Since JRS and I go to at least a few games at Coors Field each baseball season, we walk through Denver's Lower Downtown (LoDo) area. It’s essentially the city’s entertainment and nightlife hub, probably because this once-rundown neighborhood has seen a renaissance of sorts since the Rockies joined Major League Baseball in 1995. Since I’ve only been in Colorado seven years after that, I can’t speak for what it looked like, but from those who have, it wasn’t the best part of town.
Like any urban renewal, LoDo has seen revitalization, where classic brick buildings that were factories, warehouses and grain mills have become shiny, slick hotels, luxury apartments, sports bars and restaurants. One recently built place is McGregor Square, directly across the street from the ballpark, and it has become a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
The complex features the Rally Hotel, a boutique property with views of Coors’ exterior and the city; a food hall with self-serve taps; three restaurants; and a bar that serves as the center of the square. This is where people will hang out, drink, eat and cheer their teams. Recently, it hosted a series of World Cup match watch parties, and I witnessed one that felt like a raucous party.
Food and Drink
For a quick bite, head to the food hall, with self-pour taps and six fast-casual eateries. We’ve only tried Tora Ramen and Sushi and Anthony’s Pizza and Pasta, both of which are adequate for Japanese food (best options: salmon poke and spicy red miso ramen) and pizza. But I would bet that the others – G-Que BBQ, C Burger, Ta-Co Mucho Bueno and High Point Creamery – are just as good if I gave them a try.
Of course, the highlight of the food hall is the 35 taps that you can access to pour your own brew. But if the thought of using the taps intimidates you (which it does with me, since I’ve overspilled with my servings at our self-pour place, Golden Mill), try ordering from the bar. The cocktail selection has simple favorites, nothing too fancy. One of my favorites is a spiked vodka version of an Arnold Palmer called Tea Time.
La Loma and other restaurants
McGregor Square has one standalone restaurant, two in-hotel eateries and a bar and grill next to its 17,000-square-foot open area. I’ve been to La Loma several times, all during happy hour, when select drinks and menu items are discounted. While I often prefer an elevated margarita, the house works for me, with a mix of Herradura Silver tequila, Grand Marnier and juice. I also enjoy their popular mini rellenos, crispy bites of Anaheim chile stuffed with melty cheese and served with Hatch green chile sauce.
Call Me Pearl and The Original are in the Rally Hotel. The first serves wine, beer and craft cocktails, primarily with raw bar seafood items, starters, a few entrees and desserts, while the second is a breakfast and lunch venue. Based on what I saw on their website menus, I’m not sure they are worth going to unless you are a hotel guest and don’t know where else to go. LoDo has many other great dining options that are better splurges. Tom’s View Bar would probably be the place I’d go to, because I love having a drink with some slightly upscale bar fare. And that’s exactly what this place has. Plus, you can’t go wrong when you’re eating well and watching your favorite team on a Jumbotron.
Rally Hotel/Retail stores
Following a trend of newer Major League Baseball parks having a hotel directly across the street or down the block, the Rally Hotel was recently named a World’s Best in Travel + Leisure magazine. That’s certainly high praise for a place with plenty of competition elsewhere in the city. But beyond its unbeatable LoDo location, it offers complimentary Coors Banquet or wine at check-in, coffee every morning, floats or ice cream every afternoon, the Skybridge fitness center, a rooftop deck and bar, and access to a car within a two-mile radius, among other amenities.
I’m assuming the rooms – which include two queen, one king and suite options – are quite comfortable and have extras that make a stay special. My only concern would be noise, especially when major sports events are being broadcast from the square. I hope they have state-of-the-art soundproofing. There are also several retail businesses in the complex – a permanent jewelry store, the Rally shop (aka the Rockies flagship store), a fitness studio and a hair and nail salon.
