When you step through the doors of Denver’s iconic Union Station, you can almost feel the energy buzzing around you as take in the gorgeous makeover that has taken place at this over 100 year-old building. You will find busy travelers hustling about as they pull their luggage behind them, locals laughing together at the bar, and children happily eating ice cream cones in this historical gathering space that has become so much more than simply a transportation hub.
Make your way to Union Station and you will discover why it is now referred to as Denver’s “living room.” While you’re there, you will want to check out these 12 awesome spots to shop, dine, and stay.
First and foremost, Union Station will get you where you need to be.
Serving as the Mile HIgh City's main transportation hub, Union Station offers many convenient options for travelers. With access to RTD's front range bus route, light rail line networks, and a full Amtrack train schedule this is the place to be when traveling from here to there.
Upon entering the Great Hall you will see that the historical beauty of this 1914 Beaux Arts train station has been preserved in the little details, while a modern twist takes the surroundings to the next level.
After a long day of traveling, nothing beats being greeted by a gorgeous array of colorful flowers just begging you to pick out a bouquet for someone special.
Whether you are booking a room while traveling for business, leisure, or maybe just an epic "stay-cation," this luxury hotel will provide a stay that you won't soon forget.
You will want to get your caffeine-fix at PigTrain Coffee (named after the trains that carry truck trailers on flatbed rail cars). They serve organic, locally-roasted Conscious Coffee and expresso. As an added bonus, you can also partake in a coffee cocktail as they serve coffee beverages with alcohol. If you're hungry, PigTrain sells pastries, desserts, and other "grab & go" items.
This small satellite branch of the locally-owned Tattered Cover Bookstore brings a taste of this well-known indie bookstore to those making their way through Union Station.
The Mercantile offers both a European-style market that sells seasonal good from some of the country's best artisans as well as offering elevated comfort food from their full-service open kitchen restaurant.
This urban casual eatery boasts a menu with everything from hamburgers to Chorizo Bacon Dates, and is committed to ensuring that 100% of the food they serve is sourced from American farmers.
If you're looking for a quick bite to eat, ACME offers made to order or grab-n-go sandwiches made with artisanal deli meats. You can also pick up a fresh salad and a delicious cookie to complete your meal.
Located in the former barber shop space of Union Station, Milkbox scoops up 16 flavors of one of local's favorites...Little Man Ice Cream. You can get your ice cream in a cone or a cup, of course. But, Milkbox also offers shakes, malts, sundaes, and their popular boozy shakes as well.
Serving up impeccably fresh, sustainable, and creative seafood dishes, Stoic and Genuine is known for their top-notch seafood and oyster selections, as well as their granita bar.
Instead of stepping up to the historic ticket office to purchase a ticket to a new destination, customers at Terminal Bar come to this area of The Great Hall to order a draft beer from Terminal Bar's extensive local collection. Signature and classic cocktails, as well as carefully curated wine by the glass are also served.
Situated on the mezzanine that overlooks the Great Hall, The Cooper Lounge is known for both its stunning views (you get a good look at Downtown Denver out of the 28 foot windows as well) and its high end cocktails. This glamorous lounge is the place to be for a distinctive cocktail experience.
So, for your next unforgettable Denver experience, you'll want to make the Union Station your next destination.
