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By Brittany Werges This summer Denver’s Union Station reopened to the public after a $54 million renovation. The 120 year old building that once loomed over our city like a mausoleum was transformed into a chic, elegant and so very metropolitan edifice. It is undoubtedly the epicenter of all things cool in LoDo and if you still haven’t taken the time to explore this spectacular space, now is the time. With all 10 restaurants fully operational, diners can peruse amongst some of our city’s most loved eateries along with some new editions. Whether you’re out on the town, looking for lunch or with family, Union Station has something for you. Take a look at our guide, and get a visual taste of this beautiful building before experiencing it for yourself: This summer Denver’s Union Station reopened to the public after a $54 million renovation. The 120 year old building that once loomed over our city like a mausoleum was transformed into a chic, elegant and so very metropolitan edifice. It is undoubtedly the epicenter of all things cool in LoDo and if you still haven’t taken the time to explore this spectacular space, now is the time. With all 10 restaurants fully operational, diners can peruse amongst some of our city’s most loved eateries along with some new editions. Whether you’re out on the town, looking for lunch or with family, Union Station has something for you. Take a look at our guide, and get a visual taste of this beautiful building before experiencing it for yourself:
The Terminal Bar
Where: The Great Hall Go for: A wide range of local beers on tap and a more relaxed atmosphere. The Low Down: With top notch service and a timeless vibe, Terminal Bar is the spot to come to hang out on a Saturday night. With roughly 27 beers on tap, this self proclaimed ‘gastropub’ will serve you burgers and fries while you watch commuters zip through. If you’re on the go, step up to the terminal window and order a beer from the front. Want to stick around longer? Grab a table on the patio and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city.Fresh EXchange
Where: The Great Hall Go for: A fast and healthy meal, perfect for a solo lunch hour. The Low Down: Fresh EXchange is one of the spots in Union Station that reminds you the space is still hub of transportation. Designed for people on the move, this fast casual serves up your typical cafeteria lunch fare with wraps, paninis, sandwiches and salads. Come here if you have little time to spare and are dining alone.Milkbox Ice Creamery
Where: The Great Hall Go for: A selection of Little Man’s ice cream including the fan favorite, flavor Salted Oreo. The Low Down: Although Union Station is designed to feel a bit like a time warp with its 1920s decor, nothing feels quite as old-timey as Milkbox Ice Creamery. Whether it is the gleaming white subway tiles, the vintage light fixtures or the smell of waffle cones, something about this space feels wholesome in a very turn of the century way. Come here with family on a Sunday afternoon– preferably after a Rockies game for the full effect–and grab a scoop of Little Man Ice Cream without having to deal with the long lines.Acme Burger & Brat Corporation
Where: The Great Hall Go for: The malt seasoned fries are a no brainer. The Low Down: Acme Burger + Brats is another spot in Union Station to grab a quick bite to eat. Serving up hamburgers, hot dogs and brats local style. The hot dogs and brats are from Tender Belly while the potato buns are made in house. This is a good spot to come and relax during the lunch rush. Pro tip: swing over to Terminal Bar just across the hall and grab a local beer to wash it all down.Snooze an A.M. Eatery
Where: Northeast side of the Great Hall Go for: Their variations of eggs Benedict. The Bella Bella Benny is a personal favorite. The Low Down: If there is one restaurant in Denver that has a cult following, it is Snooze. Known for its infamously long lines, this brunch spot is popular for church goers and hung over party kids alike. And although some might think it’s overrated, the Union Station location might be more worth your time since there’s plenty to explore while you wait for your table. Plus the beautiful sunny interior highlighted by a local mural from Colorado Crush just oozes happiness.PigTrain Coffee
Where: The Great Hall Go for: Cold brew on tap and the booze infused coffee cocktails. The Low Down: No hub of transportation is complete with out a killer coffee stop and luckily Union Station decided to do it up right. PigTrain, with their well trained baristas and a wide selection of caffeinated drinks, provides a unique and personalized experience. Take some time to chat with the employees and let them whip you up something new. You might even end up with a new go-to order by the time you leave.Mercantile Dining & Provision
Where: The far northside of the Great Hall Go for: an delicious dinner from one of Denver’s best chefs or pop into the deli and purchase some locally cured meats and cheeses from their very own Fruition Farms. The Low Down: From Fruition– one of our picks for Denver’s 10 most influential restaurants– comes Mercantile Dining & Provision. The part deli, part high end restaurant, continues Union Station’s theme of collectivism with a bustling atmosphere. With an open kitchen on one end and a market place on the other, there is a lot to see at Mercantile. Stop by either to pick up some artisan crafted goodies or sit down in the back and get wined and dine by one of Denver’s best Chefs, Mr. Alex Siedel. Either way you’ll be glad you came.Stoic and Genuine
Where: The south end of Great Hall Go for: a seafood dinner unmatched by anyone else in town– their oyster selection is particularly delicious. The Low Down: When you think of a Denver train station, the last thing you’d probably want to eat is seafood. But superstar chef and restaurateur, Jennifer Jasinski, has worked her magic and made Stoic + Genuine one of Denver’s best new restaurants. They have helped bust the myth that you can’t get fresh seafood in a landlocked state with top notch offerings. Here you can have everything from a wide selection of oysters to an authentic lobster roll. Want to know more? Read our full review here.The Kitchen Next Door
Where: The south end of Great Hall Go for: a sit down lunch or a casual dinner. Don’t forget to try the garlic smashers. The Low Down: The Kitchen Next Door Union Station is the third location of the Kitchen Next Door and the eight Kitchen variation in Colorado. But despite its growth, the Kitchen still puts out a very unique vibe. Once again the space distinguishes itself from all other locations with individualized touches (how awesome is that neon sign?) This along with killer food, that is expertly crafted with local ingredients at a fair price, makes the Kitchen feel less chain and more high end. Come for a casual lunch or an after work bite and chow down on their extensive menu of comfort foods.The Cooper Lounge
Where: Mezzanine level. pro tip: in order to get upstairs you have to check in at the Great Hall. Go for: an expertly crafted cocktail when you’re feeling fancy. You can’t go wrong with a Timeless Fashioned or a Palisade Sour. The Low Down: The Cooper Lounge is hands down most beautiful and elegant bar in Denver. Located on the mezzanine level, overlooking the Great Hall, this gorgeous space has all the details perfected. From the heavy crystal tumblers to the tufted couches, everything in this bar is pure luxe. Come here after a swanky dinner, or get dressed up and make a night of it. The bartenders are incredibly friendly and knowledgable so you’ll skip all the pretentiousness too. The cocktails are a little pricey , around $14 on average but if there’s one place that’s worth it, it’s here. Because the atmosphere and service–they literally serve you your cocktail on a silver platter– cannot be beat. All photography by Roman Tafoya