Booze takes center stage in Denver this week. You can savor a variety of wines expertly paired with a gourmet dinner, sip on beers in the name of charity or enjoy champagne and cocktails while learning how to make classic French pastries. No matter how or when you want to get a little tipsy, there’s an event for you.
Monday, June 26
Strange Cheese Incident
When: Monday, June 26, 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: Strange Craft Beer Co. — 1330 Zuni St. Suite M, Denver
Cost: $25 — tickets here
The Lowdown: At this monthly event, Strange Craft Beer Co. and The Truffle Cheese Shop work together to invent five new beer and cheese pairings. For only $25, you will get to sip on five Strange brews each paired with a different type of cheese.
Tuesday, June 27
10 Barrel Brewing Company: Charity of the Month
When: Tuesday, June 27, 5 – 9 p.m.
Where: 10 Barrel Brewing Company — 2620 Walnut St., Denver
Cost: Free Admission
The Lowdown: In case you need an excuse to grab a beer this Tuesday evening, you can do it for a good cause at 10 Barrel Brewing Co. It will donate proceeds from all food, drink and merchandise purchases between 5 to 9 p.m. to Cooking Matters — a nonprofit that educates people about healthy eating on a budget.
Vegan Buffet
When: Tuesday, June 20, 5:45 – 10 p.m.
Where: Denver Deep Dish LoHi — 1200 W. 38th Ave., Denver
Cost: $12 — reserve by calling 720-619-3337
The Lowdown: At this buffet, vegan eaters won’t have to be picky. For only $12, enjoy a one-hour seating at an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet with four to five different options — none of which contain animal products. Seating times begin at 5:45, 7 or 8:15 p.m.
Azuñia Tequila Pairing Dinner
When: Tuesday, June 27, 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: El Jefe — 2450 W. 44th Ave., Denver
Cost: $52 — reserve by calling 720-389-7615
The Lowdown: If you didn’t realize June was Azuñia Tequila month at El Jefe, this dinner is your last opportunity to take part in the celebration. Chef Carlos will pair a four-course authentic Mexican dinner with different forms of blue agave tequila — such as Azunias Blanco, Reposado and Anejo.
RSV Wine Dinner
When: Tuesday, June 27, 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: Avelina — 1550 17th St., Denver
Cost: $110 — reserve by calling 720-904-6711
The Lowdown: This five-course wine dinner will be hosted by Avelina and led by Robert Sinskey of Robert Sinskey Vineyards — a family-owned winery dedicated to organic, responsible agriculture. Sip on a different RSV wine with dishes such as lamb rack with grilled broccolini or a fruit tarte topped with sheep skyr gelato.
Newton Unfiltered Wine Dinner
When: Tuesday, June 27, 6 – 10 p.m.
Where: Table 6 — 609 Corona St., Denver
Cost: $90 — tickets here
The Lowdown: Table 6 will be serving a three-course meal inspired by the flavors of Napa Valley. Wines chosen by Newton winemaker Alberto Bianchi will accompany each course. This wine dinner will specifically highlight Newton Vineyard’s Unfiltered wine collection.
Thursday, June 29
Beer and Cheese with Alpine Dog
When: Thursday, June 29, 7 – 9 p.m.
Where: The Denver Bicycle Cafe — 1308 E. 17th Ave., Denver
Cost: $20 — tickets here
The Lowdown: Alpine Dog Brewery will be serving up 5 oz. brews that cheese expert Nate Cougill will pair with gourmet Whole Foods’ cheeses. Since ticket prices increase to $25 the day of the event, reserve your spot sooner rather than later if you’re interested.
Sip Sip Hooray! June Wine Tasting
When: Thursday, June 29, 5 – 7 p.m.
Where: Rialto Cafe — 934 16th St., Denver
Cost: $25 — reserve by calling 303-893-2233
The Lowdown: Every month Rialto Cafe’s Chef Quintana prepares small bites to pair with wine tastings from selected wineries. At this month’s wine tasting, you can sip on Davis Bynum and Rodney Strong wines. Representatives from the vineyards will also be there to share their wine knowledge.
Global Food & Brews
When: Thursday, June 29, 5 – 8 p.m.
Where: The Spring Café — 1373 Grant St., Denver
Cost: $35 — tickets here
The Lowdown: Enjoy a delicious dinner that celebrates and supports the international community. For $35 you get unlimited beer and an entree from one of several vendors serving international cuisine — including Ethiopian, Syrian and Burmese food. Additional food, desserts and Sangria will be available for purchase. Proceeds will benefit The Spring Café’s Learning Center, which provides immigrants and refugees with hands-on hospitality training and temporary employment.
Black Shirt Brewing Co. Pig Roast
When: Thursday, June 29, 6 – 9:30 p.m.
Where: Black Shirt Brewing Co. — 3719 Walnut St., Denver
Cost: $15 — tickets here
The Lowdown: Black Shirt Brewing Co. is helping you kick off your Fourth of July weekend with discounted beers, a pig roast and live country-blues music by Sawmill Joe. Not only will you enjoy a plate full of pork and 20% off your first drink, but if you wear American flag colors, you also get a free surprise.
Summer Pop Up Series: Family Style Italian Feast
When: Thursday, June 29, 6:30 – 10 p.m.
Where: Luca — 711 Grant St., Denver
Cost: $65 ($35 for wine pairings) — tickets here
The Lowdown: Throughout the summer, Luca will be hosting several one-night-only specialty dinners. This Italian feast will kick off the summer series with dishes such as classic puttanesca, braised short ribs and caramelized strawberry cannolis.
Friday, June 30
Last Friday
When: Friday, June 23, 7 – 10 p.m.
Where: Lola Coastal Mexican — 1575 Boulder St., Denver
Cost: $5
The Lowdown: Denver Powderhounds — a community of Denver skiers and snowboarders — is calling all adventurers to celebrate the end of June at Lola. During this all-night happy hour, you can enjoy chicken tacos and Post beer for just $5. If you come wearing a Denver Powderhounds’ t-shirt, you will also get free chips and salsa.
Saturday, July 1
Big Bear BBQ Bear Bust
When: Saturday, July 1, 3:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Trade — 475 Santa Fe Dr., Denver
Cost: Free Admission
The Lowdown: Trade knows that beer and BBQ are the best ways to celebrate Fourth of July weekend. The first $10 will pay for your bottomless beer, and for just $15 more, you can take advantage of all-you-can-eat BBQ until it runs out. Entertainment includes backyard games, a wet underwear contest, dunk a queen for charity and drag performances.
Sunday, July 2
Boozy Baking Classes
When: Sunday, July 2, 2 – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Stella’s On 16th — 1550 Wewatta St., Denver
Cost: $50 — tickets here
The Lowdown: If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make French macarons but worried it might be too tedious, this baking class is for you. Pastry Chef MJ Szymanksi will teach you the art of baking and decorating this classic French dessert. While making your own macarons, you can also munch on appetizers, toast a glass of Champagne and sip on your choice of cocktail, beer or glass of wine. Additional drinks will also be discounted.
Meet the Baker’s
When: Sunday, July 2, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Chocolate Lab — 2504 E. Colfax Ave., Denver
Cost: Free Admission
The Lowdown: Meet the source of the Chocolate Lab’s fresh-made bread — Sweets & Sourdough. The owners of this lesser-known bakery will be visiting the Chocolate Lab to talk about and share samples of their homemade breads and desserts. If you love what you try, you can also purchase their goods to take home.
Mark Your Calendars
The Big Eat
When: Thursday, July 13, 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: The Galleria at the Denver Performing Arts Center — 1101 13th St., Denver
Cost: $65 — tickets here
Tasty Colfax Restaurant Tour
When: Tuesday, July 25, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: East Colfax from York Street to Colorado Blvd.
Cost: $25 — tickets here