You’re in town for the Colorado Avalanche game but want to make a night of it. You don’t want to eat a last-minute hot dog before the game starts; you want to sit back, relax, and make the most of Colorado’s best dining experiences. The good news is that there’s much on offer, from upscale rooftop experiences to casual Mexican mainstays. Let’s check out the best Ball Arena food spots in 2025.
54thirty Rooftop
Located at the top of the Le Meridien hotel, this open-air rooftop bar is ideal for pregamers who want to start the night off classy. It’s located less than a mile from Ball Arena, so you can leave just a few minutes post-meal to get to the game. On offer are Korean BBQ chips, avocado hummus, and charcuterie boards to pair with your pregame drinks. With signature cocktails and a moderate pricing range, there’s no reason you can’t treat yourself. One thing to note is that they don’t take reservations, so it’s first-come, first-served.
1475 California St, Denver, CO 80202
Brooklyn’s at Ball Arena
If you don’t want to venture too far away from the stadium, Brooklyn’s has everything you need for the ultimate pregame meal. This spacious sports bar is open seven days a week from 11 am until close and is considered a go-to destination before seeing the Colorado Avalanche play. Diverse menu options include the Reuben and French dip sandwiches, iconic house salads, and their signature Green Chili, a great pair with classic margaritas. They fall into a moderate price range, so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy your time here.
901 Auraria Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204
Illegal Pete’s Lodo
If you’re up for exploring downtown Denver before you head to the game, check out Illegal Pete’s. Located close to Ball Arena, this restaurant is considered one of the best pregame spots, as voted on popular travel sites like Tripadvisor. The menu includes loaded burritos, signature queso, beer-battered Alaskan pollack fish tacos, and Pete’s green chile, a well-known icon. The most notable thing here is the price, with popular menu items costing between $10 and $20. It’s cheap, cheerful, and’ll get you in the mood to cheer on your favorite team.
1610 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
Perhaps you’re in the mood for Asian cuisine. Blue Sushi Sake Grill can sort you out if this is the case. Situated just half a mile from Ball Arena, this lively establishment offers a modern take on traditional Japanese dining. From specialty nigiri options like Cherry Bomb with bigeye tuna and creative maki rolls, including the San Marcos Maki, you definitely won’t leave feeling like you still need a hot dog last minute. Their pricing is moderate, especially considering the quality and freshness of the food.
1616 16th St, Denver, CO 80202
Osteria Marco
Osteria Marco takes Italian cuisine to another level. Located just a short walking distance from Ball Arena, this beloved restaurant that’s been open since 2007 will ensure you’re all carbed up ahead of a fun night at the game with friends. On display when you first enter the restaurant are cheese makers crafting fresh burrata, as they strive to embody the traditional concept of osteria, where mouthwatering pizzas are created alongside fine Italian dining. Their hand-tossed pizzas include fig and goat cheese, and their freshly rolled pastas include Radiatore Bolognese. They also have an impressive panini selection. Their commitment to house-made ingredients makes this a fresh, worthwhile choice if you want to make the most of quality Denver dining.
Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse
Just one block south of Union Station, where you can catch a quick train to the game, is Fogo de Chao, a popular Brazilian steakhouse. Its history goes back to southern Brazil in 1979, and elevates centuries-old cooking techniques. High-quality meats are roasted over an open flame, and premium beef cuts include filet mignon, picanha, and ancho. You can also make the most of their bacon-wrapped chicken and pork sausage. Pricing is moderate, and overall, this is an excellent choice if you’re particularly hungry and know you won’t eat for a while.
1513 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202
Corinne Denver
Another restaurant located in Le Meridien, this modern American restaurant offers upscale sensibilities at affordable prices. They seemingly do it all, an ideal choice if you’re going out with a group that can’t decide what they want. Their seafood selection includes diver scallops, while their pasta options feature wild mushroom Bolognese. Hearty entrees include braised short rib with pommes puree. While you might break the bank a bit here, they’re a good choice if you go out of your way to find quality, memorable food.
1455 California St, Denver, CO 80202
Tamayo
Tamayo is grassroots Mexican with modern sensibilities, allowing you to experience the best of both worlds. Authentic Mexican cuisine shines through quality menu options, including Chile relleno stuffed with shrimp, calamari, and scallops. You’ll also love their pork tenderloin carnitas, served over black bean puree. This isn’t your typical hole-in-the-wall Mexican, but it is fresh, with quality ingredients you can get behind. Pricing falls in the moderate range, offering a memorable dining experience that will change how you see Mexican food.
Tavernetta
Tavernetta is another downtown Denver staple located next to Union Station, making it too easy to jump on a train after your meal. Another Italian offering, this celebrated menu includes handmade pastas ranging from lamb ragu to Maine lobster tagliatelle. Its open kitchen allows you to experience not only the menu but the preparation of the food, and its vibrant atmosphere means you can relax and catch up with friends before heading to the stadium. Pricing is slightly above moderate, making it an excellent choice for a special occasion.
1889 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202
Conclusion
While concession fare is practical and sometimes necessary when seeing your favorite team play at Ball Arena, it doesn’t have to be your only option. What better way to get to know downtown Denver than to explore the culinary scene conveniently located just minutes away from the stadium? Whether you plan on walking to the game or jumping on a train, there is a multitude of options available to you. From upscale dining experiences like Tavernetta and El Five to casual favorites like Illegal Pete’s, you’ll find that Denver has a wide variety of fresh, delicious food within walking distance of Ball Arena. Planning ahead is essential, so try to make reservations where you can. However, you should also understand that not all restaurants take reservations, so in this case, it pays to be early. Ultimately, where you eat comes down to personal preference, how much time you have, and your budget. These standout locations prove you don’t have to settle for a stadium hot dog right before entering the game.