Denver in 2 Days for Friends - Group-friendly food hall lunch at Avanti — lots of small plates to share
A lively, social-packed 2-day plan for friends visiting Denver in June. Combines group-friendly food halls, a playful escape room, outdoor green-space, brewery tasting, and upbeat live-music/nightlife — all paced for easy travel and shared costs.
Highlights
- Group-friendly food hall lunch at Avanti — lots of small plates to share
- Hands-on escape-room challenge for an energetic group activity
- Sunset rooftop dinner in LoHi (Linger) and live music at Ophelia's
- Botanic Gardens stroll on a warm June morning
- Evening bowling/arcade and cocktails at Punch Bowl Social
Itinerary
Day 1
Downtown & LoDo day: brunch at Union Station, LoDo exploring, a playful escape-room challenge, rooftop dinner in LoHi and live music in LoDo.
Brunch & coffee — Snooze at Union Station
Start the day with a vibrant brunch spot inside Union Station — great for groups and excellent breakfast cocktails. Grab a communal table and split a few plates.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a large table early or put your name down — Snooze has communal seating but lines form on weekend mornings.
- Split pancakes or benedicts family-style to keep costs down and try multiple menu items.
- Union Station has public restrooms and a central seating area where friends can regroup if someone is running late.
Walk/transfer to Larimer Square (LoDo)
A short stroll from Union Station into historic Larimer Square — quick transfer to the next neighborhood for photos and window shopping.
Tips from local experts:
- Walk: it's about 10–15 minutes and full of photo ops — perfect for group selfies under the string lights.
- If anyone's sore-footed, hail a rideshare for a 5-minute hop to Larimer Square.
- Watch for street musicians and pop-up vendors in summer — small purchases make for fun shared memories.
Explore Larimer Square & LoDo streets
Shop independent boutiques, admire historic façades, and scout bars for later. This is a relaxed roaming block with easy group flow.
Tips from local experts:
- Look for stores with shared or communal items (local snacks or craft beer) you can sample as a group.
- If your group wants a sit-down mid-wander, note the outdoor patios — they’re great for 4–6 people.
- Keep an eye on small galleries for evening-event listings; sometimes local bands post flyers for that night.
Transfer to Avanti Food & Beverage (group food-hall lunch)
Quick trip to Avanti — an elevated food-hall with many counters, perfect for groups who each want different things and shared tables.
Tips from local experts:
- Avanti has large communal tables; arrive as a group or text one runner to stake a spot while others order.
- Order several small plates from different vendors to share — easier to split the bill via apps.
- Parking can fill up; consider rideshare or use nearby street garages marked on the Avanti signage.
Lunch at Avanti Food & Beverage — shared bites
Pick from multiple vendors and share plates at communal tables — great for groups with varied tastes.
Tips from local experts:
- Have each person pick one vendor and one shareable item to keep costs even.
- Try to order one or two local beers to sample Denver brewing variety.
- The rooftop area is ideal in June — reserve early if you want shade and an outdoor table for the group.
Transfer to The Escape Game Denver
Short taxi or rideshare to the escape-room venue — time to get pumped for a team challenge.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a single game that accommodates 4–8 players so your whole friend group can play together.
- Rideshare is usually the quickest option — check for traffic if it's a weekend afternoon.
- Use this short transfer to strategize your team name and division of puzzle roles (searcher, puzzle-solver, communicator).
Group challenge — The Escape Game Denver
An engaging, timed escape-room experience — great for groups who love cooperative puzzles and playful competition.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 15 minutes early for the briefing so your full game time is maximized.
- Split responsibilities early (one or two people as clue-loggers) to avoid duplicate efforts.
- If your group wants bragging rights, take a quick team photo at the end — staff often have props for winners.
Taproom break — quick tasting at Great Divide Brewing
Relax with a flight or round of pints nearby — a short social pause after the escape room to compare puzzle notes.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a flight so everyone can try multiple beers without committing to full pints.
- Great Divide has a casual vibe and large tables that can accommodate groups of 4–6.
- Ask staff for current seasonal or limited releases — June often brings bright, hoppy options perfect for summer.
Transfer to LoHi for rooftop dinner (Linger)
Head up to Lower Highland (LoHi) for sunset views and a bustling rooftop dinner scene.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a corner table on the rooftop when possible; it fits groups and offers city views.
- If traffic is light, rideshare will get you there in ~15 minutes; otherwise allow 25–30 min on weekend evenings.
- Dress in layers — rooftop evenings in June cool down after sunset.
Rooftop dinner at Linger — share plates
Global small plates and a rooftop vibe — lively, great for groups, and perfect for summer evenings.
Tips from local experts:
- Order several shareable plates and split evenly — it's cheaper and more social.
- Try to time the reservation for sunset for great photos over downtown.
- If your group likes cocktails, ask the server for the rooftop cocktail specials — they usually have sharable pitchers or rounds.
Short transfer back to LoDo for live music
Head back toward Lower Downtown for late-night live music — quick hop via rideshare or a brisk group walk if you’re up for it.
Tips from local experts:
- Rideshare is fastest after dinner; downtown parking can be pricier at night.
- If your group wants a scenic route, walk across the Highland Bridge for skyline views (about 20–30 minutes).
- Confirm the venue's cover/ID policy ahead of time so everyone has proper ID ready.
Live music & late-night energy — Ophelia's Electric Soapbox
A theatrical, energetic spot for live bands and DJs — lively atmosphere, great cocktails, and a place that welcomes a fun group vibe.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table or booth in advance for a group of 4–6+; they have semi-private sections for celebrations.
- Arrive early to beat the late-evening crowd and get a booth — summer shows can sell out.
- Plan a meetup point outside (under the marquee) in case phones die or reception gets spotty inside.
Day 2
Garden morning and market lunch, brewery tasting and downtown shopping — finish with group-friendly dinner and games at Punch Bowl Social.
Morning stroll — Denver Botanic Gardens
Peaceful, colorful gardens that are ideal for a relaxed morning walk after last night’s energy. June blooms are at their peak.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive early (they open mid-morning) to avoid the midday crowd and to get group photos in soft light.
- Bring sunscreen and a water bottle — June sun is strong in Denver and the gardens have limited shaded benches.
- If anyone wants a quiet moment, the Japanese Garden area is less crowded and perfect for a small-group pause.
Transfer to The Source (RiNo) market hall
Head to The Source for a lively market-hall atmosphere and late-morning snacks or light lunch options.
Tips from local experts:
- Rideshare will take 10–20 minutes depending on traffic; parking can be limited on weekends.
- Scan the vendor boards on arrival — some counters are cashless, so have cards or your phone ready.
- The courtyard is group-friendly in summer evenings; for midday, indoor stalls work better if it’s hot.
Lunch & market exploration at The Source
Choose from an array of artisan vendors — ideal for groups who like sharing small plates and sampling local producers.
Tips from local experts:
- Order several small plates across vendors and spread them out on a communal table for a picnic-style lunch.
- Look for Colorado-specific offerings (local charcuterie, craft sodas) to try something regional.
- If your group plans an afternoon brewery stop, keep lunch light to leave room for tastings.
Afternoon brewery tasting — Great Divide Brewing Company tour & tasting
Join a tasting or self-guided tour (check current tour schedule) and sample local brews — friendly, social, and a Denver staple.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a tasting or tour slot in advance for weekends — groups of friends often book the same slot.
- If you’d rather not do a full tour, ask for a curated flight so everyone can try something new.
- Designate one person to handle tabs or use a card-splitting app to simplify group payments.
Transfer to Tattered Cover (LoDo) for browsing & relaxed shopping
A classic independent bookstore with comfy spaces — light shopping and souvenirs before evening plans.
Tips from local experts:
- Tattered Cover has roomy seating areas perfect for a small group to decompress and decide the evening plan.
- Pick up a local-interest book or guide — great cheap souvenirs and conversation-starters for the trip home.
- If someone needs a quiet spot to take a call or recharge, the upstairs nooks are ideal.
Early evening break / freshen-up
Head back to your accommodation or a nearby café to recharge before dinner and nightlife — quick pause to regroup.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this time to rehydrate and change into evening attire if needed — Denver evenings in June can cool off.
- Consolidate payments/plan for the evening (who’s driving, who’s ordering rounds) to avoid last-minute scrambling.
- Set a firm meetup time and place so the group can depart together (helps with larger groups).
Group-friendly dinner — Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen (LoDo)
Comfortable, energetic spot with shareable plates and a big beer list — built for groups who want robust flavors and communal dining.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a large table in advance — Euclid Hall is popular for groups and has big communal-style seating.
- Try the sausage board and a few elevated pub plates to pass around the table.
- Ask about pitcher specials or flights to keep drink ordering simple for a group.
Final night fun — Punch Bowl Social (bowling, arcade, cocktails)
End the trip with low-pressure competition: lanes, bowling, arcade games, and shareable cocktails — a perfect cap for friends.
Tips from local experts:
- Book lanes or a gaming package in advance for a 4–6 person group to guarantee availability.
- Split food and game tabs by person groups or via apps to keep payments straightforward.
- Punch Bowl has private or semi-private spaces for parties — ask about group deals or combos on booking.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 6 |
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Total Activities | 14 |
| Total Places | 14 |
| Activities Types | Meal, Transfer, Neighborhood, Experience, Nightlife, Attraction, Shopping, Break |
