Where To Eat In Denver Colorado

When it comes to planning a trip to Denver, Colorado, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is where to eat. With its thriving food scene, Denver offers a diverse range of culinary options to suit every taste and budget. From trendy restaurants in LoDo to authentic eateries in Aurora, the city is a food lover’s paradise. In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to eat in Denver, highlighting the top restaurants, cafes, and eateries that will make your dining experience unforgettable.

Overview of Denver’s Culinary Scene

Denver’s culinary scene is a reflection of its cultural diversity, with a mix of traditional American comfort food, modern twists on classic dishes, and international flavors from around the world. The city is home to a thriving community of chefs, restaurateurs, and food enthusiasts who are passionate about serving up delicious and innovative cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for farm-to-table freshness, artisanal burgers, or spicy Korean BBQ, Denver has something for everyone.

Neighborhoods to Explore

In this guide, we’ll take you on a culinary tour of Denver’s most popular neighborhoods, including LoDo, Larimer Square, RiNo, and Capitol Hill. We’ll highlight the top restaurants, cafes, and eateries in each neighborhood, providing you with insider tips and recommendations to make the most of your dining experience in Denver.

Where to Eat in Denver, Colorado

Denver, the Mile High City, is a food lover’s paradise. With its vibrant culinary scene, you’ll find a diverse range of restaurants serving everything from classic American comfort food to innovative, farm-to-table cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty burger, a flavorful taco, or a decadent dessert, Denver has got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to eat in Denver, from trendy neighborhoods to must-try dishes.

LoDo (Lower Downtown)

LoDo is one of Denver’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods, filled with charming restaurants, bars, and shops. This trendy area is a must-visit for foodies, with its eclectic mix of eateries serving everything from gourmet burgers to artisanal chocolates.

• The Kitchen Denver: This farm-to-table restaurant is a LoDo staple, offering seasonal menus that showcase the best of Colorado’s local produce. Be sure to try their famous burger, made with grass-fed beef and topped with caramelized onions.
• Avanti Food & Beverage: This modern food hall features a collection of seven different restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience. From wood-fired pizzas to Korean BBQ, there’s something for everyone at Avanti.
• The Chocolate Lab: Indulge in handcrafted chocolates and truffles at this artisanal sweet shop. Try their signature “chocolate lab” experience, where you can create your own custom chocolate creations.

RiNo (River North Arts District)

RiNo is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood that’s become a hotspot for Denver’s food and art scene. This former industrial area is now home to a variety of trendy restaurants, breweries, and galleries. (See Also: Where To Eat In Amble)

• The Populist: This stylish restaurant serves creative, farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Be sure to try their signature “populist” dish, a decadent burger topped with foie gras and truffles.
• Cart-Driver: This Italian-inspired eatery serves wood-fired pizzas, pasta dishes, and risottos in a cozy, industrial-chic setting. Don’t miss their daily happy hour specials.
• The Source: This artisanal marketplace features a collection of local vendors, including a butcher shop, bakery, and specialty food stores. Grab lunch at one of the on-site restaurants or cafes.

Highland

Highland is a charming neighborhood located just west of downtown Denver. This family-friendly area is home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, with a focus on outdoor dining and community events.

• Little Man Ice Cream: This popular ice cream shop offers unique flavors like honey-lavender and pistachio-cardamom. Enjoy your treat on their outdoor patio or take a stroll along the nearby Highland Canal.
• North Italia: This modern Italian restaurant serves handmade pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and creative cocktails in a stylish, industrial-chic setting.
• Highland Tavern: This cozy pub serves classic American comfort food, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Catch a game on TV or enjoy live music on their outdoor patio.

Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood located just east of downtown Denver. This area is home to a diverse range of restaurants, bars, and shops, with a focus on LGBTQ-friendly establishments.

• Mercantile Dining & Provision: This modern American bistro serves seasonal menus featuring local ingredients and creative cocktails. Be sure to explore their on-site market, which offers artisanal goods and gourmet provisions.
• Table 6: This intimate, 12-seat restaurant offers a unique, prix-fixe dining experience. Enjoy a five-course meal featuring seasonal ingredients and creative pairings.
• Stout Street Social: This gastropub serves creative burgers, sandwiches, and salads, along with an extensive selection of craft beers. Catch a game on TV or enjoy live music on their outdoor patio.

Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek is an upscale neighborhood located just south of downtown Denver. This area is home to a variety of high-end restaurants, boutiques, and galleries.

• Elway’s: This upscale steakhouse is owned by Denver Broncos legend John Elway. Enjoy premium cuts of meat, seafood, and fine wines in a sophisticated, elegant setting.
• Second Home Kitchen + Bar: This modern American bistro serves seasonal menus featuring local ingredients and creative cocktails. Enjoy their outdoor patio or take a stroll along the nearby Cherry Creek Bike Path.
• The Cherry Cricket: This casual burger joint has been a Denver staple for over 70 years. Enjoy classic burgers, sandwiches, and salads, along with a wide selection of craft beers.

Must-Try Dishes in Denver

Denver is known for its unique culinary scene, with a variety of dishes that showcase the city’s flavors and ingredients. Here are some must-try dishes to add to your culinary bucket list:

• Green Chile: This spicy, flavorful sauce is a Denver staple, made with roasted green chilies, garlic, and onions. Try it on a burger, tacos, or as a dip for your fries.
• Rocky Mountain Oysters: Also known as bull testicles, these crispy fried bites are a Denver delicacy. Try them as an appetizer or add them to a burger or salad.
• Craft Beer: Denver is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with over 100 breweries in the metro area. Try a flight of local beers at a brewery or beer bar.
• Paleo Pancakes: These gluten-free, protein-packed pancakes are a Denver brunch staple. Try them with fresh fruit, nuts, or a side of bacon.

Food Festivals and Events in Denver

Denver is home to a variety of food festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating the city’s culinary scene and local ingredients. Here are some must-attend events to add to your calendar: (See Also: Where To Eat In Ribeira Porto)

• DENVER FOOD + WINE FESTIVAL: This annual festival features food, wine, and spirits from over 40 local restaurants and vendors. Enjoy live music, cooking demos, and a silent auction.
• CHERRY CREEK FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL: This upscale festival features food, wine, and spirits from top local chefs and restaurants. Enjoy live music, cooking demos, and a silent auction.
• DENVER BRONCO BURGER BATTLE: This annual burger cook-off features local chefs and restaurants competing for the best burger in Denver. Enjoy live music, beer, and a fun atmosphere.
• FARM-TO-TABLE FESTIVAL: This festival celebrates local farmers, ranchers, and artisanal food vendors. Enjoy live music, cooking demos, and a variety of food samples.

Recap: Where to Eat in Denver, Colorado

In conclusion, Denver is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse range of restaurants, neighborhoods, and culinary events to explore. From trendy LoDo to vibrant RiNo, each neighborhood offers a unique dining experience. Be sure to try some of Denver’s must-try dishes, including green chile, Rocky Mountain oysters, and craft beer. And don’t miss out on the city’s food festivals and events, celebrating the city’s culinary scene and local ingredients.

Whether you’re a foodie, a beer enthusiast, or just looking for a great meal, Denver has something for everyone. So come hungry, come thirsty, and come ready to explore the best of Denver’s culinary scene!

Frequently Asked Questions: Where to Eat in Denver, Colorado

What are the must-try restaurants in Denver’s LoDo neighborhood?

LoDo (Lower Downtown) is a hub for foodies in Denver. Some must-try restaurants in this neighborhood include Avanti Food & Beverage, a modern food hall with multiple vendors, and Mercantile Dining & Provision, a farm-to-table restaurant with a focus on local ingredients. You should also check out Acorn, a contemporary American bistro with a focus on seasonal small plates.

Where can I find the best breakfast and brunch spots in Denver?

Denver has a vibrant breakfast and brunch scene. Some popular spots include Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, with multiple locations throughout the city, and The Kitchen Denver, a farm-to-table restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients. You should also check out Beast + Bottle, a contemporary American bistro with a focus on creative breakfast dishes.

What are some good restaurants in Denver for gluten-free and vegan options?

Denver has plenty of options for those with dietary restrictions. Some popular spots for gluten-free and vegan options include City O’ City, a vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurant with a focus on creative dishes, and The Populist, a modern American bistro with a separate gluten-free menu. You should also check out True Food Kitchen, a health-focused restaurant with a variety of gluten-free and vegan options. (See Also: Where To Eat In Wroclaw)

Are there any good food trucks in Denver?

Yes, Denver has a thriving food truck scene. Some popular food trucks include Biscuit Head, a breakfast-focused truck with creative biscuit sandwiches, and Los Chingones, a Mexican-inspired truck with a focus on tacos and burritos. You should also check out The Crumbly Croissant, a French-inspired truck with a focus on sweet and savory pastries.

What are some good restaurants in Denver for a romantic dinner?

Denver has plenty of romantic restaurants perfect for a night out. Some popular spots include Fruition Restaurant, a contemporary American bistro with a focus on seasonal ingredients and a cozy atmosphere, and Mizuna, a French-inspired restaurant with a focus on creative dishes and an intimate setting. You should also check out Rioja, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with a focus on wine and a romantic patio.