Where to Drink on President's Day in Denver
President’s Day, Monday, February 15, is a big deal in Denver, mostly because people get a three-day weekend. While many Denver dwellers head to the mountains for three days of skiing on an over-crowded mountain, those of us who stay behind get to enjoy a different kind of holiday sport, Day Drinking. So if you have the day off, here are some places to enjoy an adult beverage all day long on President’s Day.
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House (8100 E Orchard Rd.; 303-796-0100)
In the Denver Tech Center Del Frisco’s is toasting to our Founding Fathers with a special President’s Day cocktail. The Founder is made with Old Grandad Whiskey, Dolin Rouge Sweet Vermouth, Peychaud bitters, and Luxardo cherry. Sip on this fine cocktail for $12 all day long.
Jelly (Capitol Hill, 600 E 13th Ave.; 303-831-6301: DU, 1700 E. Evans; 720-596-4108)
Since you have the day off, why not brunch on a weekday? Jelly is one of Denver’s best breakfast joints and since it opens at 7 AM every day, head on over to either location for French Toast and Scrambles. Wash it down with a traditional Bloody Mary or one of the bar’s signature sparkling beverages like the Jelly Press with muddled lemon and raspberry jelly, vodka, and soda or the Jelly Mimosa with Grand Marnier Peach Raspberry.
Machete Tequila & Tacos (2817 3rd Ave.; 303-333-1567)
Cherry Creek North is a relaxing place to drink no matter what time of day it is. However, Machete is the perfect President’s Day drinking spot because happy hour starts at 11 AM when the restaurant opens and runs until 6 PM.
Lakeview Lounge (2375 Sheridan Blvd.; 303-238-2149)
This is one of Denver’s oldest and dingiest dive bars. It also has beautiful views of Sloan’s Lake and the city skyline, which is enjoyable during the day. What it lacks in service it makes up for with strong drinks. The Lounge opens at 7 AM, so if you want to skip brunch and go straight to the booze, well, we won’t judge.
Pete’s University Park Café (2345 E Evans Ave.; 303-733-7376)
This historic café next to the University of Denver opens at 6 AM daily and the bar opens at 7 AM. Hopefully the students have slept in and you can get a head start on President’s Day by ordering one of the bar’s $5 Mimosas, Bloody Marys, or Screwdrivers. Breakfast served all day.
Toast President’s Day with a Colorado Craft Beer
While many of Denver’s taprooms don’t open until late afternoon, and some don’t open on Mondays at all, these craft breweries will be open for you to celebrate the holiday with a mid-day beer.
Black Shirt Brewing (3719 Walnut St.; 303-993-2799)
This RiNo brewery opens at 11 AM.
Black Sky Brewery (490 Sante Fe Dr.; 720-708-5816)
This Santa Fe Arts District brewery opens at 11 AM.
Crooked Stave (3350 Brighton Blvd.; 720-550-8860)
This RiNo brewery opens at noon.
Denver Beer Company (1695 Platte St.; 303- 433-2739)
This LoHi brewery opens at noon.
Great Divide Brewery (2201 Arapahoe St.; 303-296-9460)
This RiNo brewery opens at noon.
Hogshead Brewery (4460 W 29th Ave.; 303-495-3105)
This Highlands brewery opens at noon Friday-Monday.
Joyride Brewing (2501 Sheridan Blvd.; 720-432-7560)
This Sloan's Lake brewery opens at noon Monday-Thursday.
Photo via Flickr user regan76
