Casually Kristen

Winter nights in Denver can be… cold. However, that shouldn’t stop anyone from creating fun memories in the Mile High City!

Happy hour drinks: 54thirty Rooftop.

OK, maybe the word “rooftop” doesn’t sound super wintery, BUT if you have on a coat, the fire pits and outside heaters will keep you plenty warm. (That being said, check their website before you go. If the bar thinks it’s too chilly outside, it will post an alert that’s impossible to miss.) You’ll want to snag a good spot during non-peak hours.

To get to the rooftop, simply enter through the doors of the downtown “Le Méridien hotel” and a hostess will take you up to the 20th floor. The views alone are worth it!

My personal order– the Cold Brew Martini. I mean come on, if (their version of) an espresso martini is on the menu, I’m ordering it!

Casual Dinner: Taco Tequila Whiskey.

This is a super casual restaurant in the heart of the Highlands that specializes in modern street tacos. Your server will hand you a menu and an erasable pen to mark which tacos you want to mix and match.

My personal order– DO NOT MISS, I repeat, DO NOT MISS, the fried chicken taco!

Nice Dinner: Safta.

Oh, how I love this place! This restaurant has modernized Middle-Eastern food with wood-fired pita bread and sharable plates. The goal here is to order a number of different tapas from each section of the menu.

My personal order– First, the MUST try item… the lamb ragu! Other good options include the labneh, whipped feta, and muhammara.

Upscale Dinner: Uchi.

Eating dinner here is a true experience. Uchi is known for its modern take on Japanese cuisine, with a menu created by its award-winning chef and owner who is one of the few American sushi masters.

My personal order– DEFINITELY order the Lobster Miso. It’s only a few bites, but it’s *chef’s kiss*. For dessert, don’t miss the Fried Milk!

Instead of a cocktail, I went with the cold sake, “Hoyo Summer Breeze.” This isn’t just served in a glass though… you drink it out of a wooden box! Your server will explain the story behind it. It was so unexpected and fun.

Beyond what I just listed though, the server made so many great recommendations that I barely remember what we even ordered. Seriously EVERYTHING was delicious.

Experience: Meow Wolf.

How do I even begin to explain the concept behind Meow Wolf? It’s like being on an acid trip (something I’ve honestly never done– but it’s how I expect it would feel.) The website describes it as, “An arts’ production company that creates immersive, multimedia experiences that transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms.”

It took hundreds of artists three long years to transform the space into what it currently looks like– and WOW does it show. The detail is just WILD… it contains room after room after room of trippy, mind-melting interactions and displays. The only other location is in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Let’s just say JOB. WELL. DONE.

Hot tip– tickets are less expensive if you live in the area. Zipcodes matter! Also, on your way out, do NOT skip the Perpiplex room. It’s one of the coolest spots throughout the entire experience.

Or… Top Golf.

This one is pretty self-explanatory! Even if you’re a terrible golfer there are games like “Angry Birds” which make it fun to play.

Honestly, their food is pretty good too! Order a pitcher of beer and some apps, and you’re set to have a good time.

Happy date-nighting!