Got Denver theater tickets? Okay, tickets check..now the real question. Where to dine on theater night? Theater goers’ restaurant options are as diverse as the Mile High City dining scene, which is quickly becoming a foodie town. Here is a tantalizing sampling of restaurants near Denver’s Theater District for dining before or after your show.
Choose from literally dozens of dining options within walking distance of the Denver Performing Arts Complex, including the always popular and historic Larimer Square. Too many choices? Let us help with these suggestions of restaurants near Denver’s theater district.
Restaurants Steps from Denver’s Theater District
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Limelight Supper Club
Arguably the most frequented restaurants near Denver’s Theater District are those at the helm of Chef/owner Kevin Taylor. Across from Buell Theater within the DCPA, the chic Limelight Supper Club serves an array of tasty menu items. Choose small plates and appetizers; main courses such as striped bass or Ribeye; and weekend brunch on performance days. Escape from the congestion of the theater for an intermission cocktail – and you can even take it back to the theater lobby.
Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera House
Treat yourself to pre-theater cocktails and/or dinner on performance nights at Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera House. in the Chambers Grant Salon in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Dinner menu is a lovely seasonal, pre-theater prix fixe $45.00 (starter, entrée, dessert).
Nickel Restaurant at Hotel Teatro
On the ground floor of the iconic Hotel Teatro steps from Denver’s thriving Theatre District, The Nickel restaurant is a chef-driven culinary concept. Leading The Nickel is chef restaurateur, Chris Thompson, a culinary veteran. Menu items are inspired from its Rocky Mountain heritage, incorporating locally sourced ingredients into rustic, stripped-down Colorado fare.
Whether your dinner plans include a quick appetizer or a full course meal, the Nickel’s menu features include warm Imported Olives, Baked Broken Shovel Goat Cheese, Wood Grilled Flat Bread, Crispy Pork Belly, Colorado Lamb Rack, Emma Farms Wagyu Coulotte — and more.
Take a few moments to explore the historic Hotel Teatro with its historic theater artwork, as well as its original vault dating back to when the property was Denver’s Tramway Building in 1911. The space once was used to collect nickels from customers riding streetcars — and now you can see the connection to the restaurant name.
Corner Office Bar & Restaurant at Curtis Hotel
For a more casual experience, the Corner Office Bar & Restaurant offers twice daily Everyday Happy Hour, with an affordable food and drink menu starting at $3. Its eclectic menu is as fun as the atmosphere with options including crab cakes, calamari, sesame chicken, lobster mac + cheese and shrimp + grits. For dessert, my granddaughter loved the cotton candy! Located at the corner of 14th and Curtis, this restaurant is within steps of Denver’s Theater District.
Restaurants in Larimer Square
Early arrivals can take a short 5-minute (3 blocks) walk to Larimer Square and celebrating 50 years since its revitalization.
Within this historic downtown Denver block is a selection of the greatest independent and chef-driven restaurants on a single block in America, draped beneath its signature lighted canopy.
Mediterranean Inspiration: Rioja
For a Mediterranean inspired menu featuring local ingredients, don’t miss Rioja with its simple décor and exhibition kitchen. The inspiration behind the menu is award-winning Executive Chef/Owner Jennifer Jasinski and her talented presentation of various options including artisan cheese plate, Spanish octopus farfalle, grilled kampache, and Colorado lamb two ways.
Corridor 44
Champagne lovers will want Corridor 44 on their must-stop list, and this is seriously the best date night. Ever. The extensive champagne and sparkling wine list are complemented with a full menu, ranging from savory bites such as champagne oyster shooter to salads, sandwiches and larger plates. Of course, you can’t sip on champagne without caviar, right?
TIP: Ladies night at Corridor 44 is Wednesday featuring $4 champagne cocktails — and how can you resist a casually elegant and romantic setting like Corridor 44?
Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen
Anyone else remember Soapy Smith’s Double Eager Bar (1977 to 2000ish)? Well, that’s where you’ll find Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen, at the corner of Historic Larimer Square in a historic building dating back to 1883. You’ll also discover an extensive selection of on-tap beers, wine list, and a full bar. This cozy American tavern features an eclectic menu ranging from Simple salad to Fried Cheddar Curds; Chicken and Waffles to Pork Belly Ramen; and my favorite Fresh hand-cranked sausage!
More Restaurants on Larimer Square
There’s more to food to love on Larimer Square:
- Chef Richard Sandoval’s Tamayo and its Modern Mexican cuisine and tequilas;
- Russell’s Smokehouse, with oversized church windows, speakeasy dance floor, and the enticing aroma of smokehouse meaty yumminess with house-made BBQ sauce;
- TAG: Continental Social Food is an intriguing fusion of Chef Troy Guard, from hiss Hawaiian and San Diego roots — and OMG, I loved Chef’s Taco Sushi (Charred Ahi, Sushi Rice, Guacamole, Mango Salsa — happy tastebuds! (PS $1 from every taco sushi sold benefits Taste of the NFL Kick Hunger Challenge to support local food banks!)
When You Can’t Decide
With so many dining options in Larimer Square, arrive early in downtown Denver and squeeze in a progressive dinner before and after your Denver theater tickets.
- Champagne/cocktails at happy hour at Corridor44. Happy date night, right?
- Appetizers – Capital Grill
- Dinner – Bistro Vendome
- Dessert – Rioja
- Still have some energy after the show? Do music and dancing – Crimson Room
Go ahead and savor the food and drink around Denver’s Theater District and in Larimer Square — guilt-free and safely.
