Date night doesn’t have to be boring – and you certainly don’t have to go to the same places all the time. With a multitude of new options popping up across the Downtown and metro area, Denver is home to more choices than ever before to branch out and try something new – but don’t skip on some of the local longtime favorites.
Here are some great ways to plan a date night like a tourist – with a little local love – in our favorite neighborhoods for drinks, happy hour and dinner.
Downtown
The Cooper Lounge
What: Drinks
Where: 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver
The Lowdown: Union Station is the heart of Denver and while it is a seemingly “tourist trap” destination filled with travelers and commuters alike, the real draw is watching it all from above at The Cooper Lounge. Grab a seat at its swanky bar and start your date out with a glass of bubbles or try a carefully crafted cocktail like the Imaginary Jokes – Ron del Barrilito, Old Forester Rye, Siete Misterios Doba-yej, Mezcal, chipotle, blood orange, papaya and lime. Or keep it ultra-chic with the Cooper Lounge Old Manhattan – a blend of its exclusive single-barrel whiskeys and Carpano Antica Vermouth. Nothing left to do but people watch and plan out the rest of your night.
The Wild
What: Happy Hour
Where: 1660 Wynkoop St., Denver
The Lowdown: Offering happy hour daily from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Wild is a great option between the start of the night and dinner. It also serves coffee drinks until 7 p.m. daily with seasonal features such as a Candy Cane Latte. The happy hour menu is stacked with options ranging from classic cocktails to beer and shot combos – any of which would pair perfectly with a light snack. The Wild offers smaller but satisfying bites to hold you over such as its Cocktail Mix – almonds, crispy garbanzo beans, corn nuts and sea salt – and a variety of cheese and meat boards – served with baguette and seasonal accoutrements.
Church and Union
What: Dinner
Where: 1433 17th St., #150, Denver
The Lowdown: Opened in September of last year, Church and Union has brought a bit of Southern Charm to our western slopes. Owners and restaurateurs Patrick Whalen, Alejandro Torio and Chef Partner and Top Chef Alumni Jamie Lynch brought on Adam Hodgson to open its newest location right here in Downtown Denver, steps away from Union Station. Providing a stunning backdrop for conversation with the entirety of The Art of War painted onto the walls and pillars throughout the space, it should definitely top your list for a date night dinner downtown. The space is seemingly endless, with multiple dining areas spread across two floors. Its menu is split into offerings of first course, main course and steak and chops – along with a hefty sides section. The French Onion Agnolotti – or F***** O**** as it reads on the menu – are a quick favorite served piping hot with allium crunch and melty gruyere. Or you could start lighter with the Tuna Crudo – pickled cucumber, crispy rice and tomato-green chili water. From there the world is your – oyster? Almost. The main course section is all about comfort with Chef Jamie’s Lamb Burger – red onion marmalade, gorgonzola fondue, arugula and secret sauce – and local offerings such as the Colorado Ruby Red Trout – spinach gnudi, charred leek and brown butter. If you came on your date to feast, then opt for a steak. From wagyu flank to an all out Cowboy Ribeye for Two this date night option is sexy, filling and sure to set the mood right.
The Highlands
The Family Jones Spirit House
What: Drinks
Where: 3245 Osage St., Denver
The Lowdown: The Family Jones Spirit House is one of those gems that is aesthetically pleasing in addition to being a great way to support local. With creative cocktails in a relaxed yet upscale vibe, it creates an ambiance perfect for a date without being overly formal. With the opportunity to go for a distillery tour and tasting this also provides a uniquely immersive and engaging experience. Chat it up over a flight or opt for a deliciously crafted cocktail that changes seasonally using its house made spirits including vodka, a variety of gins, rum, bourbon and rye. It also offers cocktail kits to-go like the Smoked Old Fashioned or Espresso Martini, so if you find a new favorite, pick up a pack on your way out and save it for date night at home.
Kawa Ni
What: Happy Hour
Where: 1900 W 32nd Ave., Denver
The Lowdown: Another hot spot that could be put in any category – Kawa Ni tops the charts for overall restaurants in Denver – let alone in the Highlands. Happy hour here is the real deal giving an hour long window to come in with a real easy plan – share everything. From 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday choose from any of its $5 offerings of Sandoitchi options – Biang Biang Chicken Bao, Spam Bao and Pickled Tofu Bao – kimchi green tomatoes, sweet soy and cilantro. Or the Tofu Pocket – crab, sushi rice, yuzu tartar and pumpernickel. For only $12 get cozy and split a hearty and hot bowl of Pork & Garlic Ramen – braised belly, soy egg, buttered corn, garlic and tonkotsu noodles. Have a little fun and choose from one of three Sake Bombs and take in the energetic charm of Kawa Ni’s inviting Izakaya character. Kanpai!
Mezcaleria Alma
What: Dinner
Where: 2550 15th St., Denver
The Lowdown: The latest opening from Chef Johnny Curiel has brought something special to the Highlands – and conveniently located right next door to Curiel’s first restaurant, Alma Fonda Finda. Mezcaleria Alma is a heartfelt seafood driven postcard from Mexico City showcasing both global and traditional inspiration making it a perfect call when looking for a culturally explorative date night – sure to provide a lasting impression. With a small but mighty menu that is flavorful and bold its another perfect choice when you want to get to know somebody or are looking for a new favorite. Mezcal based cocktails line the drink menu. Start out with the Corn Sour – Vago Elote Mezcal, Nixta Corn Liqueur, Abasolo Corn Whiskey, Siglo Cero Pox, heirloom corn and tortilla salt – and pair it with the Ceviche De Kanpachi – Dry Aged Hawaiian Kanpachi, fennel & celery broth, Chicatana Chintextle and Habanero mayonnaise. Move down the menu and share the Tacos de Cola De Res – pasilla braised oxtail, charred avocado, pickled red onions and salsa chipotle – and the Arroz A La Tumbada De Hongos with wild mushroom broth, cured egg yolk, chive Jocoque and crispy wild mushrooms alongside the insanely flavorful Stinger – Leyendas Verde Mezcal, Chareau Aloe Liqueur, Giffard Crème de Menthe and celery bitters. Take in the decor, music and unique adventure that is a Mezcaleria.
READ: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month With Chef Johnny Curiel
Edgewater/Sloans Lake
Side Pony
What: Drinks
Where: 4635 W Colfax Ave., #100, Denver
The Lowdown: This cutie little coffee shop/cocktail bar combo has earned its rightful nickname of “First Date Friday” for good reason – being just a little off the beaten path, cozy and intimate, yet invitingly bright with its wall of windows – Side Pony is a perfect location for a first date, second date, or 20th date. Providing several options for non-alcoholic and caffeine fueling drinks along with a delicious and inventive cocktail menu, the sparks are sure to fly as you begin your date night. Perk up with its nearly famous espresso martini, U Up? – nitro cold brew, vodka, Borghetti, Averna and a hint of cinnamon. Or try a seasonal cocktail like the Hit the Decc – gin, 291 Decc, allspice dram, lemon, cinnamon and honey. Need to loosen up and break the ice? Side Pony even has the On a Date? – two house shots and a conversation card – a truly fun way to get to know someone or even learn something new about an old flame.
Edgewater Beer Garden
What: Happy Hour
Where: 2508 Gray St., Edgewater
The Lowdown: Available Tuesday through Friday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and all day Monday, Edgewater Beer Garden is a great choice for a happy hour date providing $5 select draft beers, house wines and well spirits in additional to several N/A options. Located in the heart of the neighborhood its a walkable spot perfect for a first date or a routine weekly drop in. With a large outdoor patio you can take advantage of a sunny day date and bring your doggos along – or just enjoy the fresh air and hang out around the cozy fire pit. With a kid-friendly atmosphere, its a great choice when the babysitter cancels. Its kitchen has small bites to hold you over if needed from chips and salsa to fries. EBG is perfect for a relaxed yet social vibe to get a real feel for the date ahead.
Gusto
What: Dinner
Where: 1691 N Raleigh St., Denver
The Lowdown: Italian and date night go hand in hand as that sort of classic and universally appealing dining experience. The newly opened Gusto provides shareable dishes, the appeal of comfort food and a variety of options to likely have something for even the pickiest date. Romance, comfort and charm make Gusto a nearly foolproof option for date night. With a menu full ranging from salads and antipasti to pizza and pasta its prime time for any date night out. Start with a burrata – Forni roasted grapes, Aceto Balsamico di Modena and toasted hazelnut – and a side of the ultra popular Rosemary and Thyme Focaccia – with herbed garlic butter and EVOO. Sip on a classic negroni on tap while you get the bites and conversation started. Dig a little deeper and go for an epic sharing combo with pasta and pizza. Spaghetti Amatriciana – Tomato Ragu, Guanciale, Pecorino Romano – from the classics, or branch out with the Amalfi Pie – confit lemon, Calabrian Chili, pecorino and ricotta. Stick around for a post-dinner cocktail, or snag some dessert to-go and head on home.
RiNo
Finn’s Manor
What: Drinks
Where: 2927 Larimer St., Denver
The Lowdown: If you’re looking to get out for a quaint date with some awesome cocktails in an intimate but vibrant space – Finn’s Manor is the place to be. With over 800 spirits and 16 rotating taps, you would be hard pressed not to find something to love here. Giving the vibe of a lowkey Caribbean beach bar it’ll be easy to sneak in and forget you’re in bustling RiNo at all. The decor provides much to chat about with knick-knacks, Mardi-Gras beads and other Folk-art scattered throughout. While you can easily ask for nearly any cocktail you can imagine – the menu has been thoughtfully composed. Give the Holé Molé a try – Arette Reposado Tequila, Averna, cranberry, chocolate and banana liqueurs and walnut bitters. Or the Xaymacan Me Crazy – Holmes Cay Reunion Rum, Plateray Xaymaca, ginger and banana liqueurs, pineapple and lime. The enclosed outdoor space hosts food trucks like the Denver favorite smashburger from Twans Burger and is in walking distance to many of RiNo’s other iconic restaurants and bars.
Cart Driver
What: Happy Hour
Where: 2500 Larimer St., #100, Denver
The Lowdown: When you don’t know if your date will be early or late – or you just want options – Cart Driver has you covered with two windows of opportunity, at either 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. or 10 p.m. to midnight. Whether you come for drinks and a light snack like oysters – with fresh horseradish, rotating mignonette and lemon – or decide to go for it and add on one of its woodfired pizzas like the Mushroom – fennel arrabiata, crimini, red onion and gran cacio. Cart Driver is a solid choice to start the day, time out before dinner, or pop in post. It offers a variety of spritz’s for a refreshing sip – like a classic Aperol or the Salvia Limone – with sage, lemon and prosecco – alongside several house cocktails and plenty of beer and N/A options – making it a clear choice to satisfy even the pickiest of dates.
Hop Alley
What: Dinner
Where: 3500 Larimer St., Denver
The Lowdown: As if having a James Beard nominated chef and repeat Michelin Bib Gourmand recipients isn’t reason enough to plan a date at Hop Alley – surely the guaranteed fire food is. This RiNo staple is everything you could hope for – and ‘dim sum’. Its menu is perfectly curated with sharing in mind and loaded with creative dishes that will keep the conversation going. Start your meal with the savory and umami filled eggplant with garlic sauce – bell pepper, red onion, dark soy and black vinegar – or the ever popular chilled tofu – cucumber, bang bang sauce, peanut and cilantro. Start with one if its many N/A options such as the You Can Read Minds – coconut water, jasmine, green tea and lemon. As the night continues, fill your plates with the salt and pepper squid – fried chilis, lime aioli and black vinegar sauce – or splurge and share a whole Dungeness crab – done in your choice of style: typhoon shelter, hong kong or singapore chili. Date going well? Plan the next one over dessert – the Thai Tea Cake with black sesame tuile, coconut whipped cream and pistachio sugar is a sweet and salty finish to a surely delightful night out. Hop Alley also offers a chefs counter presenting an elevated experience for any level of date.
SoBo
Adrift
What: Drinks
Where: 218 S Broadway, Denver
The Lowdown: Looking for a tropical vibe without having to leave Denver? Adrift Tiki Bar is the spot for you. Providing a laid back atmosphere with some of the city’s best cocktails it makes a perfect spot for date night drinks – an opportunity to really branch out – and maybe even get “leid”. Start with a standard tiki cocktails like a Mai Tai or a Saturn – and get ready to indulge in uniquely curated options such as the Snowdrift Coquito – with aged Puerto Rican Rum, Planteray Cut & Dry, Madeira, coconut, vanilla, clove and nutmeg. When you’re ready to snuggle up, opt in for one of its sharable Punch Bowls – like the Frostbite Bowl – with Empirical Soka, Cobrafire Blanc Armagnac, Family Jones Gin, blue curacao, orgeat and lemon. Adrift also has an impressive food menu to help soak up the tiki drinks, with island offerings from Spam Musubi – marinated and seared spam and white rice wrapped in nori, pineapple teriyaki drizzle and furikake – to the seasonal Yuletide Loco Moco Meatloaf – house-made gochujang glazed meatloaf, scratch brown gravy, white rice, jalapeno serrano cranberry sauce and a fried egg. Come for the cocktails and stay for the lowkey intimate feels.
Postino Broadway
What: Happy Hour
Where: 145 N Broadway, Denver
The Lowdown: With its daily happy hour lasting from open to 5 p.m. Postino is easily a solid choice to sneak in for the beginning of date night on a budget – where you can choose from a $6 glass of wine or your own pitcher of beer. Postino is also a great choice for a kid friendly happy hour date – and with its large patio makes for a great sunny day get out. If you need a snack to soak up that wine give the smoked salmon a try – whipped feta, cold and hot smoked salmon, cucumber, pickled onion, cornichons, crispy capers, baby caesar and crostini – or maybe grab a pre dinner appetizer with something heartier like one of its many options for bruschetta boards. The sweet and spicy pepper jam with goat cheese is a go-to option. Postino is a local favorite across several neighborhoods in Denver and an easy choice for a date with friends or a post work meet up.
MAKfam
What: Dinner
Where: 39 W 1st Ave., Denver
The Lowdown: Honestly, MAKfam could also be on any spot in this list, but they hold a special spot in our hearts for a vibrant, loud and fun dinner crowd. Its trendy, low stakes and high energy setting provides the perfect opportunity to alleviate first-date nerves or add some energy to a long-term date night. Its menu provides communal style plates creating a sense of connection and opportunities to bond over intense bites and exciting new tastes. Its small menu goes from small bites to hearty dishes – with a range of textures and flavors. Start with the Chinatown Dumplings – house-made chicken and chive potstickers with MAK soy, topped with cilantro and fried shallots – and the Tofu Whip Fries – Skinny Fries tossed in the wok with málà seasoning, hoisin, and housemade Uncle Tony’s chili oil – which are almost too good for a simple fry. Welcome the heat with the Sizzling Spicy Noodles – house-made chili oil, málà seasoning and cabbage – and fulfill that sense of comfort with the Corned Beef Fried Rice – Grass-fed corned beef, egg, onion, pickled mustard greens, beans sprout and scallions. MAKfam will keep you coming back for more, so expect it to become a new date night routine so you can eat it all.
Berkeley
My Boy Tony
What: Drinks
Where: 4280 Tennyson St., Denver
Lowdown: There is something to be said about an old school, yet incredibly sexy neighborhood bar with counter service only – that just so happens to have a rotating selection of some really fun and unique wines. Take a date that knows wine or step in blind together and find a new favorite at My Boy Tony. Even though they proclaim not to be a “wine bar” – they also don’t claim to be a cocktail bar – but do offer some select house cocktails and local beers. It’s all about the atmosphere at this local spot where a no frills elevated dive-bar MO might be just the right fit for a different type of date night. The owner Eli Cox is a long time face in the Berkeley neighborhood, and if you happen to catch him in shop – no doubt he will say hello and make you AND your date feel right at home.
Wild Taco Denver
What: Happy Hour
Where: 4499 W 38th Ave., Denver
Lowdown: Catching up with a new or familiar face over margaritas is a tale as old as time. Wild Taco has them for only $7 during their all-day happy hour on Monday and Tuesday and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday. You can also find a variety of tacos on HH for $3.50 like the beef bulgogi – ground beef, tamari, garlic, ginger, calabacitas, kimchi and scallions – or the vegetarian-friendly KFT taco – Korean fried tofu, spicy gochujang sauce, Asian slaw, tamari onions, sesame seeds and scallions. Wild Taco combines delicious food, an appealing happy hour and a welcoming environment making it a great choice for a quick – or slow – happy hour date.
Hey Kiddo
What: Dinner
Where: 4337 Tennyson St., # 300, Denver
Lowdown: If you’re looking for a trendy and eclectic spot to take a date, Hey Kiddo no doubt is high on that list. With a menu that reflects worldwide flavors you would be hard pressed to find something not to like. And while its menu changes frequently, a go-to is to let the team handle it and opt in for the Walk With Us – where you choose one main and they build your experience around that choice. Not feeling that adventurous? The menu itself is still reflective of the sharing mentality so you can take a bite out of several dishes. Start out with the chicken liver mousse – Texas toast, duck heart and sweet & sour – the hiramasa sashimi – kimchi vinaigrette, fennel and hazelnut – and add on your favorite accompaniments. Celebrating a special milestone? Splurge with oysters and caviar service bling bling style and toast to a successful date. Hey Kiddo is lively and the food and service both are top notch making it a great choice for any style of date night from first to celebratory milestones.