PEOPLE
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D OWNTOWN D E N V E R Ditch the car and walk everywhere in this happening city center. by Alan Gibbons
22 ORA NGE CO AST • November 2021
DINE WEST YOUNG MAN
With a motto of “Seek, never settle,” West of Surrender Saloon & Kitchen is a family-owned place with an Old West vibe. Rather than a dark saloon, it’s light and cheerful with huge windows that overlook the 16th Street Mall. Try the Front Range grain bowl ($14.25) featuring wheat berry, lentil, quinoa, and lemon vinaigrette. Or have lamb sliders with peppercorn aioli and Gruyère on brioche ($12.50). Be sure to save room for the bourbon basil peach crumble ($12).
RAREFIED AIR
If being a mile high isn’t enough, venture to 54thirty, the rooftop bar at Le Meridien Denver that adds another 150 feet to your experience. The open-air venue boasts stunning views of the mountains and the city. Cozy lounging areas include fire pits and surround the vast bar. Go all-in with the local vibe and order the Colorado mule, which includes vodka, ginger beer, apri-
ABOVE 54thirty rooftop bar provides amazing views of the Mile High City.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF LE MERIDIEN DENVER
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ports fans, arts enthusiasts, foodies, and the monumentally hip collide here with plenty to keep everyone busy. Four pro teams play home games within about a mile of each other, so bars and restaurants downtown are usually bustling. Add in the performing arts center and a new interactive experience, and you’ve got attractions for days. Ignore high prices for rental cars. You can take the light rail directly from the airport, forgo driving entirely, and get all your steps in while you tour this vibrant area.
