Who knew that white queso could be the mythical unicorn of Mexican food? Oh wait, for everyone who has ever lived in the south and the moved elsewhere, they know.
Some of you may be like “What’s the dealio with white queso?”, also known simply as cheese dip. So let me tell you, it is COMPLETELY different than queso, or really any yellow cheese substance you dip chips into.
After almost seven years in Denver, I have marked off a good bit of my “restaurant to-try” list. I posted about my favorites, broken down by neighborhood, in my Denver Eating Guide and a post of my favorite pizzas and branches is in the lineup, but there are some meals that need a little extra attention in the meantime. These are the best damn means I have had in Denver.
These restaurants have the best in class food, best in class vibes and ambiance, and of course, best in class service. Of course, this is my opinion and I’m sure I have not been to your favorite spot so tell me!
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As a self-proclaimed pizza connoisseur, it’s high time I put together a list of my favorite pizzas across town. To be totally honest, there are still so many I have not tried so this is not a complete list. Just what I have had and loved so far. Still much market research to do!
Note that these are not in any particular order!
15% off any class with code bluemtnbelle15I’m not the best cook. I can do a few things like breakfast, this one turkey chili recipe and, well, cheese plates. So when Uncorked Kitchen reached out to me, inviting me to come try out a class I was stoked.
My girlfriend, Lizzie, and I went to “Date Night – Celebrating Autumn” and had THE BEST TIME. Seriously, hands down, one of the most fun nights either of us have had in a while.
When it comes to gifting I prefer to give experiences over things, especially because we live in such a fun and adventurous state! So here is a list of some of the best local experiences to give for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries or really any occasion.
I have personally tried all of these local Denver experiences myself too! So feel free to comment, tweet or DM me any questions you may have. As I continue to experiences all Denver has to offer ill update his list too!
My bestie Lizzie and I took a “Date Night” cooking class at Uncorked Kitchen a few weeks ago and had an absolute blast. From ramen to sushi, French cooking to seafood and even special beer or wine pairing classes, Uncorked kitchen offers the perfect cooking class for you. They also offer kids, teen and family classes. Date Night is the most expensive class you can take at $210 per couple but this does include 3 courses and a bottle of wine. Other classes start at out $60 per person. Check out their gift cards and upcoming events here.
P.S. You can take 15% off any class with code bluemtnbelle15 1x use per person and good till 6/11/15
A few days after moving to Denver (6 years ago!) I got a stiff neck and immediately made an appointment at the closet massage place. Turns out it was also the highest rated Massage & Chiropractor center in town, Moyer Total Wellness. After that day I was hooked. I have had a monthly membership for years and could not recommend them more. While a “Spa” is always a nice treat if you want to give a fantastic deep tissue massage, CBD massage or a yoga massage, acupuncture session this is the place to go. Gift cards available here.
For the adventurous or self-care loving friend have them try Inngi Float. Clay and I got to try “floating” earlier this year and kind of loved it. You can choose to float in a pod or large tank, turn out the lights and float in the super salty water for about an hour. Yes, all you do is float, you actually lose awareness of where the water ends and the air begins so you feel like you are literally floating. Very cool heady experience. I did the open-air room but would opt for the pod next time, I get very cold and the open-air room was too cold for me.
If you have not tried Top Golf yet, ya need to go! Its more than just a shooting range, Top Golf has “gamified” the experience so that its fun for anyone to tee off. Plus, there is a full bar and restaurant so you can eat, drink and hit a few balls.
I have never wanted to skydive but indoor skydiving was on the bucket list for sure. Clay and I went to iFly Denver and had the most ridiculously fun time. Indoors skydiving is essential a giant wind tunnel that you get to fly around in, with an instructor of course. You can read all about it here and watch our videos too.
Do you like karaoke? no?? Me Neither! Well, that is until I did Karaoke at Voicebox Karaoke in RiNo. Voicebox is a Korean style karaoke, which means you get your own private room to belt it out in. I went with a few girls from work and we had the best damn time. Like I could have stayed in there for hours rocking out. This is a great gift idea for anyone on your list, perfect for a rainy day or a pregame.
Last Spring, a few girlfriends and I enjoy a little DYI spa day at Moondance Botanicals. We drank wine, ate cheese and gave ourselves facials. We learned all about the all-natural products we were using and even got a discount to buy some of our favorites. It was such a fun girly experience that is great for a girl’s day, bachelorette or just pampering your bestie.
Denver is a beer lovers paradise, I swear there is a brewery on every corner of this town. RiNo, in particular, is a home to not only some of the best breweries but best restaurants and street art. Denver Micro Brew Tour has put together a really cool brewery tour of RiNo that includes 10 tasting from 3 breweries and 1 cidery and history on all amazing Graffiti along the way. Snag a gift card here and read about the rest of their Brewery tours.
Check out more holiday gift guides here and read more about my favorite spots in Denver here.
Brunch… it’s pretty glorious, right? You wake up and decided there is no way you’re cooking and you need something extra delicious. Even if it takes waiting an hour in line, on an empty stomach, you’re dedicated to the extra crispy bacon, the mouth-watering pancakes and the endless pours of mimosa juice.
I have rounded up my favorite spots to brunch across town and will continue to update this list when I find a new favorite. Denver folks is there somewhere I need to add to my list! DM me or comment below!
Union Station (Hip Brunch Spot)
Damn Good Southern Food & The Best Frozé EVER.
Tupelo Honey is a southern chain just landed in Denver this year and had made a big splash. Everything on the menu is delicious. The Southern Shakshuka flavors are big and bold, the Fried Green Tomato & Burrata Sandwich is soooo good with a nice little kick too! The Shoo Mercy Sweet Potato Pancakes are simply divine, I mean one of the best things I have ever eaten. The cinnamon, honey, spiced pecans, smokey bacon and crispy fried chicken on top of sweet potato pancakes WOWZERS. And they also happen to have the best damn Frozé I have ever had. I could drink pitchers and pitchers of that stuff and I plan too. Next on my list to try there is the Pimento Cheese Nachos and the Shrimp & Grits.
Gaylord Street, Wash Park (Neighborhood Gem)
Your cute neighbor’s kitchen with all the fixin’s + a cute patio
Their avocado toast taste like pizza, let me repeat, their avocado toast tastes like pizza. Devils Food brunch may have been my first brunch in Denver and now that we have bikes I think we will be returning often. IMO, it’s the best brunch in Wash Park. So the Avo toast has this tomato compote that tastes like marinara so the avocado toast tastes like a pizza! A delicious pizza on rosemary parmesan toast with avocado, cotija, and onions. The menu changes seasonally so everything is fresh and in season. My staple menu item is the Brandy Brulled Grapefruit. We will be back to try the cornbread waffle!
Lohi (Hip Brunch Spot)
Bright, airy decor with delicious well plated breakfast & lunch
When my girlfriends and I visited Bindery we honestly felt like we were on an episode of Sex and The City. Just some cool girls out brunching! The decor is spot on with huge two story windows making it’s so bright and fresh. The food and service are also on point. The beignets with berries and cream naum naum naum!
South Broadway/Englewood (Neighborhood Gem)
Surprisingly cheap & delicious plus bottemless
An unassuming bright spot on South Broadway with a great patio this neighboorhood “Diner” doesn’t have much of a diner feel at all. Breakfast on Broadway cover your breakfast basics but this kitchen is lead by a fine dining chef so everything is superb. Plus, you can’t beat 9.50 Bottomless Mimosas and killer Bloody Mary’s!
Snooze – Union, RiNo, 9th & Colorado, Littleton, DTC & Lone Tree (Hip Brunch Spot)
The OG brunch spot, so delicious and worth the wait
Snooze is a Denver staple. With a few spots around town, this breakfast & brunch spot is popular around the clock. Be prepared to wait, but its so totally worth it. The Bella! Bella! Benny is an Italian lovers dream with prosciutto, Taleggio cheese, poached eggs on ciabatta, with cream cheese hollandaise, balsamic glaze, and arugula. Naummmm
South Broadway (Hip Brunch Spot)
Healthy joint serving only breakfast, brunch, and lunch with specialty Sunrise Elixirs
Morring Collective is literally around the corner from my house. I need to go here more often. If you’re looking to stay healthy for brunch or just want a vegan or gluten-free option come here. They specialize in “Elevated Breakfast” with the healthy scramble, bowls and all the specialty drinks and you can dream off. Don’t worry there are plenty of “unhealthy” items as well like Stuffed Strawberry Cheesecake French toast.
Baker & Colefax (Hip Brunch + Takeout/Deliver)
The best damn breakfast sandwiches and biscuit cinnamon roll
My first brunch after moving to Denver was at Denver Biscuit Company on Colfax. This is still a go-to spot and one I frequently ordered takeout from when my best friend Kristina and I lived together. I mean why not order a bacon egg and cheese biscuits, cinnamon roll and a large pizza from Fat Sullys when you’re hungover? The menu is limited to biscuits so be in the mood!
Baker (Hip Brunch + Great For Groups)
Southern food + all the adult games you could need
The OG Punch Bowl Social opened in Denver in 2012 and was immediately the hottest spot in town. Six years later, you can now find a Punch Bowl in almost every major city. Hugh Acheson, James Beard award winner and of Top Chef fame has created a mouth water menu of avocado toast, monkey bread and of course biscuits and gravy. He may be Canadian but he has been killing it in the south for years and is now bringing his tasty menu to everyone with Punch Bowl.
Five Points & Stapelton
Authentic NY Bagels here in Denver
When I say authentic I mean it. Rosenburgs bagels made with the same water they use in NYC! How? Well, I don’t know the exact details but basically, they treat their water the same way NYC does so the bagels are perfect. Fluffy and delicious. I need a location closer to my house!
Lodo/Union
DYI Margaritas and bottomless mimosa?!
HELL YES. Y’all Kachina Margarita Brunch has been one of my favorite Mexican spots and now they have an amazing brunch. Clay and I could stuff our face with their breakfast tacos all day. Also, they have my new favorite queso in the city! Kachina is in the super cool and hip Dairy Block in LoDo/Union area so it always makes me feel extra cool to hang out there.
On my list to try Sassafras, Universal, Linger, Wash Park Grill’s brunch buffet, Jazz brunch at Dazzle or gospel brunch at Opheials. If your looking for something totally different and a bit of a cultural experience go to Star Kitchen for Dim Sum Brunch so damn good.
Thanks to Tupelo Honey, Kachina & Bindery for treating me to brunch and inspiring this post!
Got a good brunch rec? Send it my way!
A few weekends ago I checked into the Hilton Denver City Center for a little staycation. This was not your average staycation but a jam-packed girls getaway! With three of my besties in tow, we explored all downtown Denver has to offer. The Hilton Denver City Center was the perfect home base/jumping off point for our weekend, I’m thrilled to have worked with Hilton and their great team to plan this weekend to share with y’all!
I honestly love getting DM’s about what to do, where to eat and drink and most importantly where to stay when visiting Denver. If you follow my blog you that know while I live in Denver I spend almost every weekend in the mountains! Planning and spending a full weekend in Denver was a total change of pace and so freaking fun. Seriously, I have had a bucket list of bars, restaurants, and activities that I have finally checked off and can now recommend to you! So if you’re headed to Denver here is the perfect weekend itinerary.
We were staying in a Junior Suite on the executive floor which gave us access to a complimentary Happy Hour and breakfast. Unfortunately, we missed the complimentary Happy Hour but if the breakfast was any indication of what Happy Hour could be I wouldn’t miss it again!
Our Suite was set up perfectly for our girls’ getaway. It featured one large living room with a kitchenette that attached to a Master Suite, which then connected to a double queen room. The entire hotel was renovated just last year and has a perfect mix of trendy yet Colorado vibes. I love the art used for headboards and all the built-in USB ports.
Hilton Denver City Center is running a great Rockies season package that includes breakfast, beer & pretzel vouchers plus a goodie bag with all things baseballs like Big League Chew, Cracker Jacks and root beer! The Hilton Denver City Center is the official partner of the Colorado Rockies and can help you plan the perfect Rockies weekend.
Dinner at Prospect
We were treated to dinner at the hotels signature restaurant, Prospect’s Urban Kitchen & Bar. I think we were all pleasantly surprised by how good our meal was. Our server was also amazing and hilarious. Be wary of the 9 oz. wine pours too!
We started off with cocktails a cheese plate (of course) and their newest appetizer Grilled Octopus. After that, we switched to our 9 oz wine pours – a very welcomed heavy-handed poor! Scott urged us to try the Graham Cracker Porter Onion Soup and we were all so happy we did. Seriously one of the best French Onions soups I have had.
For entrees, two of ordered the Rocky Mountain Trout and another the Duck Confit. Everything was delicious and were quite large portions of food, which gets bonus points in my book! For dessert, we indulged in the Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake and Chocolate Fudge Cake. After dinner, we headed back up to our suite to drink wine, gab, and snack on our goodie bag treats.
Saturday we were up early for a full day of activities before heading to the Rockies game. We had brunch reservations at noon but headed to the Executive Lounge for breakfast, around nine am. Sometimes complimentary hotel breakfast leaves something to be desired… AKA more food! This breakfast did not disappoint, we went back for 2nds and 3rds as did everyone else who was enjoying the Executive Lounge.
Spring in Denver can often bring disappointing weather. Unfortunately, we woke up to snow and rain canceling our Denver Graffiti walking tour. River North, also known as RiNo, is a very hip part of downtown and almost every inch is covered in art. This two-hour tour goes in depth on each design, the artist’s inspiration and more. Learn more about the Denver Graffiti Tour here. But since ours was canceled we played Settlers of Catan instead.
Brunch at The Bindery
For brunch, we took the complimentary hotel car to The Binderyin Lohi. This spot is beautiful! With floor to ceiling windows and super tall ceilings, the space was so bright and airy even on a gloomy Saturday morning. I love beignets and berries so the Seasonal Berries with crème fraiche, maple syrup and beignets was a must, and damn was it good! We were all totally torn on what to order but decided on the La Emmabella (eggs in brioche with truffle butter, duck prosciutto), Toasted Quinoa Porridge and Avocado Toast. The vibe of The Binderyis relaxed but classy, we really oohed and aahed over the space and joked that we felt like we were on an episode of Sex in the City!
Wine Tour at Infinite Monkey Theorem
Next up was a wine tour at Denver’s urban winery, Infinite Monkey Theorem. This was the perfect rainy day activity. The tour takes about an hour and includes about four very hefty pours. Our tour was super educational and fun. You could really tell how much our guide loved being a member of the Infinite Monkey team and the passion they have for wine.
All of Infinite Monkey Theorem wine is produced from grapes harvested right here in Colorado. Infinite was also one of the first wine producers to can their wine! All of Infinite Monkey Theorem’s glass bottle wines use twist off caps which are greener than corks and also makes the bottle of wine more affordable for the consumer.
I have drunk Infinite Monkey plenty of times but have never taken the time to notice the beautiful engraved bottle. Yep, engraved! No paper labels – another way they are green and awesome! Public tastings are only $25 and private tours with barrel tastings are $75. Learn more about the tourshere
Shopping at Modern Nomad
The RiNo neighborhood has lots to see and do, so before heading to the game we decided to check out some locals stores. Modern Nomadjust opened and it is like walking into boho heaven! The space has five distinct but cohesive retailers as well as rotating pop-up shops. Nothing is better than walking into a hip home store flipping over an item and being totally shocked at how reasonable the price is! I did this not only once but at least five times in Modern Nomad.
Rockies Game
Unfortunately, the rain and cold deterred us from going into the game, but we did go and take pictures outside the stadium! The Rockies were playing the Cubs so naturally, it was packed! Even if you’re not a Rockies or even baseball fan the games are so fun! We always head up to The Rooftop and grab a margarita from The Rio, a hot dog from Biker Jim’s and a giant bottomless popcorn.
Dinner at Ophelia’s
When you visit Denver you will be recommended a few restaurants and I can guarantee you Linger will be at the top of that list, and rightfully so – it’s amazing. As are all the Edible Beats restaurants around Denver. Not only is the food top notch but the decor, ambiance, and vibe is edgy and cool. Ophelia’s might take the cake on decor as this half venue, half restaurant is decorated with vintage pinups and movie posters, the stage backdrop is a collage of classic radios and the girls bathroom stalls are made of vintage yardsticks from local businesses.
Ophelia’s is always a winner in my book and our dinner didn’t disappoint. We decided to order a few things to share including Scallops, Shishito Peppers, Drunken Muscles, Plantains, and the Truffle Mushroom Flatbread. I highly recommend the Scallops, which are smoked and served cold. Sounds weird, but they were super yummy. Also, on special that night was asparagus with burrata – wowzers, hopefully they will be adding this to the regular menu!
Hit The Town
After dinner, we headed toBe On Keys to see my favorite Phish cover band and my future wedding band woot-woot! Now, I know that is not everyone’s ideal Saturday night so head to my Denver Guideto see my other favorite bars around town.
Sunday we decided to sleep in and enjoy mimosa in our robes. I mean a hotel trip isn’t complete without some robe time, right? Instead of heading to the Executive Lounge we opted for brunch at RiNo’s newest hot spot,Barcelona Wine Bar
Brunch at Barcelona Wine Bar
You may have heard of Barcelona Wine Baras they have a few locations across the country. I know you may be thinking, eh a chain? No! Barcelona is anything but, each location is totally unique creating a genuine local feel. And it’s spreading like wildfire because of how amazing they are! Everywhere we went over the weekend people asked if we were going to that new wine bar in RiNo! A Spanish wine & tapas bar may seem like an odd choice for brunch but it was delicious! When you go, you have to get Jamón & Manchego Croquetas, Bacon Wrapped Dates, Shakshuka and Potato Tortilla. This place is going to be so popular once summer hits, just look at this patio! I can’t wait to go back!
Sunday ended up being beautiful so after brunch, we walked around RiNo and snapped pics in front of the great street art, before heading home.
We had such a blast on our girls getaway weekend! I checked so many things off my Denver bucket list and remembered why I just adore this city! If you’re a Rockies/Baseball fan than the Triple Play Package is perfect for you. Hot pretzels, free beer, and a goodie bag? Win-win!
If you could care less about baseball, Hilton Denver City Center is still a great location for all of your Denver activities. The complimentary Hilton car literally took us everywhere we wanted to go, which made getting around so easy. Learn more about the Hilton Denver City Center and The Triple Play Package here.
This post is sponsored by Hilton, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to The Bindery, Infinite Monkey Therum, Ophelia’s and Barcelona Wine Bar for hosting us as well.
Have you ever been to Denver? I mean really been to Denver, not flew into DIA hopped on a shuttle and headed straight to the mountains. No? Well, neither had I until I packed up my bags and move here. Well, actually I visited once a few months before but I had already decided with Denver’s close proximity to the mountains and international airport, this was the place for me.
My feelings were confirmed on that first visit when I saw the Neiman Marcus in Cherry Creek and sipped drinks on the Linger rooftop! A lot has changed since I moved to Denver 6 years ago so here is my quick guide to this amazing city.
I must warn you though… during and after your trip to Denver, you may experience strong feelings to pack up and move across the country. Totally normal, happens to everyone, seriously I mean with over a 1,000 residents moving every month! Denver is THE place to be. But really don’t move here we are full!
Find a hotel in LoDo, Downtown or RiNo you will be set. Here are some of my favs!
Denver Hilton – Great for a work trip! Hotel Teatro, The Maven in the Dairy Block, The Hotel Monaco, & The Crawford Hotel.
Denver Hilton City Center Lunch
The Maven Hotel
Linger – This was the hottest restaurant in the city when I moved here and still is. You will need to make reservations in advance! Totally worth it!
El Five – Linger’s sister restaurant that stole back its beautiful rooftop. Make reservations even for grabbing a drink! A must see/do!
Avanti Food & Beverage – Food stall and rooftops – this is perfect for feeding a crowd, day drinking, happy hour… really anytime it’s fun.
Kachina – Snap the perfect insta, eat delicious and totally different street tacos and sip on perfect margaritas. Plus The Dairy Block is SO COOL. The Poka Lola Social Club is the lobby bar and it’s so fun.
Acorn – Located in The Source the OG
Snooze – With a few locations around Denver this local favorite has amazing brunch. Be prepared to wait!
The Rio – Cheap margs and yummy Mexican, The Rio is a Denver staple also great for big groups.
Pizza Republica – If you are here for work at the convention center this place is right there and SO freaking good. I love their pizza.
Other places to check out – Cart Driver, Hop Ally, Denver Central Market, Margs, Blue Moon Brewery, Barcelona Wine Bar, Tupelo Honey, The Pig & The Sprout, Masterpiece Deli.
I will be the first to admit the LoDo bar scene is not my scene, but the area is literally covered in drinking wholes from unci-unci nightclubs, MTV Spring break bars, dive bars, breweries, and distillers you will have no problem bar hopping in this area.
El Five – Head to here for drinks before your reservation at Linger. Or if you can eat here too, the food, drinks and the VIEWS are incredible!
El Five Denver View
Ophelias – Check out the lineup and come here for drinks also great for brunch or dinner!
Denver Beer Co. & Recess Beer Garden – Is it sunny? head over for great beers on this huge patio
Terminal Bar – The perfect place to start your night is the Terminal Bar in Denver’s Union Station. Great for groups and central to literally everything.
Syntax – If you like Motown, funk, disco, check out the link up at Syntax. My favorite place to go dancing.
Other spots I like – Mile High Spirits, Herbs (dive bar with live music), Infinite Monkey Theorem, Great Divide Brewery, Williams & Grahm Speakeasy, Poka Lola Social Club., two great dive bars outside downtown Don’s & Lincoln’s Roadhouse.
Avanti
Breweries – Most breweries in the area also offer tours so you can make a day brewing tour hopping all over the city.
Red Rocks – Even if you can’t make a show its worth the trip just to see the venue, walk the steps, hike the beautiful trails and explore the museum. I have a full guide to visiting Red Rocks for a show here.
Hike – If you have a rental car there are plenty of hikes do to on the front range. Check out my hikes here and find the best local hikes here
Shop – Yes!Denver has great shopping! Cherry Creek Mall is world class and Cherry Creek North is filled with high-end designers and local boutiques. The following hoods all have great shopping as well.
South Pearl Street – My old stomping grounds! Every Sunday from late May to late October is a fabulous farmers market, seriously best in the city. The best sushi in the city can also be found here Sushi Den and sister restaurant Izakah Den, Plus some pretty serious shopping at Melrose & Madison, Gracie’s & Paige on Pearl.
Larimer Square – Super cute area of downtown great for shopping, eating and drinking. Hailee Grace is my favorite boutique. Osteria Marco (BURRATA + PIZZA), Tag and Tamayo (Margs + Rooftop).
Union Station – The crowning jewel of Denver – great for drinks and so many great restaurants in the area
RiNo – River North is the hottest spot in Denver. The sheer number of restaurants and bars opening here is pretty crazy. Basically, everything I listed above under where to drink and eat is in RiNo.
South Broadway
South Broadway – Some of my favorite bars and restaurants are on South Broadway. Great place to bar hop day or night. Canopy is super hip “sports” bar with great decor – byo food. Punch Bowl Social has bowling and games galore and Historians Ale House has a great rooftop. There are also lots of cool small boutiques and shops.
Canopy Bar Denver
Highlands Square – The Highlands is a super cute and hip neighborhood near downtown, you can shop, eat and drink to your heart’s content. Fire on the Mountain for wings and Blue Pan Pizza for my favorite pizza in Denver.
Boulder – Probably easiest with a car but there is a bus that will take you to Boulder if you want to go explore for the day. From the bus drop off you can walk to the Flatirons for a hike and stroll the Pearl Street Mall.