If you’re anything like us, you’re counting down the days until the Great American Beer Fest. The event, which is the largest of its kind aside from Munich’s Oktoberfest, will be held in Denver this year from September 20 – 22, at the Colorado Convention Center.
GABF (as it is affectionately known) attracts over 60,000 attendees, 800 breweries, and pours nearly 8,000 different beers. In the words of Ron Burgundy, “It’s kind of a big deal.”
For those of you who are gluten-free or gluten-sensitive, though, the idea of nearly 8,000 beers can be daunting: after all, how many of those are gluten-free or brewed to remove gluten? We don’t know the answer to that, BUT we will be there pouring for you and your friends, so please be sure to stop by our booth at the festival.
And while you’re in town, make sure you explore all that Denver has to offer. With easy access to the Rocky Mountains and the Platte River flowing right through town, it’s no wonder that Denver is a destination city for this event.
Below are some hotspots to check out while you’re in town (with some ideas for gluten-free entertainment, too!).
The Restaurant Scene
The past decade has seen an explosion in amazing restaurants in Denver. It used to be that in order to have a “nice” dinner in Denver, you’d end up at a steakhouse. Let us be clear: we are not knocking steakhouses, especially when Golden Boy John Elway’s restaurant — cleverly named Elway’s — is a local favorite.
Still, it is nice to see Denver taking its rightful place in the national Foodie Scene. Here are a few places to check out while you’re in town.
Work & Class
Work & Class is an excellent stop while you’re in Denver. Their blend of American and Latin American flavors are sure to please your palate. In their own words, they aim to greet you with a “square meal, stiff drink, and fair price.” What’s not to love about that?
Almost everything on their menu is gluten-free, and it’s all delicious. While you’re perusing the menu, be sure to ask your server for a cold can of our Tread Lightly Ale for just $5!
2500 LARIMER, SUITE 101
303-292-0700
Reservations not accepted
Root Down
Since its first location opened in 2008, Root Down has been a hot spot in Denver. So it’s no surprise that it has replicated that success with a few other locations across the city (including one in Concourse C at Denver International Airport).
Their menu sports fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients and the energy and ambiance is at once comfortable and hip. With the roll-up garage to enjoy one of Colorado’s 300+ days of sunshine and a notable drink menu, Root Down has something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
One of our favorite menu items is the gluten-free Three Chile Chicken. Surrounded by veggies and cooked with poblano adobe, we love it paired with New Planet’s Blonde Ale.
Multiple locations
Reservations Accepted
Culture
People who have lived in Denver for a long time often still refer to their fair city as “Cow Town.” After all, every January, the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo kicks off its residency in Denver with a parade from Union Station down 17th Street. Cattle, horses, cowboys, and cowgirls transport Downtown Denver into its former steer-trading days, and it’s a site to see.
The rest of the year, Denver abounds in other types of culture. Whether you’re looking for an art museum, natural history museum, or a trendy walk down the Santa Fe Arts District, there’s enough to get your culture fix before or after your time at GABF.
Don’t forget to take a look at the schedule of events at the Denver Center for Performing Arts, too. Big-ticket shows often come through Denver and always a delight.
Destination: Denver
Denver is a city that is constantly changing and evolving. As more and more people move to Denver and discover her secrets, they’re also leaving their imprint. New restaurants, a budding art scene, and of course, copious amounts of craft beer make Denver an amazing destination.
We hope to see you at GABF this year!
