A Day In Denver's Ballpark Neighborhood

The Daily Meal Staff|Sept. 3, 2014 9:00 am EST

(credit: River North Brewery)

Denver is a lively city with many diverse neighborhoods, all with their own personality and patronage. One that offers some of the most non-mainstream entertainment per capita is the Ballpark Neighborhood. This historic area boasts many original buildings, and much of it is still quite industrial. But as a budding arts district, there is something new popping up almost weekly. The area's borders are marked by Coors Field (hence the name of the area), the rail yards and it spans over 20 blocks north to 38^th Street. Some of Ballpark stretches into Curtis Park. The main drag is Larimer Street which is home to many boutiques, bars, eateries and other businesses that cater to residents and tourists alike. A first stop should definitely be Coors Field, as it is a beautiful ballpark but by no means does the neighborhood's identity stop there. Explore what a day can be like in Denver's multifaceted Ballpark Neighborhood.

Snooze
2262 Larimer St.
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 297-0700
www.snoozeeatery.com

Any day should start with a wholesome breakfast, and Snooze, "an A.M. eatery" is easily one of the most popular Denver breakfast joints. Though the local eatery has seven locations on the Front Range, its first and highly trafficked Larimer locale is one of the best. There will most likely be a line when you arrive but never fear, the delicious handcrafted coffee will make your wait go by in a snap. Peruse the menu ahead of time because Snooze allows customization. Once you're seated in one of the comfy booths or tables, the real experience will begin. The menu is not enormous but it boasts many decadent and unusual offerings to satiate even the most ravenous appetite. If you like pancakes, don't simply settle on one of the interesting creations. Instead, order the flight so you can try several.

Family Affair
2049 Larimer St.
Denver, CO 80250
(303) 593-0289
www.familyaffairdenver.com

For a great midday activity, why not upgrade your appearance. Family Affair is a lifestyle clothing boutique and hair salon, making it a one-stop shop for looking fresh. Catering to both men and women, customers are treated to original, hard-to-find clothing, shoes and accessories, all with a city edge. After finding that perfect outfit, why not get your head looking right with a cut, new color or maybe just a blowout. Family Affair is conveniently located on Larimer and 20^th, just a brief walk from almost anywhere downtown. Other shopping locales include Thread Homemade Consignment, Erico Motorsports and Megafauna.

River North Brewery
2401 Blake St. #1
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 296-2617
www.rivernorthbrewery.com

Denver is known for its numerous microbreweries and craft beers, and nearly every neighborhood has its own representation, including Ballpark. With several choices, most within walking distance of each other, a brewery hopping excursion is quite doable. River North Brewery is centrally located on 24^th and Blake, is open seven days a week and offers tasting or to-go brews. Its small tap room can hold about 50 people and is just intimate enough to allow a full tasting experience. Ask the tenders about their favorites, the brewing process or what to pair with a certain meal, and they'll happily oblige. Try the River North Ale or River North White, available in draft, can or bottle. Other Ballpark breweries include Epic Brewing, Breckenridge Brewery, Our Mutual Friend Brewing and Great Divide Brewing Co.

Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs
2148 Larimer St.
Denver, CO 80205
(720) 746-9355
www.bikerjimsdogs.com

After trekking around the Ballpark neighborhood all day, a good meal is next on the bill. Locals rave about Biker Jim's and its adventurous menu. These hot dogs are not your typical backyard batch, instead try Elk Jalapeno Cheddar, Rattlesnake and Pheasant or Duck Cilantro. Never fear, Biker Jim's has the all beef standard too but with fun toppings, delicious sides and more, a meal at Biker Jim's won't soon be forgotten. If hot dogs aren't your flavor, other area restaurants include Bueno Aires Pizzeria, Marco's Coal Fired Pizzeria, Lower48 Kitchen, Snarf's Sandwiches and Billy's Gourmet Dogs.

Meadowlark Bar
2701 Larimer St.
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 293-0251
www.meadowlarkbar.com

After an adventurous day in the Ballpark Neighborhood, the night is time to cut loose. The district boasts some of the most happening and exciting bars around, without the pretension that can be found in some downtown bars. The Meadowlark Bar is a favorite for several reasons. Its intimate, rocky basement interior is cozy while also exuding class with its wood wrap-around bar and cute seating. Where the real party happens though is at the enormous enclosed patio out back. Its expansive size, plethora of seating and bar make it the place to hang out on a warm evening. Meadowlark offers live music most nights, in all genres. Its Friday night party, The Solution, is a dancer's must, and Goodness, a daytime party on summer Sundays, makes for a relaxed way to catch up with friends. Other bars in the vicinity include Cold Crush, which is right across the street from Meadowlark and is just as charming, Matchbox, DADA Art Bar, Walnut Room, Casselman's and many more.

Nicole Cormier is a hip-hop head with business ambitions who stumbled awkwardly into journalism in 2007 as Colorado Music Buzz's hip-hop editor. She is the publisher and editor of the Colorado hip-hop e-magazine. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.