When not in session at CROI, we suggest you check out these local restaurants and attractions in Denver, as provided by colleagues.

• Leven Deli Co. (Directions): Best local deli. This place has the best pastrami sandwich in the city. They are open for breakfast and Flunch. Truly, a do not miss.
• El Taco de Mexico (Directions): Best burritos. Denver is known for its burritos and green chili, and this place has been a staple for over 40 years. Their burritos are delicious and authentic.
• The Brutal Poodle (Directions): Best place you would never know about for a burger. A heavy metal themed restaurant with great drinks and amazing burgers. It’s down Broadway, which is also a street just to drive down for good vintage shops, coffee, ice cream. You don’t have to be a hipster or a metal fan to go.
• Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax (Directions): Best bookstore for where you should go hang out for an hour. In an old theater, this place has been a Denver institution since it was an old cow town.
• Mission Ballroom (Directions): Known for arguably the best sound system in the city and consistently strong lineups, this is your go-to for a top-tier concert experience.
• The Fillmore, The Ogden, and The Bluebird (Directions): These three iconic venues along Colfax offer a mix of local bands and national acts, perfect for catching a spontaneous show.
• Lost Lake Lounge (Directions): A more intimate venue option, ideal for discovering up-and-coming talent in a laid-back setting.
• Cerebral Brewing (Directions): A standout in Denver’s beer scene, this brewery supports LGBTQ+ rights, harm reduction, and science, and pours some excellent beer to boot.
• Ratio Beerworks (Directions): A lively taproom with a strong community vibe and solid craft brews.
• Prost Brewing (Directions): Prost specializes in traditional German-style beers in a relaxed setting.
• City Park, Cheesman Park, and Congress Park (Directions): Take a stroll through any of these green spaces for a peaceful way to spend an hour outdoors.
• Colfax Avenue (Directions): Full of local businesses that need extra support right now due to disruptive rapid bus transit construction. Whether you’re looking for a tattoo (Bound by Design), a donut (Voodoo Doughnut), a cozy café (Lula Rose or Hooked on Colfax), or a classic dive bar (Lion’s Lair or Pete’s Lounge), this stretch has something for everyone.
• Sexy Pizza (Directions): A socially conscious pizza joint known for its progressive values and satisfying slices, perfect for ordering in if you would rather stay at the hotel.
• City O’ City (Directions): A favorite vegetarian-friendly spot with a creative menu and funky atmosphere.
• Colorado Historical Society & Museum of Nature and Science (Directions): Both are excellent options for exploring Denver’s rich history and natural wonders.
• Mango House (Directions): A true hidden gem. The story behind this community space, supporting refugees and immigrant-owned businesses, is both inspiring and powerful. A quick Google search will show you why it’s worth a visit.

Outdoor Activities and Trails

• Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre (Directions): Scenic trails around the iconic amphitheatre; also hosts events like “Yoga on the Rocks.”
• High Line Canal Trail (Directions): A 71-mile multiuse trail stretching from the mountains through Denver; good for walking, biking, or horseback riding.
• Waterton Canyon Trailhead (Directions): The trailhead for the High Line Canal; a canyon hike / bike route, with good opportunities to spot bighorn sheep.
• South Platte River Trail (Directions): Greenway trail along the South Platte River; accessible from downtown Denver; great for walking, biking, or relaxing.
• Cherry Creek Trail (Directions): Paved, bike-friendly trail running through Denver and out to Cherry Creek State Park; very scenic and well-used.
• Washington Park (“Wash Park”) (Directions): Popular Denver park for walking, running, biking; has lakes, gardens, and a paved/gravel path.
• Chautauqua Park (Boulder) (Directions): Classic hiking spot in Boulder — trails lead into the Flatirons with amazing views.
• Trails in Arvada / Westminster & All-Out Mardi Crawl (Directions): Local trails around Arvada/Westminster. Consider joining the All-Out Mardi Crawl 5K/10K/Half Marathon (Feb 22, 2026).

Sports and Entertainment

• Ball Arena (Directions): Catch an NBA game nearby:
  • Feb 22: Denver Nuggets vs. Golden State Warriors
  • Feb 25: Denver Nuggets vs. Boston Celtics
• Denver Center for the Performing Arts (Directions): Check the February 2026 calendar for live theater and musical performances.

Dining and Local Favorites

• Casa Bonita (Directions): A one-of-a-kind, immersive dining experience (make reservations early!)
• Alma Fonda Fina, Alteño (Directions): Creative, upscale Mexican cuisine in Cherry Creek, from a Michelin-starred chef.
• Cherry Cricket (Directions): A Denver classic burger bar featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. (One location is near Coors Field.)
• Happy Camper (Directions): A fun, camping-themed restaurant offering pizza, fire pits, and a relaxed patio atmosphere.
• El Five (Directions): Mediterranean-inspired small plates with panoramic views of downtown Denver.
• Sushi Den and Izakaya Den (Directions): Excellent sushi and Japanese fare (Izakaya Den offers a more casual setting next door).
• Tavernetta (Directions): Upscale Italian dining adjacent to Union Station and within walking distance from the Convention Center.
• Wynkoop Brewing Company (Directions): Denver’s original brewpub, founded by Senator John Hickenlooper (a local institution for craft beer and pub fare).

Highlands Area

• Root Down (Directions): Vegetable-forward American cuisine.
• Linger (Directions): Asian Fusion restaurant with small plates with an international influence.
• Ash’Kara (Directions): Mediterranean food.
• Señor Bear (Directions): Latin American Food.
• Kawa Ni (Directions): Japanese-inspired dishes.
• Spuntino (Directions): Italian pastas and breads.
• The Wolf’s Tailor (Directions): Japanese and Italian culinary influences with local Colorado ingredients.
• Nana’s Dim Sum & Dumplings (Directions): Dim sum and dumplings.

Cherry Creek Area

• North Italia (Directions): Italian food.
• True Food Kitchen (Directions): Health food restaurant.
• Cucina Colore (Directions): Italian food.
• Le Bilboquet Denver (Directions): French food.
• Cherry Cricket (Directions): Local hamburger restaurant.

Larimer Square (very close to the Convention Center):

• Osteria Marco (Directions): Italian food.
• Timayo (Directions): Innovative Mexican plates.
• Rioja (Directions): Mediterranean dishes.
• Pema (Directions): Tibetan and Nepalese Food.
• Ocean Prime (Directions): Seafood.

Other Suggestions:

• SAFTA (Directions): Israeli restaurant.
• Range Restaurant (Directions): Steakhouse.
• Temaki Den (Directions): Sushi restaurant.
• The Plimoth (Directions): American twist on European cuisine.
• Sam’s No. 3 (Directions): Local diner with extensive menu.

Restaurants and Food

• Uchi (Directions): Modern Japanese and sushi with a creative, chef-driven menu. Upscale and pricy, but known for an excellent happy hour.
• Jovanina’s Broken Italian (Directions): Stylish downtown Italian spot offering inventive pasta, wood-fired dishes, and local ingredients.
• Potager Restaurant and Wine Bar (Directions): Farm-to-table pioneer in Denver featuring seasonal menus and an intimate neighborhood atmosphere.
• Brasserie Brixton (Directions): Relaxed and unpretentious French dining with classic dishes, good cocktails, and a neighborhood feel.
• The Greenwich Denver (Directions): Contemporary “city Italian” with a New York influence, house-made pastas, and wood-fired favorites.
• Rio on Wazee (Directions): Tex-Mex restaurant with standard fare but famous for its strong margaritas; a longtime Denver staple.
• Beaujos (Directions): Home of Colorado “mountain pizza” with thick crust and honey for dipping; several family-friendly locations.
• Satchels on 6th (Directions): Locally owned eclectic American restaurant known for bold flavors and a self-proclaimed “Badass Food” attitude.
• La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal (Directions): Denver’s first dedicated pozole restaurant, serving multiple regional styles along with an extensive mezcal selection.
• Hop Alley (Directions): Modern Asian fusion with bold, spicy flavors; consistently rated among Denver’s top restaurants.
• Sap Sua (Directions): Elevated Vietnamese cuisine blending traditional flavors with modern techniques.
• Alma Fonda Fina (Directions): Fresh, contemporary Mexican cuisine; recently awarded a Michelin star. Reservations highly recommended.
• Ballyhoo Table & Stage (Directions): A food-and-show concept combining dining with entertainment and performances.
• Champagne Tiger (Directions): French-American diner with retro flair, well-crafted comfort dishes, and a lively Sunday Drag Brunch.
• Little Man Ice Cream (Directions): Denver favorite for inventive ice cream flavors; multiple locations with a nostalgic, community-focused vibe.

Breweries and Beer

• Woods Boss (Directions): Large, comfortable taproom with a wide beer selection; escape room located next door.
• Crooked Stave Brewing Company (Directions): Specializes in sours and barrel-aged beers; a standout for wild ales.
• Westbound & Down Brewing Company (Directions): Colorado-based brewery producing high-quality IPAs and lagers; award-winning.
• Denver Beer Co. Platte St (Directions): Popular central location with a sunny patio; approachable beer styles.
• Prost Brewing Company (Directions): German-style brewery focused on lagers; prized for authenticity and quality.
• Schoolyard Beer Garden (Directions): Casual outdoor beer garden with family-friendly vibes and rotating taps.
• Public Offering Brewing Company (Directions): Modern taproom with strong IPAs, lagers, and seasonal specialties.
• Vine Street Pub & Brewery (Directions): Brewpub with hearty food; part of the Mountain Sun family known for hoppy ales.
• Comrade (Directions): Small but celebrated brewery known for Superpower IPA; located farther from downtown but worth the trip.
• Our Mutual Friend Brewing (RiNo Neighborhood) (Directions): Walkable cluster in RiNo.
• Ratio Beerworks (RiNo Neighborhood) (Directions): Walkable cluster in RiNo.
• Odell Brewing Five Points Brewhouse (RiNo taproom – RiNo Neighborhood) (Directions): Walkable cluster in RiNo.
• Bierstadt Lager House (RiNo Neighborhood) (Directions): Walkable cluster in RiNo.
• River North Brewery (RiNo Neighborhood) (Directions): Walkable cluster in RiNo.
• Black Shirt Brewing (RiNo Neighborhood) (Directions): Walkable cluster in RiNo.
• Great Divide Brewery & Roadhouse (Barrel Bar – RiNo Crawl) (Directions): Walkable cluster in RiNo.

Runs

• Speer Boulevard – Cherry Creek Trail (Directions): Scenic paved trail running along the creek between the highway lanes; ideal for long, uninterrupted runs.
• Washington Park (Directions): Popular 2.2-mile loop around lakes and trees; flat, scenic, and lively.
• Cheeseman Park (Directions): Central park with soft-surface trails and open lawns; peaceful and great for shorter loops.

Other Things to Do

• Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergence Station (Directions): Immersive, multi-story interactive art installation known as “Convergence Station”; extremely popular.
• Stand One Mile High (steps of the State Capitol) (Directions): A marked step at the Capitol designates exactly 5,280 feet of elevation.
• REI Denver (Directions): Flagship outdoor store with a climbing wall and access to riverside trails.
• Molly Brown House Museum (Directions): Historic home of “Unsinkable” Molly Brown of Titanic fame; guided tours available.
• Denver Zoo (Directions): Large, walkable zoo with diverse wildlife and family-friendly exhibits.
• Denver Aquarium (Directions): Aquatic exhibits, walk-through tanks, and an attached restaurant.
• Denver Art Museum (Directions): Known for Native American and Western art collections and striking architecture.

Coffee

• Little Owl Tremont (Directions): built around two things: passion, and compassion. A “close-knit crew of service centered and quality obsessed individuals. We like people, we love coffee, and we’re here to take it to the next level.”
• Novo Coffee (Directions): A relationship-based coffee company – “We want to connect one end of the coffee chain to the other for the sake of quality. We want to connect people on the producing end with people on the consuming end.”
• Vibe Coffee and Wine (Directions): Located in the vibrant downtown district, just a block away from the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and only a few blocks from the Denver Convention Center, Vibe is a sanctuary amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. With its sleek, modern design, this location is perfect for both coffee enthusiasts and cocktail connoisseurs. Whether you’re starting your morning with a meticulously brewed espresso, unwinding after work with one of our signature cocktails, or enjoying a glass of wine before a show, Vibe offers the ideal blend of energy and relaxation. Expect urban elegance paired with inviting warmth—our home in the city is a place where you can feel connected yet comfortably distant from the everyday rush.
• Fluid Coffee Bar (Directions): Fluid Coffee Bar is nestled into the heart of Uptown, a Denver neighborhood devoted to youthful living—rousing amusement, culture, and ambition on every corner. Our coffee shop aims not only to bring our customers a great experience, but also to provide for the neighborhood that houses us.
• Tuscany Coffee & Deli (Directions): Founded in Denver in the early 1990s, Tuscany Coffee & Deli brings together authentic Italian espresso and classic New York–style deli fare, all made fresh to order. Independently owned for over 26 years, it partners with local bakeries and roasts small-batch coffee weekly in Denver—never cutting corners.
• Huckleberry Roasters (Directions): HUCK is committed to a sustainable coffee business, serving as a reliable roasting partner to smallholder farms and cooperatives. Beyond coffee, the company supports local and global nonprofits and fosters a healthy, compassionate workplace that values balance and community.
• Crema Coffee House (Directions): My favorite – a popular, cozy spot known for high-quality coffee from local and national roasters, expertly crafted espresso drinks with beautiful latte art, house-baked goods, and delicious food like sandwiches, all within a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere, also having a presence in the Denver Central Market.

Ariat International, Inc, a western-oriented hat and footwear company, is offering a $20 discount exclusively for CROI attendees with purchases greater than $125. Pick up your discount card at the CROI Registration Desk. The store is located at 1460 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202. You may view their catalog here: https://www.ariat.com/denver.