AWAKE: Awakening the Senses in Colorado
Update: As of February 2023, AWAKE in Denver, CO is no longer open. This blog by our guest writer will continue to live on as a tribute to Colorado’s first non-alcoholic social space and bottle shop.
When bon vivants decide to go dry or cut back, alcohol is just a small part of what they miss. More often, it’s that communal feeling of sharing a moment with friends or a loved one over a cocktail. Very few restaurants and bars have sophisticated non-alcoholic menus that sufficiently recreate that experience.
Awake Denver fills this void. Established in 2021 by Billy & Christy Wynne, their mission is to provide a “safe, socially-conscious space that aims to inspire peace, joy, and justice-making” in the Denver area. Awake’s regular donations to charities reflect that commitment.
It’s not easy to be a venue that has the right vibe at any given time of day but Awake manages to pull this off. A coffeehouse in the morning, a place to meet for brunch on weekends, a lunch spot during the week, and hosting fun, often socially-conscious evening gatherings all feel at home in this cozy space in the Jefferson Park neighborhood.
On a beautiful spring day recently, we headed to Awake for Sunday brunch and live music. I started with their signature Bloody Mary—deliciously seasoned and crafted. My husband sampled from their wide variety of beers. Everything from basic Heineken 0.0 to Lagunitas IPNA to Grüvi’s dark stout is represented here for beer-lovers.
What got me most excited were the bubbles! Along with a decent wine list, the menu features sparkling wines from Grüvi, Noughty, and SOVI. I couldn’t resist creating my own flight to sample.
For those who lean more toward crafted cocktails, their menu changes seasonally while also providing classics such as Awake 75, Old Fashioneds, and Margaritas.
The food menu is rather limited, especially for vegans. We had a burrito, hummus, and almonds. All were fine, though clearly are not the focus of the menu.
If I were to add anything to this space, it would be to up the warmth factor with a few more couches and plants. The space can feel austere at times.
The service is always incredible. You can instantly tell when someone is happy to see you when walked in. Even short-staffed, David and Megan made us feel welcome.
The most magical thing about Awake happened once my husband and I were settled and the drinks came. We toasted, took a sip, and let out an audible “ahhh” — just like old times. Those who have gone sober or are considering doing so often think these moments are gone forever. Thanks to the burgeoning NA scene, they not only live on, but are more beautiful and memorable than before.
Summer hours
Monday: 7am-12pm
Tuesday: 7am-12pm
Wednesday: 7am-10pm
Thursday: 7am-10pm
Friday: 7am-10pm
Saturday: 8am-10pm
Sunday: 8am-8pm
2240 N Clay Street, Unit 100, Denver, Colorado 80211
(Across the street from Jefferson Park near Empower Field)
Elizabeth Ross Hubbell is a freelance writer and yogi passionate about living a plant-based, alcohol-free life. In addition to co-authoring several books on instruction, she has contributed to Sober Curator, Vegan Life Mag, Tiny Buddha, Center for Nutrition Studies, and Alcohol Change UK. She resides in Denver, Colorado.
Website: erhubbell.journoportfolio.com
