and beverage breaks will hardly be mediocre there.The Crawford Hotel, connected to Union Station and a grip of local dining destinations, is perfectly suited for someone looking to keep eating adventures on base, or seeking an adventure with direct access to Denver's transit hub. Union Station is home to two restaurants from James Beard Award-winning chefs: Alex Siedel's Mercantile Dining & Provision and Jennifer Jasinski's Stoic & Genuine. You'll also find Snooze, Next Door American Eatery, Acme Delicatessen, Pigtrain Coffee Co., Milkbox Ice Cream, The Terminal Bar and the Cooper Lounge. Need more options? Just step outside. Bonus: Jasinski will open a new Spanish tapas-style restaurant called
Halcyon Hotel
245 Columbine Street
720-772-5000
Tucked into Cherry Creek North, the Halcyon is a modern hotel with ground-floor restaurants joining the Denver dining scene from the East and West coasts. Departure, a Portland original from Top Chef season 12 runner-up Gregory Gourdet, showcases a menu that pulls inspiration from all over Asia; there's even a dim sum cart with exotic bites. Quality Italian, hailing from New York City, recently opened next to
Second Home Kitchen + Bar, located inside JW Marriott Denver.
Danielle Lirette
150 Clayton Lane
303-316-2700
Located Across First Avenue from Cherry Creek Shopping Center, the JW Marriott is surrounded by restaurants. Within the JW, Second Home Kitchen + Bar serves playful takes on American favorites. With one of the better patios in the area, Second Home is a great place to relax with a beverage or enjoy a meal while basking in the Colorado sunshine. On weekends, the restaurant offers an extensive DIY Bloody Mary bar and a pajama brunch on Sundays. Wander around the business district and you'll soon find a newly reopened Cherry Cricket (if you're coming to town after April 11), nationally acclaimed Matsuhisa, Sol Cantina and more.
Hotel Teatro
1100 14th Street
888-727-1200
Hotel Teatro, located on the shoulder of the Denver Performing Arts Complex, offers a great stay in the LoDo area. A visit to Hotel Teatro will reveal the Nickel, a sophisticated restaurant with a cozy lounge called the Study, complete with a fireplace, bookshelves and cushy chairs that you'll sink right into. Chef de cuisine Sean Stengel serves dishes of both creativity and dependability, with exciting menus for breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch. During weekend brunch, take advantage of the $20 bottomless bar cart, which includes mimosa fixings, White Russians with surprise add-ons and charcuterie. Hotel Teatro
The Oxford Hotel
1600 17th Street
303- 628-5400
Unlike the newer inns on this list, the Oxford boasts the title of being Denver's oldest operating hotel, first opening in 1891. While updated and surrounded by a shiny new Denver, there's a unique charm and elegance found at the Oxford. On the main floor you'll find the Cruise Room, Denver's first bar to open after Prohibition, and Urban Farmer, which will open this summer. The Oxford is only a block from Union Station, across the street from Jax Fish House (one of Denver's finest seafood eateries) and the new Avelina, and walking distance to a handful of other local Denver establishments.
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