Things to Do Near Frank’s Ballpark Salon in Denver
Great hair is just the start. The Ballpark neighborhood happens to be one of Denver's liveliest pockets - full of locally owned restaurants, bars, shops, and music venues that reward a little wandering. Maybe you're building a whole day around your visit, or maybe you just want somewhere to eat after your appointment. Either way, the good stuff is mostly within walking distance of Frank's.
Here are a few places we keep coming back to!
Where to Eat Near Frank's Ballpark Salon
Marco's Coal Fired
Marco's sits right down the block, turning out genuinely good coal-fired pizza in a setting that feels like the neighborhood. We're partial to the lunch special - pizza and a salad - as a way to break up the day. Tuesdays bring half-price margaritas, though our real loyalty belongs to the Stabilizer, which you can order as a martini or a shot.
And when the weather's right, the back patio is tough to pass up.
Frank's Picks: The lunch pizza and salad special, a half-price Tuesday margarita, or the Stabilizer.
Aloy Modern Thai
Aloy puts out some of the best Thai food in Denver, leaning on traditional flavors but fresh ingredients and a modern hand in the kitchen. The menu changes often, the cocktails get creative, and the bar service is reliably good.
It's locally and family owned, too - the kind of place that's easy to root for.
Frank's Pick: Bring someone along and split a handful of small plates, noodles, or curries. You'll want to try more than one thing anyway.
Mexico City Restaurant & Lounge
Mexico City Restaurant & Lounge has been around forever, famous for its fried tacos. The breakfast, though, might be the neighborhood's quietest secret. The pancakes are great, the Ballpark Breakfast Burrito earns its regulars, and you can't go wrong with the burgers and fries.
Frank's Picks: Pancakes, the Ballpark Breakfast Burrito, a hamburger and fries - or those famous fried tacos.
Max Market & 5 on Lawrence
Max Market is everything a good bodega should be, plus a few things you didn't realize you wanted. The sandwiches and soups are excellent, and the salads tend to stretch across two meals. While you're there, grab some produce, a bottle of wine, a six-pack, maybe a greeting card.
Next door, sister spot 5 on Lawrence has some of the friendliest bartenders around. The smash burgers and hot dogs are reason enough to stop in, and it's a great pregame before a Rockies game.
Frank's Picks: A stacked sandwich or giant salad from Max Market, then a smash burger and a drink at 5 on Lawrence.
Blend Co.
Blend Co. is a recent arrival on Larimer Street, run by two of the nicest people you'll meet in the neighborhood. The space is big and beautifully done - flexible enough for a quiet catch-up or a real crowd. The patio's a winner, and their calendar keeps things lively: bingo, trivia, even yoga.
The food is better than it has any need to be. Every plate feels thought through.
Frank's Picks: The short rib sammy with a glass of Attimo Rosato, on the patio if you can swing it.
Other Great Ballpark Dining Options
Plenty of good options live outside the highlights above. A few more worth filing away:
The Retro Room - A classic neighborhood bar with fair prices, solid bar food, and a house-infused pickle shot that, against all odds, works.
Marquis Pizza - The Ballpark go-to for a quick New York-style slice, especially before a concert or late at night.
Krave It Pizza & Sandwich Joint - Creative pizzas, loaded sandwiches, and a full bar right across from the ballpark.
Cherry Cricket Ballpark - A Denver favorite for build-your-own burgers, cold drinks, and a good pregame buzz.
DEN Thai - A dependable neighborhood pick for flavorful Thai.
La Popular Food Company - Bold, personality-packed Mexican food.
La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal - A standout for pozole, tacos, mezcal, and authentic flavors.
Lazo Empanadas - Handmade Argentine empanadas, perfect for a fast lunch or grabbing on the go.
The Lobby - Southern-leaning comfort food, cocktails, and a great brunch.
Pig and Tiger - Inventive Taiwanese-inspired plates and a genuine break from the usual Ballpark lineup.
20th Street Mexican Cafe - A no-frills Denver favorite for classic Mexican breakfasts, green chile, and a good lunch.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery - A breakfast institution known for inventive pancakes, Benedicts, and morning cocktails.
Where to Drink Near Frank's Ballpark Salon
Herb's Hideout
Herb's Hideout is a true Ballpark institution and one of Denver's most loved live-music bars. It's musician-owned, run by legendary saxophonist Laura Newman and her wife, Cherie DuFour of local band AOA, with live music every single night. For years, it's been a gathering spot for musicians, hospitality folks, and regulars.
Ask the bartender for an Up-Down, a Frank's favorite off the unofficial secret menu. Weekends tend to dissolve into a dance party, and the open jams pull in some of Denver's best players well past midnight.
Frank's Picks: An Up-Down, a weeknight jam, or a late-night weekend dance party.
Star Bar
Star Bar is another Ballpark mainstay - an unpretentious dive with personality to spare that never quite lets you down. Thursdays mean karaoke. Weekends, it tips into full honky-tonk mode, which makes it one of the most fun rooms in the neighborhood.
The bartenders are some of Denver's best, and the whiskey list holds up its end. Weather permitting, the back patio is where you want to be.
One more thing: Star Bar's Instagram is some of the most entertaining stuff in the city. Worth a follow.
Frank's Picks: The "Pink Drink" - made especially for Lisa, Frank's owner - a half pour of Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka topped with soda. Lisa's current order is an Old Fashioned with the bartender's choice of whiskey. Thursday karaoke and weekend honky-tonk both come recommended.
More Great Spots for a Drink
The Retro Room - Casual, affordable, and reliably fun before or after your appointment. Order the house salad with buffalo chicken, cheese curds, and a house-infused pickle shot.
One Shot Back - A laid-back neighborhood bar with drinks, games, and room to spread out.
Larimer Beer Hall - A lively sports bar and game-day staple steps from Coors Field.
Sidecar Lounge - Creative cocktails, oddball shots, darts, and weekend dance parties. Look for Frank's favorite bartender, Adam.
Whiskey Bar - A cozy Larimer Street fixture with a huge whiskey list and staff who know it.
Mile High Spirits - A local distillery pouring house-made spirits and craft cocktails right in the neighborhood.
Full Frame Beer - A welcoming spot for house-brewed beer and specialty coffee, with a real community feel.
Woods Boss Brewing Company - A relaxed taproom with a deep beer list and plenty of room to settle in.
Scruffy Murphy's Irish Pub - Guinness, whiskey, and live music in a warm, no-fuss setting.
Procession Coffee - A friendly coffee shop, equally good for a quick cup or a long sit.
Palma Cigars & Bar Las Palmas - A one-of-a-kind cigar shop and bar with handmade cigars, drinks, and an old-school feel.
Where to Shop and Explore Near Frank's Ballpark Salon
Flaunt Salon & Boutique
For the women in your life, Flaunt Salon & Boutique is a charming stop a block from Frank's. Alongside salon services, they've added manicures and pedicures, plus a well-curated boutique full of fun finds and easy gifts.
Frank's Picks: A manicure or pedicure, then a wander through the boutique.
More Worth Exploring
The Shop at MATTER - An independent bookstore, design studio, and print shop stocked with books, art, and gifts that actually start conversations.
Mr. B's Wine & Spirits - A thoughtfully chosen bottle shop with staff happy to help you land on something special.
Guiry's - A longtime Colorado business carrying paint, art supplies, and whatever your next project calls for.
Old Larimer Street Tattoo - A historic shop with talented artists and deep roots on Larimer Street.
Live Music, Comedy, and Things to Do Near Frank's
For its size, the Ballpark neighborhood holds a surprising amount of live entertainment. Beyond Herb's Hideout and Star Bar, a few more options:
Marquis Theater - An intimate Larimer Street venue bringing touring acts and local bands through the neighborhood.
Ophelia's Electric Soapbox - A colorful restaurant, bar, and music venue with great shows, brunch, and one of Denver's more distinctive rooms.
RISE Comedy - A local comedy theater with improv, stand-up, sketch, and classes all week.
Denver Comedy Underground - An intimate spot for affordable live stand-up.
Escapology Escape Rooms - A good call for date night or a group outing when you want to do something other than eat and drink.
Make a Full Day of It
An appointment at Frank's is a fine excuse to spend a few hours in one of Denver's more interesting neighborhoods. Lunch at Marco's beforehand, a drink at Star Bar after, or the whole thing stretched into a full Ballpark crawl - either way, there's no shortage of locally owned places worth your time and money.
We're proud to be part of this neighborhood, and we like steering people toward the businesses that make it what it is. Next time you're in, ask us for a recommendation. We're always glad to help!
