Destination Dining

THE DENVER TECH CENTER has always been something of a hybrid. As its name implies, the south suburban business hub is home to hundreds of companies, from startups to global titans. But it’s also part of the thriving residential community of Greenwood Village, where creatives and techies rub elbows with families and neighborhood stalwarts— and the results are always interesting.

Lately, DTC is gaining traction as an outstanding destination for eating, drinking and playing, too. With the newly-minted Arapahoe Entertainment District and nearby Fiddler's Green Amphitheater—plus dozens of cafes, trendy eateries, brewpubs, neighborhood hangouts and top-notch dining venues—there are lots of reasons to make DTC your destination, too. Here, our top picks for whatever you’re craving.

TOP CHOICE FOR AFTER-WORK COCKTAILS: THE ROUGE WINE BAR & PATIO

7939 E. Arapahoe Rd.

therougewinebar.com

This recently opened wine-and-cocktails spot has a Roaring ’20s aesthetic and a fun-loving, unpretentious atmosphere. It shares space (and amazing Front Range views from its patio with sister venue Pindustry—the uber-popular entertainment/restaurant complex that launched the Arapahoe Entertainment District when it arrived on the scene in 2021. The idea was sparked when Pindustry customers, after enjoying the duckpin bowling, patio games and pinball machines, “were asking for a quiet spot to have a drink,” recalls culin-ary director Chris Collins. “So [developer/founder] Bob Koontz said, ‘Let’s make you one.’”

Collins, formerly at Denver’s Wynkoop Brewery, relishes the creative synergy as he works with brand director Joel Kampfe to make exciting—but approachable—food-wine pairings. “He’s not an arrogant wine guy, and I’m not an arrogant chef," says Collins. With some 200 bottles, the wine list has something for everyone—including 50+ wines by the glass, as well as plenty of creative cocktails. And the menu of shared and small plates includes favorites like blistered shishito peppers, cedarplanked salmon, lamb merguez with peach curry, 7X Cattle Company bone marrow with shaved black truffles—and a gloriously filler-free crab cake (Kampfe suggests pairing it with a glass of Albariño).

Also recommended (for after-work cocktails): The Griffin Tavern

5062 S. Syracuse St., griffindtc.com

Darcy's Bistro & Pub

4955 S. Ulster St., coloradopubco.com

Pindustry (right next door) thepindustry.com

TOP SPOT FOR A QUICK LUNCH:

TAP & BURGER BELLEVILLE STATION

4910 S. Newport St. tapandburger.com

Reviewers cite this cozy venue for its warm hospitality and great service. “We just want to be that neighborhood place, where you can get a great burger in a great environment,” general manager Ryan Terry says. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. Under culinary director Carrie Baird, a former Top Chef finalist, almost everything on T&B’s menu delivers a quality upgrade. Like the Tap Burger, with its melted Swiss and crispy onion topping and au jus for dipping, or the truffle-aioli-and-mushroomed ’Shroom Luva’s burger. Or the Four Corners Salad, tossed with charred broccoli, corn, black beans and jalapeño-spiked onions. And, to drink, there’s a thoughtfully organized selection of craft beers on seasonal rotation from “fruity and refreshing” to “malty and assertive.”

Also recommended:

Sushi Rama DTC/Osaka Ramen

4960 S Newport St., sushi-rama.com

Cuba Cuba Sandwicheria

5322 Denver Tech Center Blvd. cubacubasandwicheria.com

Grange Food Hall

6575 Greenwood Plaza Blvd. grangehall-colorado.com

IDEAL FOR A CLIENT LUNCH:

OCEAN PRIME

8000 E. Belleview Ave. ocean-prime.com

As soon as you step into this comfortably elegant, grand space, you’ll know you and your client are in good hands. As its name implies, the seafood here is impeccable— evidenced by starters like the ahi tuna tartare, with its gingery ponzu drizzle, and the panseared sea scallops, served with an English pea-Parmesan risotto. Prime meats also star here, from the 8-ounce filet mignon to the Tillamook cheddar cheeseburger topped with caramelized onions. There’s an extensive wine list, plus expertly crafted cocktails (your martini, shaken tableside, arrives “so ice-cold you could practically skate across it,” says general manager John Witmer). For more drama, order Berries and Bubbles, with lemon-basil vodka, marinated blackberries, Champagne and a puff of dry-ice smoke. These—plus the after-3 p.m. lounge menu featuring East and West Coast oysters, hamachi crudo and short rib sliders—give OP a great after-work cocktails vibe, too.

Also recommended:

Shanahan’s Steakhouse

5085 S Syracuse St. shanahanssteakhouse.com

Zink Kitchen & Bar

Doubletree Hotel DTC

7801 E Orchard Rd.

Bonefish Grill

4948 S Yosemite St., bonefishgrill.com