Red Rocks Amphitheatre’s summer schedule is already packed full of concerts, comedy shows, yoga and outdoor films. None of which should be attended on an empty stomach.
Of course, you can stand in line for the usual concession offerings, like hot dogs, pizza and pretzels. But whether you want to avoid Amphitheatre prices, grab some takeout for the tailgate, skip primetime traffic, or just plan ahead for a special evening (or early morning), consider these eight spots in Denver, Golden and Morrison for your next dinner and a show at Red Rocks.
The Fort
The Fort, which celebrated its 60th anniversary this year, has a special concert night menu with quick easy items, like buffalo ribs or grilled quail, to get you in and out with enough time to get to your seats. This very Colorado restaurant’s menu specializes in regional game, and the patio has 180 degrees of mountain views.
19192 CO-8, Morrison; thefort.com
Esters Pub
Esters has partnered with Shuttles to Red Rocks to help transport concertgoers from its Park Hill (Denver) and Wheat Ridge locations for select shows, including three nights of Widespread Panic and Trampled by Turtles. Tickets can be purchased directly through the restaurant’s website for $50 a person for a roundtrip; they include a free drink with an Esters koozie, which pairs perfectly with some pizza from the laid-back pub.
2201 Oneida St.; 1950 S. Holly St., Denver; 10151 W. 26th Ave., Wheat Ridge; estersdenver.com
Andy Cross, The Denver Post
Guests enjoy a warm afternoon on a dog-friendly patio at the Golden Mill on opening day April 10, 2021. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
The Golden Mill
Can’t get the group to decide on one spot? Take your pick of chicken, tacos, barbecue, sushi and ice cream at The Golden Mill food hall in downtown Golden. Or make your way through 46 taps of local beers, wines, homemade cocktails and mocktails.
1012 Ford St., Golden; thegoldenmill.com
Bonfire Burritos
After working up a sweat at Yoga on the Rocks, hit up Bonfire Burritos for a breakfast burrito and a spicy Bloody Mary. Grab a classic burrito or bowl with eggs, hash browns and cheddar cheese with chorizo, sausage or bacon; or mix it up with signature recipes, like the Javelina with an addition of grilled pineapple, jalapeno pineapple crema, cotija cheese and green chili.
2221 Ford St., Golden; bonfireburritos.com
Morrison Inn
Known for its rooftop patio and margaritas as big as your head, Morrison Inn has been an ideal Red Rocks pre-gaming spot for the last 44 years. The restaurant’s website says it pours 15,000 gallons of its famous margs and 50,000 pounds of complimentary chips and salsa every year.
301 Bear Creek Ave., Morrison; morrisoninn.com
Abejas
Abejas’ intimate setting and seasonal, new American menu is perfect for a date night. The downtown Golden restaurant is sure to impress for brunch or dinner with its rustic interior and globally-influenced small bites with locally sourced and organic ingredients.
807 13th St., Golden; abejasgolden.com
Abrusci’s Fire & Vine
Abrusci’s Fire & Vine is a hidden gem in Lakewood, just 10 minutes away from Red Rocks. Grab a wood-fired pizza to go for the tailgate or bring a group to take down some classic, family-style pasta dishes at the causal Italian spot.
2200 Youngfield St., Lakewood; fireandvineco.com
The Cow: An Eatery
Soak up the quaint town of Morrison and listen to the rushing Bear Creek on The Cow’s back patio. The family-run cafe is a great first introduction to the home of Red Rocks with breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
316 Bear Creek Ave., Morrison; thecoweatery.com