Free Coffee or Queso for 303 Day, Central Bistro and Bar, and Elitch Gardens Season Pass

Where did February go? This is a rhetorical question that I don't have an answer to. Already we are into the second day of March and I am sure that June is right around the corner. That being said, I took a quick look and found some great deals for now and some that you are sure to enjoy come summer.

Freebie - 303 Day at Illegal Pete's 

303 Day is a celebration of Denver and all things Colorado. Tomorrow celebrate by wearing your favorite Colorado gear to Illegal Pete's and you will be rewarded with free coffee at breakfast and free chips and queso during lunch or dinner.  Furthermore New Belgium taps will be $3.03 all day long. If you visit any of the 7 locations in the evening, you will also be treated to live comedy and music performances. 

 

Central Bistro and Bar - $29 for $50 to spend on Cocktails and Food

I've been a big fan of Matt Selby's food ever since Vesta Dipping Grill .... 10 years ago! Since leaving Vesta, Steuben's, Ace - Matt has started a new(ish) restaurant in the LoHi neighborhood.  

The menu features what I call dressed up casual food - Mac n' Cheese... but for adults, chicken wings ... Confit, and KALE caesar salad. You can see my point. While, I poke fun at the elevated menu, in all actuality, I have really enjoyed every meal that I have had at Central. 

Right on the heels of Restaurant week, you can essentially get the same deal via LivingSocial $29 for $50 worth of food and drink. 

Central Bistro and Bar $50 to Spend on Local, Inspired Fare at a Friendly and Fun LoHi Neighborhood Bistro

Mussels and  Frites 

OK, So I took this funny photo the last time that I was at Central Bistro and Bar - I would love to hear your captions on this photo in the comments below for these two HOT LADIES. 

Elitch Gardens Season Pass with Meal Pass

Any Coloradan who plans to go to Elitches even once, is better off buying a season pass over the gate fees. Technically it pays for itself in two visits. Personally I buy a pass for the lazy river in the water park. Sometimes it's just nice to relax and float down the river. 

Right now Groupon has a really good deal, where you can get both the season pass and a meal plan for $144.95 or $79.99 for just the pass.  

2015 Season Pass with Season Pass Meal Plan and one single-use Rapid Ride Pass

Denver Day Trip #4 – $2 Bloody Mary’s, Take an Art Class, Go Bowling, and Watch a Movie

Does brunch, an art class, crafting, and a movie sound like a busy day? It is but you will find yourself enjoying every minute of this South (-ish) Broadway agenda.  The official classification of South Broadway is anything south of Alameda, but this excursion is just north of Alameda, in the Baker neighborhood.

The Hornet - 10 am

76 Broadway, (SE Corner of 1st & Broadway), Denver, CO 80203
(303) 777-7676

www.hornetrestaurant.com/

The Hornet has amazing comfort food that is good any time of day and any day of the week. However on the weekend for brunch, they have a fun $2 ‘make your own Bloody Mary’ bar. Granted, you will inevitably end up making several different Mary’s, but more than likely you’ll enjoy each one. For brunch, try the homemade Pop-Tart, Breakfast Tacos, or the classic Broadway Breakfast.

  

The Art Students League of Denver - 11 am

200 Grant Street, Denver, Colorado 80203
303-778-6990 

http://www.asld.org/

The Art Students League of Denver (ASLD) opened its doors in 1987 starting with 100 students and now growing to over 800 students a month.  ASLD teaches a variety of classes and workshops in several different disciplines including: ceramics, sculpture, painting, drawing, printmaking, and jewelry making. Classes are offered in various skill levels from beginner to advanced skill sets. You can either sign up for an ongoing class, drop-in for figure drawing, or attend one of their Demo and Dialogue events.

Lowbrow – 2pm

250 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
(303) 722-1797

http://www.lowbrowdenver.com/

Now that you have picked up some technical artistic skills at ASLD, time to visit some other forms of art. By that I mean it’s time to find some really cool coloring books, stickers, Munny dolls, workshop, and gallery. The Denver shop also has monthly workshops ranging from screen printing to nail art and every month it’s different. While you are there, make sure to check out the gallery walls at the back half of the shop, which usually rotates art every month or so.

      

Punch Bowl Social – 3pm

65 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
(303) 765-2695

http://punchbowlsocial.com/

At this point you have probably worked up an appetite and ready for a snack. Not to worry, it’s happy hour! If you are looking to have a snack and kill a little time, I suggest heading over to Punch Bowl Social (PBS). Their happy hour is from 3-6pm and has both food and drink specials. The deviled eggs and the Paper Tiger punch may just hit the spot. However, if you are hungry for more, try the Cast Iron Burger or Cauliflower Nachos. Once you have had your fill, explore PBS to find bowling, shuffle board, darts, Ping-Pong, and classic arcade games.

 The Mayan Theater – 4 (or 7pm)  

110 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
(303) 744-6799

http://www.landmarktheatres.com/denver/mayan-theatre

Most of the movies at the Mayan Theater start around 4 or 7 pm, give or take 15 minutes, however view their website for the most up-to-date movie time. Most of the films, at this 1930s Art Deco theater, are independent or foreign release.  The Mayan Revival movie house only has three screens – One large and two smaller screens, so it is a good idea to get tickets ahead of time for popular releases. Popcorn, pretzels, candy, and beer can usually be found at the concession stand.

For Love of Annie's Cafe - Denver Favorite

Hanging out in the lobby of Annie's Cafe,  I briefly wait for the hostess to say goodbye to a few regulars. I see a display case showing candy favorites from my childhood - Saltwater taffy, chocolate malt balls and gummy worms. The hostess has wrapped up with her customers and  is now leading me and my friends back to a wooden slat booth, reminiscent of a park bench (sounds uncomfortable, but really isn't). The decor is whimsical and retro with classic metal lunch boxes stringed across the restaurant and the TVs are playing The Wizard of OZ.

Sitting with the likes of Knight Rider and Pac Man, I can't help but wonder why more people don't know about the place. By people, I mean people that I know. Specifically, I was at The Bluebird Theater (a block away) and I mentioned that I wanted to go to Annie's, to a group of friends, for some green chili fries and they had no idea... this annoys me slightly, but only to the point I take my unsuspecting friend for an amazing spiked milkshake. I am a Denver native, but have only learned of this local treasure a couple of years ago and they have been in business since 1981. This amazes me because the service, food and atmosphere are great! Annie's is a diner, specializing in REALLY good comfort dishes and spins on the classics. For example, they have all the traditional omelettes, but then they also have a  Mac n' Cheese Omelette.

Originally drawn in by promises of pie, I have since discovered so much more than pie. Some of my favorites include:

•  The House Green Chile - I like smothered on fries with cheese OR as a side with the house made chips. You can get the chips smothered, but I like them crunchy. 
• The Hopscotch - Delicious on a cold day... it's hard to go wrong with hot chocolate and butterscotch schnapps.
• Fried Pickes - Yummmmm!
• Pie - Pick any one; they are all delicious. 

The Deal - Annie's Cafe and Bar has Happy Hour every day from 3-6 and has nightly food specials Wednesday - Sunday 

Annie's Cafe and Bar

3100 E. Colfax ave

303-355-8197

M-F 7am-10pm, Sat 8am-10pm, Sun 8am - 8pm