The Rockies season officially kicks off April 4, and this Opening Day we are ready. The game starts at 2:10 p.m., but the festivities around town begin bright and early. So whether you are into brunch, bar hopping, or playing other games as you anticipate the big game, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Urban Farmer
Start the day off with a solid brunch before diving into the world of purple cocktails and discounted beers. In honor of Opening Day, enjoy two special items on the Urban Farmer menu, the Mile High Waffle and a glorious smash burger. The waffle comes topped with blueberry whipped cream, blue spirulina, and a pistachio crumble. As for the smash burger, enjoy caramelized onions, barbecue sauce, Bayley Hazen blue cheese, and jalapeños battered and fried.
Other fan favorites on the normal menu includes Bananas Foster French Toast ($16), Buttermilk Pancakes ($13), and the Seafood Cobb Salad ($19). Though it might be wise to start the day with some coffee, certainly don’t sleep on the epic Bloody Mary, ($14). Enjoy the meal from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then walk to Coors Field for the game. 1659 Wazee St., Denver, urbanfarmersteakhouse.com
The Block Distilling Co.
While there’s nothing wrong with cracking open a cold beer while seated in Coors Field before a game, sometimes it doesn’t hurt to change things up a bit. Like with the Curveball ($16) an Opening Day specialty at The Block Distilling Co.
“We started with ube to create the vibrant purple color,” said Kraig Weaver, co-founder of The Block Distilling Co. “We wanted the Curveball to feel like a Colorado early spring day, so it’s crisp with flavors associated with both winter and spring.”
If you do need a bit of a pick-me-up, Block Distilling serves coffee from 12 to 3 p.m. This time slot is also happy hour featuring $8 classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds and Martinis. While the Curveball is only available on Opening Day, head there any time for a solid drink and fun vibe. 2990 Larimer St., Denver, theblockdistillingco.com
Milepost Zero
Conveniently located right by the stadium, you can stay and sip the tequila-based Line Drive cocktail at Milepost Zero until you hear the umpire call “play ball.”
“It’s a vibrant purple drink perfect for celebrating the Opening Day,” said Robert Wright, senior bar manager at the popular Ballpark hang.
In addition to being conveniently close to the stadium, Milepost is also located in McGregor Square, which will be hosting an Opening Day starting at 9 a.m. There’s a DJ from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and then again from 5 to 7 p.m. The party at McGregor Square is free, but advanced registration is encouraged. Register for the Watch Party and Opening Day.
The Line Drive is only available on April 4, but while there check out Milepost’s food options, which range from pizza and pasta to sushi and ramen. 1601 19th St., Suite 150, Denver, milepostzero.com
Westbound & Down Brewing
Home to award-winning brews like Infinity Pils and Western Justice, which took home the gold at this past year’s Great American Beer Festival, Westbound & Down Brewing is the perfect spot to hang before the game.
Along with the beers, guests can also enjoy a $15 double smashburger with Rugby Scott Wagyu beef, white cheddar, caramelized onions, pickles, tomato, and calabrian aioli all on a potato roll. Enjoy the food and beer in the outdoor space. The Opening Day party includes DJ Wes from Something Vinyl Club spinning records from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1801 Blake St., Denver, westboundanddown.com
Apple Blossom
This upscale hotel eatery is getting in on the Opening Day fun with a $30 deal on an Angus or falafel burger, a side of fries, and festive cocktail. Additionally, patrons can opt for $2 Coors Light and $2 hotdogs, which are better deals than you’ll find in the stadium. As for the Opening Day Rockies cocktail, expect a purple hue.
“It’s our purple Gin & Tonic, the ultimate drink for sunny days,” said Kinga Mackowiak, director of food and beverage at Apple Blossom. “It’s the perfect pre-game drink, featuring a purple gin, high-end tonic, aromatic botanicals, and topped with a rosemary sprig.”
The cocktail as well as the deal on the burger and hot dogs are only available on Opening Day. 822 18th St., Denver, appleblossomdtdenver.com
Bar M
Like many other spots on this list, Bar M, located in the lobby of the Thompson Denver, is going purple and boozy.
“This drink is a fun special we run for the Rockies home opener each year,” said Justin Pederson, lead bartender at Bar M. “The natural brightness from the citrus plays nicely with the clean herbaceous flavor of the gin. The butterfly pea flower syrup balances it with a little sweetness and of course, the purple color.”
You can still have a blast pre or post game with other drinks. For example, the Fleur du Mal Spritz ($18) and Maggy Martini ($16). Food is also available off chef Ludo Lefebvre’s curated bar menu. 1616 Market St., Denver, chezmaggydenver.com
Puttshack
Puttshack’s neon indoor mini-golf is hard to miss when walking down Blake Street. Stop by on Opening Day and, after purchasing one round ($14 for adults and $9 for kids under 12) you get your next round for $3.03. Which of course, is a nod to Denver’s earlier zip codes (which coincidentally has an unofficial holiday).
While there, be sure to indulge in Puttshack’s extensive food and drink program. Think bites such as Puttshack Poutine ($16) and Denver Tailpipes ($14), which are spring rolls filled with green chile chicken. Drinks range from nonalcoholic options to beers from local breweries, cocktails, and more. For the deal, book the round online and use the code ROCKIES at check out. Deal only valid on April 4. 2813 Blake St., Denver, puttshack.com
Denver Union Station
If going to the game is actually not in your Opening Day plans, then you’re going to want to head to Union Station. To start, there’s the patio party kicking off at 10 a.m. at Terminal Bar. There, guests can expect to hear music from Paizley Park, a Prince tribute band (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and sip RATIO Beerworks’ Cityscapes Mexican-style Lager.
But, naturally, there is plenty to wander around and enjoy. For instance, there are cocktail from The Cooper Lounge, tacos from Press, and desserts from Baumé. 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver, denverunionstation.com
Poka Lola Social Club and Kachina Cantina
Do you or can you bear a resemblance to Rocky outfielder and now general manager Charlie Blackmon? If so, the look-alike contest takes place April 5, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Poka Lola Social Club, in the lobby of The Maven Hotel. The winner will get a one-night stay at the property as well as gift cards to Kachina Cantina and Poka Lola. The only fee to enter the Charlie Blackmon look-alike contest is a purchase off the menu.
As for Opening Day itself, there’s no need to break out the big costume beard quite yet. Instead, guests can enjoy purple Butterfly Shots, which are made with butterfly pea flower-infused Hendricks Gin, St. Germain, rosemary, and honey. Additionally, there will be a $10 special on frozen Tequila drinks with a beer shot.
Kachina Cantina celebrates too from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. with drink specials including a Margarita on the Rockies for $10 and bites including tacos, empanadas, nachos and more. 1850 Wazee St., Denver
Los Chingones Downtown
Troy Guard’s Los Chingones in Downtown Denver recently revamped the rooftop, which means the ultimate rooftop party, rain or shine. Get your purple cocktail fix with the Dingerita ($11) featuring Milagro Tequila. Or, opt for one of the beer specials such as $3 Montucky Cold Snacks, a $15 Montucky bucket with six beers, or if you want to mix and match, opt for the $8 Montucky with a shot of Milagro.
You’ll need some food as well. Think $5 chips and salsa served in a Rockies helmet, $10 nachos, and a $50 family-style nacho platter. No need to RSVP. Party goes from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. 2463 Larimer St., Denver, loschingonesmexican.com
Full Frame Beer
It’s no secret buying beers at the game costs a pretty penny. So, you might as well get your money’s worth before the game starts with $5, 16-ounce pours, and $8, 20-ounce pours, at Full Frame Beer.
The brewery recently opened in what was formerly Jagged Mountain Brewery. However, Colorado beer aficionados might recognize co-owners Alyssa Hoberer and Jacob Kemper. Hoberer was a former Jagged Mountain brewer, and Kemper is lead brewer at Our Mutual Friend in the RiNo neighborhood.
Also check out the Rockies-themed hard seltzer cocktail available, only available on Opening Day. 1139 20th St., Denver, fullframebeer.com
