There’s a three-day weekend coming up! Which is as good a reason as any to celebrate all week long. And there are plenty of delicious ways for you to do so at Denver’s top restaurants, bars, and cocktail lounges. From spirited tours to backyard birthday bashes, this week’s menu of events focuses on fun. Get out there and have some.
Aug. 29: Casual Conversations with Union Mezcal and Don Julio @ American Bonded
Location: American Bonded – 2706 Larimer St.
Head to American Bonded on Tuesday for a laid-back evening of mingling and tastings as you learn the difference between mezcal and tequila from the experts at Don Julio. Mixologists will be, um, mixing up unique craft cocktails to highlight the flavors and nuances of Union Mezcal and Don Julio tequila and answering any questions you may have. Admission is $20, via Eventbrite.
Aug. 30: Maui Nui Dinner @ Restaurant Olivia
Location: Restaurant Olivia – 290 S. Downing
Maui Nui Venison—the only source for the exceptionally healthy, wild-harvested axis deer meat from Maui—is clean tasting, tender, and one of the most nutrient-dense red meats on the planet. Restaurant Olivia is the only spot in the Rocky Mountain region where you can get a taste of this fine meat. I was invited into Restaurant Olivia to try a Maui Nui Venison dish and learn more about the brand behind it and it’s an incredible story. Each deer is wild-harvested at night under stress-free conditions by sharpshooters—who do so to maintain the population of Maui’s Axis deer, a species not native to the island. It’s an incredible story that involves 15th-century Indian emperors modern island ecosystems and ethical sharpshooters. Intrigued? This dinner is your chance to learn more from restaurateurs who are beyond passionate about the food they serve—and who have been to Maui to witness the venison’s ethical harvesting first-hand. Chef Ty Leon’s five-course dinner highlights Maui Nui venison with dishes like Kalua Lasagna with braised venison shank, ube mousse, and pistachio and Koji-Aged Venison Rib Chop with edamame pesto and plum katsu sauce. Cost: $125 per person, with an optional wine pairing from Halter Ranch Vineyard Estate for $75. A portion of the proceeds will benefit relief efforts for those affected by the Maui fires. Reserve your seat via Tock.
Aug. 31: Bacon Makes Everything Better @ Snooze
Location: Snooze An A.M. Eatery – Tons of Locations
Starting on Aug. 30 and running through Sept. 6, Snooze celebrates Bacon Day 2023 with special swine dishes. Think bacon-filled pancakes topped with more bacon, bacon-garnished bloody Marys, sides of sriracha maple syrup-drizzled bacon, and more. And did we mention bacon-themed merch? A portion of the sales of Bacon Day items will be donated to World Central Kitchen, a worthy organization that’s first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to crisis around the world. And if you sign up for MySnooze Bennyfits and order one of those featured Bacon Day dishes, the restaurant will gift your account with a $5 reward to use on your next visit.
Sept. 1: Bierhalle Brawl – Live Pro Wrestling @ Birdstadt Lagerhaus
Location: Bierstadt Lagerhaus– 2875 Blake St.
This recurring night of debauchery, held the first Friday of every month and led by the talent at Rocky Mountain Pro, is back and promises to be pure mayhem. If you’re into lagers and live pro wrestling sounds like your style of fun, head to the RiNo lagerhaus—home of the Slow Pour Pils—from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. to cheer and jeer while drinking biers as big as your head. Before and after all the full-contact fun, oversized yard games are yours to play. More details on Eventbrite here.
Sept. 2: Champagne Luncheon @ The Cooper Lounge
Location:
The Cooper Lounge – 1701 Wynkoop St.
In that hidden gem of an elegant cocktail lounge perched above the bustle of Union Station, Cooper Lounge is popping off on Saturdays and Sundays. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can dive into bottomless espresso martinis made with cocoa nib-infused Family Jones vodka and cold brew. If you get shaky at the mere thought, opt instead for the bottomless mimosas made with your juice of choice, then grab a small bite or two from the roaming cart. And if you prefer your bubbles straight up, grab a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine for 30% off. Reservations are suggested, and you can make yours here.
Sept. 3: Bodega Birthday Blowout BBQ Bash Boooiiiii!!!!!! @ Bodega Denver
Location: Bodega Denver – 2651 W. 38th Ave.
The best sandwich shop this side of I-25 is turning one and they want to party softly about it. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bodega’s offering up what they’re calling “a dope twist on a summer cookout.” Which translates to a patio party packed with delicious meats, vegan eats, and Kool-Aid drinks. Parking lot games, DJs, and all the vibes will be there, too—and you’re invited to join in the fun for just $20 a plate if you’re eating, and $5 for entry if you’re not. Find more details and secure your spot on Eventbrite here.
Sept. 4: Shuck Mondays @ Blue Island Oyster Bar
Location: Blue Island Oyster Bar – 2625 E 2nd Ave.
If you’re not laboring on Labor Day, head to Cherry Creek and raise some shell as you turn your Monday into a Sunday Funday. Fresh, premium oysters are $1 all day long. (Speaking of Blue Island seafood deals, on Wednesdays, they’ve got lobster rolls starting at $20 and 1 lb Maine lobster for $30.) If the thought of slurping down raw mollusks makes you squeamish but you’re totally down to mow on some chicken wings, Campus Lounge will sling some your way for just $0.50 a pop on Mondays. But if you’re into a more liquid diet, you can make all the hours of your day off happy ones at all-day happy hours around town. Some options for you: Vesper Lounge, Fire on the Mountain, Blackbird Public House, Ritual Social House, Tacos Tequila Whiskey, Esters, and Moo Bar at Milk Market.
