A Denver Local’s Weekend Unique Food And Drink Guide

This is not a usual tourist guide where I provide a heap of places to choose from. This is a cool mom kinda guide– catch my drift? Being a native (if you don’t know, I am) I want to share spots of where to go and what I recommend, rather than being overwhelmed with choices and not sure what to do. Two spots for each dining experience + some swanky drink spots as well. Let’s get into it!

According to Patch.com and to the obvious eye, Denver is one of the top most active cities in the country. So, I suggest you wear your best walking shoes for this weekend’s excursions or if you’re like me, dress for fashion and pack an extra pair of runners if your feet get tired.

Day 1

Breakfast

Rise & Shine is a biscuit cafe with a biscuit of the day. Before you screech as I did, these biscuits are not overpowering at all. I myself, do not like biscuits but these are game changers. If you are someone who likes to look at the menu before you can check there’s out here. Hours are 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Depending on where you are staying there are two locations for this MUST-GO brekkie spot– West of Denver at Sloans Lake or South of Denver on Pennsylvania near Wash Park. Ordering online is an available option but in-person is better if you have questions and want it faster.

Click here for the Wash Park location. 76 S. Pennsylvania St.

Click here for the Sloans Lake location. 5126 W. 29th Ave.

Whether you did takeaway or ate at Rise & Shine, the next spot is to go on a brisk morning walk around beautiful Wash Park or Sloans Lake for some stunning tranquil views.

Wait… you’re thirsty and need another drink or perhaps a little snack (I’m always eating too) for your walk. Well, if you’re at Wash Park, located on Ohio and Downing is a unique quaint local coffee shop called Wash Perk. If you’re at Sloan’s Lake, stop in at the local SloHi Coffee + Bike.

Lunch

Heading West of Denver the first mountain town on the map, located in Golden Colorado, The Eddy Taproom and Hotel have THE most and I mean the MOST scrumptious fish tacos for landlocked Colorado. I mean I still salivate and think about these Tacos from time to time. I have the pleasure of trying them when I did a staycation here last year. You can check out that experience here. For my pre-menu viewers, here is The Eddy Taproom menu. Enjoy these tacos and local beer or cocktails right next to the foothills by the outdoor fireplace. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Drink spots in Golden: Golden Mill, Golden Moon Speakeasy or Mountain Toad Brewing.

Dinner

Barcelona Wine Bar. If you’re a wine snob and love tapas-style dining, then this spot is heaven for you. Having the friendliest staff, moodier lighting, and indoor/outdoor seating, this spot is the perfect way to end a well-traveled day. Make sure to put in a reservation here or else the wait could be a while as this is a popular destination during the weekend hours. Check out their dinner menu here, full wine list here.

Drink spots in RiNo: Death & CO, Stem Ciders, Millers & Rossi, Improper City and Honey Elixir Bar

Day 2

Breakfast

In the heart of downtown lies a gem of a brekkie place like none other in Denver. Creating homemade savory lip-smacking tortillas, Just BE Kitchen. Here is their full menu that accommodates allergens/lifestyles of Whole30, Keto, GF, Veg, NFO & EF. My go-to is their “Fulfilled Breakfast Burrito” – SCRAMBLED EGGS*, SAUSAGE, ‘CHEDDAR WIZ’, PALEO TORTILLA, SWEET POTATO HASH, PORK OR VEGGIE GREEN CHILI, CILANTRO, SCALLION, JALAPEÑO w/ the sauce on the side. *CHEFS KISS.

As this place is situated right off the Platte. You can dine in or takeaway and enjoy a beautiful breakfast down by the river if the weather is right!

Lunch

Right down the street from breakfast is an authentic upscale Sushi spot Sushi Sasa. With stunning plated food, impeccable staff, and service, this Sushi place is more than just a place to taste the history of Japan it’s a full-on experience. Check out their menu here.

Dinner

Located in Cherry Creek, indulge in some hearty Italian ingredients and fabulous wine at North Italia. They serve brunch, lunch, and dinner so options of when to come here are an easy choice. Here is their dinner menu. You MUST get their “Grilled Bread & Good Olive Oil small plate. OH MY GOODNESS it’s incredible. My go-to is their house special Bolognese with a glass of red. Afterward like any other spot, Cherry Creek is an adorable spot to walk around afterward. Perhaps stop in for a nightcap at Forget Me Not or end the night in the sky at Elevated Rooftop Bar located on top of the Halycon Hotel.

Drink spots in Cherry Creek: Machete Tequila, Five Nines, Moxy, Hillstone, B&GC