Denver has a vibrant restaurant scene and is known for its excellent breweries. Whether you’re looking for a happy hour spot, dinner recommendations, or a place to unwind after a full day at the NAFSA conference, we have you covered! See below for suggestions from Denver locals, including the Local Arrangements Team (and don’t miss their tips for day trips and other activities).
Nothing complements a good meal or drink like great music! Enjoy our #NAFSA2022 Spotify playlist—all Colorado artists or songs about Denver and/or Colorado—to get you in the Denver state of mind.
Happy Hour
-
The Beer Man column in Westword, Denver’s alt-weekly newspaper, explores the city’s beer scene in depth.
-
Eater Denver serves up the 25 “essential” local bars, including the top spots for a great cocktail.
-
Dive bar enthusiasts should check out this local guide to the best dives in Denver, as well as Eater Denver’s list.
-
Prefer a rooftop view with your brew? Eater Denver has you covered.
Dinner
-
Westword publishes a helpful restaurant guide. Check out their “Ten Things Every Tourist in Denver Should Eat and Drink (and Five to Skip)” if you’re having trouble deciding where to eat or drink.
-
303 Magazine is a local publication that has expansive coverage of the food and drink scene in Denver.
-
Eater Denver has a great list of the best new restaurants in town, as well as 38 “essential” local restaurants. (We’re adding the Comal Heritage Food Incubator to our list!) You can also search Eater Denver for the best pizza, sushi, and any other type of cuisine you prefer.
Other Spots Not to Miss
-
Prefer coffee shops to bars (or enjoy both)? Eater Denver’s list of the best coffee spot in the city and 303’s picks will keep you caffeinated through the conference.
-
This guide from Bon Appetit is a few years old, but the spots they recommend are still spot on—from bakeries to breweries and everything in between.
-
“36 Hours in Denver” spotlights a few can’t-miss places, plus excellent suggestions for any other free time you might have during the week.
Favorites From the Local Arrangements Team
-
Megan Buckley: I really like Banded Oak Brewing—and they have live music on the weekends!
-
Mary Margaret Herman: Edgewater Public Market. Go to Gladys and try their incredible root vegetable reuben. Follow that up with a cone of honeycomb ice cream topped with happy dust at Happy Cones!
-
Franklin Pesantez: Raices Brewery has award-winning beers, live music and performances, an outdoor patio, and rotating food trucks out front. What's not to love?
-
Shing Kit (Jackie) Wong: I like the Buckhorn Exchange. It’s the oldest restaurant in Denver!