Dig Into September – What To Eat and Drink in Denver This Month

Photo by Casey Wilson

Welcome back to our monthly Dig Into Denver series. At the beginning of each month, we deliver a food and beverage-based itinerary for the best ways to eat and drink your way through the city — including what’s recently opened and what’s worth celebrating for no reason at all.

Bookmark this page to reference these Denver food events all month long, and let us know in the comments what Denver food events you’d like to see included in Dig Into next month.

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But First… Food News

In case you missed it, here are some of the biggest announcements in Denver food news from last month.

5 East Coast-Inspired Bagel Shops in Denver

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Photo courtesy of Odell’s Bagel

The Lowdown: A breakfast favorite — the bagel is alive and well in Denver. Inspired by the East Coast shops that started it all, we’ve put together a list of some of the best bagel shops around the city for the perfect start to your morning.

Carne Is More Than Just a Piece of Meat

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Photo by Lucy Beaugard

The Lowdown: Chef Dana Rodriguez’s Carne is celebrating one year in its new home on the corner of Larimer and 26th. Unsurprisingly, it has never been anything short of on the nose with its name. And yet, one year in, the additions to Carne’s summer menu put on display a range of nuance and cohesion that deserve attention.

Is Aspen Food & Wine Worth the Climb? Absolutely.

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Photo by C2 Photography/FOOD & WINE

The Lowdown: One of the best food events of the year, or is it? We’re here to tell you that it just might be. Take a look inside the festival with us as we spill the tea on all the food, drink and vibes.

Restaurant Olivia Leads Denver’s Picnic Scene With Gourmet Baskets + Where To Grab and Go Around Town

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Photo courtesy of Restaurant Olivia on Facebook

The Lowdown: Restaurant Olivia has taken the guesswork out of the perfect picnic with its new picnic basket offerings, which include bison mortadella sliders, pasta salad and more. Plus, our list of easy-to-grab gourmet eats on the go, from stacked sandwiches at Leven Deli to build-your-own spreads at Denver Central Market and we’ve got the perfect park pairings to match for savoring the summer.

Somebody People’s Sunday Supper Is Scrumptious, Spontaneous and Sustainable

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Photo by Chelsea Chorpenning

The Lowdown: On South Broadway, Somebody People has quickly become a Denver gem with its casual vibe and the city’s fun-loving dining crowd boasting more than vegan, vegetarian and veggie-driven dishes. Its Sunday Supper is the restaurant’s weekly tradition of utilizing its remaining ingredients for a creatively inclined, multi-course meal.

Sober Summer: The Best Mocktail & Food Pairings in Denver This Season

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Photo courtesy of Death & Co on Facebook

The Lowdown: Whether you’re sober or just looking to try out something new, our list of Denver bars serving up alcohol-free options delivers all the taste and none of the hangover.

Tandoori Heat and Whiskey Neat: India’s Restaurant Brings Classic Spice to Denver for 36 Years

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Photo by Amber Wyatt

The Lowdown: India’s Restaurant isn’t just a place to eat — it’s a living piece of Denver’s culinary history and an immersive experience built from 36 years of tradition, countless accolades and delicious cuisine.

Savoring Summer – Exploring Local Farmers’ Markets in Denver and Beyond

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Photo courtesy of Erie Farmers’ Market on Facebook

The Lowdown: Summer’s not complete without weekend trips to your local farmers’ market. Our list explores some of the best in and around Denver for fresh, organic, hand-made products that support local businesses. Don’t miss out on all of the peaches, tomatoes, herbs, jams and more as the season comes to a close.

How Local Distiller Is Using Whiskey To Spark a Bigger Conversation on Water Conservation

Photo courtesy of Laws Whiskey House

The Lowdown: Denver-based Laws Whiskey House is flipping the script on sustainability through community partnerships and conservation of the Rio Grande River, now considered one of the most endangered in America.

Does Denver’s Best Burger Come From an Ice Cream Shop?

Photo by Evan Dale

The Lowdown: Aside from inventive ice cream, Right Cream is holding onto another delicious secret — burgers. Take a peek at what it’s grilling up on a daily basis, including its new breakfast variation.

Meet Chef Mimmo Faid: The Culinary Master Behind Gattara, a Hidden Italian Gem in Denver

Photo courtesy of Gattara

The Lowdown: On this edition of Meet the Chef, we interviewed Chef Mimmo Faid of Gattara, located in the Warwick Hotel. Chef Faid leads the way in Italian cuisine at the restaurant and talks of his culinary journey and best dishes to try when you pay a visit.

Broth Goals and Customizable Bowls – This Is Union Station’s Ramen Darling: Jinya

Photo by Amber Wyatt

The Lowdown: Conveniently located near Union Station, Jinya Ramen Bar brings a dynamic approach to ramen with a menu that caters to a range of preferences. Not only does the broth speak for itself, but its atmosphere is fun and inviting for a quick solo lunch or catching up with friends.

These Denver Cocktails Are as Wild as They Are Good

Photo by Casey Wilson

The Lowdown: As the days get shorter, Denver bartenders are getting bolder. From red curry and coconut concoctions to smoking punch bowls, these cocktails are truly imaginative and a bit wild, but even more delicious. Check out our list to see where your next adventurous cocktail could be.

Whether Searching for Sourdough or a Seasonal Pastry, LoDough Bakery Serves Fun and Nostalgic European Baked Goods

Photo by Evan Dale

The Lowdown: From Austrian-born pastry chef and baker Jan Kratzer, Lodough Bakery is Dairy Block’s gem, serving up goods like French baguettes, croissants, pain au chocolat and more that sell out within minutes of coming out of the oven.

Lunch Goals: Our Go-To Bites From Civic Center EATS

Photo courtesy of Pozzetti Gelato on Instagram

The Lowdown: Civic Center EATS is one of the best places to grab lunch in the heart of downtown offering food from diverse food trucks with smashburgers, German sandwiches, gelato and more. Here’s our list of some of the best bites and while the summer season is over, it will return on September 10 for the fall season.

Newly Opened

Chez Maggy’s New Terrace Is Reinvigorating Outdoor Dining (And Drinking) on 16th Street

Photo courtesy of Thompson Denver

The Lowdown: 16th Street has seen its fair share of construction over the years, but now, with its new rebrand, restaurants and shops are breathing new air into the renovated space. Notably, Chez Maggy’s new terrace is the perfect pairing for summer lunch dates or moody evenings out. with French bites and elegant drinks.

Bodega, Eatery and Ice Cream Dream Team Arrive in Cherry Creek

Photo courtesy of Town Pump Provisions on Instagram

The Lowdown: On August 15, Town Pump Provisions is Cherry Creek’s newest neighborhood spot. It combines a bodega and ice cream shop (courtesy of Little Man’s) for all-in-one ease and the perfect place to grab a bite, ingredients for dinner or sweet treat from the heat. With it surrounding a patio its the perfect place to sip and relax while soaking up the rays.

Elway’s Downtown Launches Collaborative Sunday Brunch Series Featuring a List of Boozy Partners

Photo courtesy of Elway’s Downtown at The Ritz-Carlton

The Lowdown: Denver is a brunch town. Bottomless mimosas, bloodies, bacon and benedicts mosaic each table on every Spring and Summer patio as groups of friends and family try to fend off the Sunday scaries. Recently, Elway’s Downtown launched its Sunday Funday brunch series, highlighted by weekly activations with collaborative partners like Patrón, Grey Goose, Veuve Clicquot and Saint Germain.

Wash Park Welcomes Broderick, a Fresh Take on the Neighborhood Bar

Photo courtesy of Werk Creative

The Lowdown: Open since August 15, the new concept from the team behind Uncle Tim’s Cocktails is part neighborhood café, part cocktail lounge and fully focused on creating a place where people want to stay awhile. This is Broderick.

Ukiyo’s New Yōshoku Season Merges Traditional Omakase With an Experimental Tasting Menu

Photo by by Conner Stehr

The Lowdown: If you’re not paying attention, it’s easy enough to get lost in the immense attention to detail and expansive nuance driving Ukiyo’s new seasonal menu, Yōshoku. Here’s a look into Phraseuth Sananikone’s or “Chef Paul’s” newest menu at one of Denver’s top sushi restaurants.

Excuses to Celebrate

September 12: National Chocolate Milkshake Day

Photo courtesy of Bonnie Brae on Facebook

The Lowdown: The drinkable dessert that needs no introduction — the milkshake is the perfect sweet to have on the go while avoiding the mess of an ice cream cone. September 12 is your day to indulge in chocolate-y goodness covered in whipped cream and even more chocolate syrup.

Don’t Miss: Elevate the shake a bit further by trying it out malted at Denver favorites, Sweet Cow and Bonnie Brae.

September 18: National Cheeseburger Day

Photo courtesy of The Cherry Cricket

The Lowdown: Sometimes all you need is an easy bite to enjoy without all the fuss, and there’s nothing simpler than a burger. Whether you prefer it with 100 percent beef or go for a veggie-friendly option, this September 18 is sure to be day worth savoring.

Don’t Miss: Try the vegan-friendly Next Level Veggie Grill or the People’s Choice Cry Baby at The Cherry Cricket.

September 29: National Coffee Day

Photo courtesy of Hearth on Facebook

The Lowdown: The fail-safe to any pick-me-up moment. Coffee is one of the most versatile beverages for the start of the workday, catching up with an old friend, meeting a first date, and even washing down a hearty meal.

Don’t Miss: Try the Black and Latina-owned Migas Coffee or Denver gem Hearth.

Eat Well, Give Back

Denver is a giving community, and there are countless events every month benefitting non-profits across the city. However, for Dig In, we specifically highlight food and beverage events that support food-focused causes and non-profits — those that tackle hunger, service industry assistance and more.

Room For Milly x Denver Urban Gardens Collaborate to Celebrate Sustainability and Community

Photo courtesy of Denver Urban Gardens

Where: Room for Milly, 1615 Platte St., #145, Denver

When: Wednesday, September 24, 7 – 9 p.m. 

The Lowdown: With the weather slowly shifting from summer to fall it’s important to note how our urban environment also shifts. Room for Milly – in partnership with Denver Urban Gardens (DUG) – is coming together for a one-night only event celebrating sustainability, community and seasonality. Its Garden to Glass event will feature garden-inspired cocktails made with produce from Room for Milly’s owner Fiona Arnold’s urban garden and crafted by its Bar Manager, Kyle Fanfoni, alongside conversations surrounding sustainable practices with the proceeds going directly to DUG. DUG is a nonprofit that spreads access, awareness, skills and resources needed to grow food in community and regenerate urban green spaces across Colorado. Some drink creations to look forward to include a Blackberry Espresso Martini, Chive Martini and Tomato Water Scaffa with tomato water, Woody Creek Gin, lime, curaçao, basil and black pepper. The goal is to show people how local ingredients and eco-conscious choices can be both innovative and impactful. Each ticket is $35 per person and includes a welcome cocktail and seeds to take home at the end of the night because the conversation around conservation doesn’t end when the party does.