Denver

RiNo always gets my vote. The Source (Crooked Stave) is legit and fun (the wife and daughter also enjoy it). Great Divide is right across the street as well.

FYI, unless things have changed, make sure you get your tickets before just driving out to Casey with the hope of waltzing on in (I'm sure you're already aware of this, but just wanting to avert potential heartbreak in case not).

 

Jabeñeros at chambers and south Parker road has solid carnitas tacos.

 

Much appreciate the input. I will do some additional research on City Park. We spoil our daughter with annual passes to the San Diego Zoo, so not sure we would want to spend a large chunk of our time at the Zoo, but again, appreciate the feedback!

Yep, read about that on the Casey thread. Already looking at getting Monday tour tickets on BPT. Thanks for the insight on RiNo!

 

Denver zoo grows hops too, but their horticulture expert is never there to answer questions.

 

SFACRKnight - One of the members of the horticulture team at the zoo actually lives about 4 doors down from me on my street. I never thought to ask him about the hops growing there, but if you have any specific questions I'd be happy to track down my neighbor and see what he has to say some time.

The Denver zoo is really nice, but I cannot in good conscience recommend it if your daily comparison is the freaking San Diego zoo. Both you and Ron Burgundy might be a bit disappointed if you spent much time in our little zoo. Consider the Museum of Science or the Botanic Gardens then.

 

Interesting, think I have only seen one WF that didn't carry beer and wine.

As for Torchy's after living in Austin and Dallas and growing up in Texas you just miss certain things. If Whataburger was in Denver that would be the first choice.

 

There's a food truck called Tacos El Huequito that makes as good of tacos as I've ever had. While that's cheating a little, they have a good set of breweries they visit each week. Little Machine, Renegade, S26, Wit's End, Platt Park etc.
They're worth seeking out and I don't think you'll mistake anything they're doing for the typical "combination C with cheese enchiladas" nonsense most places go with.
El Tepehuan in Englewood used to be good...then they closed. Alexander's in Glendale and El Diablo near TRVE, too. I think people here like the dial by numbers stuff.

 

I was just curious which cultivars they grow. I have seen them in the fall with cones and each plant has different cones. If you think about it that would be rad indeed.

 

Not to derail too much, but you asked. I grew up in southern CA, moved here 15 years ago, and used to complain that the Mexican food wasn't very good here. While there may not be as many options here, turns out I just wasn't looking very hard because there's some great places around town. I don't know way south Denver as well, but where I am in NW Denver is not far from El Taco de Mexico on Santa Fe, El Taco Veloz on Federal, and La Torteria on Lowell (Westminster). Tacos Acapulco on East Colfax is great too. I could name several more...

 

Totally spaced tacos de mexico, and will throw in tacos rapidos @ federal and evans. El Tepehuan was good too, there is another one on south broadway near the isis bookstore that is good too, but I can't think of the name. Beer list sucks though.

 

I might as well join this new thread on Antojitos Advocate (TM), since I probably care about authentic Mexican food even more than I do craft beer. I've been looking hard since I've moved here and still haven't really found an all-around "sit down, non-fancy" Mexican place that I really like. That being said, I have found two smaller taqueria type places that I really enjoy.

Mama Sol Cocina down near me on far south Broadway in Littleton is my highest recommendation. I cannot advocate for this place enough - really authentic family owned spot place with amazing tacos, breakfast burritos, and very good regular burritos. Prices are really cheap, and they also make some nice in house desserts and bakery items. I pick up food from here at least once a month. Anything pork in particular will be fantastic.

Up in Golden I've gone to a place called La Casa del Sabor about 3 times and have really enjoyed it (in particular the carnitas or anything with chicharron). Bonus - it's less than a mile from Cannonball Creek.

 

El tejado is on s Broadway, tasty food.

 

I second El Tejado. And Taco de Mexico of course.

 

I will second tacos rapidos. Nothing like going there late night and their portions are enormous.

 

You're speaking my language

 

While we are on the subject, if people can recommend some drunk food options for my trip to denver that would be great. I need something to soak up all of those delicious crafts.

 

Casa Bonita. You'll thank me later.

 

Eat lots of hot dogs made of reindeer and elk...AFTER seeing some cliff divers perhaps.

 

Hit up the Bull & Bush in Glendale. 2 birds with one stone.