Food & Drink

Like To Eat? Join Denver Focus Groups and Earn Some Cash

This post is paid for by one of our valued community partners. Their support helps us keep bringing you news about deals and events in the Denver/Boulder area. Read full disclosure here.

Paid content. Do you like dining at restaurants? How would you like to get paid to eat? This is no scam. Food & Drink Resources (FDR) Research & Innovation Center opened its Denver focus group facility in 2014. Now they’ve created the FDR Research & Innovation Center, a fully-equipped space where food, beverage and restaurant clients can test new concepts, recipes and products.

The company hosts focus groups and taste tests regularly and is looking for locals who love to eat and share their thoughts. FDR is now also doing some studies for non-food clients — not a ton but some, so even if you aren’t a foodie this could be a fun gig.

Consumer research projects pay pretty well — between $30 and $250 depending on the type of study and time commitment. It’s FREE to sign up. [Read more…] about Like To Eat? Join Denver Focus Groups and Earn Some Cash

Denver Center Ticket Gets Restaurant Deals Near DCPA Complex

Dinner and a show has always been the perfect pairing for a night on the town, whether it’s a first date, part of a birthday/anniversary celebration or a regularly scheduled evening out with a loved one. A good meal and a good show make for a memorable night.

Of course, a special night on the town doesn’t mean bargain hunters need to stay home because of the cost. With these deals from the Denver Center For The Performing Arts, you can be “fancy and frugal.”

DCPA has partnered with restaurants downtown to offer ticket holders deals, before or after a show. To get the savings, you simply need to show the wait staff your ticket from one of DCPA shows — valid only the day of the show.
[Read more…] about Denver Center Ticket Gets Restaurant Deals Near DCPA Complex

Free Community Runs from Shake Shack

Shake Shack is known far and wide for burgers, hot dogs, fries and shakes. It is now offering a way to burn off some of those calories. Shake Shack Track & Field hosts FREE community runs on the second Tuesday of each month beginning on August 14. The runs, which are open to all ages and abilities, take off from and return to two metro Denver Shake Shack locations — RiNo and Highlands Ranch. Upon return, the first beverage back at “the Shack” is FREE.

Click here to register, and then meet the group meet at the Shake Shack of your choice at 6:30 p.m. for the 3- to 4-mile loop led by Boulder Running Company. The RiNo Shack is at 995 Larimer St.. Denver, 720-543-8609. The south suburban Shack is at 1509 Park Central Dr., Suite 100, Highlands Ranch, 720-452-1007.

Denver’s Brewery Calendar

To say that Denver’s brewery scene is exploding is almost an understatement. Colorado has the second highest number of craft breweries in the nation. At last count, more than 350 of them across Colorado, with 150 or so in the Mile High City. That doesn’t include a growing number of distilleries and cideries.

Many of the breweries are in the heart of the city (especially LoDo, Lower Downtown) and RiNo. But they’re showing up in the Highland and Berkeley neighborhoods, Arvada, and of course, Golden. The events of more of these breweries are being added to Mile High on the Cheap. [Read more…] about Denver’s Brewery Calendar

German Fest Denver Means Food, Fun, Music and Polka

Break out the lederhosen! It’s time for German Fest 2018. The event takes place Saturday & Sunday, July 21 & 22 at the Lakewood Heritage Center. Expect plenty of food, beer, music, dancing, and activities for the kids. Central to the Festival is The Beer Garden filled with benches and tables. The tents are large enough to allowing celebrating to continue even if it rains. Surrounding the beer garden are a variety of vendors with European crafts and food. [Read more…] about German Fest Denver Means Food, Fun, Music and Polka

Cheluna Brewing Company

The first Latin-owned and operated craft brewery in Colorado, Cheluna Brewing Company was inspired by Oaxaca, Mexico, the home of owner and founder Javier Pérez’s grandparents. The name of the brewery comes from a combination of the words chela, a slang word for beer used throughout Mexico, and luna, the Spanish word for moon.

The sun and moon logo of Cheluna helps connote the idea of balance, an important element to all of the beers they create, while also referencing a popular design element found throughout Mexican art and décor.

Located within the Stanley Marketplace, Cheluna invites guests to bring in or order food from any of the market’s restaurants to enjoy with their fresh brews or during one of their frequent events. You can usually find live music, trivia, and more happening at the brewery.

Check their Facebook page and website to see more information about upcoming events. 2501 Dallas Street, Unit 148, Aurora, 720-600-0020.

Here are some of their upcoming free or cheap events:

Trivia Night
Mondays
7 p.m.
FREE

Live Music: Karli + Toni
Friday, October 16
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
FREE

More events at breweries

The Black Buzzard

The Black Buzzard is local brewery Oskar Blues’ first grill and brew venue. Named after a drink created for the original restaurant in Longmont, the idea for The Black Buzzard arose out of Oskar Blues partner’s Jason Rogers and drink creator’s Kellner Schoenke desire to create a new space to help put some blues music back in the heart of LoDo.

Dedicated to joining the worlds of Oskar Blues craft beer culture and great live music, The Black Buzzard hosts frequent events, including open mics, live music, comedy and more.

Check out their Facebook page and website for a full line-up and more information. 1624 Market St., Denver, 720-204-6082.

Here are some of their upcoming free or cheap events:

Halloween Bites Back Ft. Bridge Down, Alive at Nine, Cause Célèbre, & Whimmsy
Saturday, October 31
7 p.m.
$15 (Advance GA)
Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Show is 18+. Tickets are available here.

More events at breweries

CLOSED. Raíces Brewing Company

CLOSED. Raíces Brewing Company features award-winning craft beers, a rotating Latin American food selection, and on-going cultural events. More than that, Raíces aims to become a reference center to both celebrate and learn about Latin culture.

Raíces, which is Spanish for roots, is the community taproom where culture can be celebrated. For Latinos, the brewery is a place to connect with other Latinos and feel at home with traditional food, music, and culture. For non-Latinos, Raíces is a place where, in addition to enjoying food, events, and beer, people can learn about and experience Latin culture.

Keep up with what’s going on and other news through their Facebook page or website.

2060 W. Colfax Avenue, Denver, 720-295-2437.

Tivoli Brewing Company

At Tivoli Brewing Company, they aim to stay true to the souls of their beers. With 150 years of brewing in Colorado, their roots run deep. Although they always seek to honor brewing traditions, they also seek to find a balance with what’s new. They offer over 52 beers on tap at their taproom, as well as a fun kitchen.

They often have events at their taproom, including silent discos, happy hours, and more. You can check their Facebook page or their website to learn more.

900 Auraria Parkway, Suite 240, Denver. 720-458-5885.

Here are some of their upcoming free or cheap events:

Tivoli’s 5 Year Anniversary Party
Friday, September 25
3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
FREE
Join them to celebrate another year. They’ll be offering six uniquely brewed, fresh hopped beers to share and to be judged by a special panel and win a People’s Choice award. They will also be raffling off a custom Tivoli branded The North Face backpack – all attendees are automatically entered to win, with additional entries given with each beer purchase.

Strange Craft Beer Company

When Strange Craft Beer Company first opened in 2010, it was the first nano-brewery in Denver, brewing one barrel of beer at time. Since then it has become an award wining destination for dedicated and casual beer drinkers alike, although they still keep their roots close by brewing small batches and including experimental brews during One Barrel Wednesdays.

They often host events in their tasting room and beer garden, including yoga, game nights, and more. Visit their Facebook page or website to see a full list of what they have coming up. 1330 Zuni St., Unit M, Denver, 720-985-2337.

Here are some of their upcoming free or cheap events:

15th Anniversary Day One
Friday, May 16
12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
FREE (Entry)
There will be live music from Jockey Box (6 p.m.-9 p.m.) and a food truck from El Tres Loras on site.

15th Anniversary Day Two
Saturday, May 17
12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
FREE (Entry)
There will be live music from The Apostles of Fire (6 p.m.-9 p.m.) and a food truck from Taguara Venezualan.

15th Anniversary Day Three
Sunday, May 18
12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
FREE (Entry)
There will be BBQ in the garden!

Baere Brewing Company

Baere Brewing Company is a small 2.5 barrel brewhouse. Their love for all styles of beer is reflected in their tap and bottle list, and they are dedicated to supporting local products, sustainable solutions, community endeavors, and more.

They have live music every week, and will host other events too. Check their website and Facebook page to learn more and see what they have planned next. 320 Broadway, Unit E, Denver, 303-733-3354.

Here are some of their upcoming free or cheap events:

More Events at Breweries

CLOSED: TRVE Brewing

According to those who founded it, TRVE Brewing represents being a part of counter culture without immersing yourself to the point of taking it too seriously. Their goal has always been to create a place to hang out and drink great beer.

They embrace chaos and eschew brewing rules and guidelines, so you never know what you might find on tap. But you can count on the fact that whatever you order, it’ll be good.

They host occasional pop-ups and other events. Check out their Facebook page and website for a full list of their events. 227 Broadway #101, Denver, 303-351-1021.

Dry Dock Brewing Company

The first brewery to open in Aurora, Dry Dock Brewing Company has since established itself as a community gathering place and Aurora’s premiere microbrewery. It is the only regional brewery in Colorado that exclusively distributes in-state, and has become one of Colorado’s most award-winning breweries. [Read more…] about Dry Dock Brewing Company

Vine Street Pub & Brewery

With an atmosphere so comfortable you’ll feel like you’re sitting in your living room, Vine Street Pub & Brewery is the place to go to have a beer and relax. Determined to never have TVs in their breweries, Vine Street encourages you to talk to your friends, other guests, or enjoy a game of Scrabble.

Vine Street Pub & Brewery often hosts live music and other events. Check out their Facebook page to learn more about them and see what they have coming up next.

1700 Vine Street, Denver, 303-388-2337.

Here are some of their upcoming free or cheap events:

Bluegrass Tuesdays: An Advanced On-Stage Jam
Tuesdays
7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
FREE

Vine Street Vibes w/ Mark Diamond
Thursdays
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
FREE
10/8 – Blues, Funk and Soul (Johnny O, Bill McKay, Marion Edwards, & Mark Diamond)
10/15 – Jazz Quartet (Stafford Hunter, Dave Hanson, Harold Sumney, & Mark Diamond)
10/22 – Jazz Quartet (Wil Swindler, Tom Amend, Dru Heller, & Mark Diamond)
10/29 – Jazz Quartet (Wellington Bullings, Tim Wendel, Zach Howarth, & Mark Diamond)

More Fun Events at Breweries

The Family Jones Spirit House

The Family Jones Spirit House is a distillery and tasting room that features crafted spirits and foods. It focuses on the relationship between distiller, chef, bartender, and guest, ensuring a pleasurable experience every time.

In a space that pairs industrial elements with rich wood details, you can find low-lighting and a sense of hospitality that turns the Spirit House into a gathering place where everyone can feel at home.

You can find live music every Tuesday at the Spirit House, as well as other events throughout the week. Stop by their Facebook page or their website to learn more about what they’re planning next.

3245 Osage St., Denver, 303-481-8185.

Here are a few of their upcoming free or cheap events:

Adult Spelling Bee
Sunday, December 11
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
FREE
21+ with prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. Sign-up starts at 6 p.m. in person. Rules will be announced at 6:50 p.m. and the contest starts at 7 p.m.

More Events at Breweries

Wynkoop Brewing Company

Wynkoop Brewing is Colorado’s very first brewpub, and is proud to have become a Colorado landmark and one of the nation’s top craft breweries. Their hallmarks include small-batch beers, high quality food and service, the city’s best pool hall, and their historical 1888 building.

Photo courtesy: Wynkoop Brewing Company / Gretchen TeBockhorst photo

They often host beer and music festivals, release parties, and more. Visit their Facebook page or website to learn more about them, and see their full line up of events. 1634 18th St., Denver, Colorado, 303-297-2700.

Here are some of their upcoming free or cheap events:

St. Patrick’s Day Hooley
Saturday, March 14 to Sunday, March 15 & Tuesday, March 17
11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
FREE (Entry)
There will be St. Patrick’s Day themed food and drink specials available for purchase as well as live entertainment. On Saturday, the Denver and District Pipe Band will perform at 1 p.m. and the Michael Collins Pipe Band will perform at 2 p.m. On Sunday, The Denver and District Pipe Band at 1:30 p.m. and the Michael Collins Pipe Band will perform at 3 p.m. On Tuesday, the Michael Collins Pipe Band will perform at 1 p.m.

More Fun Brewery Events

New Terrain Brewing Company

Like with all great adventures, you never know what wonders you’ll find at New Terrain Brewing. While some of their beers are brewed traditionally, others are often creations of their own design born from a curiosity to try things differently. Whatever drink you try, the passion and joy of craft brewing is present in every drop.

With a culture of curious and distinct individuals as well as the motto “we wonder so we wander”, New Terrain Brewing is never boring. Stop by the brewery for food trucks, live music, or something entirely new.

Make sure to check their Facebook page or website for a full list of all their upcoming adventures. 16401 Table Mountain Pkwy., Golden, 720-697-7848.

Here are some of their upcoming free events:

Music by the Mesa
Thursdays
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
FREE
10/22 – Risky Strings
10/29 – Alex Theole, Ettore Buzzing, & Scott Kwiatek
11/5 – At the Watertower
11/12 – Ms. Amy & The Jet Set
11/19 – Zambi String Band

Halloween Party Ft. Foggy Mountain Spaceship
Saturday, October 31
6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
FREE (Entry)

More Fun Events at Breweries

Acreage Cider House & RiNo Taproom

If you’re more of a cider person than a beer person, make sure to try some of Stem Ciders’ drinks at either Acreage Cider House or their RiNo Taproom.

Based on the main principles of quality, style, and tradition, Stem Ciders was founded by two entrepreneurs eager to bring the craft cidery business back to life. They use traditional cidermaking techniques to complement the flavors of the fruit, while also using a barrel method to infuse interesting oak characteristics.

Their RiNo taproom is where you can find ciders on tap and a more typical bar environment. Head over to the Acreage Cider House to explore the founders’ first culinary venture and event space, and see how they brought the urban cider house experience to the countryside.

You can find events happening throughout the week at both locations, from live music to trivia to pie pairing nights.

Check out their full list of events by following them on Facebook or by checking out their website.

RiNo Taproom, 3040 Blake St. #101, Denver, 720-443-3007.

Acreage Cider House, 1380 Horizon Ave. Unit A, Lafayette, 720-443-3007.

Here are a few of their upcoming free or cheap events:

Denver BAZAAR
Sunday, May 24
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Acreage
FREE (Entry)

More upcoming events at Denver area breweries

Odell Brewing Company

Fort Collins’ first brewery, Odell Brewing Company, is one of its most notable, where craft tinkerers and experimenters relentlessly search for new ways to change up their beer. While always creating a variety of beers, their roots are in British styles where innovation and creativity meet balance, consistency, and quality.

Although their flagship location can be found in Fort Collins, they recently opened a new brewhouse and taproom in RiNo, making their beers more easily accessible to those in the Denver area.

Make sure to check out their Facebook page or website to see what and where their next event is happening or to learn more about them.

Fort Collins Brewery: 800 E. Lincoln Ave, 970-498-9070.

RiNo (Five Points) Brewhouse: 2945 Larimer St., Denver, 720-795-7862.

Sloan’s Lake Brewhouse: 1625 Perry St., Denver, 303-376-3777.

OBC Wine Project: 824 E. Lincoln Ave., Fort Collins, 970-541-0540.

Here are some of their upcoming free or cheap events:

Trivia Night
Mondays
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Fort Collins
FREE

Trivia Night
Tuesdays
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Five Points Brewhouse
FREE

Trivia Night
Wednesdays
7 p.m.
Sloan’s Lake Brewhouse
FREE

Spooky Cinema Nights
Sundays in October
6 p.m.
Five Points Brewhouse
FREE (Entry)
10/18 – Hocus Pocus
10/25 – Night of the Living Dead

Drag Bingo BOOnanza Ft. Taylor Made & Yung Raccoon
Sunday, October 18
11 a.m.
OBC Wine Project
$10

Mile High Mahjong: Open Play
Sunday, October 18
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Sloan’s Lake Brewhouse
FREE (Entry)

Baby Goat Pumpkin Happy Hour w/ Guided Goat Hikes
Sunday, October 18
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Five Points Brewhouse
FREE (Entry)

Mario Kart Night
Tuesday, October 20
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sloan’s Lake Brewhouse
FREE (Entry)

Live Music
Wednesday, October 21
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Fort Collins
FREE (Entry)

Spooky Market
Saturday, October 24
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Sloan’s Lake Brewhouse
FREE (Entry)

Horror Movie Trivia
Saturday, October 24
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sloan’s Lake Brewhouse
FREE (Entry)

Full Moon Party
Sunday, October 25
12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Fort Collins
FREE (Entry)

Live Music
Wednesday, October 28
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Fort Collins
FREE (Entry)

Clean Up in Costume
Friday, October 30
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Sloan’s Lake Brewhouse
FREE (Entry)

Doggy Tricks for Treats
Saturday, October 31
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fort Collins
FREE (Entry)

Paws N’ Pints Costume Contest
Saturday, October 31
3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Five Points Brewhouse
FREE (Entry)

Punk Halloween
Saturday, October 31
6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sloan’s Lake Brewhouse
FREE (Entry)

Little Machine Beer

Little Machine Beer serves clean beer, done right. Founded by industry veterans who wanted to get back to their roots while also brewing new and different beer styles, Little Machine offers dog-friendly patios and a tasting room with something for everyone on tap.

They have food trucks on site every night, as well as other events, including weekly trivia nights, parking lot parties, and more. Check their Facebook page or website to see what they have coming up next. 2924 W. 2oth Avenue, Denver, 303-284-7893.

Here are some of their upcoming free or cheap events:

Magic w/ The Gathering Society
Tuesdays
5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
FREE

Trivia
Thursdays
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
FREE

Bingo
Sundays
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
FREE

Movie Night
Saturdays through October
7 p.m.
FREE
10/10 – Army of Darkness
10/17 – The Craft
10/24 – Rocky Horror Picture Show
10/31 – The Thing

11 Year Anniversary
Friday, October 23
7 p.m.
FREE (Entry)
Visitors can expect balloon animals, free beer from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., live music from Satellite Pilot from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., and limited edition merchandise available for purchase during the event.

More Brewery Events

Left Hand Brewing Company

Founded in 1993, Left Hand Brewing got its name from Chief Niwot (meaning left-handed), an Arapaho chief who wintered his tribe in the Boulder Valley area of Colorado. Since its creation, the brewery has continued to uphold its core values to cultivate long-term service and passion for both their brews and their community.

Proudly employee owned and independent, Left Hand is also known for its foundation, which supports arts and cultural activities, medical research, housing projects, community support groups, and includes an emergency response team.

You can often find live local music and other events happening at the brewery. Check their Facebook page or their website for a full list of their events.

Main Taproom, 1265 Boston Ave., Longmont, 303-772-0258.

Beer Garden, 1245 Boston Ave., Longmont, 303-772-0258.

RiNo Drinks & Eats, 4180 Wynkoop St., Denver, 704-449-7535.

Here are some of their upcoming free or cheap events:

Nerd Night (BYO Game)
Mondays
4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
FREE

Trivia w/ Trevonious Monk
Wednesdays
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
FREE

Adult Drag Bingo w/ Miss Jessica
Sunday, October 18
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
FREE

Live Music: BBGB & Friends
Friday, October 23
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Beer Garden
FREE (Entry)

Live Music: Matt Skinner Band
Saturday, October 24
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Beer Garden
FREE (Entry)

Left Hand Laughs w/ Jack Comstock & Phil Corridor
Thursday, October 29
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
$10

Leftoween Ft. Skinny Khakis, The Walking Corpses, & Pinfield Suites
Saturday, October 31
6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Beer Garden
FREE (Entry)

Adult Drag Bingo w/ Miss Jessica
Sunday, November 1
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
FREE

More events at local breweries

Barrels & Bottles Brewery

At Barrels & Bottles Brewery, you can find good beer, good wine, and good company. They feature 27 beer taps, 24 wines on tap, and a farm-fresh menu that’s sure to please. Barrels & Bottles isn’t looking to conquer the world – just become a part of their neighborhood.

They often have live music and other events at their taproom. You can check their Facebook page or their website to see what a full list of what they have coming up. 1055 Orchard St., Golden, 303-353-9832.

Here are some of their upcoming free or cheap events:

Oktoberfest @ B&B
Thursday, September 24
4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
FREE (Entry)

More Brewery Events

Woods Boss Brewing

With a cozy taproom and a sunlit patio, Woods Boss Brewing is the place to grab a beer and relax no matter what season it is. The rustic but elegant atmosphere of the taproom is reflective of the woodsy charm and natural instinct that can be found in both their philosophy and their beer.

Housed in a transformed early 1900s’s brick building, Woods Boss has become a community center that offers good music and good brews. Come share your most recent adventures while grabbing a drink and gearing up to get back on the trail.

Also make sure to stick around for their events, which include live music, open mic nights, block parties, and more.

You can find a full list of events and updates on their website or via their Facebook page.

2210 California St., Denver, 720-642-7177.

The Lodge at Woods Boss: 675 22nd St., Denver, 720-642-7177.

Below are some of their free or cheap upcoming events:

Oprah’s Rook Club: Chess Night
Wednesdays
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
FREE

Live Music: Tyler Farr Quartet
Sunday, October 18
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
FREE

Live Music: Diamond Empire Band Showcase
Monday, October 19
7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
FREE

StageFluid: More Than a Drag Show
Saturday, October 24
7 p.m.
FREE (with at least ONE purchase)

Live Music: DC Jazz Collective
Sunday, October 25
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
FREE

Live Music: Blue Sky Jazz
Sunday, November 1
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
FREE

More upcoming events at Denver area breweries

Great Divide Brewing Company

Independently owned and operated since 1994, Great Divide Brewing Company offer 16 taps of award winning and fan favorite seasonal and year-round beers. While they don’t have a kitchen, they do have food trucks on site 7 days a week, so there’s always good food to go with a great brew.

They host yoga, special releases, and more at both their locations. Swing by their Facebook page or website to learn more about what they have going on. Ballpark location: 2201 Arapahoe St., Denver, 303-296-9460. Barrel Bar location: 1812 35th St., Denver, 303-296-9460.

Here are some of their upcoming cheap or free events:

Drag Bingo
Thursday, June 20
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Barrel Bar
FREE

More upcoming events at Denver area breweries

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