Tom’s Watch Bar, the official bar of the Colorado Rockies, offers 100 televisions inside and outside of their new restaurant at McGregor Square on July 7, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post)
Over the last month or so, a huge downtown Denver plaza filled with dining and entertainment has come to life right by Coors Field.
McGregor Square debuted its first businesses — a hotel, restaurant and pre-game bar — back in April. But the rest of the 28,000-square-foot outdoor gathering space, encircled by a brand new mixed-use development, is finally up and running. And it’s just in time for the MLB All-Star game.
Here are five local dining options to check out whether you’re in the area for baseball or otherwise.
Milepost Zero
The newest opening at the square is a nine-vendor food hall featuring family-friendly eats prepared mostly by local chefs. Little Chingones (Mexican) and Tiny Giant Sushi are two stalls from veteran Denver restaurateur Troy Guard. Atomic Chicken and Field Greens come from local partners Chase Devitt and Charlie Troup. See also Tora Noodle House, Buona Italian beef, Pulpo Creamery, Wazee Coffee and another Denver outpost of Chicago transplant Giordano’s stuffed deep-dish pizza. There’s also a central bar so you can grab a drink and carry it out to the square to watch the game on the big screen. mcgregorsquare.com
Tom’s Watch Bar
The official sports bar of the Colorado Rockies opened in mid-June, with two stories, 360-degree views and more than 150 TV screens. Diners can expect to find traditional bar food and beers on tap. But the real draws here are the bar’s AC Golden Tank Room, which serves Colorado Native brews straight from copper tanks, and the TopGolf Swing Suites, simulator bays featuring virtual games from zombie dodgeball to baseball and more. tomswatchbar.com
Carmine’s
This second location of the beloved family Italian spot on Denver’s Pennsylvania Street brings shareable plates of eggplant parmesan, chicken marsala, carbonara and more to a sit-down setting on the square. Couples and families alike will find plenty of portions to share, and they’re priced for a reasonable night out before or after the big game. carminescolorado.com
MORE: Ballpark gets a classic American diner just in time for baseball season
The Rally Bar
This is the place to go before the game for a classy cocktail while admiring The Rally hotel, which will also soon be home to the Rockies Hall of Fame. During happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. daily, you can order $5 Johnny (corn) Dogs and $5 highballs or glasses of rosé. The bar also prepares serious cocktails for a punch before heading to the ballpark: Try the Rally Up with local Family Jones vodka, St. Germain, butterfly pea tea, lemon and grapefruit ($11). therallybar.com
RELATED: Where to eat a good meal without breaking the bank near Coors Field
The Original
Just across the hotel lobby from The Rally Bar, you’ll find this all-day diner with booth and counter seating and a menu of classic regional dishes as well as some fun twists. From the twists, try out everything bagel deviled eggs, sweet and savory croughnut sliders, and short rib stroganoff poutine. As for the classics, check out duck fat matzo ball soup, shoestring fries, Reuben’s Cousin Rachel and root beer floats ($4-$15). theogdenver.com
