Basic Kneads Pizza
Some chefs get their training at a formal cooking school, or by coming up through the ranks of the service industry. The three brothers behind Basic Kneads Pizza? They learned their craft in the family kitchen. Consisting of a food truck, a trailer, and a custom hybrid, they offer their wood-fired pizzas all over the area. They use locally-milled organic flour to craft their crusts, which are cooked — along with the toppings, of course — at 700-800 degrees before being served up fresh to the waiting masses. Margherita, Meatza (pepperoni, sausage, chicken), and Sweet Thai Chili Chicken are just a few of the options available, and for those of you watching your wheat intake, they also offer Udi's gluten-free crust for a nominal fee.
Lawrence Covell
Originally started in Boulder as a handmade leather goods store, Lawrence Covell has become the go-to store for many a discerning man in the area. With a wide range of offerings that run from bohemian and hipster-ish to classic and conservative, they should have something that suits your taste, and from a well-known brand as well — Luciano Barbera, Kiton, Oliver Spencer and Raleigh Denim, Paul Smith, and Rag and Bone are just a few of the labels you'll find inside. Not sure what you want? Go ahead and ask the friendly staff, who will be happy to find you a drink — be it a coffee, wine, or beer — to sip on while you discuss.
Caveau Wine Bar
It's not just the best wine bar in town — it's one of the best in the country. Caveau Wine Bar offers a vineyard-like atmosphere in the heart of the Rockies, with a well-curated, highly-manageable wine list, modern decor, and the always inviting fireplace. It's an enjoyable visit at any hour, but arrive from 4-7 and you'll find a host of deals that make it even easier to stay a bit longer, including cheap draft beers, half-off more expensive glasses of vino, and a flat $6 rate for more affordable choices. Oh, and be sure to check out the food menu, which includes a variety of small bites, tapas, and pizzas.
Old Major
When you see a place with a hog in the logo, it's easy to be concerned that you're walking into yet another average BBQ joint — but that's far from what you'll find at Old Major. While it's logo does sport a pig — "Seafood, swine, and wine" goes the motto — the food is anything but average, with small plates of the aforementioned food stuffs as well as beef and delicacies like foie gras. The cocktails are nothing to scoff at either, made using artisan ingredients and techniques — but thankfully the reclaimed barn feel of the interior keeps things from feeling too stuffy. Reservations recommended. [Scouted by Ben]
Slotted Spoon
If you like meatballs, you can head to Ikea, slum it at Subway, try to find a local Italian place that makes them by hand, or head to Slotted Spoon. This "Meatball Eatery" makes ordering yourself a meatball-based meal as easy as 1-2-3 — just choose between chicken, beef, pork, salmon, or black bean gluten-free meatballs, decide if you want them placed on bread, salad, or pasta, and pick out a sauce to go with it. The menu also includes signature meatball sandwiches, sides like bacon mac & cheese, and a selection of beers and wines for those that want to class up their experience.
Tattered Cover Bookstore
It's not in the same place it started, but that doesn't make the Tattered Cover Bookstore any less of a local institution. Founded in 1971, this independent bookstore offers a large selection of new, used, and bargain books spread across two floors. The space boasts plenty of antique furnishings and lamps that create perfect nooks for previewing your next purchase, as well as a cafe, free Wi-Fi, and a world-class newsstand. We're partial to the historic LoDo location — which is near both Union Station and Coors Field — but you can get a similar experience at the Colfax Ave. and Highlands Ranch branches. [Scouted by Colin]
Falling Rock Tap House
The Mile-High City is home to plenty of breweries, and thus plenty of bars, but few — if any — can match the selection at the Falling Rock Tap House. This LODO watering hole offers over 75 beers on tap and over 130 bottles, giving you a wide range of options to choose from. Lunch and Dinner menus are also offered, consisting primarily of bar food, sandwiches, burgers, tacos, and subs, any of which will serve the purpose of providing a solid base for your beer selections — and with this many options, they should be plentiful. [Scouted by Elliott]
Green Russell
Is the lantern outside lit? Good. Then head down the stairs, through the pie shop, and into the Green Russell. Located in Larimer Square, this modern speakeasy is known for its custom cocktails and attention to detail — its website describes it as a "chef driven cocktail joint" — which shows up in the housemade bitters and mixes and kitchen herb garden. Reservations recommended.
Freshcraft
The only thing better than a great beer is some food to go along with it. This premise forms the menu at Freshcraft. Located in downtown, the place focuses on fresh food and craft beer, offering 20 different beers on tap and roughly 100 in bottles. The food offers are varied, but mostly stay within the upscale comfort food realm — although if you're anything like us, you're probably want to go with a small plate so as to leave more room for the suds.
Great American Beer Festival
We might not have the real Oktoberfest here in the states, but we do have the Great American Beer Festival. This annual event, held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, brings together the best breweries and beer lovers from all across the country for a hop-infused three-day extravaganza. This year's event, scheduled for October 11-13, will play host to over 550 breweries, and will also feature a brand new Brewpub Pavilion highlighting places where fresh beer and tasty food come together in an inviting atmosphere. Each day's public session starts at 5:30 p.m. and runs until 10, but be sure to get your final orders in early — last pour comes 15 minutes beforehand.
