Denver is known as one of the top up-and-coming cities when it comes to the cuisine scene. From the not-so-secret abundance of high quality breweries to the array of design-focused eateries to the latest chef-driven concepts, the Mile High City provides a world of possibilities for the food tourist inside of you.
So what happens when our Art Director ventures to Denver, Colorado for a quick 24 hour trip? The challenge was on to eat and drink her way through the city. Keep scrolling for the full report.
Hey Sarah! Tell us about what prompted your trip?
Hello hello! My sister recently plotted to celebrate her husband's 30th Birthday in the Mile High City. Knowing it was at the top of his wishlist, she rounded up his closest friends for a weekend to remember.
Tell us about your morning...
We sought out a local recommendation for our brunch destination. Olive and Finch Eatery and Bakery was the pick of choice and the suggestion truly did not disappoint!
My recommendation: The Bogota Hash. Imagine breakfast served in a decadent red pepper sauce topped with spicy chorizo. Make sure to indulge in their beignets - they are to die for! After breakfast work off the extra carbs by exploring Cherry Creek State Park.
What was next on your to-do list?
You can't do Denver without taking a brewery or distillery tour and since the birthday boy was craving whiskey, Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey it was!
What to expect: This tour was the highlight of our entire trip. Not only do you walk away with a wealth of knowledge of what goes into the whiskey evolution process but you get to taste test Diamond Peak & Original Single Malt Whiskies along the way.
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When in Denver, where should you lunch?
Our choice was Illegal Pete's and I am here to report the rumors are true.
My recommendation: The chicken taquitos are everything good in this world. Don't you dare leave without ordering their steamy sopapillas drenched in honey and topped in powdered sugar. You've been warned! You'll be dreaming about them for months!
Dinner plans?
If you're a pizza connoisseur, I highly recommend Cart Driver. Located in the heart of Denver's RiNo neighborhood (where art is made) sits a shipping container space designed to perfection.
My recommendation: Since we were with a group of twelve and no one was currently sitting at their patio space, the hospitable staff encouraged us to takeover the courtyard and even provided us with our own bartender for the evening! Every single slice of pizza melted in our mouths. I can honestly report that this was one of the best pizza spots I've ever tried. The crust was perfectly soft yet crispy on the edges and the flavors were out of this world. You must try their signature pie, the Cart-Driver.
What's for dessert?
Denver Central Market has everything for the food tourist in you. The Local Butcher, Temper Chocolates, Vero Italian, Green Seed, Culture Meat & Cheese and so much more! We stopped at High Point Creamery for some salted caramel ice cream - it was delicious.
Where did you finish your food journey?
We had our nightcap at Rino Yacht Club. Here you'll find a variety of different vendors such as: Babettes, Mondo Market, Slow Food Denver, SVPER ORDINARY (Gallery + Retail space) and more. Wanting to take in all the feels, we flocked together in the middle of the warehouse for cocktails served from their main modern, full-service bar, Yacht Club.
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