The holidays, often busy and stressful for everyone, are a time to come together with loved ones, give back to those in need and recount the memories of the past year. With the holidays right around the corner and the new year on the horizon, take away the hassle of cooking with festive specials from these 27 eateries and bars offering take-home kits, holiday menus and giving back to those in need.
Guard & Grace
When: Order by December 21, pickup on December 24
Where: 1801 California St., Denver
Cost: $395-$449, extra $ for +add-ons, order here
The Lowdown: Make your holiday season convenient with Guard and Grace’s Holiday Dinner Boxes for six. Choose your choice of entree (soy miso-glazed black cod, prime rib with au jus sauce & horseradish cream, prime beef tenderloin with au jus & horseradish) paired with scrumptious sides like oak-grilled carrots, truffle mac & cheese, charred broccolini and more. Add-ons, from Troy Guard’s Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies to a seafood package for six and a barrel-aged Sichuan Old Fashioned cocktail kit are available to make your holiday meal even more special.
The Broadmoor
When: December 25, reserve here
Where: 1 Lake Ave., Colorado Springs
Cost: $125 per adult, $50 per child 10 and under
The Lowdown: Satiate the post-present hunger with an extensive range of bites at The Broadmoor’s Christmas Day Buffet. Fresh fruit, seafood, charcuterie, carving stations and breakfast items are just a taste of what’s in store. Indulge in American paddlefish caviar, snow crab claws, honey-glazed ham, benedicts, crepes and more sure to keep you full until the new year.
Chez Maggy
When: December 24, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: 1616 Market St., Denver
Cost: $110 per person, extra $ for wine pairing +add-ons, reserve here
The Lowdown: Celebrate Noël with Chez Maggy’s Reveillon: A Christmas Eve Celebration. Enjoy a five-course French-inspired meal with amuse bouche, choice of first, second and third courses and, of course, dessert. Start with caviar served with blini, crème fraîche and egg mimosa, then move on to your first choice of endive salad or tuna niçoises for your first course. The second course consists of lobster bisque or French onion soup, and after, it’s a choice of herb-roasted New York strip or crab stuffed petrale sole. Dessert is a choice of key lime pie or chocolate tort with cherry conserva and peppermint tuille. Escape from the cold and savor the warmth with these delectable eats. First seating is at 5 p.m. and the last seating is at 9 p.m.
Ajax Downtown
When: December 25, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: 1899 16th St Mall, Denver
Cost: $95 per person, $35 per child (12 and under), reserve here
The Lowdown: Celebrate the holiday in après ski fashion at Ajax Downtown with its three-course Prix Fixe Christmas Dinner. Fresh, seasonal flavors line the menu in dishes like the ember roasted wild mushrooms with pine bud syrup, confit garlic puree and toasted pine nuts; mokum carrot cannelloni with beetroot glace, cashew cream, brussels sprouts and popped rice & seeds and butternut squash pie – maple cinnamon diplomat, candied pepitas, pomegranate-cranberry and spiced pumpkin coulis. Other items such as coal-fired oyster, black cod (miso, grilled choy, Carolina gold rice, charred king trumpet mushroom), and white chocolate cheesecake are other items that give the menu holiday flare.
The Common Good
When: December 24, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.; December 25, 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: 13025 E Montview Blvd., Aurora
Cost: $115 per person with optional $65 wine pairing +add-on, reserve here; cost varies, reserve here
The Lowdown: Celebrate the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Brunch and Dinner with The Common Good this holiday season. On December 24, celebrate the Italian tradition with a six-course seafood-centric menu with dishes like anchovy butter and sourdough, lobster bisque, scallop ceviche tart, brown butter halibut, diablo shrimp and more. Reservations are required, and seatings are at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. For brunch and dinner the following day, enjoy festive specials including beef carpaccio, beef filet & lobster tail, duck al orange and flourless chocolate cake.
Also, during December, if you order any of its deviled eggs, black Kraken or The Violet Evening cocktails, $1 will be donated to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) to help support mental health awareness. Each item was selected due to its ingredients that benefit the brain like vitamin B-12, D and omega-3s in eggs, which support serotonin production and pomegranate which is linked to improved mood and cognitive function. Do good with the Common Good this season.
Kona Grill
When: December 24, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; December 25, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: 3000 E 1st Ave., #184, Denver
Cost: Cost varies, order here
The Lowdown: This holiday season, try any of Kona Grill’s curated holiday specials in-house or take home. From its crave-able bites to its sweet cocktails, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Holiday classics like traditional roasted turkey and baked glazed ham, along with prime rib and pumpkin pie are just a few of the options you can look forward to. Sip them down with its holiday cocktails like Catch Me If You Can – Maker’s Mark bourbon, gingerbread syrup, Grand Marnier and a cinnamon stick. Get the baked glazed ham for one, seafood fettuccine alfredo, sole parmesan and pumpkin pie for takeout to enjoy in the comfort of your home. Orders can be made online.
HashTAG
When: Until December 31
Where: 1485 Park Central Dr., Highlands Ranch; 10155 E 29th Dr, #120, Denver
Cost: $7/ 1-pack, $25/ 4-pack, order here
The Lowdown: Nothing is quite like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your house. Have that feeling at any time with HashTAG’s oversized Take and Bake Cinnamon Rolls available at both its Highlands Ranch and Central Park locations. These gooey creations of goodness are great for any time of the day so be sure not to miss out – those New Year’s gym resolutions can wait until then. Orders can be placed here.
Odell’s Bagel
When: December 19 – January 2
Where: 3200 Irving St., Denver
Cost: $65 – $85, order here
The Lowdown: Order one of Odell’s Bagel’s Holiday Latke Kits, available from December 19 until January 2. Enjoy eight latkes with your choice of caviar – house-cured salmon roe, Kaluga Hybrid Caviar and White Sturgeon Caviar from The Caviar Co. – plus all the fixings of crème fraîche, house-made apple sauce and chives. Up to four additional latkes are available with your order for an additional price if you wish for more potato goodness. Pre-orders can be made online or in person at the store.
Los Chingones
When: Order by 3 p.m. on December 24, pick up on December 24 before 3 p.m.
Where: Various locations
Cost: $27.50 – $270, order here
The Lowdown: Get all the fixings for the perfect Taco or Nacho Bar at your holiday party or opt for the Burrito Box with Los Chingones’ catering packages. The taco bar feeds 15 people and comes with your choice of protein – seasonal veggie, adobo chicken, pork pastor or carne asada – and comes with all the fixings like slaw, crema, pico de gallo, rooster salsa, cheese, rice and beans. Looking for more of a chip-and-dip situation? The nacho bar comes with your choice of adobo chicken or carne asada and tortilla chips, cheese, queso blanco, crema, pico de gallo, rooster salsa, pickled jalapeños and onions and feeds 10 people. Skip the mess of it all with the burrito box fit for eight with four full burritos, your choice of protein (seasonal veggie, steak, pork pastor, adobo chicken) and all the fixings (rice, beans, cheese, crema, lettuce and pico). Be sure to place your order before 3 p.m. on Monday, December 23 for pickup before 3 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24. Also in store at Los Chingones RiNo is its XXX-Mas Holiday Pop-Up Bar offering bold and raunchy holiday cheer from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. until December 28.
READ: Tinsel, Toddy and Sleigh Bells – Holiday Pop-Up Bar Season is Lit
Bubu
When: Order by 3 p.m. on December 23, pick up on December 24 before 3 p.m.
Where: 303 16th St Mall, #3, Denver; 1099 18th St., Denver
Cost: $19 – $205, order here
The Lowdown: Make any holiday party easy with Bubu’s Boxed Lunch or Build-Your-Own Bowls, completely customizable from the base to the fixings. The boxed lunch is made for individuals and the bowls can feed up to ten people. For both options, choose your choice of base (white rice, brown rice, chilled rice noodles, bubu salad mix), protein (grilled chicken, organic tofu, grilled steak, tiger shrimp, sushi-grade salmon, sushi-grade tuna), toppings and dressings. The portions of each vary on the type of kit you order. The boxed lunch comes with one base, protein and dressing, five toppings and option of chips or gluten-free super cookie. While the Build-Your-Own Bowls includes 2 bases, one protein, four toppings and two dressings. Be sure to place your order before 3 p.m. on Monday, December 23 for pickup before 3 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24.
Steuben’s Uptown
When: Until January 5
Where: 523 E 17th Ave., Denver
Cost: Cost varies
The Lowdown: Get cozy with Steuben’s Home For The Holiday’s Pop-Up from now until January 5 in its transformed heated patio space meant to invoke the nostalgia of Christmas mornings as a child. Sip on festive liquid libations under starry lights while holiday songs fill the air and bring a present along with you for the toy donations going to the Denver Housing Authority. As a thanks for donating, you will receive a complimentary hot chocolate and $10 voucher to either Ace or Steuben’s. Donations are encouraged, but the promo will only be available once per guest each week and cannot be used on multiple donations. Bring your loved ones to enjoy one of the many specially curated drinks like The North Pole Punch that serves four to five with Espolon Blanco, house-made cranberry liqueur, lime, orange, pineapple, cranberry, agave, cinnamon and soda water. Other holiday-inspired drinks include Espresso-Ho-Ho Martini, Merry Mule-mas, Holly Jolly Negroni, Walking in Winter White Mojito and more. Mocktails of select holiday drinks are also available for getting ahead of dry January. Reservations are encouraged and can be made here.
Steuben’s is also offering a Holiday Cookie Tin with an assortment of 36 cookies – ginger molasses, raspberry thumbprints, red velvet crinkle, chocolate fleur de sel, cinnamon checkerboard, Italian butter and spritz – for $35. Orders must be placed 48 hours in advance, and a confirmation from the team is required before pickup. Orders can be made here or any questions or inquiries about custom orders can be made by contacting Pastry Chef, Michael Kurowski at michael@secretsaucedenver.com.
Limelight Denver Hotel
When: All orders must be placed 48 hours in advance
Where: 1600 Wewatta St., Denver
Cost: $30 per box, place order with limelightdenvercommunityfund@limelighthotels.com
The Lowdown: Join the Limelight Hotel in giving back this season with its Holiday Cookie Sale to support the Limelight Denver Community Fund. 100% of the sales will go to benefiting local nonprofits and each tin includes a dozen cookies from six unique recipes from Limelight Denver Pastry Chef Gaby Navas. Gift them to a loved one or save them for yourself, whichever you choose
Rugby Scott
When: All orders must be placed 72 hours in advance
Where: 731 S University Blvd., Denver
Cost: Cost varies, order by texting or calling 720-336-0599
The Lowdown: Order your holiday meats from local purveyor Rugby Scott Ranch Provisions. Raised on family farms in humane environments, Rugby Scott’s meats don’t cut corners or sacrifice flavor or quality making them worth every penny. Try its Prime Angus for $39.99 per pound or its American Wagyu for $49.99 per pound, both offered bone-in or boneless. Pair any of its cuts with side kist with all the essentials – rolls, potatoes, veggies and more. Allow 72 hours when ordering to ensure on-time pickup.
The Post Chicken & Beer
When: Until December 31
Where: Various locations
Cost: Cost varies, reserve here
The Lowdown: Tis the season for rich stouts! The Post Chicken & Beer is offering its December seasonal beer, Velvet Elk Stout with nutty and rich oatmeal tones to bring some warmth back to your winter. Try it at any of its locations and enjoy it for just $3 during happy hour from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Starting December 26 to December 31, enjoy all-day happy hour, including two-for-one pints of beer, $5 beer flights, $8 boilermakers, $8 royal lemon-basil martini and more available at all six Post locations.
Olive & Finch
When: Until December 28
Where: 1552 E 17th Ave., Denver; 3390 E 1st Ave., Denver
Cost: Cost varies, order here
The Lowdown: Stop by chef Mary Nguyen’s fine-casual eatery, Olive & Finch for all your festive baked goods needs. From a holiday cookie decorating kit, which comes complete with cookies, festive frosting and themed decorations, to cupcakes decorated with Christmas trees, snowmen and Hannukah gelt, Olive & Funch is your one-stop shop for all sweet treats.
Looking for a place to host a holiday dinner? Book Anytime Holiday Parties at Olive & Finch from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for $30 per person. Included are two drinks of choice (liquor, beer, wine or non-alcoholic) and assorted appetizers for a minimum of 10 guests. Booking is available at its Cherry Creek and Uptown locations here or email events@oliveandfinch.com.
Snooze A.M. Eatery
When: Until early January, Monday – Friday
Where: Various locations
Cost: Cost varies
The Lowdown: Get into the festive spirit with Snooze at all of its locations with its holiday menu specials like Nana’s Hot Cocoa Pancakes with Snooze’s signature buttermilk pancakes topped with a giant toasted house-made marshmallow, crushed peppermint candy and warm spiced hot cocoa for drizzling. Liquid libations include a Boozy Cranberry Orange Snoozius Cocktail – house-made vanilla cranberry juice, orange juice, whipped cream and vodka – also available as a mocktail and the Vanilla Cranberry Cosmo.
Nocturne
When: December 18 – 22, 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Where: 1330 27th St., Denver
Cost: $98 – $125 per person, reserve here
The Lowdown: Enjoy the sultry sounds of the holidays at Nocturne for its Swinging Holiday Songbook from December 18 to 22. Hear classics from jingle bells and jazz that riffs on classic versions of Frank Sinatra, Perry Como and Ella Fitzgerald holiday arrangements, select songs from Vince Guaraldi’s Charlie Brown Christmas and so much more. Dinner and show reservations are available online for $98 per person on December 18 and 19, and $125 per person from December 20 to 22. Seatings are available at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., so be sure not to miss out.
St Julien Hotel & Spa
When: December 25
Where: 900 Walnut St., Boulder
Cost: $109 per adult, $49 per child (age 4-12), children under 4 free, reserve here
The Lowdown: Head to the Xanadu Ballroom at St Julien on December 25 for its Christmas Day Grand Buffet. With seatings from 10 p.m. to 1 p.m., enjoy a large selection of hand-crafted dishes and fresh ingredients – Alaskan King Crab Legs, herb-crusted prime rib and seafood lobster bisque
Join one of St Julien’s long-standing traditions – Gingerbread Tea on December 22 and 29. Enjoy gingerbread cookie decorating with a complimentary chef hat and apron for the kids and live holiday jazz for adults. For $49 per adult and $29 for children ages 6 to 12, you will also get scones, tea sandwiches and assorted gourmet teas and benefits “There with Care,” a non-profit organization that supports families and children facing critical illness. Reserve your ticket here.
Another holiday tradition, Charlie Brown Goes to The Nutcracker, performed by Boulder’s Ron LeGault Trio from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on December 20 fills the air with lively music and good vibes. Enjoy blends of classics from “Charlie Brown Christmas” and “The Nutcracker” next to a fireplace with a great sip in your hand.
Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek
When: Until December 31
Where: 245 Columbine St., Denver
Cost: Cost varies, order here
The Lowdown: Grab a sweet treat anytime from Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek at its Holiday Bake Shop from Pastry Chef Saura Kline until December 31. Open for 24 hours, Halcyon invites you to stop by and choose from any of its house-made pies, fudge brownies, warm cookies and holiday classics. There’s even a peanut butter and pumpkin biscuit for your four-legged friend. All cake and pie orders must be made 48 hours in advance. Be sure to place your pre-orders online to not miss out on your chance for these all-day festive goodies.
Also, don’t miss out on your chance to see the new rooftop ice skating rink until December 31. Embrace all the European apres ski vibes at Halcyon on Ice from 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. daily. With food, cocktails and music, this is sure to be great for date night or taking the family out. Winter Yurt Experiences are available to reserve for $75 and comes with complimentary hot chocolate, heaters and ice skates for two hours. The rink is free to all, with $5 rentals or you can bring your own. Reservations can be made here.
Local Jones
When: Until January 12, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: 245 Columbine St., Denver
Cost: $60 – $160 per adult, $25 per child, reserve here
The Lowdown: Join Local Jones for its Pinkies Up! Holiday Tea curated by Pastry Chef Saura Kline. For $60, enjoy tea and food platter or upgrade to add a glass of bubbly to the mix for $80. Or have the ultimate tea party for $160, which includes tea, food and a bottle of bubbly. Food consists of a mixture of sweet and savory bites like cranberry white chocolate scones, deviled eggs, smoked salmon quiche, snowflake macarons and of course, tea and tea cocktails like the Port Royal – grapefruit blanc vermouth, elderflower, Aperol, Peychauds bitters and G.H Mumm. Be sure to make your reservation online to secure your spot.
Death & Co.
When: Until January 5, Wednesday – Sunday 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: 1280 25th St., Denver
Cost: Cost varies, reserve here
The Lowdown: Join Death & Co. in suite 6A on the Mezzanine level of the Ramble Hotel for its Season’s Greetings Holiday Bar. Festive decorations line the space with holiday cheer that transports you to the 1950s and 60s with notable cocktails, twinkling lights and cozy fireplace.
Wonderyard Garden + Table
When: Until January 15
Where: 2200 Larimer St., Denver
Cost: Cost varies, reserve here
The Lowdown: Head over to Wonderyard Garden + Table’s Winter Wonderland Holiday Pop-Up. Its menu is divided between Merry Little Sips, Santa’s Little Helpers, Full-Size Festivities and Wintery Wines, all of which exude holiday cheer. Going with a date or friend? Enjoy its cocktails like the Berry Merry Mary with Milagro Tequila, blackberry liqueur, lime juice, Cointreau, agave and ginger beer or the Jolly Ginger-tini with Grey Goose, rumchata, gingerbread simple syrup, Mr. Blacks Liqueur, Farretti Biscotti liqueur with a cinnamon sugar rim. Santa’s Little Helpers include all your shot needs for you or your party of up to eight, there’s even a shotski. Don’t miss out on your chance to be surrounded by all the holiday vibes.
Retrograde
When: Until January 5, Monday – Sunday 5 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Where: 530 E 19th Ave., Denver
Cost: Cost varies
The Lowdown: Inside Sweet Action Uptown, formally where Frozen Matter was, lies Retrograde and its Holiday Starlight Lounge. Immerse yourself in bright, colorful decor just in time for the season while sipping on craft cocktails inspired by holiday flavors like the Pecan Pie Old Fashioned and Pumpkin Pie Flip.
Devil’s Kitchen
When: November – March
Where: 840 Kennedy Ave., Grand Junction
Cost: Cost varies, call 970-822-4848 to reserve
The Lowdown: Dine with adventure this holiday season and beyond with the Devil’s Kitchen with its Snow Globe & Gondola Dining. Take in the views of Grand Junction while sipping on delicious cocktails and enjoying delicious food from lobster & waffles to bison tamales to cornbread skillet all winter long.
Prost Brewing Co.
When: Until December 23
Where: Denver Christkindlmarket, 101 W 14th Ave., Denver
Cost: Cost varies
The Lowdown: For its third year in a row, Prost Brewing Co. is partnering with the Denver Christkindlmarket to bring holiday cheer and seasonal beers at its Holiday Pop-Up Bar. This year, enjoy its specialty beer, Export Helles Lager (5.8% ABV) only available at the market, while dancing to live music, appearances from Santa and all-around holiday fun. Enjoy All Day Happy Hour from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, December 23 with $6 Bier and Gluhwein refills.
STK Steakhouse
When: December 24, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; December 25, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: 1550 Market St., Denver
Cost: Cost varies, reserve here, preorders here
The Lowdown: Take your friends, family and loved ones to STK this season for its Christmas Eve and Day dine-in and takeout specials. Its Holiday Cheers Menu is full of all the festive food you could want for the perfect holiday dinner. Try its seasonal Wagyu, free-range turkey, prime rib and more. Looking to stay in this holiday? STK is offering take-home packages for one ($64) or two ($124), that include roasted free-range turkey with cornbread, herbs & cranberry stuffing, shallot & thyme confit thighs, sauteed green beans, maple baked sweet potato, parmesan crusted yukon gold mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry-orange chutney and pumpkin pie. Or opt for roasted prime rib with confit fingerling potatoes, green beans, port wine shallots and black truffle madeira sauce.
Panzano
When: December 24-25, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: 909 17th St., Denver
Cost: $85 per person, reserve here
The Lowdown: Join Chef David Gross at Panzano for his Chef Tasting Menu this Christmas Eve and Day. Indulge in some of the best Italian around town with its classic and holiday-inspired dishes like lobster arancini, cacio e pepe, NY strip steak, seared scallops with fregola, braised green and romesco sauce and white chocolate peppermint pot de creme for dessert. Pricing includes a wine-pairing and reservations are encouraged.
However you choose to spend your holiday, we at 303 hope its filled with love, laughter, and, of course really good food.