Sample locally crafted food, drinks at great collective eateries across the state

By Harlee Hunt

The number of food halls and collective eateries on the Front Range continues to grow. Food halls are great options for the crew that can’t seem to agree on where or what to eat. A place where everyone can grab what they like, and still be together is a win-win. Many food halls are now opening within small markets as well, expanding the experience beyond just dining and drinking, to include some shopping as well. Here are a few top-shelf food halls and markets across Colorado.

The Commons

The first food hall in Steamboat Springs recently opened in the former home of Off the Beaten Path Bookstore and the Ghost Ranch Saloon. The Common is a full service bar that also specializes in non-alcoholic and low-alcohol cocktails for lunch crowds and non-drinkers. The food options are also creative, with a farm-to-table comfort food spot, a Jamaican spot and Mimi and Pini, which serves churros and waffles, in addition to the more standard pizza and poke bowls.

Tributary

Tributary Food Hall and Drinkery, Golden’s original food hall, opened in 2019 and is located in the heart of downtown. It features eight food vendors and a full bar, and opens daily at 8 a.m., with options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tributary’s variety of options include a coffee and gelato shop, a meat and cheese shop, dining featuring gyros and tacos, burgers and wings and poke bowls. Their bar serves local beer, in addition to spirits and craft cocktails. They also have a dog-friendly patio for outdoor seating, making it the perfect hangout spot for all.

C.O.A.T.I.

Taking its name from a mammal native to South America, CO.A.T.I. Uprise is a collective food hall dedicated to creating a more vibrant community with compelling experiences and challenging the status quo. Located in Colorado Springs, CO.A.T.I. opened in 2020 and includes Hawaiian and Korean inspired dishes, seafood, sandwiches, paletas, two cocktail bars and much more. CO.A.T.I. prides itself on being a collaborative hangout space open to all, signified by their open seating. The food hall hosts a variety of weekly and monthly events, and also offers event spaces to rent.

The Golden Mill

Beginning as Golden’s mill and feed store generations ago, The Golden Mill became an innovative food hall. The food hall has both indoor and outdoor seating, including Golden’s only rooftop bar, as well as live music and events. The Golden Mill features five food vendors featuring tacos, chicken, barbecue, sushi and ice cream. Along with their food selection, they also offer the only self-pour tap walls in the area, with more than 50 taps on the two walls, including beers, ciders, wines and house-made cocktails. Upon checking in, customers are provided with a Golden Mill RFID card linked to their debit/credit card they can then scan next to the drink of their choice, allowing them to be their own bartenders.

Junction Food and Drink

Junction Food and Drink is a collective food hall in Denver that offers a little something for everyone, hosting places with pizza, burgers, Mediterranean food, coffee and gelato, among others. Patrons can enjoy open seating at the food hall, or opt for pickup or takeout options as well. Not only do they have several places to eat, but they also feature the Junction Bar and Junction Catering as well. The eateries within the food hall also feature an array of events such as kids-eat-free days, weekly specials and holiday events.

The Exchange

A unique dining and retail experience, The Exchange in Fort Collins is a large plaza surrounded by food, shops and events for every age. The Exchange offers indoor and outdoor dining, with common seating and patios outdoors. When dining out with a group, everyone can grab their own food and still enjoy it together. The spot offers multiple tap rooms, and dining that includes burgers, tacos, Italian and more. Other businesses also include pilates and fitness studios and mini golf. Another unique touch is bike parking, a self-serve bike service station and a connection to the Poudre Trail.

Ecclesia Market

Located in Castle Rock, Ecclesia Market is a collective of food, drink, and entertainment. It was constructed in an old church, offering a multi-level experience as opposed to the typical open floor plan of most food halls and markets. They also offer a more laid-back environment than some other food halls. The market includes diverse food options, with eateries offering fish, tacos, Miami cuisine and more. The market also houses Sinners & Saints craft cocktail bar, Sudden Fiction bookstore with new and used books, and two outdoor patios for customers to enjoy their food, drinks or a new book.

Edgewater Public Market

The Edgewater Public Market offers patrons an all-in-one open mall experience, with local, independent food and drink, retail, wellness options and events. Spanning multiple buildings, Edgewater Public Market has something for everyone to enjoy. The first building houses the main food hall, with more than a dozen options including a coffee shop, bar and an ice cream shop. It also features several retail stores such as a bookstore and a tattoo studio. The second building features a restaurant along with the many wellness options such as a yoga studio and group fitness classes. Edgewater Public Market also has a fun-filled calendar of events from music to movies.

For seven more collective eateries in the Denver area click here.

Harlee Hunt attends Wartburg College in Iowa, and is an intern for Thirst Colorado. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and escaping to other worlds by reading.