We went Maggiano’s Little Italy last year. Party of about 20 people. They were totally unprepared, service was very VERY slow and food was just OK. I wouldn’t go back there again.

This is some helpful information for all of you beer fans out there.
There a few places that I have been to, and a few that I’m looking to visit during CEDIA EXPO 2007.

Have fun and remember to leave a few brain cells active for classes and the show floor!
Ralph Scrofani
Home Systems
http://www.homesystemsusa.com

I believe that if you’re going to visit a distant city like Denver, you should immerse yourself in the local pleasures after a hard day of meetings, classes and networking at CEDIA EXPO.
What better way to do that than by enjoying some locally crafted beers, in a city known for its brewpubs!

One of my favorites is Wynkoop Brewing Company
The food is a big draw and is the perfect place to try succulent Colorado Lamb, tender Elk medallions, or a lean and flavorful Buffalo NY strip steak.  There is a wide variety of beers, handcrafted in Denver’s first brewpub like their popular Railyard Ale, Sagebrush Stout and Quinn’s Scottish Ale among many others.

(info from their website)
ADDRESS 1634 18th Street Denver, CO 80202

WEB http://www.wynkoop.com

PHONE 303-297-2700

HOURS
11 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Kitchen Open: until 11:00 M-Th, Midnight on Fri/Sat and
10:00 Sundays

DIRECTIONS
Located in the heart of Lower Downtown on 18th between Wynkoop Street and Wazee Street across from the Union Train Station.

Although it belongs to a chain of over 30 brewpubs around the country, you can’t go wrong at the Rock Bottom Brewery
Some of their beers are quite good and have won many regional and national awards. If you can’t decide on a beer, you could try a sampler! The food is inventive pub fare, with some particularly tasty appetizers like the Titan Toothpicks (giant Taquitos) and spicy Buffalo Wings.

(info from their website)
Located in downtown Denver at the corner of 16th Street and Curtis Street on the historic 16th Street Pedestrian Mall.
1001 16th Street #A-100
Denver, CO 80265
Phone:  (303) 534-7616
Fax:  (303) 534-2129
Web: http://www.rockbottom.com
Daily 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.

Its worth the 30 minute drive to the college town of Boulder to enjoy the best burger I’ve ever had at the Walnut Brewery
Owned by the same company that includes the Rock Bottom Brewery, the Walnut Brewery has a single location in Boulder, Colorado.
Some of their locally crafted beers have won awards at the Great American Beer Festival held annually in Denver.
The St. James Irish Red Ale, Devil’s Thumb Stout, Buffalo Gold Ale and Old Elk Brown Ale ( I know, I was thinking the same thing...) are some of my favorites.
If you’re looking for a memorable Cheeseburger, you have to try the House Burger.
(quote from their website)
Our signature Stout ketchup makes this burger a true original. Topped with melted Swiss and Cheddar, three types of mushrooms and our caramelized Ale onions. Served on a bakery fresh bun.
It was so good last year, I plan to head on back there for another one. The prices are very reasonable, the beer, food and service are outstanding, and they have generous daily happy hour specials
What more could you ask for?

(info from their website)
We are located one block south of the Pearl Street Mall on Walnut Street, between Broadway and 11th Street.
1123 Walnut Street
Boulder, CO 80302
Phone:  (303) 447-1345
Fax:  303-447-0067
Hours
Lunch 11am-5pm Mon-Fri
Brunch 11am-2pm Sat-Sun
Dinner 5pm-10:30pm Sun-Thu
Dinner 5pm-11pm Fri-Sat
Happy Hour
Monday-Friday
4PM-6PM

http://www.rockbottomrestaurantsinc.com/RockBottomWeb/WB/home.aspx?SectionName=Root.Home

Although they don’t brew their own beer here, I’m looking forward to trying the Falling Rock Tap House.
Located just down the street from the Flying Dog Brewery, the folks at this pub boast over 75 beers from around the world on tap!
I saw this pub featured on Beer Nutz on Cablevision’s MojoHD channel, and it looked like a lively and friendly place.
visit their website at http://www.fallingrocktaphouse.com

Falling Rock Tap House
1919 Blake St.
Denver, Colorado
(303) 293 - 8338

If you are a true beer fan, and are curious about how it’s made. You would definitely enjoy a tour of the Flying Dog Brewery
Check out their website http://www.flyingdogales.com for a sample of their irreverent and quirky sense of humor.
This brewery’s creations are offered in many of Denver’s bars and restaurants, and with bizarre names like Tire Bite Golden Ale, Snake Dog IPA and In-Heat Wheat you might be tempted to try them all!
Free brewery tours and tastings are offered Monday through Friday at 4:00pm and Saturdays at 1:00 and 3:00pm. The tasting room is also open Monday through Saturday from 12:00 to 5:00pm with free samples.

Can CEDIA have some of the exhibitors showcase their products here?  I know, I know, I remember New Orleans too…

Flying Dog Brewery
2401 Blake Street
Denver, Colorado 80205
Phone: 303-292-5027
Fax: 303-296-0164
Web: http://www.flyingdogales.com

Great stuff, Rick. I mean, if you like beer and all.