Five new-ish spots to grab a bite
Take me out to the ball game, but also take me out for a drink and a bite to eat.
This spring, Denver’s Ballpark district should look more alive and well than it has since 2019. To commemorate the Rockies’ home opener on April 8, we’ve rounded up some of the newer options for dining and drinking in the area. All are within a 10minute walk from Coors Field.
Carmine’s
This offshoot of the red sauce staple in Denver’s Wash Park is a welcome addition to Mcgregor Square and the Ballpark neighborhood. Come for chicken parm, baked ziti and bolognese, served in portions perfect for couples or families to share ($22.95-$52.95). Nearby, you’ll find more options in the pedestrian square, from Tom’s Watch Bar to Milepost Zero, a local food hall.
1951 Wazee St.; 720-4598952; lunch 11 a.m-2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; dinner 5-10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and until 9 p.m. Sunday. mcgregor.carminescolorado.com
La Diabla
This Elite Eight contender in the March Madness Taco Bracket was our pick for best new restaurant of 2021. Go for heaping bowls of pozole ($17), creative street tacos ($6-$7), and mezcal cocktails at the bar or on the shaded back patio. While you’re in the area, check out the tasting room and patio at Attimo, a local winery with Italianinspired snacks. It’s right across Larimer Street.
2233 Larimer St.; 720519-1060; 3-9 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday and
Wednesday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday; ladiabladenver.com
The Rally Bar
This stadium-side bar is just inside The Rally Hotel, where an all-day diner, The Original, is also a great preor post-game option. But at the more intimate bar, mini corndogs and Wagyu sliders ($12, $15) are served alongside cocktails, beer and wine. Upstairs, the Rockies Hall of Fame is expected to debut this year.
1600 20th St.; 720-769
1409; 3-10 p.m. Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday, 3-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; therallybar.com
Reynard Social
The new Thompson hotel is a stylish spot for brunch, dinner or drinks on a game day. Downstairs beyond the lobby bar you’ll find Chez Maggy, celebrity chef Ludo Lefebvre’s new French restaurant. Upstairs at the sixth floor Reynard Social, you’ll relax on couches or by the fireplace with cozy pairings like fondue ($16) and cider, or the liqueur-spiked “après ski” hot cocoa ($16).
1616 Market St.; 5-11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 5 p.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday; reynardsocial.com
El Tejano
Part of a massive new event complex that includes a nightclub and brewery, El Tejano is the restaurant, arcade and rooftop bar you’ll want to take in at some point during a baseball season. Here the margaritas are “Texassized” (32 ounces), the sports are for watching and participating in (see Skeeball and mini basketball hoops), and the food is late-night Tex-mex (Frito pies, $13, and nacho waffle fries, $10).
1949 Market St.; 303-9935519; 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Wednes
day through Friday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday; eltejanotexmex.com
And one on the way: Fuel & Iron
By the end of April, a new Pueblo-themed bar will open not far from the ballpark on Blake Street. Fuel & Iron pays tribute to all things Pueblo (that is, the city in Colorado), with menu items such as Italian sliders and green chile cocktails. And, of course, it will feature a play on the iconic slopper, a chiles mothered open-faced cheeseburger.
1526 Blake St.; opening end of April