Après SIA: Denver’s Best Bets For Post-Show Eats, Drinks and Fun
Show Veterans Weigh in on Where to Go After the Show Floor Closes
After a long day on the Show floor, there’s nothing better than gathering your friends and unwinding with a beverage, heading out to one of Denver’s great restaurants, or catching the city’s stellar music and sports scene. With so many options, though, which way do you head when you walk out of your hotel? Well, to make things super easy, I checked in with a few SIA Show veterans who I knew would have great suggestions for après-show activities (and added a few of my own beer geek suggestions), to bring you a short list of the best of Denver while you’re at the Show.
Robert Yturri, SVP Global Sales, Product and Brand Management at Obermeyer, starts with suggestions for the music scene. “Without a doubt, one of the most fun nights to take advantage of is the (6th annual!) Icelantic’s Winter on the Rocks at the Red Rocks Amphitheater set for Friday eve of the show- featuring Zedd, Anderson Paak & The Free Nationals, and Lil Dicky. Plan for it, take the party bus or hail an UberXL, but be sure to get to Red Rocks especially if you’ve never been for this one-of-a-kind event and this one-of-a-kind venue. The music scene in Denver is stellar also, with venues and clubs for any/everything you’re into; my faves include the Bluebird Theater, Larimer Lounge, Ogden Theatre and the Fillmore.”
Icelantic’s Winter on the Rocks is the one-and-only winter concert date at Red Rocks Amphitheater
Yturri adds that Avalanche hockey or Nuggets basketball are always a good time. In fact, he says that the best bet for hockey is the 7th annual SIA/SOS Shootout Hockey Game, Wednesday, January 25th at the Pepsi Center, immediately following the Colorado Avalanche vs. Vancouver matchup.
Tickets to the Shootout are included with a discounted Avalanche game ticket. Don’t forget to use the link www.avstix.com/ShootOut2017 to get your tickets, which includes a $10 donation to SOS Outreach. This is a super fun event featuring a matchup between ski and snowboard industry execs from across the US and Canada, as well as NHL Alumni.
Watch snow industry legends put the biscuit in the basket at the SIA/SOS Shootout.
Kjerstin Klein, co-owner of Willi’s Ski and Snowboard Shop in Pittsburgh, PA, has been coming to the Show for many years, and agrees with Yturri that Denver sports are a must-see. She always tries to catch a game at her alma mater, CU Boulder, and recommends the currently undefeated CU Lady Buffs basketball. However, Klein says that Denver’s food scene is the main attraction for the Willi’s crew when they’re at the Show.
“Honestly when we are in Denver eating out is pretty much our primary goal,” she admits. “Our GM, Bill Linkenheimer, is a huge foodie and is typically in charge of dinner arrangements. My personal favorite is Vesta Dipping Grill. Their seasonal ingredients and small plates are amazing, their wine list is extensive, and their barrel-aged cocktails are to die for. Others that top the list are Lola Costal Mexican and a new addition to the Denver scene, Vital Root. Of course no trip to Denver would be complete without a stop-in at The Great Divide Brewing Company. I always order a flight to start- it’s the best way to get a feel for their handcrafted beers.”
Speaking of handcrafted beers, Denver has become quite the craft beer mecca, so I feel it would be remiss not to mention a few more options. Some standouts along with Great Divide include Jagged Mountain Brewery, which is a close walk from the Convention Center, has a great atmosphere and an array of super delicious beers. Try the Splitboard Stout or Sawatch IPA for a relaxing post-Show brew. Another must-do is Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project, which has gotten national attention for its ever-evolving array of barrel-aged, wild, sour and funky beers. Colfax Ave is also becoming a bit of a brewery row, so you can do some tastings before heading to the Ogden Theatre or the Fillmore Auditorium, which are right nearby. Stop in at Lost Highway Brewing, specializing in Belgian style ales, and then head to Alpine Dog Brewery, which features mountain lodge décor and bold flavored IPAs.
So many delicious choices at Great Divide Brewing Company- one of Denver’s first craft breweries, founded in 1994.
OK I got a little distracted by the beer, but now back to food, wine and cocktails. Danica Carey, Marketing Manager at Seirus, always knows where the best options are, and her restaurant recommendations are top-notch.
“My must-stop spots every time I’m in Denver are Avanti and Osteria Marco,” she says. “I love Avanti because it has everything you want in one spot! They have so many delicious options from multiple high quality restaurant concepts that makes it the perfect spot for any size group, and the full bar & covered or open deck options don’t hurt things either. It’s only about a mile from Coors Field or Union Station, but it’s already a great destination on its own. Osteria Marco is amazingly delicious Italian and also great for any size group. The burrata and wine selection alone is enough to draw me in, but they have so many great food options and yummy cocktails! Plus it’s right on Larimer street so it’s easy to bar hop around after.”
Avanti’s food hall setup is like having seven awesome food trucks all under one roof- great for a large group.
From a locals’ point of view, Mike Lewis, Director of Brand Activation & Digital Strategy at Zeal, has his own can’t-miss list of Denver’s best. “Growing up in Denver, there are so many favorites. But I have a few go-to spots that are always great to dial in out of towners at, as well as locals. For lunch, hit up the Corner Office in the Curtis, just across from the convention center – the food’s great and it’s always good to get a break from the show floor if you can swing it. We’re actually hosting the release of our revolutionary new lens interchange system, Rail Lock System, there on Thursday right after the show for an ‘Appy Hour Unveiling.’ For dinner, my favorite spots are either Linger, an eclectic former mortuary with an amazing view of the city, or the amazing creations from Sushi Den. If you’re up for some drinks and live local music later, swing by LoDo’s Larimer Lounge for some high fives and cold PBRs.”
Now if that doesn’t sound like the perfect way to end a long day on the Show floor, I don’t know what does. Time to start planning your post-Show activities so you don’t miss all the incredible food, drink and fun that Denver has to offer!