ZEPPELIN STATION OFFERS DINERS A LOT OF OPTIONS

A guide to the cornucopia of options at Zeppelin Station, which opens next week

ince The Source opened the doors to its mix-use space in 2013 with several restaurants, bars, a bakery, a butcher and more, the city has embraced other grand halls like it: Avanti, Denver Central Market and Stanley Marketplace each offer a mix of food, drink and shopping with their own personalities and spins on the trend. More, such as Frank Bonanno’s Milk Market at Dairy Block, are on the way.

Zeppelin Development is no stranger to the food hall concept. The team behind the new 100,000square-foot Zeppelin Station, which blends market hall and work space and opens March 12, is also the innovator behind The Source.

Denverites might be accustomed to being decisive when they find so many options under one roof. But better safe than sorry. Here’s the lowdown on the options in the newest River North food hall, along with where the purveyors come from and suggestions for what to order.

Knowledge is power. Eat it up!

Au Feu (pronounced “o-fu”)

What it is: Montreal-style smoked brisket

Comes from: Chicago Order this: When in Canada, get the poutine with twice-fried fries and cheese curds. Injoi Korean Kitchen (pronounced “enjoy”)

What it is: Korean comfort food — fried chicken, bibimbap, kimchi fried rice, bulgogi and more

Comes from: brand new, but Chef Bill Espiricueta worked at Acorn and Oak at Fourteenth

Order this: Spicy fried chicken tenders or the kimchi fried rice. Aloha Poke Co. What it is: Raw fish bowls Comes from: Chicago Order this: Shoyu ahi tuna crunch bowl with spicy aioli. If you’re avoiding fish, don’t worry, they will make you a veggie bowl. Dandy Lion Coffee

What it is: Traditional coffee with an Asian twist Comes from: Denver Order this: Vietnamese cold brew chicory coffee over condensed milk. Gelato Boy What it is: Gelato! Comes from: Boulder, the husband/wife team owns Fior Gelato. If you spot them at either location, be sure to ask them how they met.

Order this: Flavors change all the time, but The Gelato Boy (fried sesame bun gelato sandwich) is forever. Namkeen (pronounced “num-kinn”) What it is: Indian street snacks from the owners of Spuntino restaurant

Comes from: Denver Order this: The crispy, delicate aloo samosa with spiced potatoes and peas. Vinh Xuong Bakery (pronounced “vin-song”)

What it is: Banh mi and baked goods from a third-generation, family-owned shop Comes from: Denver Order this: The sweet/spicy grilled pork bahn mi. No Vacancy

What it is: A food stall that changes concepts every 60-90 days. Right now it’s Comal, the heritage food incubator that serves Mexican, El Salvadorian, Syrian and Ethiopian foods. Comes from: Denver Order this: If you’re there on a Friday, grab a couple empanadas. The Syrian food (SaturdayMonday) might be the best in town. Kiss + Ride

What it is: Casual, ground-level bar

Order this: The Cobbler, with sherry blend, plum, cinnamon and citrus. Big Trouble

What it is: Zeppelin Station’s tiki-ish mezzanine bar

Order this: The We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat — with vodka, white port, midori, lime and champagne — serves 3-5 people, or someone with a big Uber budget.

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Gelato Boy, one of the many eateries inside Zeppelin Station, a food hall that opens March 12.

Sara Grant, The Denver Post Bibimbap with rice, house kimchi, carrots, pickled cucumber, egg and fried tender at Injoi Korean Kitchen.

Sara Grant, The Denver Post A taco from Comal inside the new Zeppelin Station, opening March 12.

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post People mill around Kiss + Ride during an early media walkthrough of the new Zeppelin Station, which opens March 12.

Sara Grant, The Denver Post Dandy Lion Coffee Co. is one of the vendors inside the new Zeppelin Station opening March 12.

Sara Grant, The Denver Post The Cobbler cocktail from Kiss + Ride.