Advice I’ve received from many mothers is to ‘be selfish’ during pregnancy. (Selfish meaning to simply put yourself first!) With this advice in mind, Marcello and I have certainly indulged in date nights and brunches throughout this pregnancy. At a minimum our baby girl has certainly appreciated the indulgences.

Here are a few of our favorite spots – but we’re just getting started! 😉

 

Coffee

Pigtrain Coffee

• Lauren’s Favorite: Iced Almond Milk Latte
  • Notes:
    • I personally like my coffee a bit sweet and creamy, without being overwhelming on either front. The almond milk has a touch of sweetness without being overbearing.  I’ve found the almond milk latte to have the perfect balance of caffeinated strength and enjoyable sweetness.
    • Each of their latte sizes has 2 shots of espresso (i.e., Small, Medium, & Large all have 2 espresso shots).
  • Located in Union Station.
  • http://www.pigtraincoffee.com

 

Brunch

Tupelo Honey: (Southern style farm-to-table.)

• Lauren’s Favorite: Wicked Chicken Biscuit sandwich with mixed greens salad
  • Notes:
    • The Wicked Chicken Biscuit brunch sandwich is both filling and indulgent yet fresh and somewhat healthy – (side note, I ask for my chicken to be grilled instead of fried). I’m a sucker for morning biscuits (check), hot sauce chicken (check), a perfectly runny egg (check), and a fresh green salad (check).  Basically, this brunch dish is heaven on a plate for me.
  • Located @ 17^th Street & Wewatta.
  • https://tupelohoneycafe.com/location/denver/

 

 

 

Snooze: (Local breakfast favorite.)

• Lauren’s Favorite: The Snooze Classic or Summer Harvest Benny
• Notes:
  • If you order The Snooze Classic I recommend substituting your toast for one of their tasty pancake options or the French Toast (it’s about a $4 upcharge – worth it).
  • Beware: The Summer Harvest Benny is a heavier dish. Delicious, though.
  • If you love having options and you also love eggs benedict, you have the option of ordering 2 half portions of their benedict offerings.
  • Other side notes:
    • I love their hash browns (fresh, thinly sliced).
    • Menu has a lot of flavorful options while remaining reasonably priced.
    • There is always a wait (& they don’t take reservations), however, if you stop by an hour or two before your preferred time they can schedule you. They also have the convenient texting-you-when-your-table-is-ready option.  As well as offering complementary coffee and fruit infused water (and a game of cornhole) while you wait.
  • Located in Union Station.
  • http://snoozeeatery.com/locations/union-station/

 

 

Lunch

Venice: (Italian, homemade pasta & tapas.)

• Lauren’s Favorite: Insalata di Pere + Tagliatelle Bolognese
• Notes:
  • Can’t beat a homemade Italian lunch for $10! Includes freshly baked bread and friendly service.
  • Located across the street from Union Station, sit outside for pleasant ambiance.
  • Ask for the happy hour menu before you’re seated (served daily 11AM-7PM).
  • Additional tasty $5 options on the happy hour menu – including a favorite of Marcello’s, Mozzarella Caprese.
• Located @ 17^th Street & Wynkoop.
• http://veniceristorante.com

 

Blue Sushi Saki Grill for happy hour

• Lauren’s Favorite: Snow White (cooked maki sushi roll)
• Located @ 16^th & Wazee
• http://bluesushisakegrill.com/

 

Protein Bar: (Fast, healthy.)

• Lauren’s Favorite: HI-5 smoothie + Classic Buffalo quinoa bowl
• Notes:
  • I substitute tofu for the chicken in the quinoa bowl. Their tofu is delicious – I’ve had several failed attempts of duplicating this in my own kitchen.
  • This is fast food. A bit pricey for fast food but plenty of healthy options for those on the go.
• Located between Wewatta & Wynkoop on 16^th
• https://www.theproteinbar.com

 

Dinner

Bistro Vendome: (French, romantic.)

• Lauren’s Favorite: “A sweet, refreshing mocktail” + Salade du Verte + Pommes Frites + Navarin de Poulet + Camembert Cheesecake
• Notes:
  • Quaint space with fantastic service. Always let them know if you’re celebrating anything special.
  • The Pommes Frites are the best fries I’ve ever experienced.
  • Portions run on the smaller size and menu is a bit pricey but the full dining experience is worthwhile.
  • Take a photo under the market lights @ Larimer Square before or after dinner.
• Located @ Larimer Square on Larimer Street between 15^th & 14^th.
• http://www.bistrovendome.com

 

Cholon: (Modern Asian.)

• Lauren’s Favorite: Pork Belly Buns + Soup Dumplings
  • Notes:
    • Both the Pork Belly Buns and the Soup Dumplings are on the happy hour menu for a bit cheaper than the dinner menu.
    • Happy hour takes place Tuesday-Saturday 2PM-6PM.
  • Located @ 16^th Street & Blake
  • https://www.cholon.com/denver/

 

 

Lucky Pie: (Local, fresh pizza.)

• • Lauren’s Favorite: Pepperoni pizza
  • Notes:
    • Pizza is Neapolitan style.
    • Additional location in Louisville, Colorado (next door to Sweet Cow ice cream – our absolute favorite ice cream spot).
  • Located @ 16^th Street & Wazee, in downtown Denver
  • https://www.luckypiepizza.com

 

Other Dinner Options: If you walk up 16^th Street there are tons of great options. Larimer Square has nice sit-down restaurants.

 

After Hours

Ice Cream: Milkbox:

• Lauren’s Favorite: Salted Oreo Banana Split with rainbow sprinkles
  • Notes:
    • Ice cream is from the local favorite Little Man Ice Cream. (http://www.littlemanicecream.com)
    • Flavors change daily and they tend to run out of the more popular flavors later in the day.
    • Marcello loves enjoying his selection via *Shake* style.
  • Located in Union Station
  • http://www.milkboxicecream.com