Denver Union Station

"Union Station, Denver Even if you don’t have a train to catch, you’ll want to make time to explore all of the dining options at Denver’s Union Station. This Beaux-Arts landmark, completed in 1914, underwent a complete renovation in 2014, and now it not only serves as a modern transit hub, but houses a hotel, shops, and nearly a dozen restaurants and bars as well. Eateries include fresh seafood, oysters, and a granita bar at Stoic & Genuine; seasonally inspired comfort food at the sit-down eatery within Mercantile Dining & Provision; and locally sourced casual fare at Next Door. Pick up breakfast at Snooze, get caffeinated at Pigtrain Coffee Co., and for lunch or a quick dinner, stop by the Acme Delicatessen (and don’t forget Milkbox Ice Creamery for frozen indulgence afterward). For evening visits—postprandial or otherwise—head up to the Cooper Lounge on the mezzanine level for cocktails looking out into the station’s Great Hall."

"Union Station, Denver's so-called “living room,” sits in the center of Lower Downtown. It's a busy transit center with an outdoor play fountain, patio-filled restaurants, and boutiques. But this is all new; for decades the historic Beaux Arts building—first constructed in 1881 before several fires required renovations in 1914—was a desolate and run-down train station. A $54 million restoration and a dedicated train to the airport changed all that, and the station’s Grand Hall has returned to its glory days. Tourists and locals alike come to gawk at the historic architecture, linger over drinks, or enjoy community events, including a weekend farmer’s market. Grab a farm-to-table dinner at Mercantile Dining & Provision, then finish the night slinging cocktails at the Terminal Bar." - Nicholas DeRenzo, Megan Barber

"Zoom out. What's the story here? Union Station, Denver's so-called "living room," sits in the center of Lower Downtown. It's a busy transit center with an outdoor play fountain, patio-filled restaurants, and boutiques. But this is all new; for decades the historic Beaux Arts building—constructed in 1881 before several fires required renovations in 1914—was a desolate and run-down train station, struggling to find purpose after the heyday of train travel in the 1930s ended. A $54 million restoration and a dedicated train to the airport changed all that. The station’s Grand Hall has returned to its glory days, with huge chandeliers; the original ticketing office transformed into a bar. Milkbox Ice Creamery is in the old Union Station barber shop, showcasing terrazzo floors, subway tiles, and original antique mirrors. It’s all free to explore, although a beer from the Terminal Bar or scoop of ice cream certainly improves the experience. What’s the vibe? Union Station is a bustling hub of activity, with travelers wheeling suitcases, young professionals camped out over coffees and laptops, and families stopping in for a quick breakfast or lunch. What if we've never been here before? Explore the Grand Hall for free or head to the Crawford Hotel —the only hotel inside Union Station—for weekend tours. What's the crowd like? Tourists and locals alike come to gawk at the historic architecture, linger over drinks, or enjoy community events, including a weekend farmer’s market. Did it meet expectations? Much like Denver itself, Union Station is a blend of old and new. The Grand Hall is a gorgeous example of how to restore a historic building, while the modern, swooping train platform located directly behind the building is an Instagrammable stopover in its own right. Expectations couldn’t have been higher when Union Station reopened in 2014, and since then it’s lived up to the hype. So, then, what, or who, do you think it’s best for? Big spenders can quickly tour Union Station. Grab a farm-to-table dinner at Mercantile Dining & Provision, then finish the night slinging cocktails at the Terminal Bar. Likewise, those on a budget can take in the sights with a simple coffee or ice cream. In other words, Union Station offers something for everyone." - Megan Barber

"Denver’s revamped Union Station isn’t only the hub of Amtrak service in and out of Denver. The historic station’s welcoming public area also contains several food stands and restaurants as well as two bars. Options include breakfast at Snooze, pastas and steaks from the acclaimed Mercantile Dining and Provision, seafood at Stoic & Genuine, and drinks from the more casual Terminal Bar and fancier upstairs Cooper Lounge. There’s also shuffleboard tables, gift stores, a florist, and a small Tattered Cover book store." - Rebecca Treon, Paul Albani-Burgio

"For a busy space to set up and get some work done, look into one of the many options at Union Station. Mercantile has wonderful coffee and some of the best baked goods in town, or grab a cup from Pig Train or a drink at Terminal Bar. If an energetic space is the best work environment for you, Union Station is worth a visit." - Jessie Levine, Paul Albani-Burgio