Heading to Denver for a concert? Start your night right at our recommended dining destinations where expertly crafted cocktails and delicious food come together in a vibrant atmosphere. From trendy lounges to energetic bars, these hotspots set the perfect tone for an unforgettable evening.
Ay Papi
Where: 248 Detroit St., Denver
When: Sunday – Thursday 3 p.m. – 12 a.m., Friday – Saturday 3 p.m. – 2 a.m.
The Lowdown: Welcome to Ay, Papi, where a vibrant atmosphere meets an intimate cocktail bar serving up bites and beats, setting the pace for that pre-concert mood. Start the night with one of their expertly crafted cocktails and go for the Old Cuban or the Mai Tai; they are so good you will likely be ordering another round. Do not forget to fuel up before the show as you pair your drink with the Shrimp Cocktail, then dive into a Cubano Sandwich or the Ay Papi Bikini for a satisfying main. Keep the energy high this concert season at Ay, Papi and snag a table via its website.
4PLAY
Where: 2229 Blake St., Denver
When: Wednesday – Friday 5 – 11 p.m., Friday – Saturday 2 – 11 p.m.
The Lowdown: Adorned with floral details, neon lit interiors and sophisticated seating, meet your next favorite vibe at 4PLAY Denver. An ideal place for starting off the night as this spot sets the perfect tone. From the sexy bar to the lively dining room, the beats never stop, and the energy flows effortlessly. Start with a cocktail and sip on the Mai Time for a sweet escape or Role Play for a martini with flair. For bites, indulge in the Grilled Oysters and share an order of Crispy Chicken Bacon Sliders alongside the 4PLAY Beef Sliders. Soak in the sultry ambiance, sip your way to happiness, and discover this hidden gem for yourself. Be sure to reserve your spot on the 4PLAY Denver website, you will not want to miss this experience.
Wonderyard Garden + Table
Where: 2200 Larimer St., Denver
When: Sunday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. – 2 a.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 a.m.
The Lowdown: Ready to feel like Alice in Wonderland before your concert? Step into Denver’s latest hotspot, Wonderyard; a playful, camera ready gem designed to spark excitement before the show. With curious installations and a vibrant energy, this spot sets the ideal tone for your night out. Wonderyard’s drink lineup is just as fun as its atmosphere, offering everything from individual cocktails to shareable sips. Start with Le Cloud for a bright, whimsical treat, or go for the Supernova for a flirty twist on a classic. For bites, the Prosciutto Pearfection (14” for $25) is a must as its tangy-sweet flavors will have you daydreaming about it during the show. For something heartier, the Chicken Shawarma hits the spot, but if you are looking for something extra indulgent, the Steak Frites will have you fully fueled for the night ahead. This popular hotspot fills up fast, so be sure to book your reservation on its website. Get ready to drink, savor, and step into the wonder before your concert.
BurnDown
Where: 476 S Broadway, Denver
When: Monday & Wednesday – Thursday 11 a.m. -11 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. – 1 a.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 1 a.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
The Lowdown: Just outside of downtown Denver on Broadway, a vibrant hub of adventure and flavor awaits. BurnDown is a multi-story gastropub that delivers both excitement and unforgettable bites, making it the perfect pre-concert destination. Sip on a 70’s Playboy cocktail while taking in the energy from the balcony or head up to the rooftop for stunning mountain views. Either way, the drinks are crafted to perfection, and the atmosphere is electric. Now, let’s talk about food. Start with the French Onion Soup as it is flawlessly executed. For the table, the Buffalo Chicken Dip is a must-share and guaranteed to impress. When it is time for mains, indulge in the Wild Mushroom Pappardelle or indulge in the BurnDown Burger for a bold and satisfying bite. BurnDown also features live music every week, so be sure to check its calendar and book a reservation through its website. Keep the energy high this concert season with BurnDown.
Work & Class
Where: 2500 Larimer St., Denver
When: Wednesday – Thursday 5 – 10 p.m., Friday – Saturday 5 – 11 p.m., and Sunday 5 – 10 p.m.
The Lowdown: Where industrial interiors meet an industrial landscape, you will find Work & Class. One of Denver’s best spots to set the pre-concert vibe. Conveniently located on Larimer Street, this energetic destination is just moments away from some of the city’s most iconic music venues, making it a must=visit this concert season. Let us start with a drink. The Blood Orange Tomato Basil came highly recommended and for good reason. Refreshingly bold and undeniably delicious. For shareables, the Plantain Empanadas and Tofu Spam are standout choices, packing flavor in every bite. When it is time for mains, the Lemon Pepper Chicken, paired with Harissa Roasted Veggies and the Aged Cheddar Chile Mac & Cheese, is the ultimate pre-show feast. Even better? This meal is perfect for sharing, making it an easy and satisfying option before heading out for the night. Secure your spot by booking a reservation through its website. Get ready to fuel up and turn up the energy with Work & Class.
Bar Nun
Where: 1225 Logan St., Denver
When: Monday – Thursday 2 p.m. – 2 a.m., Friday – Sunday 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
The Lowdown: Nestled in the heart of Cap Hill, Bar Nun is assured to become your next favorite local haunt. Filled with oddities and intriguing decor, this spot offers more than just great food and drinks as it is an experience waiting to be explored. With an extensive selection of spirits, the skilled bartenders can craft just about any drink you desire so be sure to just ask. For a pick-me-up, try Your EX Presso Martini, or go for the British Mule for a tangy, crisp, and botanical twist. For bites, the Veggie Gyoza is a flavorful choice, perfectly complemented by the Meatball Sub. To finish on a sweet note, the Churro and Ice Cream is as heavenly as it is sinful, an absolute must-try. Make Bar Nun your next pre-concert destination for a night that starts with great flavors and an atmosphere full of character.
Ultreia
Where: 1701 Wynkoop St., #125, Denver
When: Monday – Thursday 11 a.m.- 10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
The Lowdown: Looking for a more upscale and elegant experience? We have got you covered. Look no further than in the heart of downtown, located inside Union Station, we recommend having dinner at Ultreia. Not only does it offer a daily happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., you can discover gorgeous views accompanied by sensational bites mid morning or late evening. For the bubbly enthusiast, order a glass of NV Vita Vivet, Cava Brut and for a cocktail, try the El Classico with Elderflower gin as a great start to the evening. For your meal, Ulteria is known for their tapas style experience so be sure to order a few items to share. We recommend ordering Pan con Tomate and add marinated anchovies, Tetelas and Bistec, a perfectly tender slice of meat, for a fulfilling experience. Consider ordering its selection of rotating cheeses for that extra savory affair. Enjoy the chic ambiance while tasting noteworthy dishes, Ultreia is your place to be.
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Bang Up to the Elephant
Where: 1310 Pearl St., Denver
When: Sunday – Thursday 4 – 9 p.m., Friday – Saturday 4 – 10 p.m.
The Lowdown: Calling all vegan and veggie-friendly diners, this one is for you. Bang Up to the Elephant offers an adventurous, plant-based dining experience that is as visually captivating as it is delicious. With a uniquely curated menu, intricate ornamental details and neon lit interiors, this spot is a delight for multiple senses. Another standout feature is their daily happy hour, available from open until 6:00 p.m., making it an ideal stop before heading to a show. Its cocktail menu includes a flavor guide to help you choose, but we recommend the Rhum Punch for a tropical kick or the Dirty Banana for something rich and indulgent. For bites, the Jerked Edamame and Cauliflower Wingers are must-tries. When it is time for mains, the Coconut Curry and Bunny Chow deliver bold, satisfying flavors. Whether you are looking for vibrant flavors, a lively atmosphere, or the perfect pre-concert meal, Bang Up to the Elephant is sure to hit the mark.
Perdida
Where: 1066 S Gaylord St., Denver
When: Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
The Lowdown: Welcome to Perdida, where you are most certainly not lost. Inspired by vibrant Mexican influences, this spot is guaranteed to become your next favorite place for an authentic meal. With its lively color palette and playful textures, Perdida is the perfect destination to enjoy drinks and delicious bites before the big show. Start with the Strawberry Margarita or the Frozen Toasted Coconut Margarita as both are refreshing, bold, and perfectly crafted for a pre-concert vibe. For starters, the Birria Fries are a must-try, especially when paired with the tangy and savory Ceviche. For mains, indulge in the Chicken Tinga Enchilada and the Crispy Carnitas as they burst with flavor. Whether you are grabbing a bite or just stopping in for a drink at the bar, the Perdida oasis is here to welcome you.