Downtown on Opening Day in Denver is basically just our sequel to St. Patricks Day. And like every good sequel, we add more gore, more debauchery, and somehow, more drunk people.
We could say traditionally it’s how we celebrate Spring, or how we traditionally pay respect to Galarraga, Bichette, and Castilla – or we could just say something about f*cking “Rocktober”…but if we’re being honest, we know the tradition has more to do with needing an excuse to skip work early, get sauced, and hang at the best patio in town = Coors Field.
Regardless of what tradition you use as YOUR excuse, we figured it’d be helpful to roll out something supportive in tandem with another great baseball tradition – a guide to the best hot dogs in town. In hopes of keeping you alive for the duration of the day – let these recos be the life raft that keeps you afloat during both pre and post-game shenanigans.
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Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs
Steve’s Snappin’ is no joke dogs-wise, and regardless of cuisine, offers some of the best off-the-beaten-path food, atmosphere, and service in the city. Oddly enough, this is the best hot dog spot to take your kids after the Rockies blow a seven run lead. The menu takes a nice tour of the country, offers a nice variety of stuff you’re used to, and stuff you’re probably not. Try the Atlanta and Memphis dogs.
3525 East Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80206
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Biker Jim’s
What’s not to love about the rags-to-riches story of a 16th Street Mall cart that was so popular they opened not one, but two brick-and-mortar restaurants? Biker Jim’s is the American dream come true, and Denver’s all the better for it. It’s also within stumbling distance to the ball field; a perfect spot to commiserate with friends and other fans, after the Rockies blow a seven run lead.
2148 Larimer St., Denver, CO 80205
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Billy’s Gourmet Hot Dogs
Billy’s is all about variety, and is also within stumbling distance to the ball field, offering what you might call a “classier” more elaborate hot dog stop with traditional and specialty sausages. You definitely won’t be disappointed by giving ol’ Bill a try. They also offer a nice variety of “not dogs” or meatless options for people who you should not be hanging out with as it relates to baseball.
2445 Larimer St., Denver, CO 80205
A photo posted by @chainsawlullaby/
Chicago
In our opinion, the more off the beaten path, the better the hot dog. Chicago is definitely standing alone on the Western side of Colfax, and they’re doing pretty damn well. Nothing fancy, but worth the trip. Plus they’re right across the street from Casa Bonita so consider this your best stop post afternoon Rockies game for a night cap full of cliff diving, sopapillas, and Black Bart’s Cave. Your stomach ache the next day will be worth it.
6680 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood CO 80214
A photo posted by @beefyusa/
Mile High Vienna Stand
A cheaper dog stand/spot that also offers a six pack of Chicago Style dogs with fries for cheap. Their hot Italian beef options are also worth your time. We like the location on Santa Fe best, but the Ballpark stand does just fine when you can’t spell your name, or drive, or after the Rockies blow a seven run lead.
1312 21st St., Denver, CO 80205
A photo posted by @sirgeo303/
Sunnyside Burger Bar
Some might find this silly, but Sunnyside is pretty close to the stadium, and they have an f-ing octo-dog – a hot dog that looks like an octopus, and comes with a smiley face made of mustard. We’d like to say this is great for kids, but paired with fries, the draft beer variety at Sunnyside and their patio? We’ll take two.
3759 Lipan St., Denver, CO 80211
A photo posted by @iliedmyfaceoff/
Mustard’s Last Stand
Originating in Boulder, this is another classic stand that keeps things super simple on the dog front. But their simplicity is what makes them great. They’ve been bringing Chicago dog roots to Colorado since 1978, and offer a strong variety of other non-dog options for the group. This is where you go when you’re still up to being respectful… and after the Rockies blow a seven run lead.
2081 S. University Blvd., Denver, CO 80210
A photo posted by @bakerbeee16/
Über Eats
Located in LoHi, right across from the pedestrian bridge into the city, Über Eats is definitely casual, definitely delicious, and features a menu that takes some chances – think things like pork belly benedict and chilaquiles eggs. They also have a good, but pretty stout sausage game. Like, “I don’t think I can walk to the game after eating that” sausage game. So for a safe bet, maybe share a sausage and splurge on the tots.
1535 Central St., Denver, CO 80211
A photo posted by @paxwilliam/
7-11
Go ahead…judge all you want. But when push comes to shove, and you’re walking home hungry, inebriated and desperate, you’ll need this. You know, and we know that you’re going to walk by, or your cab/Uber driver is going to drive by a 7-11. Stop, and get your ass inside for a hot dog. Don’t be afraid… in fact, make this your new Opening Day tradition.
Pretty much everywhere.