When asking yourself about something to do near me in Denver with a group of friends or family, consider
The Pig & The Sprout
Why The Pig & The Sprout is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Located in the heart of Denver's thriving Union Station neighborhood, The Pig & The Sprout is an inviting American gastropub that beautifully balances hearty and light fare to cater to both meat lovers and vegetarians alike. The menu creatively reflects the restaurant’s dual nature, offering house-smoked pulled pork for those wanting to indulge and seasonal, vegetarian-friendly salads and dishes for guests seeking lighter options. The kitchen showcases a commitment to locally sourced ingredients and in-house preparations, enhancing the freshness and quality of their offerings. The space itself is designed to feel like a casual yet stylish gathering, with unique touches like climbing vines, antique books, garage doors opening onto two patios, and comfortable lounging couches. Whether guests arrive in flip flops or suits, the ambiance invites them to relax, connect, and enjoy. Its playful yet thoughtful menu is complemented by a bar program featuring quirky and appealing cocktails paired to suit diverse palates. Whether you come by for brunch, lunch, dinner, or late-night bites, The Pig & The Sprout offers a versatile and welcoming environment, making it an excellent spot to meet up with friends and enjoy varied culinary delights in a warm, community-focused setting.
Here's what people think of The Pig & The Sprout
As of recent, The Pig & The Sprout holds a 4.4-star rating based on 2073 reviews.
Overall, The Pig & The Sprout holds an impressive 4.4-star rating from over 2,000 reviews, indicating a strong positive reception from visitors. Many reviewers praise the diverse and creative menu, appreciating its balanced offerings for both meat eaters and vegetarians, which makes it an attractive choice for groups with varied dietary preferences. Positive reviews often highlight the quality and flavor of the house-smoked meats, the fresh seasonal ingredients, and the innovative cocktails. Guests also commend the cozy yet stylish atmosphere, noting how the decor and layout create a relaxed vibe perfect for socializing, whether on the patios or inside. The staff’s friendly service is another frequently mentioned positive aspect. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to occasional inconsistencies in food preparation or longer wait times during busy hours, which can affect the dining experience. A few diners mention that certain dishes might be priced on the higher side considering portion sizes. Despite these critiques, the consensus among reviews is that The Pig & The Sprout delivers a uniquely enjoyable and satisfying experience with enough options to please a wide range of tastes. The combination of creative cuisine, welcoming atmosphere, and attentive service keeps many guests returning and recommending the restaurant as a top choice in Denver’s Union Station area.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Erin McKee
Our server Sarah was great! First time in Colorado and the burger was delicious!! We also had the meat candy and the wings (not pictured because we were so excited to eat them) great experience! Try it out!! Cute space too!
Stephanie Ellis
What a great little spot for some very good food! This place was recommended by the staff at the Hilton Hotel across the street, so we decided to check it out! Definitely glad we did! This was our first time here and we were sat right away! They do take reservations, so if you're not sure, call them and ask just in case, always safer than sorry because I can see this place getting pretty busy! The atmosphere was the first thing that I enjoyed! Although it can get kind of loud if there are multiple large groups, it was still manageable. Just a heads up though about the potential of it being loud if it's busy. The drink menu was full of great options, I highly recommend the Strawberry Jalepeno Mule! Menu was very well organized and simple- they had a side for meat options and a side for vegan options. Easy to read and follow. The food we ordered from the meat options was very good! Our server was very nice, friendly, and attentive! I highly recommend trying the Meat Candy! Although I wish there were a few more pieces of pork belly, only because it was that good I wanted more! I ordered the Carnitas Tacos and he ordered the BBQ Mac N Cheese. The tacos were very yummy with a good portion of meat for the size of the taco. The mac n cheese was also a good sized portion and had a good ration of pasta vs. meat, which was nice! Dessert menu was also good, I ordered the Pistachio Tartufo because I had never had this before, highly recommend it! It was very yummy! Overall, we were very happy we came here! Service, food, and atmosphere was great! When we stay at the hotel again, we'll definitely be walking over here for a bite to eat!
Susan “Annett” Derrick
It was our first time going here and it was nice sitting outside with my friend and his dog on the patio. We had good food and enjoy ourselves.
James Gilbert
Great place. Had the beet salad with tofu (massive) and the veggie stir fry with tofu. Both tasty and healthy. Definitely a solid choice for a great meal
Brian Jones
We stopped here for lunch based on its good rating while staying at a nearby hotel and I’m glad we did! The menu options are laid out in a unique way with meat-heavy options in one side and vegetarian on the other. I really enjoyed their food options, particularly The Egger, which is a simple breakfast sandwich but done to near perfection. My wife customized her order and asked for the eggs to be fried and the outcome was arguably better than the original. The cocktails were quite good, particularly the bacon Bloody Mary, which had a perfect amount of spice and plenty of garnishments. The service was friendly and punctual. The atmosphere was unexceptional but definitely had some nice touches.
How to reach The Pig & The Sprout
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Why The Pig & The Sprout may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Pig & The Sprout with your friends?
Gathering with friends is all about sharing memorable experiences in venues that combine atmosphere, great food, and accommodating service. The Pig & The Sprout in Denver offers just that, making it an ideal destination to rally your group. With a solid 4.4 rating from over 2,000 reviews, this restaurant has clearly won the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Its unique dual-themed menu, split between hearty meat dishes and vibrant plant-based options, ensures there is something delightful for every palate, which is perfect when catering to a diverse group. The lively yet warm atmosphere promotes conversation and connection, whether you arrive for brunch, dinner, or happy hour. Additionally, the patio’s pet-friendly policy means those who want to bring their furry friends can include them, expanding the group beyond just people. Friendly, attentive service helps maintain a comfortable and relaxed vibe so that your meetups feel effortless and enjoyable. The Pig & The Sprout’s location near Union Station also makes it easy to access by various transportation options, enhancing its appeal as a central meeting point for friends wanting to connect in a casual yet refined setting.
What activities can you enjoy at The Pig & The Sprout that make it ideal for groups?
The Pig & The Sprout excels not only in dining but also in providing diverse experiences that make it perfect for a group meetup. First, the culinary experience itself is a shared adventure. The menu is thoughtfully designed with two distinct sides: one featuring smoky, bacon-loaded, meat-oriented dishes, and the other offering equally enticing vegetarian and vegan dishes focused on fresh sprouts and vegetables. This balance allows groups with mixed dietary preferences to enjoy a shared meal without compromise. Popular items like the Smoked Brisket Dip and Brisket Poutine on one side contrast beautifully with dishes like the Brussels sprouts with feta and the tofu sandwich, ensuring plentiful options for everyone. The creative cocktails and specialty drinks, including offerings like the Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned and bottomless mimosas during brunch, add a festive touch to group gatherings, amplifying social interaction and celebration.
Additionally, The Pig & The Sprout offers a pet-friendly patio space, allowing groups to bring along dogs, fostering a relaxed and inclusive outdoor environment. The availability of a heated patio means even cooler days don’t curtail the fun, making year-round meetups possible. Beyond dining, the restaurant hosts a lively environment with a modern and hip interior decorated to complement its dual-menu concept, providing an engaging ambiance for conversation and bonding. For groups wanting an extended occasion, the restaurant also features happy hour specials that run from Sunday to Friday, perfect for unwinding together after work or before heading to nearby venues such as the ballpark.
Why is The Pig & The Sprout perfect for diverse groups with mixed dietary preferences?
One of the standout features of The Pig & The Sprout is its exceptional accommodation of both meat eaters and plant-based diners. The restaurant’s innovative menu explicitly caters to diverse groups by splitting dishes down the middle into carnivorous and vegetable-based options. This setup invites groups with varied taste preferences or dietary restrictions to come together without arguments over where to eat or frustration over limited choices. Those leaning towards meaty indulgences can revel in smoked brisket sandwiches, a rich brisket poutine, or other bacon-inspired creations, while vegetarians and vegans enjoy thoughtful and flavorful substitutes such as carrot "bacon," smoked mushrooms gnocchi, and numerous sprout-based dishes. This dual focus not only respects dietary diversity but encourages culinary exploration among friends, creating a more inclusive environment and encouraging sharing of plates and flavors.
Moreover, the restaurant takes care to label vegan dishes clearly, and staff members have a reputation for being attentive to special dietary needs, down to verifying ingredients like honey with patrons. This conscientious approach enhances comfort and trust for everyone in a group, whether vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, or omnivore. Groups can savor the delights of varied tastes side by side, creating a shared dining experience that feels both personal and communal.
What makes the atmosphere and service at The Pig & The Sprout suitable for group meetups?
Atmosphere and service are crucial when choosing a venue for a group gathering, and The Pig & The Sprout successfully combines a fluid balance of relaxation and energy. Reviewers often mention the warm, comfortable, and casual environment that makes it easy to settle in, whether you're visiting early for a quiet meal or later during livelier hours. The décor strikes a modern, hip tone that feels trendy without being pretentious, fostering a sense of ease and enjoyment among patrons. This setting is especially inviting for groups wanting to catch up, celebrate, or simply enjoy one another’s company in a place that feels welcoming and exciting at the same time.
Service at The Pig & The Sprout, while occasionally noted for minor delays, is generally described as friendly and attentive. Staff understand the needs of groups, including navigating the dual-natured menu and cocktail options. Their readiness to accommodate special requests and dietary checks enhances the overall experience, creating a hospitable ambiance that encourages longer stays and repeated visits. The proximity to Denver’s Union Station means the venue has a convenient, accessible location that supports larger groups arriving via public transport or rideshare, making logistics easier for planners. With indoor dining and full service heated patios, groups won’t be squeezed out during busy periods or poor weather, adding to comfort and convenience.
What special services or features support hosting private events or meetups at The Pig & The Sprout?
Beyond casual dining, The Pig & The Sprout is equipped to serve as an event space perfect for private gatherings and meetups with friends or family. The restaurant offers private dining options tailored to unique event needs, providing groups a flexible choice of venues or custom menus designed to fit the occasion and budget. This makes it an excellent choice for birthday parties, anniversaries, or informal corporate meetups that still want a distinctive culinary and social experience. Catering services are also available, suitable for meetings, office lunches, or off-site group events. Their menu’s dual nature ensures that dietary diversity is maintained even in catered environments, making group meal planning seamless and stress-free.
Special brunch offerings, such as the celebrated "Bottomless Mimosa" option and signature Bloody Marys, provide an additional layer of appeal for daytime gatherings or weekend get-togethers. These brunch specials have become a highlight for groups looking to start their day with fun, flavor, and a touch of indulgence. The Pig & The Sprout’s ability to blend casual dining, specialty drink programs, and event-focused services makes it a comprehensive location for a wide spectrum of group activities. Whether it’s a simple meet up, a celebratory feast, or a structured private function, the venue’s comprehensive offerings support a memorable, group-friendly experience from start to finish.