Top Dining Options At Denver's Renovated Union Station

The Daily Meal Staff|Sept. 3, 2014 7:00 am EST

Stoic Geniune Stoic & Geniune (credit: CBS)

Now that the Union Station renovation is complete, it's time to take in this historical transportation hub. What was once a grand railroad terminal that served as a regional hub is now home to Amtrak and RTD routes, along with a hotel, dining and shopping. Whether you work downtown or are just visiting, the new restaurants offer diverse menus and serve as a welcome addition to the popular LoDo area. Here are a few of the restaurants that are now open at Union Station.

Snooze
1701 Wynkoop St., Suite 150
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 825-3536
www.unionstationindenver.com

Snooze is a favorite spot for breakfast and lunch with its Front Range locations consistently packed. It has some of the most delicious and creative dishes available to the brunch set. With large portions of delicious food, people of all tastes love eating at this restaurant. Snooze also offers gluten-free and vegan dishes that satisfy any palate, and there are plenty of sweet and savory options. Founded in Denver in 2006, Snooze has expanded to three states with more restaurants coming.

The Cooper Lounge
1701 Wynkoop St.
Denver, CO 80202
www.cooperlounge.com

This cocktail bar is located on the mezzanine of Union Station and offers stunning views of the surrounding city. With unique, high-end cocktails, this is a great place to kick back and sip a martini or some other concoction. The Cooper Lounge prides itself on its cocktails and it fits in with the historical setting of Union Station. With a carefully curated menu and an extensive wine list, this is also a great place to take a date as the ambiance is truly beyond compare. Its proximity to LoDo is also convenient if you want to go dancing afterward.

Fresh Exchange
1701 Wynkoop St., Suite 125
Denver, CO 80202
(844) 432-9374
www.thecrawfordhotel.com

For travelers with little time to spare, along with the downtown lunch set, this is the place to grab a quick bite. With custom salads and sandwiches, Fresh Exchange offers fast casual dining with healthier fare. Its layout is roomy enough that you won't feel like you need to wolf down your food while bumping into other guests and the quick efficiency will allow you to grab your food and go if need be. Fresh Exchange also features soups and other hot options, perfect for fall and winter.

Stoic and Genuine
1701 Wynkoop St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 640-3474
www.stoicandgenuine.com

Home to some of the freshest seafood in Denver, this restaurant is a must visit for anyone who enjoys fine dining. A step above the traditional seafood restaurant, the chefs at Stoic and Genuine have fun creating the menu, mixing the classics with dishes that are a little less common such as Mexican shrimp cocktail. There is also a raw menu for those who want it and the drinks and dessert menus also offer tasty options. Come for the Alaskan king crab legs and try the crudo on for size. Either way, you won't be disappointed.

The Kitchen Next Door
1701 Wynkoop St., Suite 100
Denver, CO 80202
(720) 460-3730
www.thekitchen.com

An offshoot of The Kitchen restaurant, The Kitchen Next Door offers a community pub-style dining experience. A more paired-down and casual version of The Kitchen, the Next Door concepts combines quality ingredients with the convenience of fast casual. The Kitchen has its own non-profit which sets up learning gardens all over the country and the menu even features dishes made with ingredients produced in them. Offering a relaxed environment, The Kitchen Next Door in Union Station offers a setting in which to unwind and connect with fellow travelers, friends or people you've never met.

Alaina Brandenburger is a freelance writer living in Denver. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.