Is there anything better than summer in Denver? Not according to this girl—and I am not alone in my assessment. Each week, there is no shortage of delicious ways to get out there to eat and drink your way across town in style. Here are our picks for the best dining and drinking events in Denver—with a few bonus happenings thrown in on Sunday to help you stave off the scaries as the end of the best season of the year draws near. Get out there and enjoy it all while you still can.
Aug. 8: Cuisine and Culture: Introduction to Honduran Cuisine @ Denver Botanic Gardens
Location: Denver Botanic Gardens – 1007 York St. Denver
Head to the Gardens for a culinary journey of people and culture through food. During this ongoing series, an unbelievable lineup of esteemed Denver chefs takes over the formal teaching kitchen with culinary practices from around the world. This week, Chef Richard Sandoval imparts a lesson on how to make a classic Honduran-style empanada (meat, cheese, or vegan—up to you) using techniques from his home country. The course runs for three hours, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and costs $71. More details on this and upcoming classes here.
Aug. 9: Swanky Solo Dining Experience @ Nocturne
Location: Nocturne – 1330 27th St., Denver
Solo diner, treat yourself to a tailored night out on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at Nocturne. Enjoy four gourmet courses while Denver’s finest local jazz musicians perform. You get your choice of the 6:30 p.m. set or the 9 p.m. show. The $85 seating includes a the entertainment and the food, and you can up the ante with recommended pairings or additional enhancements, which you’ll determine prior to your arrival thanks to a helpful pre-party questionnaire that allows the Nocturne team to tailor the experience to you. Reservations can be made via Tock.
Aug. 10: Flight Session: Bordeaux @ Noble Riot Wine Bar
Location: Noble Riot Wine Bar – 1336 27th St. Denver
In this casual one-hour flight, you’ll taste a sequential flight of three wines from the legendary Bordeaux region. The casual, engaging, social event is held at community seated tables and presided over by a sommelier who can answer all your grape-related queries. Tickets are just $35, and lift-off is at 6:30 p.m. While you’re there, you’ve gotta try the fried chicken. Westword and Eater agree, it’s the best in town. (Not to mention Esquire and Tasting Table agree Noble Riot is one of the best wine bars in America right now.) More info via Tock.
Aug. 11: Ladies of STK DJ Tour 2023 @ STK Steakhouse
Location: STK Steakhouse – 1550 Market St. Denver
The women who set the vibe at the country’s vibe-iest steakhouses are taking a tour around the country—and this week, they’re in Denver. From Thursday through Saturday, stop by the downtown hot spot to listen to and vote for your top DJ of choice, and then enter for a chance to win STK prize packages. The Ladies of STK DJ Tour is presented by Bacardi, featuring Patrón El Ceilo—cheers with a shot of the good stuff for $39, and then keep the fun going with a limited-time DJ Sunrise cocktail.
Aug. 12: 2023 Denver BrunchFest
Location: Denver BrunchFest – 1000 Larimer St. Denver
Get ready to brunch so hard at the biggest and most epic bottomless brunch in town. This is the ultimate Sunday Funday, complete with dishes from some of your favorite local spots like Blanco Cocina + Cantina, Brasserie Brixton, Chez Maggy, Culinary Dropout, Dapper Doughnut, Edge Restaurant, Que Bueno Suerte, and so many more—plus bottomless mimosas, bloody marys, and other tasty drinks. There’s also live music, games, and (hopefully) plenty of sunshine. Ticket options range from General Admission for $75 to VIP for $114, with an Early Entry for $90 in between.
Aug. 13: Prosecco Patio Party @ Luca
Location: Luca– 711 Grant St., Denver
It’s National Prosecco Day, and Chef Frank Bonnano’s Luca and Salita are teaming up to celebrate with an evening of bubbles, snacks, and outdoor games. Your $25 ticket includes two boozy bevs, Luca’s famous handmade pizza and pasta, and lots of yummy lil’ passed apps. Corn hole and Bocce ball games will be in full swing, so come with a group and get ready for smack talk. Let ’em know you’re coming by purchasing a ticket via Tock.
Aug. 13: Multiple Personalities of Sangiovese @ Restaurant Olivia
Location: Restaurant Olivia– 290 S. Downing St. Denver
We’ve come a long way since the days of wicker-wrapped fiasco bottles plopped down on checkered tablecloths. The wine-loving crew at Restaurant Olivia, fresh back from a staff trip to Italy, wants to show you that the Sangiovese of today is better than ever, rivaling the greatest wines in the world. This tasting dinner takes you on a journey through Tuscany, where you’ll explore a variety of styles and discuss classic regions such as Montepulciano, Chianti Classico, and Montalcino. By tasting and comparing eight classic Sangiovese-based wines from the restaurant’s cellar, you’ll gain insight into how to recognize the differences in terroir and winemaking that impact the juice in the bottle. Tickets are $225 and come with a light snack. Reserve your spot via Tock.
Aug. 13: Comedy Night @ Blackbird Public House
Location: Blackbird Public House- 350 S. Downing St. Denver
Get together with your friends in the Wash Park neighborhood and laugh the night away. Starting at 7 p.m., some of Colorado’s best comedians regale the crowd into fits of giggles. Featuring Edward Bell, Mo Vida, Jeremy Cash, and ShaNae Ross and hosted by Ben Dailey, the evening includes $8 comedy cocktail and $1.50 oyster specials, plus a $10 fee for entrance. Secure your seat now via Tock.
