The Nuggets and Avs Fans’ Guide to LoDo

Home Base: The Crawford Hotel at Denver Union Station

If you’re in town to cheer on the Denver Nuggets or Colorado Avalanche, there’s no better home base than The Crawford Hotel, which is nestled inside Denver Union Station. With its classic design and access to some of downtown’s best dining and nightlife, the Crawford makes it easy to enjoy Denver before and after the game. Even better, it’s just a short walk from Ball Arena, where some of the city’s most memorable recent sports moments have taken place.

10 a.m.
Kick off your day at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, the Union Station staple that’s always buzzing with energy. The menu updates classic brunch favorites with inventive twists—think habanero pork belly breakfast fried rice, pineapple upside-down pancakes, and creative benedicts. Pair your plate with a cold brew or a mimosa, depending on whether it’s a matinee tip-off or an evening puck drop.

11 a.m.
After brunch, take a few minutes to wander through Union Station’s Great Hall, where travelers and locals mingle. Browse the Tattered Cover Book Store for a local read, or stop into 5 Green Boxes, where you can peruse the eclectic gifts. Need a wardrobe refresh before the game? Check out official team apparel at The Rally Store, just a short walk away in McGregor Square.

1:30 p.m.
From Union Station, it’s a quick 10-minute stroll through LoDo to Ball Arena. Arrive early to soak up the pre-game buzz and explore the venue’s local food and drink options, including Michelob Ultra Mountain House, whose decor is inspired by the Q Creek Ranch in Wyoming.

5 p.m.
After the final buzzer, head back to Union Station and slip upstairs to The Cooper Lounge for an elevated cocktail experience. Overlooking the Great Hall, Cooper Lounge pairs refined drinks and small plates with timeless ambience. 

If you’re looking for something a little more casual in Union Station, check out Terminal Bar, where you can choose from an ever-changing list of Colorado craft beers or enjoy a classic cocktail while you take in the energy of the Great Hall.

6 p.m.
With a lineup of standout restaurants, Union Station is the perfect spot for dinner. It's worth checking out all three of these options to see what sounds like the best postgame meal:

• Mercantile: A chef-driven Denver classic that uses seasonal Colorado ingredients and offers a relaxed, upscale feel.
• Ultreia: Spanish and Portuguese small plates perfect for sharing—try the Moorish spiced ribs and a gin tonic.
• Olive & Finch Eatery: A casual, modern spot serving everything from dan dan noodles to Thai red curry.

7:30 p.m.
Wind down your evening with a scoop from Milkbox Ice Creamery or a nightcap at Terminal Bar as Union Station’s lights glow against the night sky. When you’re ready to call it a day, your room at the Crawford is just steps away.