Located just a mile north of downtown Denver is the River North Art District, which locals call RiNo for short. This increasingly popular neighborhood, known as the city’s creative hub, is home to many of Denver’s artistic residents.
“It’s also home to some of Denver’s most popular restaurants and a large concentration of the craft breweries we’re famous for,” said Rachel Benedick, vice president of sales and services for Visit Denver.
Attendees who stop by The Source @ 3350 Brighton Blvd., formerly a brick foundry building, will find Crooked Stave Artisans beer taproom, a bakery, florist, the acclaimed Acorn restaurant, the Svper Ordinary art gallery/boutique store and more.
Across the street from The Source is the recently opened Great Divide Barrel Bar @ 1812 35th St., where attendees can sample craft beers, and down the street is Infinite Monkey Theorem @ 3200 Larimer St., an urban winery that specializes in canned sparkling wines.
Opened in RiNo in August 2016 is the city’s third food hall, the Denver Central Market @ 2669 Larimer St., which showcases murals by local artists outside. Attendees needing a morning or midday pick-me-up will find a coffee shop, bakery and chocolatier here.
Among RiNo’s noteworthy restaurants gaining national attention are Work & Class @ 2500 Larimer St., featuring Latin and American dishes by 2016 James Beard Award semifinalist Dana Rodriguez; Americatus @ 2449 Larimer St., where the menu features New-World Italian dishes; Cart-Driver @ 2500 Larimer St., which specializes in wood-fired pizzas; and Il Posto @ 2601 Larimer St., an Italian restaurant that just opened in January, doubling in size from its former location.
After a bite or a beverage, groups should check out RiNo’s inedible residents, including Pattern Shop Studio @ 3349 Blake St., an art gallery, Topo Designs @ 2500 Larimer St., which sells outdoor attire and gear, and Forney Museum of Transportation @ 4303 Brighton Blvd., which accommodates group gatherings amid the Union Pacific “Big Boy” Steam Locomotive, Amelia Earhart’s 1923 Kissel “Gold Bug” and other historic vehicles.
If the group is still exploring RiNo after dark, attendees can swing by Nocturne @ 1330 27th St., a supper club/live-music venue featuring jazz.
