At Riot Fest & Rodeo, you will have your choice of options from our amazing food vendors, but sometimes it is hard to slow down and skip a song or two to eat meals at regular times. For that reason, we’ve asked our friends at VISIT DENVER for their suggestions for the best brunch and late-night dining options near National Western Complex.
BRUNCH
Modern Market – This Colorado-based eatery proves farm-to-table, scratch-made foods that can be ordered at the counter, including breakfast scrambles and wholegrain waffles. It’s open for breakfast on the 16th Street Mall from 7 a.m. until 10:30 on weekdays; weekend brunch served from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Snooze – Famous for its sweet potato pancakes, Snooze has locations in downtown and at Denver Union Station. It’s open from 6:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at both locations.
The Delectable Egg – Launched in 1982, this eatery has since grown to five restaurants that offer friendly neighborhood atmospheres and a mouthwatering and creative breakfast menu served through lunch. It has another location in Lower Downtown (LoDo) at 1642 Market Street. Both locations are open from 6:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
Corner Bakery Café – If a quick and tasty breakfast or meal is on your radar, head straight for the Corner. There are two important factors: fresh ingredients and fresh from the oven. The café has two locations on the 16th Street Mall: 500 16th St. and 1147 16th St. Open 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
The Squeaky Bean – If you’re in a fog from the previous night’s festivities, there’s nothing like brunch and bingo to focus the mind. Seriously. Every Saturday and Sunday the game is hosted by local comedians. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. while bingo is played from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. The brunch menu is stunning with offerings like shrimp and grits, banana pudding French toast and cinnamon-raisin bread egg sandwiches.
Syrup – This is a locals’ favorite and, as the name implies, they have homemade syrups. Also check out the award-winning corn beef hash. The downtown location is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.
LATE-NIGHT DINING
Marquis Pizza – Vegan, veggie, and meat options for your late night pizza needs. Cheap and big, just like we like it.
Avanti F&B – This huge two-story warehouse has been converted to shelter a collection of shipping containers and each one is a self-contained mini-restaurant. Choose from the variety of cuisines and enjoy your meal in the communal dining area, complete with stunning views of downtown Denver. It’s open until 1 a.m., Thursday through Saturday (food served until 10 p.m.); and 11 p.m. (food served until 9 p.m.), Sunday through Wednesday.
Paramount Café – Denver’s original rock ‘n’ roll café has a great patio, 18 flat screen TVs, 47 beers on tap (including 37 from Colorado), plus a selection of burgers, sandwiches, fish tacos, fish and chips and more. Located on the 16th Street Mall, the Paramount Café is open until 2 a.m. every night and offers a late-night happy hour from 10 p.m. until midnight.
Hard Rock Café – Watch for the 20-foot neon guitar at Denver Pavilions on the 16th Street Mall and you’ve found Denver’s Hard Rock Café, established in 1998 and recently remodeled. Rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia, great food, a large patio and live music Friday nights make this a happening place. Open daily until midnight.
Rock Bottom Brewery – Fresh, handcrafted beers brewed on premise are the highlight of this popular joint, but you can also fall in love with beer-inspired entrees, steak, ale dough pizza, tacos, burgers and sandwiches. Open until 2 a.m. daily.
Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill – With loads of windows and a patio, Thirsty Lion expertly combines the feel of European and American pubs to serve up scratch-cooked cuisine, more than 50 beers and ciders, cocktails made with fresh fruit purées and juices, and various wines. Located by Denver Union Station, it’s open until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; midnight Monday through Thursday.
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