Colorado has become a mecca for some of the coolest food and market halls that are providing an array of options for groups.
Food halls are no longer the latest darlings on the innovative restaurant scene. However, the advantage of more and more halls popping up around Colorado is the fact they are putting their own creative spin on the trend to stand out from the crowd. Luckily for meeting and event planners, one of the ways that many operators are stepping up their game is by offering specialized ways to accommodate groups.
Stanley Marketplace, Aurora
Stanley Marketplace is a former aviation factory turned urban marketplace, food hall and small business collective with more than 50 independently owned and operated services, boutiques, retailers and restaurants. There are several private event spaces to choose from, including the Upper Deck, Plaza, West Patio, Community Area and a 5-acre outdoor field. One of the largest spaces, The Hangar at Stanley, is capable of hosting up to 1,500 attendees for a reception. A handy way for groups to tap into all the Stanley offers is through the Market Coin app that allows attendees to use preloaded credit to shop, explore and return to their private event.
“A visit to Stanley is an adventure every time because you’ll always find something new, whether it’s a new art installation, pop up, special something from a retailer or great new cocktail to try. Stanley is the community’s gathering place, with a vibe and feel unlike anything else in Colorado,” says General Manager Ally Fredeen.
The Golden Mill, Golden
Situated in the foothills of Denver, The Golden Mill opened in the community of Golden’s historic flour mill and feed store in April 2021. The food hall fills 10,500 square feet on two levels and features “Old Reliable,” a 42-tap, self-pour wall with home-grown brews, wines, ciders, cocktails and sake and five dining options: Rolling Smoke BBQ, Happy Cones (New Zealand ice cream) and three restaurants from local chef Jesusio Silva including Tacos al Chile, Republic of Chicken and Sushi Tora. The former loading area has been converted into The Yard, and there is a 3,000-square-foot rooftop deck, both with views of Clear Creek. The Golden Mill is the creation of Mark Shaker, owner and creator of Stanley Marketplace, in partnership with five Golden locals.
Tributary Food Hall & Drinkery, Golden
Tributary Food Hall & Drinkery holds up to 140 with a full buyout. “Tributary is smaller than standard food halls, which gives it a sense of intimacy,” says Josh Dinar, a co-owner. Reserving the whole joint gives you access to both indoor and seasonal outdoor space, with a food and beverage minimum of $6,000 during peak-season evening events. Lower minimums apply for off-season or daytime events. The offerings from seven micro-eateries, a coffee shop and a full bar are sure to satisfy each of your guests’ unique preferences.
Rosetta Hall, Boulder
Rosetta Hall is a luxe food hall in downtown Boulder with plush velvet seating, a refined navy-and-white color palette, marble countertops and elegant lighting. The three-story culinary hotspot features a coffee shop, two bars and eight restaurant concepts including Italian, Chinese, Thai, Middle Eastern, Mexican, American, Trinidadian and a patisserie that serves amazing desserts and is the entire hall’s bakery. You’ll find live music on occasion and inviting seating on every level, from long tables for groups and intimate nooks for two to rooftop cabanas with unbelievable views of the Flatirons. Chefs who show great promise but don’t have their own brick-and-mortar eateries are hand-selected for Rosetta Hall’s kitchens.
Milepost Zero, Denver
The railroad was the center of everything during The Mile High City’s early days, and the train tracks (known as milepost zero) began across the street from what is now Coors Field. As part of the new McGregor Square development, located adjacent to the baseball stadium, Milepost Zero has several culinary concepts to choose from, along with a Bar & Beer Wall complete with 35 pour-it-yourself taps of craft beer, wines, ciders, seltzers and cocktails. Eat indoors or go outside on the 28,000-square-foot plaza, which is activated year-round with concerts, movie nights, festivals and baseball games showing on a huge LED screen.
Number Thirty Eight, Denver
Named for the fact that Colorado is the 38th state in the union, Number Thirty Eight opened in fall 2020 within a repurposed neon sign factory in Denver’s RiNo district. Inside, 12,000 square feet of open space holds four culinary options and an always-rotating selection of branded taprooms operated by craft brewers, winemakers and distillers from throughout Colorado. A wall of garage doors opens onto 18,000 square feet of outdoor patio, an al fresco stage and two beach volleyball courts. A wristband payment system ensures that individuals and groups have a seamless experience at Number Thirty Eight. Gatherings from 30 to 1,200 can be hosted.
The Source Hotel + Market Hall, Denver
The Source Hotel + Market Hall differentiates itself by having not one but two market halls on-site. While planners can rent individual restaurant spaces, they also can book one of the market halls. Market Hall I is a former iron foundry, where 30 to 50 people can enjoy catering from any of the counters. Market Hall II accommodates 125 to 150 people, with food and beverage from Safta’s. If planners can’t choose between the two halls, the 2,300-square-foot RiNo Ballroom is a great third space for up to 140 seated guests and has sliding garage doors. Or check out The Woods Rooftop Restaurant on the eighth floor for groups as large as 200 for a buyout that includes the indoor space, patio and pool deck. The Flex Room, adjacent to The Woods, is perfect for private dinners or board meetings for up to 10. If attendees are from out of town, the hotel has 100 guest rooms to book.
The More the Merrier
Avanti F&B // Denver & Boulder
In 2020, Avanti F&B opened a second location in Boulder based on the success of its first location in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood, which was one of the first food halls in the state. Both have amazing rooftop decks, and the Boulder Avanti F&B offers options for all kinds of diets, such as keto, gluten-free and more. Plus, a grab-and-go coffee concept, Lost City, that’s not available in Denver keeps the Boulder hall fresh, exciting and caffeinated.
Denver Milk Market // Denver
Located in the LoDo neighborhood near Coors Field, Denver Milk Market is the cornerstone of the historic Dairy Block and has an all-local mix of 16 restaurants and bars envisioned and run by acclaimed Colorado chef Frank Bonanno. Whether you’re looking to host a small group in the Moo Bar or Stranded Pilgrim or do a buyout of the entire market, there are many options for groups.
Grange Hall // Greenwood Village
Located just a block away from Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre in the new Arapahoe Entertainment District, Grange Hall is chef Troy Guard’s latest endeavor. Grange Hall features eight food stalls run by various chefs, a space for rotating concepts and an in-house craft brewery. The hall is reminiscent of a historic community center and hosts regular events including live music, holiday festivities, sports watch parties and more. Grange Hall encompasses 13,000 square feet of space and is available to host private events.
Ivywild School // Colorado Springs
Kick it back to your childhood at Ivywild School, where a 1916 schoolhouse building has been transformed into a food hall containing a brewery, several restaurant concepts and private spaces. Wandering down the halls, you can examine the changing art offerings during the minutes between meetings in the Gym, the largest private space. Attendees will give planners an A+ for booking this Colorado Springs venue.
Rayback Collective // Boulder
If you’re looking for something a little more casual, consider Rayback Collective. Event spaces include the Lounge and the Marion, holding up to 75 and 200, respectively. While outside catering is allowed, planners can get food truck vouchers for attendees, creating a more unique dining experience than a traditional meeting might offer. After the meetings are over, conclude with a happy hour in the backyard, where rotating food trucks pair nicely with cornhole, bocce ball and fire pits.
Zeppelin Station // Denver
Offering either private spaces or full buyouts along with gift cards, wristbands and drink tickets for groups, Zeppelin Station has it all (even parking). The upstairs mezzanine bar, Big Trouble, can host 113 seated and 250 standing, while the entire space can hold 500-plus.
Food halls are a great option to satisfy a wide range of tastes and dietary needs while offering big tastes of Colorado.
