Denver, CO (The Joy of Food) — Union Station’s recent renovation has returned an old-world feeling to the transit center. It’s once again a place where you can relax, shop, eat, and drink in trendy style, whether you’re a local or just traveling through.
Terminal Bar anchors one side of the busy station, a transit hub for most and a refuge of warmth for others who arrive woefully unprepared and underdressed for cold weather. You may want to sneak a peek at a weather forecast before visiting; Denver might be 80 degrees one minute and 30 the next, like one family decked out in shorts and flip flops came to learn. People-watching can be lots of fun.
The epicenter of libations and good drinks is Terminal Bar, fronted by a vintage-lighted exterior and dimly lit wood-paneled interior that look more like something out of “Casablanca” than a modern transit hub. Old meets new looks good on Denver.
Like its facade, it’s good to stick to the classics here — like a Moscow Mule or a Whiskey Sour, both basic drinks that are all about striking a balance. The orange and cherry garnishes of a Whiskey Sour bring the taste ever slightly over to the sweet side, which is always fine by me. But the better cocktail is probably the Moscow mule, a combination of vodka, lime, and strong ginger beer, the drink that pretty much introduced America to vodka. Terminal Bar makes a great rendition of this and serves it in the traditional pewter mug.
If I’m in a bar, I’m also going for a Negroni, a combination of equal parts gin, vermouth, and Campari, each of which is undrinkable on its own, but become magical together. A Negroni Sbagliato substitutes Prosecco for the gin and can be swilled like refreshing bubbly water if you’re not careful.
The acoustics in the bar, like in the high-ceilinged lobby right outside, are loud and amplify the sense that you’re part of something that’s in flux. People from all parts and walks of life are here and add a bit of dimension to your time in the area.
If you visit during happy hour, the place will be thumping, but they’ll have no trouble making your drinks and getting you in and out. There’s nothing like holding people hostage when they have a train to catch — not exactly the sort of reputation any transit-adjacent business wants to their name.
Written by Joy
Thanks for reading. The Joy of Food blog celebrates eating well, traveling often, and living la dolce vita. San Diego, California is home base, but thoughts are from all over. Reviews and photos help to highlight wonderful (or not) food experiences from around the world.
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The shorts and flip flops family reminds me of biking before the sun was up and it was in the 40’s. So I’m wearing thick sweat pants, gloves, and 2 jackets waiting for the light to change. Some guy with just shorts and running shoes runs past.
It sounds like that guy would be okay in Denver on a 30-degree day. I on the other hand need three eskimo jackets and two pairs of pants in those temperatures. Hard to believe that once upon a time I was a snow child – how the blood thins in warmer climates!
It’s warming up. I haven’t used the heater in like 5 years. My patio umbrellas have 2 added layers of insulation to keep the sun at bay.
Yes as I recall it was a work of both engineering and art! When it comes to heat I’m that weirdo who loves sweltering hot days. My ideal climate is Florida, where the humidity is so high it’s like walking through soup. 😂
It’s a never ending artwork. I break it down in the winter and build it back up in the spring. I keep making adjustments so the temp is about 70F in my living room. Are you retiring to Florida? It doesn’t seem very humid here. Too many Santa Ana events.
That’s awesome! I finally fixed my patio so the gazebo cover won’t fly off the next time Hurricane Katrina comes through.