What to Do Before a Dinner Reservation in Denver: A Better Alternative to Happy Hour

Dinner reservations are a great way to spend time with your partner, and it’s not unusual for Denverites to enjoy happy hour before dinner. You could grab another drink, wander around RiNo, or scroll your phone while you wait for your reservation, but there are much better ways to kick off the evening. 

If you’re wondering what to do before a dinner reservation in Denver, skip the happy hour and spend that time relaxing instead. Oakwell Beer Spa’s herbal beer-infused soaks give you time to unwind and stroll into dinner feeling refreshed, not rushed. Here's how to turn the hours before dinner into one of the best parts of the night.

Pre-Dinner Plans Set The Tone for Your Evening

If you’ve got some time to kill, planning a pre-dinner outing can make the difference between arriving frazzled or feeling ready to enjoy the evening. RiNo is packed with colorful murals, local galleries, patios, breweries, and plenty to explore—all within walking distance. It’s no wonder it's such a popular pre-dinner date spot in Denver. 

With that said, it's easy to spend those hours in ways that leave you feeling more drained than excited. Maybe you get stuck in traffic or squeeze into another crowded bar because you don't know what else to do. By the time dinner rolls around, you're tired or ready to call it a night.

Instead of wearing yourself out, treat the pre-dinner hours as part of the experience. Oakwell Beer Spa is one of the best things to do before dinner in RiNo because you get to slow down and reconnect with your partner. That sets a much better tone for the evening than rushing around.

Why Oakwell Beer Spa Beats Pre-Dinner Happy Hour

Happy hour doesn’t have to be your default pre-dinner plan. Sometimes, slowing down first makes the rest of the night even better. 

One of the most unique things to do before dinner in RiNo is to spend a few hours at Oakwell Beer Spa's RiNo location. Instead of standing shoulder-to-shoulder at a packed patio, you'll have your own private suite where you can unwind before heading to dinner.

Arrive Relaxed, Not Worn Out

Oakwell’s warm herbal beer-infused bath, infrared sauna, and peaceful atmosphere help you switch gears after a busy day, so you can actually enjoy the evening. There are lots of benefits to beer baths, from muscle relaxation to softer skin, making it an easy way to enjoy some pre-dinner pampering. 

Feel Refreshed

Don’t worry: you’ll be more than ready for dinner after soaking in a beer-infused bath. Every private suite includes a rain shower so you can rinse off after your soak. Freshen up with Oakwell Cosmetics’ thoughtfully selected shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, and then head to your reservation feeling clean and ready for the rest of the night.

Make it Memorable

Let's be honest: most pre-dinner drinks are a blur. Oakwell is different. It’s unexpected and relaxing, but also fun and adventurous. This isn’t a way to pass the time, but to reconnect and make memories. 

Enjoy a Drink—Or Skip It Entirely

If you want the buzz of happy hour with the benefits of the beer spa, Oakwell is for you. Our taproom offers a rotating selection of craft beer, wine, and cider, along with plenty of non-alcoholic options. Unwind with a drink before, during, and after your reservation to enjoy drinks just like you would at happy hour. 

With that said, alcohol is always optional at Oakwell. You don’t have to drink beer at all to enjoy the experience. If you’re not drinking alcohol, there’s no fermentation in our baths and zero pressure to drink. Our non-alcoholic drink menu also rotates from time to time, giving you something to look forward to with each visit. 

How to Time a Visit to Oakwell Before Dinner

If you're wondering what to do with a couple of hours before dinner in Denver, all it takes is a little backward planning. You do need to build in enough time to unwind at Oakwell and still make it to your dinner reservation. 

If your dinner reservation is at 7 pm, don’t book a 5:30 pm soak. A better schedule might look like this:

• 4:00 p.m. While every spa package includes 90 minutes in your private spa suite, you'll also want time to arrive 30 minutes early, choose your drinks, and ease into the evening. 
• 4:30–6:00 p.m. Enjoy 90 minutes in your private spa suite. The bath will drain at the 70-minute mark, giving you 20 minutes to freshen up. Enjoy Oakwell's premium bath amenities, touch up your hair or makeup, and change into your dinner outfit. 
• 6:00–6:30 pm: The night’s just getting started. After you get dressed, swing by the taproom for another drink. You can also keep the relaxation going by booking a first-come, first-served session in the zero-gravity massage experience. 
• 7:00 p.m. Arrive at your reservation feeling refreshed, not rushed.

Slow Down Before Dinner

Dinner reservations in RiNo are a great date idea, but that doesn’t have to be the only event. Skip the usual routine of squeezing in another happy hour.

Whether you're planning a spontaneous date night, celebrating an anniversary, or simply looking for a more memorable pre-dinner date, Oakwell is an unexpected and relaxing way to kick off the evening.

Upgrade your next dinner date with our spa packages. Book the Couple’s Retreat to enjoy a private pre-dinner soak with artisanal chocolates and rose petals.