Insider’s Guide to Denver Dining

Denver Neighborhoods Featured:

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Union Station

Union Station was renovated in 2014 and is now the beating heart of downtown Denver. Referred to as “Denver’s Living Room,” it’s a functioning local and regional transit hub and a center for restaurants and nightlife with three James Beard Award winning chefs inside the station and its surrounding buildings.

Mercantile Dining & Provisions, $$$$

New American farm-to-table restaurant and market from a James Beard Award winner. Chef’s table experience available.

1701 Wynkoop St. – (720) 460-3733

Citizen Rail, $$$

New American from Chef Christian Graves centered around a custom built live fire grill. Great for brunch or happy hour.

1899 16th St. – (303) 323-0017

Zoe Ma Ma, $

Chinese/Taiwanese street food steps from Union Station. James Beard Award finalist in 2022 for Outstanding Restauranteur.

1625 Wynkoop St. – (303) 545-6262

Stoic and Genuine, $$$$

Seafood and raw bar from James Beard Award winning chef Jen Jasinski. $2 oysters 2 – 5 pm Mon-Fri with $7 glasses of bubbles.

1701 Wynkoop St. – (303) 640-3474

Ghost Donkey, $$$

Sister restaurant to this LA original, enter this neon LSD fever dream just across the tracks from Union Station. Menu is mezcal-based cocktails and creative and original nachos.

1750 Wewatta St. – (720) 409-4242

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Lower Downtown (Lodo)

“LoDo,” short for “Lower Downtown,” is considered the heart and center of downtown Denver and is easily accessible to visitors. It boasts some of the city’s best dining and is conveniently located near major landmarks like Union Station and Coors Field.

Avelina, $$$$

Upscale New American from French trained chef Josh Oakley. Modern decor and huge scotch and whiskey list. Chef’s choice family style menu available.

1550 17th St. – (720) 904-6711

Cholon, $$$$

Asian dishes with elements of European technique from Chef Lon Symensma formerly of Jean-Georges and Buddakan in NYC. French onion soup dumplings recommended.

1555 Blake St. – (303) 353-5223

Jax Fish House, $$$

Oyster bar and seafood in the heart of downtown. Tight space with communal seating, fantastic for happy hour or lunch. Great atmosphere and service.

1539 17th. St. – (303) 353-5223

Rhein Haus, $$

House made pretzels, sausages and 24 beers on tap from local breweries as well as authentic German breweries. Reserve their indoor Bocce Ball court Mon- Thurs.

1415 Market St. – (303) 731-5374

Jovanina’s Broken Italian, $$$

Family owned for almost two decades, Jovanina’s has pizza, pastas and secondi in an intimate, classic space. Great cocktails and their Wed/Thu wine specials are great in Sotto Voce, their prohibition style basement lounge.

1520 Blake St. – (720) 541-7721

A5, $$$$

Retro designed steakhouse named one of the best new restaurants of 2021. Modern interpretations of steakhouse classics with local sourcing and creative plating.

1600 15th St. – (303) 623-0534

Illegal Pete’s, $

Denver’s homegrown higher quality Chipotle features burritos, bowls and more. Great cheap eats and drinks in the heart of downtown.

1610 16th St. Mall – (303) 623-2169

Cruise Room, $$$

Open since the day prohibition ended, this classic bar’s original design is based on bars aboard the first generation of luxury cruise ships. It retains its old school charm with an updated cocktail menu.

1600 17th St. – (303) 825-1107

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Dairy Block

This multi-use development’s primary feature is a pedestrian alley lined with some of Denver’s best restaurants and bars. A common liquor license allows visitors to freely wander the alley checking out the street art and installations.

Seven Grand, $$

The 4th outpost of the best whiskey bar in the west, the spirits list at this dark leather and wood bar is truly overwhelming. A must visit for whiskey drinkers with hundreds of spirits to try.

1855 Blake St. Suite 160 – (720) 863-8975

Bruto, $$$$

This 15 seat chef’s tasting room features multi-course omakase style tasting of Latin and global cuisine cooked on live fire. Paired alcoholic beverages available.

1801 Blake St. – (720) 325-2195

Deviation Distilling, $$

Locally owned distiller of creative gins and whiskeys, Deviation has a chic space and a diverse and interesting cocktail lists. Try the small pour gin flight and their coffee house inspired whiskeys.

1821 Blake St. #130 – (720) 645-1539

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Ballpark

Located between Lower Downtown (LoDo) and River North (RiNo), the ballpark neighborhood is a fun and lively place to hang out, especially when the Rockies are playing at Coors Field.

This neighborhood also has a number of great locally-owned dining finds and spots bars/breweries.

Snooze AM Eatery, $$

Original location of the brunch phenomenon spreading across the south and west. Great service, diverse menu, local ingredients. Try the pancake flight.

2262 Larimer St. – (303) 297-0700

La Diabla, $$$

Jose Avila’s former work as a partner of Machete Tacos is evident here and won him best new restaurant of 2021 from the Denver Post. Pozole is the specialty of the house.

2233 Larimer St. – (720) 519-1060

Aloy Modern Thai, $$

Sister born on a farm outside of Bangkok bring a farm-to-table approach to Thai food using modern techniques. Try the house specialty Kao Soi.

2134 Larimer St. – (303) 379-9759

Mexico City Lounge, $$

This Denver institution has been open since 1968. The house specialty is fried tacos and they serve breakfast until 3 p.m., great for a hangover meal.

2115 Larimer St. – (303) 296-0563

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River North (RiNo)

Short for “River North,” RiNo is a trendy, up-and-coming neighborhood known for its world-class street art and high concentration of local breweries and independent restaurants.

Work and Class, $$

Mexican American from James Beard nominated Dana Rodriguez. Great small plates and sides. Order your seasonal protein by the 1/4 pound to share.

2500 Larimer St. – (303) 292-0700

Uchi, $$$$

Austin based fine dining sushi from James Beard award winner Tyson Cole. Omakase tasting menus available.

2500 Lawrence St. – (303) 444-1922

Denver Central Market, $$

One of Denver’s most vibrant and delicious food halls and markets. Great spot for sweets including chocolates, ice cream and pastries. Fantastic street art in the alley behind.

2669 Larimer St.

Safta, $$$

Alon Shaya’s blend of Middle East, Europe and North African cuisine is in the Source Hotel in RiNo. Experience life changing pita bread, hummus and shared plates.

3330 Brighton Blvd – (720) 408-2444

Super Mega Bien, $$$

Latin American Dim Sum from James Beard nominated Dana Rodriquez. Unique and fun space, great staff. Fun for groups.

1260 25th St. – (720) 269-4695

Cart Driver, $$$

Sporting a limited but excellent bar menu along with antipasti, the highlight here is Neapolitian style wood fired pizzas with modern flavors enhancing old world techniques. Also order the oysters.

2500 Larimer St. #100 – (303) 292-3553

Nocturne, $$$

Featuring two seatings a night of jazz and a rotating seasonal pre-set menu, this old school supper club continues to deliver with great music and excellent food and drinks.

1330 27th St. – (303) 295-3333

Death and Co., $$$$

The only other location of the New York original named the world’s best cocktail bar, the richly designed space in the lobby of the Ramble hotel hosts complex and varied cocktails. Reservations recommended.

1280 25th St. – (720) 330-2660

Fish and Beer, $$$

Oysters, fresh fish and a variety of creative fire grilled seafood creations combined with an in-house beer sommelier. Great staff and beverage progam, fun and bustling space.

3510 Larimer St. – (303) 248-3497

Hop Alley, $$$

Chef Tommy Lee brings his Cantonese roots with Sichuan flavors to modern small plates in a stylish space. This is consistently rated and mentioned as one of Denver’s best restaurants.

3500 Larimer St. – (720) 379-8340

Improper City, $$

Like a small private park organized around a bar built into a warehouse, Improper hosts different food trucks every night of the week and offers outdoor space to lounge and play games.

3201 Walnut St. – (720) 666-0043

Dio Mio, $$$

Quick-service meets fine-dining in this modern, buzzy space in north RiNo featuring some of Denver’s best hand-made pasta and sauces.

3264 Larimer St. – (303) 562-1965

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City Park West

This residential area of Denver located within walking distance of the city’s largest park, City Park, has a great neighborhood feel with lots of single-family homes and tree-lined streets. It’s also home to a number of great neighborhood bars and restaurants.

One Fold, $$

Asian leaning breakfast including duck fat potatoes, congee and fried rice. One of Travel and Leisure’s best breakfast spots in the U.S.

1420 E. 18th – (303) 832-8663

Olive & Finch, $$

Market and bistro with pastries, sandwiches and more in an airy and vibrant environment. Try the fancy toasts at bfast or brunch!

1553 E. 17th – (303) 832-8663

Vine Street Pub & Brewery, $$

Sun Valley brewing operates numerous pubs throughout Denver, but all the beer is made here. Great burgers and fries.

1700 Vine St. – (303) 388-2337

Humboldt Kitchen + Bar, $$$

Oysters and craft beer with great lunch options including an easy, pre-packaged lunch to go option.

1700 Humboldt St. – (303) 813-1700

White Pie, $$

Wood fired neapolitan pizzas with modern ingredients. Porky Porkorino is recommended. Great happy hour red wine 3 – 5 p.m.

1702 Humboldt St. – (303) 862-5323

Dos Santos, $$

Buzzy taqueria on the 17th street strip. Great Yucatan style pork as well as several varieties of fish tacos. Several good vegetarian options as well.

1475 E. 17th – (303) 386-3509

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Uptown/North Capitol Hill

Located just east of Denver’s downtown, this neighborhood is accessible while still retaining a more residential feel. It’s location just north of the capitol makes it central, and it has a number of great restaurants and local eateries.

Steuben’s, $$

Updates on Americana diner classics at an always busy local spot with a great beverage program. Excellent brunch and nightly specials.

523 E. 17th St. – (303) 830-1001

D Bar Denver, $$

Open all day this bakery cafe and restaurant serves simple lunch and snacks but showcases an extensive and excellent dessert menu. Great spot to hit for sweets late night.

494 E. 19th St. – (303) 861-4710

Ace Eat Serve, $$

Thach Tran’s pan asian cuisine is combined with a huge space featuring ping pong tables throughout. Great ramen! Grab a bowl and play a game with your table mates.

501 E 17th Ave. – (303) 800-7705

Coperta, $$

Roman trattoria fare and southern italian specialties from sibling restaurateurs. This neighborhood restaurant has simple and classic decor and feeling of community that extends from the food to the staff.

400 E. 20th – (720) 749-4666

Frozen Matter/Retrograde, $$

Artisanal ice cream shop hides a neon speak-easy entered through a massive freezer door at the back of the shop. Seating is limited, so get an ice cream while you wait.

530 E. 19th Ave. – (720) 600-6358

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South Broadway (SoBo)

Funky and eclectic, “Sobo” boasts a number of great restaurants and bars in addition to its many art galleries. It’s also home to art events and walks throughout the year.

Maria Empanadas, $

Argentinian style empanadas from Lorena Cantarovici who came to Denver with just $300 in her pocket. Breakfast empanadas are great with a South American style Cortado coffee.

1298 S. Broadway – (303) 934-2221

Denver Biscuit Co., $$

Expect a line at this Denver local favorite. Specializing in unwieldy, rich and imaginative biscuit sandwiches, they also have excellent cinnamon rolls as big as your head.

141 S. Broadway – (303) 377-7900

Lucille’s Creole Cafe, $$

This homegrown southern/cajun breakfast brunch spot has been around since the 80s. From chickory style coffee to beignets, this is your taste of New Orleans in the Mile High City.

275 S Logan St. – (303) 282-6258

Duffey Roll, $

This home-grown morning bakery specializing in cinnamon rolls is a quiet local spot to grab a morning sugar hit. They have savory options as well, but don’t sleep on the classic roll.

1290 S. Pearl – (303) 953-6890

Post Chicken and Beer, $$

Featured on several Food Network shows, Post brews their own beer and fries some of the best chicken in Denver. Half, full birds or sandwiches and check them out for brunch.

2200 S. Broadway – (720) 466-5699

Voodoo Donuts, $

A Portland OR import, Voodoo has both classic and novel donuts available late in their South Broadway outpost. They also offer a variety of vegan donuts if that’s your jam.

98 S. Broadway – (720) 649-5666

Torchy’s Tacos, $

Continuing the long tradition of Austin TX and Denver cross-pollinating eachother’s dining scene, Torchy’s is a fun, delicious and unique taco spot with a decent bar. Their breakfast offerings are also great.

1085 N. Broadway – (303) – 436-1704

Stranahans, $$

Stranahans is one of Colorado’s oldest local distillers and at their production facility and lounge you can do tour, a tasting and then enjoy some cocktails. (All that together is probably too much)

200 S. Kalamath – (303) 296-7440

Smokin’ Yards, $$

This beloved local BBQ spot started in the mountain town of Idaho Springs. They offer a variety of styles including central texas, southern style and carolina style pulled pork.

900 W 1st Ave. – (303) 284-3349

Ti Cafe, $

A coffee bar from three 2nd generation immigrant sisters you can get deep, dark Vietnamese style coffee with condensed milk as well as a diverse offering of French/Vietnamese pastries.

30 N. Broadway – (720) 940-6663

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Highlands

This trendy neighborhood is one of the fastest growing in Denver now home to some of the city’s best restaurants, boutiques and art galleries. The neighborhood is comprised of three distinct areas: LoHi (Lower Highlands), Tennyson Street and Highlands Square.

Root Down, $$

Housed in a redesigned mechanics shop and gas station, Root Down is a sustainability focused brunch and dinner spot with veggie focused fare from Edible Beats restaurant group.

1600 W. 33rd St. – (303) 993-4200

Linger, $$$

This restaurant is in a former mortuary with both interior and rooftop dining options, Linger is global fusion and street food inspired small plates. Great view of downtown Denver from the roof.

2030 W. 30th – (303) 993-3120

Wolf’s Tailor, $$$

Named one of Bon Appetit’s best new restaurants in the U.S., Wolf ‘s Tailor brings together Michelin starred alumni for a chef driven omakase fusing farm-to-table Japanese with new American.

4058 Tejon – (720) 456-6705

Truffle Table, $$

This artisanal cheese bar and market has a rotating selection of seasonal cheese and charcuterie boards along with dips, spreads and more. Excellent happy hour for snacking and drinks.

2556 15th St – (303) 455-9463

Little Man Ice Cream, $

This award winning local ice-creamery inspired by Coney Island is easy to spot from their milk can shaped building or the hour long line wrapped around the block in summer.

2620 16th St – (303) 455-3811

Postino, $$$

This wine cafe is part of a chain across the southwest. The patio at the Highlands location is great, but the real draw is the incredible happy hour: $6 glasses of wine before 5 p.m.

2715 17th St. – (303) 433-6363

Bar Dough, $$$

Menu and concept originally designed by Carrie Baird of Top Chef fame, this pizza/pasta focused spot is bright and airy with great service. Brunch also recommended.

2227 W 32nd Ave. – (720) 668-8506

Uncle, $$$

Winner of best new restaurant in 2013, Chef Tommy Lee’s minimalist ramen shop does not accept reservations and has limited seating. Expect to wait, expect it to be worth it.

2215 W 32nd Ave. – (303) 433-3263

Lady Jane, $$$

A hipster-esque vinyl driven craft cocktail bar from the group behind Hudson Hill, Lady Jane has a constantly rotating menu of diverse and complex seasonal cocktails.

2021 W 32nd Ave.

Fifth String, $$$$

First venue from Amos Watts, a Denver restaurant veteran, this vegetable forward and local meat focused fine dining spot has a warm atmosphere and some of the best table bread in the city.

3316 Tejon St. #102 – (720)420-0622

Spuntino, $$$$

This multi-award winning and James Beard nominated Italian restaurant is run by a husband and wife team. The menu is classic Italian with some Rocky Mountain twists.

2639 W 32nd St. – (303) 433-0949

Bacon Social House, $$

This brunch spot now has several locations across the state. The bacon flight will give you a taste of six slices of bacon including a rotating seasonal selection.

2434 W 44th Ave. – (720) 550-7065

Senior Bear, $$$$

From the restaurant group behind Ash’Kara, A5, Bar Dough and more, Senior Bear is Latin inspired food and drink. The $125 Parillada recalls a Colombian grill platter and is great for a party.

3301 Tejon St. – (720) 572-5997

Avanti, $$

This bustling multi-story food hall has incubated some of Denver’s best young restaurants on its always changing dining level. Upstairs is outdoor space for drinks with great views of downtown

3200 N Pecos St. – (720) 269-4778