How do you usually spend a weekend in the city? Instead of unwinding at the same old dive you have visited the last 15 years, make plans to get a drink at this posh Denver bar that is in the most unforgettable of settings:
Tucked away inside the recently renovated Union Station is the posh Terminal Bar; a re-purposed bar that once served as the ticketing office in The Great Hall!
"Patrons can now step up to the window and purchase a Colorado craft beer from the bar’s extensive draft beer collection from Colorado breweries and microbreweries rather than a train ticket to the west coast," teases the Terminal Bar's website, also noting that the bar is adorned in historically accurate finishes from the turn of the 20th century.
In addition to the intricate details, the Terminal Bar also features an amazing drink menu that varies from local craft beer to a world-class wine selection to killer cocktails! (Psst... drinks at the Terminal Bar can get a little pricey, so we recommend checking them out during Happy Hour, which runs Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
The Terminal Bar is located at 1701 Wynkoop Street (inside Union Station) and is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., and on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.. For more information, please visit the Terminal Bar's website.
The Downtown Aquarium might not be your first thought when searching for an unforgettable Denver dining experience, but as soon as you walk through the doors of their restaurant, you will clearly see why this is one of the most unique restaurants in Denver. So, grab a menu and dive into the Aquarium Restaurant's unbeatable atmosphere and epic food selections.
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Scattered throughout the heart of downtown Denver are many niche restaurants, but one of the most unique restaurants in Denver is the Aquarium Restaurant. This upscale restaurant is located on the first floor of the Downtown Aquarium.
If you need to work up an appetite first, take a stroll around the aquarium's more than one million gallons of underwater exhibits that include over 500 species of aquatic animals.
Before dinner, you may want to stop for a drink at the Dive Lounge, found on the first floor.
They offer specials on "munchies" like beef sliders with cheese or Ahi tuna tacos. You can also order a margarita or martini for $4 or a domestic draft beer for $3 during this happy hour.
Once you enter the restaurant, adults and children alike will be enamored by the 50,000-gallon centerpiece aquarium. The Aquarium Restaurant is undoubtedly one of the most unique dining experiences in Denver.
No matter where the hostess seats you, you're in luck, as each and every table in the restaurant offers excellent views of the floor-to-ceiling aquarium.
As you dine, you will marvel at the over 100 species of colorful tropical fish from the Caribbean Sea, Hawaii, the South Pacific, and the Indian Ocean that are swimming around in the tank.
The Aquarium Restaurant is typically open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 8:30 p.m., closing later Friday and Saturday evenings at 10 p.m., and closing earlier on Sundays at 8 p.m. Come discover what makes the Aquarium Restaurant one of the best restaurants in Colorado.
Have you had the opportunity to dine at the Downtown Aquarium Restaurant? Do you agree that it's one of the coolest restaurants in Denver? Please share your experience in the comments below.
When you think of Denver, you don't necessarily think of it as having an exceptionally eclectic food scene, but it most certainly does. In fact, it happens to be home to many of the best restaurants in Colorado and the country. But with so many options to consider, you may find yourself wondering where to start in your restaurant search. If you're looking for something out of the ordinary for a bite to eat, we're here to help. These 10 unique restaurants in Denver not only have adventurous menus but also give you a unique dining experience you won't soon forget.
Established in 1893, this taxidermized wildlife-filled landmark is considered Denver's original steakhouse. The Buckhorn Exchange serves up buffalo, quail, elk, rattlesnake, alligator, and the infamous Rocky Mountain oyster...if you dare!
Chow down on juicy buffalo steaks, BBQed duck quesadillas, crispy lamb riblets, and other new twists on "authentic" pioneer classics. This frontier-themed replica of historic Bent's Fort in Southeastern Colorado offers an extensive wine list and selection of microbrews, as well as great views of the red rocks and surrounding areas. Snag a seat on The Fort's patio and grab a bite before a show!
Somewhat of an urban legend, Casa Bonita is like stepping into an alternate world. As you dine, you’ll find yourself witness to a spectacle of fire jugglers, magicians, pirate caves, mariachi bands, and cliff divers plunging from 30-foot waterfalls. You truly have to experience Casa Bonita for yourself to believe it.
Editor's Note: This business is temporarily closed, but is expected to re-open in May of 2023.
This is the place for you if you’re looking for fun, inviting atmosphere and colorful characters. Hamburger Mary’s boasts "kitchen, cocktails, cabaret," and serves up tasty burgers with an unforgettable side of drag queen bingo. This is not your mama's burger joint!
This former firehouse-turned-taproom and brewery has some of the best beer and patio space in town! Grab food from a local food truck (there's a different one every day), or better yet, stop by on the second Sunday of every month and revel in their holy trinity of beer, bluegrass, and brunch. Station 26 Brewing Co. is as lively as it is delicious.
Ophelia's Electric Soapbox is one of my personal favorites, and not just because of its name. This bordello turned "gastrobrothel" has just about anything that tickles your fancy. They've got stellar cocktails, live music, an outdoor patio, and throwback peep shows. If that weren’t enough reason to visit, they also offer killer brunches and dinners featuring globally inspired dishes with local, sustainably sourced, and organic products.
With over 200 tequilas, fresh table-side guac, a raw bar, BBQed octopus, scrumptious tacos, and house-infused liquors, Lola's is sure to sweep you off your feet. Go for brunch and try their chicken and waffles with chorizo gravy or horchata pancakes smothered in sweet cream syrup. Stay for happy hour and live music (every Sunday from 2:30 to 5 pm).
Editor's Note: This business is permanently closed.
Duffy's Cherry Cricket has been a Mile High burger institution since 1945. One of their most charming features is their wide range of toppings which includes items like green chiles and smoked cheddar, as well as the less traditional peanut butter and grape jelly. Wonder if Elvis ever ate a PB & J banana-bacon-cheeseburger? It's likely.
Steuben's Uptown is a classy, hip retro diner that creates some serious comfort food! Try their meatloaf and mashed potatoes, crawfish etouffee, Memphis-style ribs, or gravy cheese fries, then wash it all down with a root beer float or a boozy shake. When it comes to cool restaurants in Denver, Steuben’s gives diners a true taste of Denver’s eclectic vibe.
That sure is a lot of goodness...and we haven't even scratched the surface! What are your favorite unique restaurants in Denver? Tell us in the comments.
If you're searching for even more restaurant options, this Ninja Turtle-themed restaurant is one of the most unique dining experiences in Denver.
