Terminal Bar at Union Station is the end of the line for some folks when either coming or going from Denver. The old infrastructure speaks of days gone by where the pony express came through and the Wild West spun out into history. Old seekers of new things have always been passing through, and with the new renovation, the not so distant past still holds true. It is no longer just a place to start or end travel, it’s a comfy couch after a long trip or ice cold beer after a long day in the sun – those stone walls are the Welcome Home sign for all those in Denver.
I casually flipped through my smartphone as I waited for my Tinder date to arrive. I was early and the people-watching was on point. The late 1800s architecture loomed over me as folks shuffled in and out of the place. People shuffled to and fro like cattle grazing. It was a far cry from the Union Station I knew only a few years ago. Now, there is a train that goes directly to the airport and the foot traffic has picked up significantly.
There are several different places to eat and visit in Union Station: a coffee shop, an ice cream shop, several restaurants and a few bars. But at the center of it all is Terminal Bar.
My date arrived in her lawyerly fashion. She was tall, blonde and gorgeous. Things were going my way. We walked up to the public facing bar where a beer list faces fall the world to see and they are constantly rotating the drafts they have on tap. I ordered an IPA while she ordered a Saison. The prices were the going rate of $6. It is hard to find cheap, good beer in this town, but you can’t always win, no?
I pulled out my wallet and as I was grabbing my card she jumped in front of me and paid. With a smirk, she said, “Welcome to the future.” My attraction was palpable. I love a strong woman who doesn’t just settle under the umbrella of established traditions. Refreshing.
As we sat and talked about tattoos and other introductory conversation I couldn’t help notice that even though we were in public space there was a private feel to the seating area for Terminal Bar. Maybe that was the booze talking or the good conversation that was happening but I don’t think it was that. It wasn’t so much situational as it was institutional in the re-design of the Union Station. Terminal Bar has an austere of the place is half-bar, half-public lounge, and cafeteria and it is wonderful.
We ordered another beer and wandered out farther into the courtyard and sat in some green chairs with high backs. We watched folks play shuffleboard and get increasingly silly as they drank beer and craft cocktails. The four-hour conversation strolled on with enthusiasm and potential. The lights dim, pause time, enjoy your life and the company of others.
Modern potential meets classic arrangements meets the Denver Hopper. Maybe that’s how Hollywood will write it: Two people swipe right and meet at a refurbished time capsule and the stars align and next thing you know they are on a train to Big Sur California falling madly in love. But then again, you may not find love or lust in the Terminal Bar at Union Station. In fact, you might just want to bring your important friends to a cool and casual and public place to unwind. Either way, Terminal Bar is ripe for a movie screen or just a night out on the town.
Terminal Bar at Union Station
Website: terminalbardenver.com
Address: 1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver, CO 80202