{"id":9393,"date":"2016-12-08T13:52:53","date_gmt":"2016-12-08T13:52:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ona16.journalists.org\/?p=9393"},"modified":"2016-12-15T23:45:29","modified_gmt":"2016-12-15T23:45:29","slug":"serious-and-playful-eats-in-denver","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ona16.journalists.org\/2016\/12\/08\/serious-and-playful-eats-in-denver\/","title":{"rendered":"Serious and playful eats in Denver"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"RJI-Keypad\"<\/a>This post is sponsored by the\u00a0The Reynolds Journalism Institute (RJI)<\/b>.<\/p>\n

Help make journalism stronger. Innovate on your terms. Start thinking now about applying for an RJI Fellowship (applications open after Thanksgiving). See RJI Executive Director Randy Picht in the RJI Midway booth from 1-2 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 15 \u2013 or any of the RJI team 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.<\/p>\n

rjionline.org<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Those visiting Denver for the first time might not place it in the same class of previous ONA host cities (Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, oh my!), but it only takes a short stay to realize that the Mile High City is maturing into a true metropolis. What better way to explore a city that is “having its moment” than with a fork in your hand?<\/em><\/p>\n

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Right Next Door\u2026<\/h3>\n

Conference goers would be remiss not to take the elevator to the Hyatt\u2019s 27th<\/sup> floor, where sweeping views of downtown and the Rocky Mountains greet you at Peak\u2019s Lounge<\/a>. The high-altitude cocktail lounge serves classic drinks made with local liquor, like an Old Fashioned made with Stranahan\u2019s Colorado Whiskey, or a Rocky Mountain Mule \u2014 a Moscow Mule made\u00a0with Wilderness Trail Distillery vodka.<\/p>\n

Just across the street, Stout Street Social<\/a> serves up seafood, sushi and savory bar food in a hip, sports-bar-esque setting. Take advantage of $4 glasses of wine and $2 off sushi orders during happy hour.
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\nPizza Republica<\/a>, directly next door to the convention center, dishes up wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, housemade pastas and plates of fresh burrata starting at 11 a.m.<\/p>\n

Just off 16th<\/sup> Street Mall…<\/h3>\n

For a quick, wallet-friendly lunch:<\/em><\/p>\n

The Protein Bar<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 a fast-casual joint on the north end of the mall \u2014 serves up healthy, quinoa-loaded bowls, wraps and salads.<\/p>\n

The nearby Honor Society<\/a> (a favorite of 5280<\/em>\u2019s digital editors!) offers a drool-worthy selection of fixings for salads, sandwiches and Thanksgiving-style plates. An order of the mashed sweet potatoes is non-negotiable.<\/p>\n

The best way to explain Illegal Pete’s<\/a> is as the local chain version of Chipotle (which, fun fact, also started here in Colorado), but with more of a bar vibe. We\u2019re not complaining \u2014 especially after one of their house margaritas, just $4 during happy hour.<\/p>\n

\"SHOT<\/a>

Stoic & Genuine is led by James Beard winner Jennifer Jasinski.<\/p><\/div>\n

For a sit-down affair during lunch or dinner: <\/em><\/p>\n

Denver\u2019s newly renovated Union Station is a site to see in its own right; luckily it also hosts plenty of places to refuel. Seafood lovers will find solace \u2014 and $2 oysters during happy hour\u2014in this landlocked state at Stoic & Genuine<\/a>, a culinary ship manned by James Beard award-winner Jennifer Jasinski. The Terminal Bar<\/a> in the main lobby is a lovely place to stop for a local draft and enjoy top-notch people watching. And just a few yards away, The Kitchen Next Door at Union Station<\/a> serves up farm-to-table \u201ccomfort food\u201d plates in a relaxed but sleek atmosphere.<\/p>\n

A bit south on 16th<\/sup> Street Mall from Union Station sits The Kitchen<\/a>, a decidedly more upscale sister restaurant to the Kitchen Next Door. Don\u2019t miss the burrata crostini.<\/p>\n

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Lobster Saigon crepes at ChoLon Modern Asian Bistro. Credit: ChoLon\/Facebook<\/p><\/div>\n

At the adjacent and elegant ChoLon Modern Asian Bistro<\/a>, the Korean fried chicken sliders and lobster Saigon crepes shouldn\u2019t be overlooked.<\/p>\n

Last but not least, out-of-towners can\u2019t go wrong in Larimer Square \u2014 a small thoroughfare chock-full of restaurants \u2014 just a 12-minute walk from the convention center. I\u2019m partial to Osteria Marco<\/a>, an Italian eatery with an upscale vibe that mismatches its affordable menu; Euclid Hall<\/a>, a sausage-centric eatery with a fantastic local beer list; and Green Russell<\/a>, a subterranean speakeasy where the art of mixology is in full force.<\/p>\n

A short Uber or (weather-permitting) stroll away:<\/h3>\n

For a range of inexpensive food options all in one place, head to Avanti Food and Beverage<\/a>. Avanti <\/b>is home to seven different eateries, each of which is located inside a refabbed shipping container. \u00a0You\u2019ll find falafel, arepas, artisan pizzas and more \u2014 and one of the most stunning rooftop views in the whole city.<\/p>\n

For street tacos and a short adventure off the beaten path, try La Abeja<\/a> on the infamous Colfax Avenue. Order the carnitas.<\/p>\n

Find traditional, Japanese country dishes and a lush outdoor garden at Domo<\/a>, a tucked-away gem perfect for refreshing after a long day of sessions.<\/p>\n

A short taxi ride to Acorn<\/a> is worth it. It sits inside The Source \u2014 a small, indoor artisan marketplace \u2014 and is arguably Denver\u2019s hottest\/best restaurant right now. (\u2018Nuff said.)<\/p>\n

What sort of host would we be if we didn\u2019t send you in the direction of Denver\u2019s finest local suds? Here, downtown Denver\u2019s most walkable breweries:<\/em><\/p>\n