The best guide to Denver Colorado, version 1.0

Denver is one of those places that I have only been to a couple of times, but I think of it often. This is the best guide to Denver Colorado version 1! When version 2 is done, I will link it here. As I revamp my blog posts, 2023 version of myself really hopes to return to the area again soon; to go back to some favorite spots & discover more!

The best guide to Denver – lodging

Monaco

The best guide to Denver wouldn’t be complete without a recommendation for your home base during your stay! I highly recommend staying at Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco. It is centrally located with a ton of walkable sights and eats. From the gorgeous aesthetic of the lobby and the guest rooms, to the luscious bedding, and cozy feel – I will definitely be staying at this beautiful place again.

Oh, and the room service was exceptional – makes sense because the food is made downstairs at Panzano (more on this delicious authentic Italian restaurant below). Be sure to order the eggs Benedict! The staff is seriously wonderful as well, but our favorite was the concierge, Paul. He literally became our bestie the whole trip!

The best guide to Denver – dining

Panzano

“Offering the best in contemporary Northern Italian cuisine with a focus on local, seasonal and organic ingredients, Panzano delivers unparalleled service and an award-winning wine list in a spectacular urban setting in downtown Denver. It’s no wonder Panzano has been awarded 4 diamonds by AAA and named one of Zagat’s best restaurants in America.”

The starters: Gluten Free Foccaccia | Brussels Sprouts | Foie Gras Macaron | Beet Salad

Details on our favorites: CAVOLINI DI BRUXELLES fried brussels sprouts, apple cider reduction, pistachios, rosemary salt, sliced green apple | INSALATA DI BARBABIETOLA baby beets, smoked ricotta, charred carrots, toasted hazelnuts, pickled vegetables, baked citrus meringue

The Mains: Fazzoletti | Bucatini | Lamb Chops

Details on our favorites: AGNELLO CHOP colorado rack of lamb, seasonal mushrooms, brussels leaves, cured pancetta, ricotta-lamb croquettes, whole grain mustard jus | PEPE NERO FAZZOLETTI (gluten free) black pepper fazzoletti, butter poached lobster, basil pesto, black garlic coulis, parmesan crisp

The Desserts: Tiramisu | Chocolate Budino | Cannoli

Details on our favorite: TIRAMISU Espresso, lady fingers, amaretto mascarpone, cocoa

Wine: CASTELLO DI VOLPAIA “CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA” 2014 Sangiovese Blend Chianti Classico Tuscany – I had to order this wine because I toured the little town it’s made in while I was traveling around Tuscany last! What a fun taste flashback! Learn more about this medieval Tuscan town here! // ORIN SWIFT “8 Years in the Desert” Zinfandel, Petite Sirah & Syrah

And of course I had to test out their Old Fashioned. I approve!

Safta

Quite possibly my favorite meal of the trip, but it’s hard to say for sure because every place was so wonderful in its own right!

“Safta brings you on a journey through food and beverage which pays homage to the culinary landscape of Israel. With influences that stem from the Middle East, Europe and North Africa, this menu reflects a collection of moments where food and culture have crossed paths, offering a taste of an ever-evolving cuisine. Wood fired pita bread baked steps from the table will soak up the flavors of Israel, Bulgaria, Yemen, Syria, Morocco, Turkey, Palestine and Greece.”

Details on our favorites: LABNEH pink peppercorns, olive oil, shallots | CAULIFLOWER HUMMUS Yemenite curry and onions | FALAFEL tahini and herbs | HALLOUMI CHEESE apple butter, urfa chili, fennel | LATKES (not seeing them on the current menu, but if you see them, ORDER)

Booze order: THE FIG PICTURE bourbon, fig, byrrh, lemon, egg | OLD FASHIONED

The Family Jones

Part distillery, part restaurant – if I lived in Denver I would definitely make this one of my regular spots. Since they distill all the spirits they use for the cocktails, the taste and balance of the drinks are on point. We took a tour upstairs and got the inside scoop on all the experimental flavors going on up there. We were thoroughly impressed by the food too!

Our order: Salmon | Pumpkin Fondue | 48 HR Beef | Pineapple Pork | Ice Cream Sandwich

Details on our favorites: ROASTED PUMPKIN FONDUE gruyère, white cheddar, parmesan, apples, beets, croutons, gremolata | 48HR BEEF raclette crackers, roasted potato, oyster mushrooms, chimichurri, smoked kewpie | RUM RAISIN ICE CREAM ginger snaps, candied walnuts

Booze order: FLIGHT a sample of all of the spirits they distill for just $7! | COLORADO SOUR stopgap bourbon, jones house amaretto, lemon, egg white | THIEF IN THE GARDEN stopgap rye, carrot, ginger, tumeric | A cocktail that the mixologist made up for me that was basically a Palo Santo flavored Old Fashioned (I still dream about it!)

You can also schedule a guided tour and tasting at their distillery location in Loveland, Colorado.

Marco’s Coal Fired Pizza

“We know from experience that there is nothing more satisfying than that first bite of a truly great pizza: the crunch and chew of the perfect crust, the sweetness of the sauce, the earthy aroma of basil and the salty taste of fresh mozzarella that lingers for just a moment on your tongue…we want to bring that feeling to you [with] the finest ingredients like Antico Molino Caputo ‘00’ flour, tomatoes from the San Marzano region of Italy, cheeses from the Italian countryside and fresh produce from Colorado. Our pizzamakers were trained by the Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napolitani, a group of Pizzaiuoli that are regarded as the best in the world. Our restaurant is certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, the only VPN certified pizzeria in the State of Colorado. All in an effort to bring you the authentic pizza of Naples, the birthplace of pizza!”

Details on our favorites: EGGPLANT ROLLATINI Eggplant, Fresh Mozzarella, Ricotta, San Marzano Tomato Sauce | DEL RE PIZZA Fresh Mozzarella, Truffle Cream Spread, Mushrooms, Prosciutto di Parma, Fresh Basil, EVOO | CACIO E PEPE PIZZA Bechemel Sauce, Fresh Mozzarella, Caciocavallo, Pecorino, Porchetta, Butcher Black Pepper | NUTELLA PIZZA (self-explantory)

*Note: they have gluten free crust that is phenomenal!*

Booze order: MOBSTER’S BETTER HALF Caorunn Gin, Aperol, St Germain, and Lime Juice. Shaken and Served Up with a Flamed Orange Garnish | MARCO’S OLD FASHIONED Basil Hayden’s Bourbon, Honey Simple Syrup, Angostura Bitters, Orange Bitters. Served on the Rocks with an Orange

City O’ City (a great vegetarian option)

“We serve all needs to all people. We’ve got breakfast, lunch, dinner, late night, patio, specialty coffee, and a craft beer, wine and cocktail bar. Eclectic and repurposed decor, fun and friendly staff. Whether you need a latte at 7am or a whiskey at 1:30am, we are here for you. We use local produce whenever possible, and even have our own urban micro farm which provides much of our produce in the summer. Collaborating with local vendors, from coffee to beer to cheese, to ensure their success as well. We support local artists by having monthly in-house gallery shows, and we are often feeding travelers such as musicians, poets, politicians; the doers and makers of the world. come be a part of our community!”

Our order: Curried Carrot Soup | Chicken and Waffles | Biscuits and Gravy

Details on our favorite: CHICKEN AND WAFFLES waffle with bourbon-brined chicken-fried cauliflower, bourbon maple syrup, chive creme fraiche and carrot bacon

The best guide to Denver – speakeasy

B&GC

“A clandestine drinking spot revived from the ruins of the former Cherry Creek Post Office. Born of the glory and prosperity of the decades following WWII in America, and America’s greatest generation, B&GC is a celebration of the type of cocktailing and revelry often reserved for the elite, wealthy and powerful. B&GC inspires a time and place thought to be lost to the ages. Each sip is an experience, and each tipple filled with the titillating promise of exhilaration. Welcome to our little hideaway.”

Our order: Marcona Almonds, Deviled Eggs (Order both!)

Booze order: SALARY MA’AM Suntory Toki Whiskey, Naked Grouse Scotch, Rhine Hall Pear Eau de Vie, Elderflower Tonic, Pink Peppercorn, Rose

Note: They also make delicious virgin drinks if you’d like to go down that avenue!

The best guide to Denver – coffee shop

Corvus Coffee (multiple locations)

“We work directly at origin to purchase coffee, and develop programs with farmers to improve quality. Each farmer has their own unique needs and barriers to better quality, and working with them in person allows us to understand them and support their individual goals. We focus on quality because we believe it is the most tangible asset a farmer can possess, and the key to sustainability…Our Flagship espresso bar and roast works is located on S. Broadway just south of downtown Denver, Colorado. Our goal here is to provide a platform where excellent coffees can be showcased with attention to detail.”

Our Order: I got the cold brew with some sort of cherry bitters. Ilana got a latte & we both enjoyed our scones – one of them was gluten free! This is a great spot to stop by for a quick bite or hang out and enjoy it in house!

The best guide to Denver – ice cream shop

Little Man

“Little Man Ice Cream: named after founder Paul Tamburello’s father, Peter Tamburello (nicknamed Little Man). Although small in stature, he was big in heart and making a difference in the world was his legacy. Little Man Ice Cream is Paul’s way of keeping his father’s legacy resilient. Inspired by vintage Coney Island hot dog-shaped stands, business is conducted within a twenty-eight foot tall, 14,000 lb. cream can. Little Man Ice Cream is all about the EXPERIENCE!”

Our order: I got a scoop of Banana Pudding and a scoop of Cookie Dough in a waffle cone. I don’t think you can go wrong!

Note: There is a location called The Little Man Ice Cream Factory, blending the whimsical world of Willy Wonka with the aesthetics of the Industrial Age. This remarkable 6,000 square foot production facility and tasting room serves as the birthplace of enchanting homemade treats. It is a testament to creativity and craftsmanship, where the art of ice cream-making truly comes alive. I will HAVE to check this place out on my next trip to the area!

The best guide to Denver Colorado – what to do

Denver Art Museum

We only checked out the Dior exhibit but it was phenomenal and I imagine that any exhibit here is worth seeing!

Shopping

Rockmount Ranch Wear: When you think of western wear you’re probably picturing one of Rockmount’s shirts. I picked up a dark denim version for myself!

Jack A. Weil “Papa Jack”, founded Rockmount Ranch Wear Mfg. Co. in 1946. He was the oldest CEO in the world, working daily until age 107. He is to Western wear what Henry Ford is to the car. Papa Jack made the first Western shirts with snaps and is key to popularizing Western fashion. He was also the first to commercialize bolo ties.”

Regal Vintage: If you’ve been following along for awhile, you know that I love thrifting and vintage! This place has items dating back to the 1890s all the way to the 1990s! I love how everything is organized by eras, meaning I can walk in and go straight to the 60s and 70s sections! You can see the 2 items I picked up above!

Red Rocks

Whether you visit for a hike or for some live music, you’ve got to make the trip! It’s just a 20 minute drive from Denver. I have since attended a show here and it was everything I imagined and more! It was definitely an item on my bucket list I got to cross off.

I was seriously blown away by the food, the vibe and the kindness of everyone in Denver! I couldn’t have pulled off this wonderful trip without the help of my friend Ilana!

Have you been to Denver? I would love to hear the spots that you love below in the comments!

Here is version 2.0 to this guide that I just published!

Happy Travels,

Corey