Happy Monday! You made it through the weekend—you deserve happy hour. There’s a lot of Halloween stuff happening all week long, and we’ve got a post dedicated to all things gourds and ghouls that you can peruse if you’re wondering where to go and what to do to get in the spirit. But if you’re looking for plain ole spirits, we’ve got you covered right here with our roundup of the best dining and drinking events in Denver this week. Get out there while the getting is good.
Do you have a tasty event coming up that should be on our radar? Email the details to steph@diningout.com—she for sure wants to hear about them.
Mon., Oct. 23: All-Day Happy Hour @ Cattivella
Location: Cattivella – 10195 E. 29th Dr. #110, Denver
If you find yourself on the streets near Stanley Marketplace on a Monday, swing by Cattivella for all the good stuff that you want at the prices that you need. That means all the dishes the wood-fired Italian “naughty girl” grill is known for, from the Uva Arrosto (roasted grapes, goat cheese, grilled bread) for $7; quattro formaggi pizza for $14; rabbit gnocchi for $13; and so much more delicious stuff at happy hour prices all day long. And to wash it down, you’ve got your choice of $8 wines, old-fashioned, Americanos (Nardini aperitivo, Martiletti Rosso, soda), and Naughty Girl Gimlets (gin, Blumenpflucker, basil, lime, simple syrup).
Tues., Oct. 24: Ensenada Coastal Cuisine @ Point Easy
Location: Point Easy Denver – 2000 E. 28th Ave., Denver
Point Easy is stoked to welcome Chef Luis Herrera of Brooklyn’s restaurant Ensenada, which Bon Appétit recently recognized as one of the 24 Best New Restaurants in 2023, for a night of Mexican coastal cuisine. What’s that, exactly? Seafood-forward dishes like fish and shrimp tacos, ceviches (Peruvian and Mexican interpretations), and pescado pastor are meant for sharing. It’s $95 per ticket; get yours via Tock.
Wed., Oct. 25: Riesling Night @ Ok Yeah
Location: Hey Kiddo / OK Yeah – 4337 Tennyson St. #300, Denver
Winemaker Johannes Hasselbrach of acclaimed Weingut Gunderlock is in town from Germany and this Kelly Whitaker hotspot is throwing down. Zach Byers from the Wolf’s Tailor joins the fun crew as guest sommelier while Chef Jonas puts up a fire spread from the kitchen’s “Trust Us” menu for one night only in Ok Yeah to be served alongside Hasselnrach’s striking rieslings. And if you love wine as much as this team does, Denver Wine Merchant will hook you up with some retail options to take home. Book now on Tock; space is limited. Seatings start at 5:30 for $150 per person.
Thurs., Oct. 26: Full & Buzzed Fest @ Bonanno Concepts
Location: Bonanno Concepts -233 E. 7th Ave, Denver
It’s a celebration to say farewell to the 7th and Grant Street block closure in Capitol Hill! The street is opening back up but before it does, Bonanno Concepts is giving the blockade the bash it deserves, complete with endless food and bottomless beer, wine, and cocktails from all of the restaurant group’s hotspots—Mizuna, Luca, Osteria Marco, French 75, Vesper Lounge, Salita, and El Rancho among them. There’ll also be live music from the Royal Aces, jumbo yard games, bocce ball, liquor and wine sampling, and a whole lotta neighborhood feel-good. The party runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and $125 gets you in. Get your tickets via Tock.
Fri., Oct. 26–28: Margot @ Hop Alley
Location: Hop Alley – 3500 Larimer St, Denver
For three nights only (Thursday–Saturday), experience Margot at Hop Alley’s new chef counter. Luxuriate in white truffles from Alba, Hudson Valley foie gras, a minimum of two caviar varieties from San Francisco’s The Caviar Company, and much more. Mixed beverage pairings brought to you by the wine minds of Margot and the mixologists of Hop Alley add to the allure (and the price, but whatever). What will this fine affair set you back? $200 per person. Get more details and your seat at the table via Tock.
Sat., Oct. 28: Día de Muertos Parade + Festival
Location: Civic Center Park – 101 W. 14th Ave, Denver
Kick off the day with Denver’s biggest celebration of Día de los Muertos at the Día de Muertos Parade. With over five creative floats, marching bands, ballet folkloricos, fire trucks, catrinas, coco characters lowriders, dancing horses, and more. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. at 7th and Santa Fe Drive, making its way east toward 13th and Santa Fe before turning west and heading toward La Alma Lincoln Park. The Day of the Dead festival runs from noon to 8 p.m. at the Civic Center Park Denver, where food vendors, live music, drinks, exhibitors, a catrina contest, la Reina de dia de Muertos, games, and more are part of the fun. It’s presented by Viva Colorado, and you can find all sorts of details about what’s in store here.
Sun., Oct. 29 Don Giovanni Sitzprobe + Brunch @ Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Location: Ellie Caulkins Opera House – 714th Street at Curtis Street, Denver
Get a first look into Opera Colorado’s 2023–24 season-opening production of Don Giovanni—but only after you first get a bite from the brunch buffet complete with bloody marys and mimosas. Then it’s time to sit in on the sitzprobe, which, if you don’t speak opera, is the first onstage rehearsal featuring both the cast and the orchestra. In other words, a very special insider experience for a very cultured crowd. Tickets are $40 and you can get yours here.
