Though Denver is a great place to be, it’s exciting to travel, even without ever leaving the state. Through food, drinks, and space, places transport guests beyond the Rocky Mountains and into, in some cases, a whole new world. All without leaving the metro area.
Meow Wolf is no stranger to bringing people along for an out-of-this world adventure. After all, Denver’s Convergence Station comprises a sci-fi scene where four worlds collide. The new bar and cafe, Sips (With a Z), showcases the otherworldliness perfectly while serving up cocktails and food to the weary traveler. In fact, the whole idea behind the venture is that of an intergalactic executive travel lounge. Sips (With a Z) also gives visitors a place to rest, refuel, and get ready for more adventures inside the glorious chaos of Convergence Station.
The Vibe
If you’ve ever imagined what a restaurant and bar between worlds would like like, it may mirror some of the aspects of Sips (With a Z). The whole concept is based on Convergence Station’s story about world’s colliding and having a robot or alien or some non-human creature try and come up with an executive lounge and its name. That’s where the Z comes in, and no, it doesn’t really sense. Nor does it have to. That’s how Meow Wolf’s artists like it, the installations are a mystery woven of make-believe stories and real-sounding events to keep the wanderer engaged. Plus, it’s fun.
To say nothing like Sips (With a Z) exists in Denver is an understatement. Inside the lounge bright colors stab through the dim and somewhat dark space. A strange couch beckons people to sit down and stay awhile. Find a spot on the curving banquette, under the graffitied heads and glowing plants, and try to find all the hidden nuances. Tables and plush chairs are also scattered about, perfect for a rest between worlds, where guests can order drinks and sharable bites of food.
The Drinks
Classic cocktails such as the Negroni, Manhattan, and Old Fashioned are well made, almost as if the bartenders have served earthlings all along. On the more creative side, look for drinks with names paying homage to Convergence Station. For example, Memory Storm, made with 44 North Nectarine vodka, lime, and High Noon grapefruit, speaks to the currency of the worlds, memories. Tears of Eemia, with Herradura Ultra Tequila, Cointreau, lemon, bitters, and sparkling sodium crystals, tells the story of the Eemia and the sadness its people faced when part of the world was pulled away, leaving loved ones behind.
The lounge is full service, though sitting at the bar gives imbibers a mixology show while waiting. So does ordering La Madrina, made with Ford’s Gin, Galliano Authentico, Mavi Aperitivo, lime, and strawberry. Not only is the drink colorful and fun, but the server will light it on fire too.
The Food
The food menu doesn’t boast a long list of items, but there’s plenty to nosh on in order to refuel before heading back into the stimulating exhibit. On the sharing side, look for a charcuterie board with meats and cheese or one of each. There’s also a pita and dips option, featuring hummus, spinach and artichoke, and olives. Personally order a flatbread or share it with your party. Flavors include tomato-mozzarella, pepperoni, and a rotating seasonal option. Bonus, all savory food has the option to be gluten-free on request.
On the dessert side, individual peanut-butter cup pie, strawberry cake, cookies, and brownies hit the sweet spot. For those looking for more snack options and less visual stimulation, HELLOFOOD is the original cafe and bar, located right below Sips (With a Z). Of course, there’s nothing wrong with spending the whole day at Convergence Station and hitting up both spots.
Visit Sips (With a Z) Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to close, and Sunday from 12 to 7 p.m. The lounge is located on the top floor of Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station, guests need a ticket to the attraction to enter. 1338 1st St., Denver, meowwolf.com
