By Katie Rapone, editor
Planning a holiday celebration in Denver this year? Beyond great food and festive décor, the Mile High City’s most compelling venues tell a larger story—one of design innovation, adaptive reuse, and the evolving intersection of hospitality and real estate. Whether it’s a MICHELIN-Recommended dining room, a reimagined hotel ballroom, or a new concept born in the city’s creative corridors, these spaces showcase how thoughtful design and smart development create more than just memorable experiences—they build lasting value.
Ideal for: Impressing out-of-town friends
MICHELIN Recommended Alteño is home to a beautiful private dining room for up to 14 people. Located within the Clayton Hotel and Members Club, this intimate space showcases the heart and soul of Chef Johnny Curiel’s authentic Jaliscan Highlands cuisine. Plus, enjoy an exclusive prix fixe menu crafted uniquely for each special event, along with an exceptional beverage program featuring premium agave spirits and a selection of Mexican, American, and European wines chosen by Alteño’s in-house sommelier.
Designed by Agatha Jane Interior Design, the restaurant’s moody, sophisticated aesthetic pays homage to Jalisco through displays of framed Mexican dollies. A raw bar situated at the center of the restaurant fosters a connection between the kitchen and guests, adorned with a hand-painted Tonala-style velvet mural by local artist Delton Demares.
Ideal for: Corporate gatherings and large-scale events
The Colorado Ballroom spans 2,500 square feet, offering stunning downtown views and accommodating up to 300 guests. The versatile space can be split into three separate meeting rooms and connects seamlessly to hospitality suites. On-site catering is handled by Apple Blossom, the hotel’s farm-to-table restaurant.
As the final urban infill on a historic Denver block, the Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver was designed by JNS Architecture + Interior Design to honor its context while expressing modernity. Drawing from extensive research of the surrounding Historic Civic and Entertainment Districts, the design features two distinct facades that reflect the neighborhood’s architectural rhythm and massing. Crisp detailing, modern materials, and thoughtful composition of bays, windows, and panels create a tailored, contemporary expression that complements the historic streetscape, allowing the building to both fit seamlessly into its surroundings and stand as a testament to modern craftsmanship.
Ideal for: Groups who love sharing plates and stories
At BearLeek, RiNo’s newest buzzy spot from Colorado natives and chefs Harrison Porter and Rema Maaliki, a 14-seat community table takes center stage in their vibrant underground space. Buzzing with the energy of shared meals and spirited conversation, this table is an ideal setting for holiday dinner parties. Those seeking a more intimate experience can reserve seats at the eight-seat, raw concrete chef’s counter, offering a front-row seat to the craft and care unfolding.
Designed in collaboration with Kevin Nguyen of Regular Architecture, the space channels the vibrant energy of Denver’s RiNo district—a neighborhood celebrated for its bold street art and creative spirit. Beneath the glow of electric blue neon, guests step into the dining room where street art influences pop against moody tones and rich textures, anchored by a mural that honors the dynamic spirit of the surrounding arts community.
Ideal for: Date nights and milestone celebrations
Wine enthusiasts will feel at home at MICHELIN Recommended Barolo Grill, where private bookings pair exclusive dining spaces with a dedicated sommelier to curate tableside pairings from their Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning collection. Throughout December, a tableside Parmigiano Reggiano risotto wheel is available upon request. Three distinct venues offer different atmospheres: The Wine Room, an elegant shared table for up to 14 guests nestled within the working wine cellar; the Red Room, an intimate space for groups of 10-20 showcasing floor-to-ceiling wine displays; and the Garden Room, a gathering space for 15-32 guests that blends rustic, exposed brick with vintage Italian architectural elements for a transportive Northern Italian experience.
Hosting extraordinary wine-focused events since 1992, Barolo Grill’s design strikes a balance between fine dining polish and the warmth of a neighborhood cornerstone. This authenticity is shaped by yearly staff trips to Italy, inspiring a unique personality for each of their distinguished spaces. The result is a setting where every occasion feels both refined and genuinely restorative, backed by decades of experience in making each celebration memorable.
Ideal for: Craft cocktail lovers and spirit enthusiasts
The restaurant delivers an exceptional holiday party venue for groups up to 65, complete with an on-site team ready to craft inventive, sustainably sourced cocktails featuring their own small-batch spirits. This modern, thoughtfully designed space exclusively pours Family Jones Spirits, paired perfectly with customizable menus from their catering partner.
Designed by Tres Birds in September 2017, the Family Jones Spirit House offers a lofty, intimate atmosphere marked by abundant natural light, two-story wood interiors, and lounge-style table arrangements that encourage a communal living room feel, providing views into the working distillery operations.
