Dear readers, GABF is approaching quickly and we’re sure you’ve done your homework. You carefully combed through our exclusive GABF pour list post to build your booth itinerary. You built a crazy schedule of extracurricular activities using the GABF Event post. You’re even going to squeeze a few Denver brewery tours in between sessions. But hold on a moment – where are you going to eat?  Perhaps you swear by a pizza, burger, or Cory Pelc’s winning recipe for success: burrito before, burrito after. Seasoned beer fest veterans know how dangerous it is to imbibe on an empty stomach. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.

Created with the help of the wonderful, intelligent, and amazing Chris Day

Before:

Lucky Pie Pizza & Tap house ($$)

Address: 1610 16th St, Denver, CO 80202

When to Eat: Before

Distance From Convention Center: 0.9 miles

Hours: Mon-Thu: 11am-11pm; Fri: 11am-12am; Sat: 12pm-12am; Sun: 12pm-10pm

Beer: Hell yes

Description:  Pizza

In my opinion, Lucky Pie has the best taplist for a pizza place in Denver. They also have incredible pizza and other eats. With its prime location and large patio, you can enjoy some cool Denver views before you make your way over to the festival.

Osteria Marco ($$)

Address: 1453 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202

When to Eat: Before (make a reservation)

Distance From Convention Center: 0.4 miles

Hours: Mon – Thur 11am-10pm; Fri 11am-11pm; Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-10pm
Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 3-6pm

Beer: Rotating taps all week during GABF, so yes, lots of beer.

Description: New age Italian (fancy pizza, paninis, salads, etc.)

Osteria Marco is not the place to be after you’ve slammed 50 different samples from different breweries so we highly recommend you go here before the festival. They are consistently ranked as one of Denver’s top restaurants and I will tell you that they definitely deserve this honor. If the food and beer don’t impress you, the atmosphere and staff are sure to make you fall in love with this place. For a great pre-festival dining experience, head to Osteria Marco.

Snarfs ($)

Address: 891 14th St, Denver, CO

When to Eat: Before

Distance From Convention Center: 0.1 miles

Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-8pm

Beer:  No

Description: Sandwiches

If you’re a fan of sandwiches and you want to grab a quick bite, Snarfs is the place for you. My personal favorite is the Prime Rib and Provolone.

 

Before and/or After:

Euclid Hall ($$)

Address: 1317 14th St, Denver, CO 80202

When to Eat: Anytime

Distance From Convention Center: 0.4 miles

Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2am; Sat-Sun 2pm-2am

Beer: Hell yes

Description:

If you’re the type of person that must try out unique restaurants in every city, then you have to visit Euclid Hall. Their homemade sausages will give you that protein boost you need before you power through GABF and their extensive beer list may even help you start the party a bit early.

Illegal Pete’s ($)

Address: 1530 16th St, Ste 101, Denver, CO 80202

When to Eat: Anytime

Distance From Convention Center: 0.8 miles

Hours: Mon-Wed: 7:00am-12:00am; Thu: 7:00am-1:30am; Fri: 7:00am-2:30am; Sat: 9:00am-2:30am; Sun 9:00am-12:00am

Beer: Yes

Description: Fast, cheap Mexican

I lived off of Illegal Pete’s in college because they serviced my queso addiction until 2 am most nights. If you’re like me, head there after the festival. Pete’s is also a good before option if you’re trying to create a base to soak up some booze. The employees make delicious meals in a small amount of time, meaning you can scarf down a a bunch of food before scurrying over to the party.

Freshcraft ($$)

Address: 1530 Blake, Suite A, Denver, CO 80202

When to Eat: Before or After the festival

Distance From Convention Center: 1.1 miles

Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am- Midnight; Fri & Sat 11am- 2am

Beer: Hell yes. Some of the best in Denver.

Description: Freshcraft features a diverse collection of dishes built around fresh, high-quality ingredients with beer pairing in mind. And yes, they have a late night menu with plenty of fried things for your post-GABF feasting.

 

 

 

Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs ($)

 

Address: 16th & Arapahoe, Denver, CO 80202

When to Eat: Before or After the festival

Distance From Convention Center: 1.3 miles

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-3am

Beer: Yes

Description: Anthony Bourdain-approved and frequently hailed as one of Denver’s best restaurants, Biker Jim’s is conveniently located across from Star Bar, a popular post-GABF watering hole. Where else can you find a rattlesnake & pheasant dog at 2 a.m.?

Denver Diner ($)

Address: 740 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80204

When to Eat: Anytime

Distance From Convention Center: 0.2 miles

Hours: Open 24 hours a day

Beer: No

Description: American Diner

Whether you want to or not, chances are you’ll probably end up here at some point. It’s about a two minute walk from the convention center and it’s open 24 hours. So, when you’re drunkenly drooling and you’re convinced you’ll die if you don’t eat in the next 10 minutes, that neon sign will catch your eye and you’ll be drawn to the Denver Diner like a moth to a light bulb.

Park and Co ($)

Address: 439 E. 17th Avenue

When to Eat: Before and After the festival

Distance From Convention Center: 1 mile

Hours: Sun-Wed 11 am – 12 am; Thurs – Sat 11 am – 2 am

Beer: Yes

Description: burgers, burgers, and more burgers.

I don’t know about the other PorchDrinkers, but this is pretty much the only spot in Denver where I’ll order a burger because in my opinion, nobody makes them as delicious as Park and Co. They also have french fries called ‘The Works’ which need no explanation. Go eat them and see how glorious little strips of fried potatoes can truly be.

 

Marquis Pizza ($)

Address: 2009 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205

When to Eat: Before and After the festival

Distance From Convention Center: 1.1 miles

Hours: Mon-Wed: 11am-Midnight; Thu-Fri: 11am-3am; Sat: Noon-3am; Sun: Noon-Midnight

Beer: Yes (depends – there is beer in the venue, not available if you’re just getting slices)

Description: PIZZA

It is really sad how much I eat Marquis Pizza. I’m obsessed. Addicted. Hooked. I really just can’t get enough. They sell pizza by the slice, until 3 am, and its cheap. What more could a girl ask for? If your legs happen to quit working due to high volumes of beer intake, these guys will deliver pizza right to your front door.

Brunch:

Sassafras ($$)

Address: 320 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203

When to Eat:  Brunch

Distance From Convention Center: 0.8 miles

Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30am-2:30pm; Sat-Sun 8am-3pm

Beer: Yes

Description: Sassafras’s rustic but modern takes on classic southern dishes are equally suited to serve as a solid foundation for a day of beery activities or a remedy to even the most withering hangover.

 

 

Snooze Union Station ($$)

Address: 1701 Wynkoop Street, Suite 150

When to Eat: Brunch

Distance From Convention Center: 0.9 miles

Hours: Mon-Sun 6:30am -2:30pm

Beer: Yes

Description:  A dazzling array of pancakes, benedicts, sandwiches, and morning cocktails make a trip to Snooze pretty much a requirement if you visit Denver.

 

Backcountry Delicatessen ($)

Address: 1617 Wazee St, Denver, CO 80202

When to Eat: Brunch

Distance From Convention Center: 0.8 miles

Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-6pm; Sat-Sun 8am-6pm

Beer: Yes

Description: Sandwiches with quality ingredients

This is one of my regular Saturday morning stops. Backcountry has a $5 breakfast sandwich with avocado and chorizo that is sure to cure your hangover blues. All of their sandwiches are amazing but when you wake up regretting your choices from the night before, the thing you’ll love most about this place is that they deliver.

Dorchester Social Eatery ($$)

Address: 1448 Market St, Denver, CO 80202

When to Eat: Brunch

Distance From Convention Center: 0.5 miles

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 11am-3pm

Beer: Yes

Description: Dorchester Social Eatery’s brunch menu offers sweet and savory breakfast dishes from around the globe along with an expansive breakfast cocktail menu including three different bottomless Bellinis.