DENVER — A century after he was shot and killed while patrolling northeast Denver, Officer James Shannon was remembered in a powerful way.

Law enforcement and community members gathered Friday to unveil a new memorial sign at the site where Shannon lost his life on April 4, 1925. The 26-year-old officer was investigating a nearby holdup when he approached a man who appeared intoxicated. Shannon confiscated one firearm from the suspect, but the man was carrying a second gun, which he used to fatally shoot Shannon in the heart during a struggle.

“The average age that an officer dies in the line of duty is 30,” said Michael Hesse, president of the Denver Police Museum. “So many times, like Officer Shannon, they don’t have an opportunity to have kids.”

Shannon’s killer was arrested later that night and later sentenced to life in prison. Though Shannon died just weeks shy of his first wedding anniversary, his story has lived on; both within his family and through the Denver Police Museum’s ongoing memorial efforts.

The Denver Police Museum

Since its founding in 1859, the Denver Police Department has lost 78 officers in the line of duty. The museum has placed about 40 memorial signs throughout the city at the locations where those officers died.

“We hope when people see these signs, it just serves as a reminder to them,” Hesse said.

Shannon’s memorial drew several generations of relatives, including great-great-niece Jenni Steinbach.

“I’ve always heard we had a fallen officer in the family, and he was always known as a hero,” she said. “It’s really great to know we now have a place to come and remember him.”

Richard Butler

“He was just so young when his life was taken,” said Catherine Bullock, Shannon’s grandniece. “Our dad was named after him. He’s always been a hero in our family.”

The memorial sign project is funded by a combination of donations from community members, police officers, and students. Criminal justice students at Colorado Early College in Denver have raised money for more than 10 signs so far.

“When we’re honoring fallen officers, it’s like bringing them back; spreading the word about who they were,” said Joseline Banuelos, a student at CEC Early College.

Vanessa Arreola, another student, said the class not only offers college credit through the Community College of Denver, but also real-world connections. Their teacher, Stacey Hervey, is a former police officer who brings hands-on experience into the classroom.

“She’s awesome,” Arreola said. “She’s always tailoring the class to help us succeed.”

Richard Butler

Officer Shannon’s memorial will be installed this month at the intersection of Williams Street and Bruce Randolph Avenue, where his life was cut short while serving the city. The work to honor Denver’s fallen continues.

“We’ve done about 40 of the 78,” Hesse said. “And we’re continuing to go back.”

Denver is often recognized for its industrial charm and scenic landscapes, from the foothills to its developing dining scene. Coloradans embrace the little joys—like savoring a delicious meal on a snowy evening with great company. A bit of snow does not deter us; it excites us. When we are not hiking or skiing, you will find us nestled in a cozy restaurant, sharing ideas over elegant dining. This article highlights our top romantic dining spots in and around Denver, perfect for a dreamy, snow-dusted evening.

Whether you’re drawn to stunning views or moody ambiance, bookmark this list, bundle up, and get ready to impress your date.

For an atmospheric yet upscale dining experience, start your evening at The Regular. Nestled in downtown Denver’s Larimer Square, this intimate spot offers sultry lighting, contemporary decor, and stunning city views. Recently converted to an event center in March – The Regular offers an intimate space for you and your loved one to enjoy curated dinners from talented chefs. Whether seated near the glowing fireplace or overlooking the bustling streets, the ambiance is effortlessly romantic. The attentive staff ensures a seamless dining experience, guiding guests through a refined American bistro menu. Highlights include the Scallops on the Half Shell, the melt-in-your-mouth Half Peking Duck, and the decadent Burnt Flan. Pair your meal with a Chicha Morada or a crisp nonalcoholic sparkling chardonnay ($13) for the perfect addition. With limited space, reservations are highly recommended. Check out its Chef Dinner Series Event, which hosts local and international talent, giving both established and up and coming chefs a space to share their cuisine with the Denver Community. Parking is limited—rideshare or nearby garages are your best bet. For an unforgettable snowy night out, The Regular on Market Street sets the perfect tone.

Perched high above the city in LoHi, El Five transforms a simple dinner into a dazzling night out – tapa’s style. Upon arrival, check in with the host before taking the elevator up to the penthouse floor, where you will step into a tasteful bar setting shaped by floor-to-ceiling windows and breathtaking city views—accompanied by uninterrupted city views wherever you sit. Designed for sharing, the menu invites you to enjoy small plates with your hands. Start with Spreads of the Med, followed by favorites like Patatas Bravas, Bison Albondigas, Tunisian Couscous, and Pork Cheeks. For drinks, we recommend the Femme Fatale, a crisp and tangy delight, or the boozy indulgence of the Zombie. Located in the Highlands at 2930 Umatilla Street, #500, El Five is reservation-only. Book through its website. Street parking is available, but rideshare is the easiest option. Between the breathtaking views and shareable plates, this is a date-night destination to remember.

Step into Corridor 44, where a night out feels like slipping into a Parisian speakeasy. Nestled in Larimer Square, this intimate champagne bar fortifies French sophistication, from mirrored walls reminiscent of King Louis XVI to plush textures and dim lighting. Sip on the Prestige Champagne Flight to sample a variety of bubbly delights. For starters, we recommend the Smoked Salmon Caviar Chips and Ahi Tuna Poke with Avocado & Mango, plantains are must-tries. For the main course, indulge in the Herb Roasted Chicken or Grilled Petit Filet Mignon. End the evening on a sweet note with Espresso Crème Brûlée and Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries . Before heading out, capture the mystique with a few snapshots—this spot is made for romantic memories. Located at 1433 Larimer Street, metered street parking and nearby garages are available, but rideshare is always a great option.

In the heart of LoDo, Water Grill Denver combines boathouse charm with rustic elegance, offering some of the city’s finest seafood on a rotating menu. Identifiable by a seahorse mini sculpture at the entrance, you will know you have arrived at the right place. Start with the Wild Spanish Octopus and the must-try Honeymoon Oyster. For mains, indulge in the Spicy Lobster Roll, Shrimp Scampi or Farmed New Zealand King Salmon. This cozy yet refined hotspot is perfect for an immersive dining experience, especially on a snowy night in the city. Located at 1691 Market Street – street and garage parking are available, though rideshare is the easiest option. Reserve your table online via its website. 

Denver’s dining scene truly comes alive on a snowy evening, blending ambiance, flavor, and romance in the most captivating way. Whether you are savoring seafood at Water Grill, indulging in tapas with a skyline view at El Five, or toasting with champagne at Corridor 44, each destination offers a unique and memorable experience. From moody elegance to cozy sophistication, these restaurants transform a simple night out into an enchanting winter escape. So bundle up, make your reservations, and let the snowfall set the scene for a truly special evening.

The Regular Event Center is located at 1432 Market St., Denver. Its dinners can be reserved ahead of time on its website.

El Five is located at 2930 Umatilla St., #500, Denver. Its hours are Sunday – Thursday 5 – 10 p.m. and Friday – Saturday 5 – 11 p.m.

Corridor 44 is located at 1433 Larimer St., Denver. Its hours are 4 p.m. – 2 a.m. daily.

Water Grill is located at 1691 Market St., Denver. Its hours are Sunday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Church and Union is located at 1433 17th St., #150, Denver. Its hours are Monday – Thursday 4 – 11 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. – 12 a.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 12 a.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

DENVER — At a tiny brewery inside Coors Field, you can grab a beer with a slice of history.

As the downtown Denver ballpark turns 30 this year, so does the Sandlot Brewery – the first of its kind inside a Major League Baseball stadium and the first craft spot opened by Coors Brewing.

Brewmaster Mike Miller told Denver7 ahead of the Rockies’ home opener that the idea to put a brewery inside a ballpark was the brainchild of Pete Coors, the brewing company executive and politician.

The Sandlot, which operates in an old warehouse that became the right field corner of the Coors Field exterior near 22nd and Blake Street, is the birthplace of what is now Blue Moon. It was originally brewed as the Belly Slide Belgian White.

• Hear how Sandlot changed the game for MLB stadiums, and for Denver’s beer scene, in the video player below:

How a tiny brewery inside Coors Field made history in MLB and helped foster Denver’s craft beer culture

The beers that have followed have earned the small brewery more than 50 awards at beer festivals, but its legacy may well be in its history as one of downtown’s first craft breweries. It opened in 1995, the same year the Colorado Brewers Guild was founded to promote the craft industry and, according to this timeline, only 56 breweries were operating in the entire state (a number that is now in the hundreds).

“It really is the precipice of starting as a craft brewery and introducing that culture into Colorado,” brewer Abby Lundien told Denver7. “I do think that the idea of a small scale brewery and a craft beer that is different than light lagers really started in this location, and we’ve been able to be a part of that culture and continue to grow.”

The Sandlot brews beer year-round, but is only open to visitors during Rockies home games, making a stop there a uniquely Colorado experience.

“It’s such a wonderful part of the Denver and Colorado culture – Opening Day, and the fact that you can come to this ballpark and have a craft lager fresh from the taps is a very special thing,” Lundien said.

The brewery is celebrating 30 years with four new beers in 2025: a grapefruit lemonade shandy called the Sandlot Shandy, a cherry limeade brew named the Sandlot Slam, a 30th anniversary lager and a cashmere single-hopped American IPA called the Wicked Hop.

Aramark, the Coors Field concessions provider that operates the food program at Sandlot, also introduced a brined, smoked and flash-fried chicken wing for this season.