Longmont’s Parkway Food Hall offers the town a bustling market full of internationally-inspired food stalls, live music, retail shops, events, and an arcade.
“It’s a melting pot,” said Chris Nehls, vice president of Blackfox Parkway Associates, an owner of the building for more than 30 years. At least, that was the plan for Parkway Food Hall, which opened in May with eight eateries and room to expand.
“One of our taglines when we have the big neon sign coming is, ‘Craft your own path,’” he added. “Craft the path through the space and find the seating that works for you, find the food that works for you, [and] find the drinks that work for you.”
Visit this choose-your-own-adventure space the next time you’re heading North to explore the ever-growing town of Longmont.
The Space
Located in Longmont’s Parkway Promenade, the food hall takes over the former site of Lucky’s Market, which closed in early 2021. It’s huge, and the 16,000-square-foot industrial space now presents as a sophisticated hangout with an array of taste offerings, from international cuisine to down-home comfort to cool desserts.
“Old, young, you name your characteristic of a person and we’re trying to make sure that they feel comfortable here,” Nehls added. “It’s a quick-serve version of elevated food at an approachable price point that works for everyone.”
Designed with plenty of seating arrangements, the space indeed speaks to all sorts of visitors. Choices include communal wood tables, leather couches, a few cozy nooks and crannies, and a room that can be closed off for private events for up to 40 guests. Diners can also opt for outdoor seating on an expansive patio overlooking a courtyard.
The Farow Team Takes a Stand (Or Two)
Lisa and Patrick Balcom of, co-owners of the award-winning Farow in Niwot, have opened two concepts in the food hall. Pie Dog now has a permanent spot, a boon for fans who have flocked to the restaurant’s limited-run operation, which was only available at certain times and days for take-out. Now, the tasty Neapolitan-style pizzas can be had every day the food hall is open.
“I think the overarching concept between the three of [the restaurants] is just using really high-quality ingredients and sourcing local as much as possible,” said Lisa Balcom, adding Pie Dog uses local, organic flour in the pizza dough.
On a completely different path, check out the menu at the Asian-street-food-inspired Baa Hachi for a taste of Japan. Simulating the casual-dining camaraderie of Tokyo’s industry professionals heading off to eat together after work, the concept invokes an izakaya experience. Customers can take away food or sit at the counter to sample authentic Japanese fare like ramen, okonomiyaki, and bao buns.
While the Balcoms run the concept, the Baa Hachi kitchen is overseen by chef Adam Chan, who was raised in Hong Kong. Before landing in Colorado, the chef worked at Michelin-starred restaurants including Tate Dining Room in Hong Kong and Ever Restaurant in Chicago.
“There’s a little bit of everything here,” added Balcom. “So if you have half a group that’s adventurous and the other half is very picky, there’s a little bit of something so everybody can still sit down and have a meal together without the headache.”
More Food Stalls
Head to Shawarma Shack for a rainbow-hued salad of shredded romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomato, sumac onion, chicken shawarma and tzatziki sauce heaped on a warm slice of pita bread. Also look for chicken gyro, hummus, falafel, and tabbouleh.
At Spice Fusion a blend of Indian and Thai cuisine comes straight from the owners of Boulder’s Gurkhas Dumpling and Curry House. For an American take on dinner, Cleaver & Co. diners can indulge in grilled burgers and chicken sandwiches, crispy fries, and thick shakes. Or, skip the shake and have a handcrafted gelato bar from HipPOPs, which got its start at farmers’ markets around town.
The other vendors include Chile con Quesadilla, Denver’s Top Taco winner in 2021 and 2022. There’s H3ersh3r, a whole-hog barbecue operation featuring smoked meats and delicious sides like white cheddar mac-and-cheese. The food hall also features the Parkway Bar, which offers wine, beer, and cocktails.
Non-Food Fun
Add a layer of entertainment to the meal with live music on select nights. There’s also a bustling arcade, perfect for the whole family. While not solidified yet, expect some light retail shopping too.
Make sure to check out this summer’s goat yoga and $5 mimosa happy hour. It’s once a month starting June 8, through October. Hosted by Rocky Mountain Goat Yoga, make a reservation at Rocky Mountain Goat Yoga to attend the 9 a.m., 11 a.m., or 1 p.m. class. Tickets are $25 per person, plus $5 mat rental if you need one.
Visit Parkway Food Hall every day except for major holidays. Hours are Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. 700 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, parkwayfoodhall.com
