Vegetarians of Denver, Here are Four Great First Dates

Loose mask guidelines and dining out are still a thing - at least for now - so let's take advantage of it while we can. If you’re a vegetarian in Denver looking for a great first date spot you already know that there are some

solid restaurant options around town, but after a year in isolation, re-learning how socialize (and wear

not-sweatpants) might feel a little stressful. We’ve got you covered with four great date ideas that will

fill your belly with the best vegetarian eats in town and avoid awkward first-date silences by giving you and

your date something to do.

1.) Axe Whooping + Postino

Axe Whooping on Broadway doesn’t have any food or drinks (except soda and water), but hear me out:

an hour chucking axes will go by in a flash, and will tell you everything you need to know about your

date. There’s no time for awkward small talk here: when you arrive, the professional, attentive staff

shepherds you through check-in and training, and the addictive adrenaline jolt you’ll feel when that first

axe whacks the wall will leave you and your date grinning at each other from ear to ear. (Their “Rage

Room” also looks awesome, but save that for at least date # 3, otherwise it’ll seem like a red flag.)

Afterward, stroll down the block to Postino and request an outside table. There are tons of vegetarian

options here, but I love the vegan Bounty board and and the ricotta and pistachio bruschetta, along

with a glass of wine or local beer.

2.) City O’ City + The Church

City O’ City is a vegetarian institution in Denver, but your omnivore date will still love this spot. Start out

the evening with a couple of “La Santa Sancha”cocktails, made from mezcal, hard kombucha and fresh

berries, and order a couple plates of vegan pizza rolls and BBQ burnt ends tacos to share. Canoodle.

Shows at The Church typically start around 9pm and it’s close enough to walk, so once

you’ve had your fill of libations head toward the 130-year-old former Episcopal church, whose gothic

peaks and stained glass create a haunting backdrop for bands and DJs. Check out the calendar of shows

here.

3.) MCA + The Pig & the Sprout

Located downtown just blocks from Confluence Park and Union Station, Denver’s Museum of

Contemporary Art celebrates 25 years this year with some spectacular exhibitions. The first Saturday of

each month is Penny Saturday, where guests pay – you guessed it – a penny. Stroll the exhibitions, then

make the 10-minute walk through the city to The Pig & the Sprout, where the menu is split down the

middle into “Pig” (meat) and “Sprout” (vegan/vegetarian/pescatarian) dishes. High ceilings, garage

doors and an indoor/outdoor bar create a lively late-summer vibe. Order the tofu kimchi tacos, vegan

brussels sprouts. and the Rock Pile cocktail - vodka and peach schnapps give it a kick, purple sea flower

syrup gives it some local color.

4.) Vital Root + Lakeside Amusement Park

Vital Root is almost completely vegan, but the flavors are so bold and the presentation so beautiful that

your date truly won’t miss the meat. Guests order at the counter and are then well cared-for by

attentive servers in this light- and greenery-filled, modern space. The banh mi tacos, sunflower risotto,

and Saigon bowl are standouts, the Pineapple Collins cocktail is refreshing and not too sweet, and I was

very pleased with the Green Ginger smoothie with vodka added in (don’t judge me).

Lakeside Amusement Park, a short walk away, went dark last year due to Covid, and I was sure those

110-year-old doors were closed forever. But against the odds, Lakeside is back open just in time for the

end of summer. As dusk falls each night, organ music from the carousel fills the air and giggling teens

and couples form a restless line for the Wild Chipmunk. This roller coaster was built in 1955 and looks it.

Strap into the two-seater car and grab your date’s hand – you’ll need something to hang onto during the

whirling helix at the end.