The Elyria-Swansea neighborhood just leveled up with Moodswing, a huge pickleball, dart, sports viewing, and pizza spot. But before we dive into the physical side of the venue, let’s talk about food.
Chef Nick Dalton of Brasserie Brixton developed the culinary program, with brick oven pizzas at the crux of the menu. It’s excellent too, whether you order a classic Prosiutto & Arugula or the more innovative Cabbage Pie with fontina, tomato sauce, miso mayo, crispy shallots, chives, sesame, and pickled peppers.
Each of the 16 options come as a 12-inch pie. Other flavor combinations include the Mortadella & Pineapple with charred pineapple sauce, onion, fontina, pecorino, and hot peppers; Mushroom & Fontina with San Marzano tomato sauce, roasted mushrooms, fontina, mozzarella, and fresh herbs; and the Hot Honey Pepperoni topped with whipped ricotta.
On the non-pizza side, order shareable plates such as fries with giardiniera aioli, crispy Calabrian honey wings, meatballs, and roasted broccolini with whipped ricotta and lemon. Moodswing also feeds you in the morning with pastries made in house, as well as breakfast burritos and overnight oats from Uptown & Humboldt.
From 10 p.m. to midnight you can get a limited late-night menu with Caesar salad, rosemary-laced white bean dip, garlic focaccia, and three basic types of pizza. There’s also a full bar program with local beer, wine, cocktails, and N/A beverages, as well as an upscale coffee program.
Inside, the space boasts seven screens including a 16-by-9-foot LED wall, perfect for playing all the sports, especially with the Super Bowl coming up. Throughout the year expect live music concerts on one of the two stages. And, while it’s too cold to revel in it now, the venue boasts Denver’s largest outdoor patio. Finally, for those who want to get stuff done or have a meeting, Moodswing offers an expansive co-working space.
Of course, aside from the chef-driven pizza program, pickleball is the other huge draw. With 12 courts (six inside, six outside), there’s plenty of space. Moodswing also has a dedicated open court for those who want to get into a game with random players.
Hourly court rentals run $20 to $30 per hour, per court. You can also rent balls and paddles at no additional cost. New to pickleball or want to get some pointers? Take advantage of the add-on lessons from a pro or use one of the ball machines.
Visit Moodswing daily from 8 a.m. to midnight. 3625 E. 48th Ave., Denver, mood-swing.com
