5280 Exclusive: Two Bar Concepts Announced For Zeppelin Station

For weeks, the team behind Zeppelin Station—the market hall and office building opening in RiNo in January—has been slowly releasing details about the vendors that will be serving diverse street-food eats in its food court, including Injoi Korean Kitchen, Mister Oso, Vinh Xuong Bakery, Dandy Lion Coffee, Aloha Poké Co., Au Feu, and more to be announced. Now—finally!—we know where we’ll be able to wash down all that grub.

Zeppelin Station will be home to two bars: Kiss & Ride, a more casual, lower-level watering hole, and Big Trouble, an East meets West bar on the mezzanine. Beverage director Michael Huebner (formerly of Celeste and Revival Food Hall in Chicago) and bar manager Lana Gailani (previously sommelier at Hakkasan in New York City) will oversee both concepts.

“They are two quality individuals with a lot of experience and background working in cocktail and culinary,” says Justin Anderson, director of hospitality development for Zeppelin Development. “Bringing that all together under one roof, along with all the exceptional vendors we put together, is going to make for a unique experience at Zeppelin Station.”

While it’s too early for finalized menus, here’s what we do know: Kiss & Ride will be a quick service bar where people stop while waiting for the train or on their way into the city. (The name comes from the drop-off spots you often see at transit stations.) Anderson says the menu will likely be focused on lighter spirits, such as aperitifs, sherries, and vermouths, which are more conducive to drinking at any time of day (since the venue will open at 11 a.m.).

Upstairs, Big Trouble will be dimly lit, feature lots of foliage, and mix Eastern flavors with classic cocktails. Expect tropical drinks, including shareable options, though not tiki. It will start slinging drinks at 4 p.m. and command higher prices than its downstairs counterpart.

“We want to elevate the traditional bar experience but not take away the reasons why people like to go to bars,” Huebner says. “We don’t want to take ourselves too seriously.”

Huebner is still familiarizing himself with the Denver booze scene, but he plans to bring in some local touches at both bars.

The latest word is that Zeppelin Station will open in early January. We expect more details to be announced over the next month, and we’ll keep you updated.