Family visits, politics, a hail of snowballs — let’s face it, this is a stressful time of year. If you’re going through it all in Denver, it’s important that the city is here for you.
Where better place to remind you of that than RiNo, a Denver neighborhood that’s gone through as many changes as we have since high school. (Thanks for reminding us, Mom.)
For better or worse, art galleries, breweries and wicked trendy bistros have replaced the neighborhood’s dilapidated warehouses and restaurant supply depots.
Here’s how we’d spend a night in one of Denver’s new hot spots, while of course discussing the socio-political connotations of its very existence in the city. Stay woke, etc.
4 p.m. – Dateline Gallery – 3004 Larimer St.
Starting your night at an art gallery may sound a little highbrow. But Dateline Gallery is an artist-run diamond in the rough. The space, unlike many in RiNo, is open every weekend (not just First Fridays) and focuses on emerging talent. There are no pretentious art collectors staring for hours at one painting, just waiting for someone to roll over and ask what they think. And granted, if it’s not First Friday, then you’ll have to make an appointment or go during their limited business hours. But it makes sense to get a little culture in before downing a million cocktails, which yeah, is where this is headed.
5 p.m. – Pon Pon – 2528 Walnut St.
After you’ve walked around one gallery (and since you’re actually in an art district), you’ll probably be inspired to experience just a smidge more culture. But what if you like your post-modern mixed-media self-portraits with a snifter of hooch? Just a couple blocks away, you’ll find one of the area’s stand-out gallery/bars. Pon Pon, brainchild of creative geniuses Paul Garcia and Eric Corrigan, fuses vinyl, nostalgia-flecked art and booze under one roof. It’s a space that you can stretch out and experience aspects of your formative years that you’d long forgotten. Bonus: If you’re there with a date, this is an ideal setting to learn about someone. And if they aren’t moved by knick-knacks and cassette tapes? Kick them to the curb.
Around 7 p.m. – Comida – 3350 Brighton Blvd. #105
In order to stand a chance through a long night on the town, one must eat. Tacos, if at all possible.
And although RiNo has a plethora of delicious taco stands — practically on every corner — The Source claims one of the most appealing spaces to drink, talk and grub on these Mexican delights. Comida is a food truck-turned-restaurant that infuses creativity into its corn tortilla-wrapped beauties. Plus, its home in The Source will allow you to mosey around all the adjoining shops in the ginormous industrial building. Pair a tequila flight with Stella’s Pork Carnitas and you’ll be fueled up and ready for your next stop.
A warm and fuzzy 9 p.m. – Voicebox – 2601 Walnut St.
It’s time to rock the hell out. Even if the thought of karaoke makes you want to hurl, Voicebox is no ordinary sing-a-long space. That’s because you get your own box, which is something like a judgement-free mini studio. Therapists might refer to this as a “safe space” — at least one you can feel safe to make a complete and utter dunce out of yourself in front of those who love you most. They also offer up can enjoy specialty cocktails and small bites, should you need tangible comfort while belting out “Love is a Battlefield.” Voicebox’s next-level mobile functionality means you can queue up songs and shoot messages to your friends on the karaoke screen via your phone, which means its a pretty hot ticket in town right now. We suggest that you reserve a box prior to heading over.
Sometime around midnight – Nocturne – 1330 27th Street
Now that your delusions of what a talented singer you are have dissolved, it’s time to hear what real musicians can do. Nocturne can fit anywhere into your night in RiNo, but we prefer to head here late night for some midnight sessions. The sheek space encourages guests to make a reservation and to support artists by donating money to keep its dim lights on. Nocturne is sexy, and although it’s more high-end, they welcome everyone. Sit back, rest those gams, order some ice cream and listen to some of the best jazz in town.