Denver
The STANDARD H Travel pages are our version of city guides presented by our founder, Wesley Smith. These are places he's traveled, enjoyed, and recommends, so they're all vetted and what we refer to as STANDARD H verified. These lists will evolve, so check back often and travel safe!
Novo Coffee
1600 Glenarm Pl, Denver, CO 80202
This was my favorite espresso in downtown Denver. Staff was friendly, the inside was modern and I enjoyed my shot standing at the bar not unlike one would in Italy. Another cool aspect is they also have beer, so if you're there working all day, you won't have to go anywhere else to grab a happy hour brew! I also had espresso at Fluid Coffee & Blue Sparrow Coffee, and though good, I think Novo was the better of the three.
Sam’s # 3
1500 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80202
Diner food w a full bar. I could say no more but that would be too short. Great playlist of classic rock & grunge. Staff is on it and the food arrived crazy quick. Sit at the bar so you don’t have to wait in line. Note: the (black) iced coffee was lackluster. Perhaps get cream and sugar?
American Elm
4132 W 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80212
Some friends and I met here and had the Octopus, Burrata, Bucatini, & the Sweet Potato Waffle Fries - all were very good. We also ordered the Brussels sprouts which were a little over fried, but good. The Old fashioned was delicious - I would definitely go back.
Syrup
999 18th St Ste 105, Denver, CO 80202
Crunchy French toast by way of their Nature Valley Bar coating...need I say more? This place is tucked within an office building, and though it doesn't present the finest of interiors, the Blueberry pancakes were delicious alongside their buttermilk & maple vanilla-flavored syrups. The Smashed tator tots were very good, as well. The Crack bacon was good, but feel the "crack" label was a bit optimistic. The Scrambled Eggs were a disappointment, but then again this place is known for their variations of Eggs Benedict.
Corinne
1455 California St, Denver, CO 80202
I met with a company for a business meeting here and it was perfect. Seemingly, I was on a Bucatini run while in Denver and their Truffle variant was really good. Not overpowering, and just enough of the truffle flavor. We ordered it with added chicken which was great. Since Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs are somewhat rare on menus in California for obvious reasons, I tend to get them whenever available, so that's what we had with dinner - 4 bottles among us if I recall. The Crab Croquettes were delicious while the Buffalo Cauliflower was good, too.
10 Barrel Brewing
2620 Walnut St, Denver, CO 80205
Located on a street hosting former warehouses, I also wondered why this place felt familiar. Upon speaking to the bartender, I learned they had a location in San Diego that I had been to a few years back but had closed its doors. In fact, said bartender worked there and had transferred to this Denver location as a result. I stopped in with some friends after the OR Trade Show for a beer and had a great experience. I had the Pale Ale, and though we didn't eat, the pizza looked good. I'd love to go back and try it out.
Ratio Brewing
2920 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
Just before leaving, some friends and I were walking around that warehouse part of town between Five Points and North Denver when we took a break from visiting stores to check out Ratio. It's a punk/hardcore type of vibe even though they were playing a more modern take: a band called Idles which I'd seen live just prior to COVID-19. The Pale Ale was delicious and my friends seemed to enjoy their beers as well.
Viewhouse Ballpark
2015 Market St, Denver, CO 80205
This place is somewhat of an adult playground. It's honestly not a place I would frequent if I lived in Denver, as it's just so huge and gets packed, but there's beer, bar food, and corn hole, so if you're the sports fanatic, this may just be your spot. It's also right across from Coors Field making it a fun pre-game spot if you're going to watch the Rockies with a group of friends.
Denver Biscuit Company
4275 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212
You may have seen my post about this on the STANDARD H Instagram stories. The need to know: Fried chicken and biscuits is the game, and DBC is crushing it. I built my own after being torn between a few of the items on the menu: Fried Chicken (spicy) with the stone seed mustard made in house & topped with a fried egg runny on their made from scratch biscuit. Incredible. 10 out of 10.
Tatarian
4024 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212
I loved this little bar in the Northwest/Berkeley area just outside of downtown Denver. I had a delicious Old fashioned whereas my friends all had one of their signature cocktails and said they were delicious. The atmosphere is really warm while the service could easily be described the same way - very welcoming whith zero pretense. It's great.
Root Down
Denver Airport in Concourse C
I had Duck wings w sunflower seeds which were incredibly good. I hear the lamb burger is insane, too, and when I saw their sweet potato fries I needed some. For dipping sauces, I got their yellow curry(?) & their delicious ketchup. They have these cool counters made from carry-on suitcases which is a great touch considering it's inside an airport terminal. Pro Tips: get to the airport early because it’s a super popular place. If you don't have a lot of time to wait on a table, get it to go and eat it seated at the gate closest to the restaurant like I did. I now know for next time, since I had to rush to the tram to get back to the B concourse where I flew out.
Grand Hyatt Downtown Denver
1750 Welton St, Denver, CO 80202
I stayed here because it was a fairly short walk to the Convention Center, and by all other accounts, it's a great location. Easy couple of blocks away from Novo Coffee and tons of access to things within a 7-10 minute walk. The rooms were spacious and it actually felt like a more expensive hotel than the $189 I paid.