The AETHER Guide To Denver

The AETHERstream is currently parked in downtown Denver at Basecamp Market Station. We want to celebrate this latest destination on the AETHERstream Fall Tour 2022 with the best Denver has to offer. Here, some of our must-visit spots in and around the sprawling mile-high city. ↓

Bellota - Brought to you by the team behind Corrida and Oak in Boulder, Bellota (“acorn” in Spanish) offers modern interpretations of authentic northern Mexican dishes. Hailing from Monterrey, Mexico, executive chef Manny Barella was a 2022 James Beard award semifinalist in the emerging chef category, so you won’t be disappointed. Opt for a taco flight, consisting of one of each of Bellota’s tacos: carnitas, barbacoa, cochinita pibil, shrimp, costra de ribeye, mushroom al pastor, and panela cheese. Bellota’s extensive tequila list is also a don’t miss. ↓

Crema Coffee House - This RiNo coffee shop specializes in pulling the perfect shot of espresso. Here, the focus is on brewing the highest quality beans possible, highlighting local roasters like Novo and Ozo. The menu at Crema Coffee House is also not to be overlooked: Try the brûleed grapefruit or the sweet-potato waffle. ↓

Steuben’s - Thanks to a bacon-infused vodka Bloody Mary and a menu of American dishes with a Southern flair, this brunch spot has become a Denver institution. When weather permits, the large patio draws crowds looking to indulge in Steuben’s comfort-food specialties, such as the Maine lobster roll, buttermilk-brined fried chicken, and green-chili cheeseburger. ↓

Tavernetta - Just across from the Union Station train platform sits one of Denver’s finest Italian restaurants. Tavernetta provides impeccable hospitality, a top-notch pan-Italian menu, and an expertly curated all-Italian wine list. Enjoy the fireside lounge, seasonal patio, or get in on the action near the open kitchen. It’s hard to go wrong here, but some of the most in-demand dishes include the rigatoni with lamb ragu and pecorino romano; whole grilled sea bass with zucchini, lemon, and salmorigli; and the tagliatelle with Maine lobster, Calabrian chili, and preserved tomato and celery. ↓

William’s & Graham - This award-winning upscale speakeasy is hidden behind a bookstore in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood. The superb handcrafted cocktail menu features more than 60 creative options, including the Angel’s Manhattan with Angel’s Envy rye, Carpano Antica sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters; the Penicillin with blended scotch, ginger syrup, lemon, honey, and Laphroaig 10 Year; and the Blackberry Sage Smash with Woody Creek Rye, blackberries, sage, lemon, and sugar. ↓

Red Rocks - Talk about iconic. This natural amphitheater is not only stunning, it also boasts world-class acoustics thanks to the rock formations. Red Rocks is the type of venue that both artists and fans have on their bucket list. Virtually every big name in music has played Red Rocks, from the Beatles, Diana Ross & the Supremes, and U2 (Red Rocks was the site of their live “Sunday Bloody Sunday” music video) to Phish, Dave Matthews Band, and countless others.↓

The Crawford Hotel - Located within Denver’s Union Station in the heart of the city’s bustling downtown is The Crawford Hotel, one of Denver’s most historic properties. Built in 1881, this opulent, Old World hotel has maintained the building's original charm, which can be seen in the grand lobby and the well-appointed guest rooms. For a proper cocktail, head to the Cooper Lounge, or opt for an indulgent massage at the Oxford Club. ↓

Sushi Den - Sushi Den—one of Denver’s best sushi restaurants—earns its devoted fan base by flying in fresh fish from Japan daily. Highlights of the vast menu include the aburi (lightly seared cuts of tuna or salmon belly), the snow-crab nigiri topped with roe, and the smoked-trout roll. If you’re having trouble getting a table or are in the mood for something more casual, try Izakaya Den, Sushi Den’s attached sister restaurant. ↓

Melted - Started by acclaimed restaurateur and friend of AETHER, Bryan Dayton, Melted churns out house-made cookies and soft serve. The highlight of this whimsical shop is their Thai ice cream sandwiches served on a soft Thai bun. ↓

Cart-Driver - Located in a tiny shipping container on a corner in the RiNo neighborhood is arguably Denver’s best pizza. And while perfectly thin-crust pies may be the main attraction at Cart-Driver, the fresh oysters and excellent small plates (think: chicken-liver mousse and focaccia with black olive butter) are also not to be missed. Enjoy an Aperol, Campari, or Cello spritz, or imbibe on one of the signature cocktails like the Messed Up Negroni (a classic Negroni with a touch of prosecco). Pro tip: Cart-Driver does happy hour the right way—their first one is from 3 to 6 p.m., followed by a second one from 10 p.m. to midnight. ↓

My Brother’s Bar - If you’ve read Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, you know about My Brother’s Bar. While living in Denver, Kerouac—one of the most famous authors of the Beat Generation—frequented this local institution. Located in the LoHi neighborhood, the dark and cozy watering hole is the oldest-operating bar in Denver. Stop by for a beer and a menu of reliable bar food—like jalapeño poppers and hot buffalo tenders—and enjoy a piece of Denver history.

Find the AETHERstream on 1661 Market St. (16th St. entrance) at Basecamp Market Station through September 25th. For more information on the AETHERstream Summer/Fall Tour, follow us on Instagram at @AETHERapparel or click here. •