The 30 Best Places to Eat in Denver

May 19, 2021

Denver, Colorado has always been a great place to visit. Famous for its crisp mountain air, scenic beauty, and iconic ski slopes, Denver has quickly become one of the best cities in America for eating out.

The food scene here is eclectic and has something for every taste. One of the best things? The locals are naturally down to earth and friendly to visitors to the city so you will always feel welcomed.

We've picked out our 30 faves across different budgets and cuisines for you to try on your next visit to the Mile-High City.

Brothers BBQ

Brother BBQ, Denver Slab of Ribs
The famous slab of ribs at Brothers BBQ in Denver

Founded by two siblings who wanted to share their love of BBQ with others, Brothers BBQ is the best barbecue joint in Denver. There are no unnecessary bells and whistles added here, the decor is fun and it is counter service only. The focus is on delicious food at a fair price.

Their meat is fresh and slow-smoked daily to ensure that your meal is mouthwatering good. Pulled pork, beef brisket, and ribs can be bought by the pound or ordered as a sandwich. Order some gooey mac and cheese, creamy coleslaw, and crunchy pickles on the side. Vegetarians and vegans haven’t been forgotten, check out their plant-based menu, crafted just as carefully as their meat options.

The Mile High City is home to delicious fine dining, cozy family restaurants, and lively beer spots. Discover your new favorite place to eat in Denver on this list.

LeRoux

Le Roux, Denver
Great food and service at Le Roux, Denver, CO

The French-inspired Denver restaurant of LeRoux puts a modern twist on traditional cuisine. Taste the mouthwatering Wagyu beef tartare and braised ribs in its intimate dining room. The decor is warm and inviting and the wine list is extensive.

Although dinner is their most popular time, they serve a popular brunch on weekend afternoons. You can try their perfectly creamy eggs benedict and tangy lemon ricotta pancakes with a glass of champagne. Happy hour is also a big hit here. Guests can try some of their standout menu items without breaking the bank.

Q House

Q House, Denver

Chef Christopher Lin sets the bar high for Chinese-American cuisine in Denver. His first restaurant, Q House, located in the Bluebird District, serves up mouth-watering Bang Bang Chicken, Bao Buns, Braised Pork Fried Rice, and Duck Lo Mein. What defines these meals is Lin's Taiwanese cooking experience and confidence using unusual ingredients, like pig ears and beef tongue, while still appealing to the masses. If you're heading to Q House for an evening out, be sure to check out their cocktail menu which delivers on fresh, full-bodied flavors. A top seller is their Saketini which combines sake, gin, cherry blossom green tea, and kinome leaf.

Le French

Le French, Denver

Even if you're not hungry, as soon as you smell the aromas coming out of Le French, you won't be able to resist. Founded by two French sisters, Aminata and Rougui Dia, Le French embodies Parisian cuisine and transports patrons to a quaint café on the streets of Paris. While you certainly won't be able to pass up on their freshly baked pastries, there's way more to explore on the menu. If you'd like something sweet, opt for the French sweet crepes with chocolate, lemon, and sugar varieties. Or, if you prefer savory, you'll have to try their French Onion Soup and Turkey Croissant.

Avelina

Avelina, Denver

Executive Chef Josh Oakley has a diverse background, starting as a pantry chef preparing cold dishes to studying in Southern France under two Michelin star restaurant chefs. He's taken his experiences straight to the menu at Avelina to offer top-notch fine dining meals with inspiration from local ingredients and Denver classics. Think Ribs cooked to perfection with a harissa maple glaze or dumplings filled with chicken and ricotta and topped with crackling. While we know you'll want to come back to try more food, their friendly service and craft cocktails have a way to keep you enjoying the atmosphere well into the night.

The Fort

The Fort, Denver

Leap into the wild wild west at The Fort, just southwest of Denver. Located in a nearly exact replica of Bent's Fort, a Colorado fur trade Fort, the restaurant is known for a menu full of wild game and exotic American specialties. You'll see everything from Braised Bison Tongue, Elk Medallions, and Wild Alaskan Salmon coming out of their kitchen. Recipes date back to the 1800s, when every part of an animal was put to good use. If you're after something a bit less wild, opt for their food truck menu, which sticks to classic burgers, bratwursts, and even mac n' cheese.

Dio Mio

Dio Mio

There's something about homemade pasta that just warms the soul and puts a smile on your face. Making it from scratch at home rarely has the same effect, but sometimes you just want to eat in the comforts of your house - which is why Dio Mio is the perfect solution. Offering counter-service to either take to-go or enjoy in their cozy restaurant, you can always order and eat at your own leisure. Chefs Spencer White and Alex Figura make all the pasta in house on a large pasta-production table, so we guarantee the smells will have your stomach grumbling as soon as you walk through the door.

Acova

Acova

Acova is truly a place for all occasions - after-work drinks, romantic date nights, big or small celebrations. You'll find that the entire neighborhood and beyond has come round for some good food and great company. Cova translates to 'nest' in Italian, which pays equal tribute to its sister restaurant, The Hornet, and its homely atmosphere. Their menu continues this theme, with homemade soups, hearty burgers, and sandwich favorites served all day. However, an all-time favorite on their menu has to be their Broadway Lobster Mac + Cheese, which combines the classic recipe along with bacon, prosciutto, and panko crumbs.

Ace Eat Serve

Ace Eat Serve, Denver

Ping pong hall, igloos, Asian-fusion, and craft cocktails - can you think of a better combo? At Ace Eat Serve, you can start your night with a cold beer and a ping pong game. Then head outside to their oversized patio to enjoy some of the best casual dining in the city. Of course, you'll work up an appetite, and their Bao Buns and wings will keep you energized well into the night. While the atmosphere always remains casual and fun, Chef Tran ensures the food coming out of the kitchen is top-notch - he even earned Ace Eat Serve the reputation as one of Denver's best Asian restaurants.

RiNo Beer Garden

Rino Beer Garden Denver
Rino Beer Garden serving up a selection of local favourites

Head to Denver’s vibrant art district to enjoy a frosty pint of beer at RiNo Beer Garden. The tap options are extensive, with craft beers from both established and up-and-coming breweries from around the nation. Standard pub far made right is the key to their menu. Enjoy a tasty burger, fried pickles, and bacon mac and cheese. Bloody marys and mimosas flow during their brunch, with a menu full of eggs, bacon, and sausage.

The outdoor patio is an impressive 4,000 square feet. Blazing fire pits make the patio a popular spot all year long. Twelve TVs mean you will never miss a Denver Broncos’ game.

Denver Biscuit Company- Colfax

Denver Biscuit Company
Serving up the classics at Denver Biscuit Company

Biscuits and gravy, a longtime Southern staple has been slowly but surely gaining nationwide popularity. The Denver Biscuit Company knows how to make the sky-high fluffy biscuits that dreams are made of. Pair them with savory sausages, buttermilk fried chicken, and pot pie gravy for one of the best sandwiches of your life. Housemade pickles give you some crunch on the side.

Sweet tooths will love the strawberry cream toppings, french toast, and the cinnamon roll biscuits. Cold brew coffee and sweet iced tea give you the jolt you need to wake up and enjoy the rest of your day.

Corinne Restaurant

Corinne Restaurant

Sophisticated meets comfort at Corinne Restaurant, located off the lobby in Le Meridien Denver Downtown Hotel. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you'll find a mix of excited hotel guests and locals who know a thing or two about good food enjoying the slightly swanky atmosphere. Menu items range from pricier King Cuts of Prime Rib or Maple Glazed Salmon to your more classic Chicken Tenders and Prime Cheeseburgers. However, towards late evening, you'll find guests are simply coming for their Denver famous Modern Cocktails, which surprise your tastebuds with refreshing concoctions and a hint of classic wisdom.

Uncle Ramen

Uncle Ramen

With two Denver locations always packed with hungry customers, Uncle Ramen must know a thing or two about food. Tommy Lee, the mastermind behind the restaurants, loves surprising diners with unique bursts of flavor and new fascinating small plates to try. The original location in Highlands focuses' mainly on ramen. Whereas its new location in West Washington Park adds tempting small plates of sashimi, salt & pepper quail, and pork belly to its menu. Pair one of those with a refreshing cocktail, and the somewhat longer wait time on main dishes is forgotten.

Restaurant Olivia

Restaurant Olivia, Denver, Colorado
Restaurant Olivia, Denver, Colorado

Delicious Italian food made from scratch using top-quality ingredients is at the heart of Restaurant Olivia in Denver. Homemade pasta is the star of the menu, with everything from the basics, like classic lasagna and creamy four-cheese tortellini, to the unexpected, with dishes like buttery lobster spaghetti.

Order some house-baked focaccia bread to soak up your sauce. The cozy dining room and friendly staff will make you feel right at home. A five-course tasting menu is ideal for those who want to try a bit of everything on a big night out. A la carte options are available as well for those with less of an appetite. SuperMegaBien

54Thirty

54Thirty, Denver

54Thirty is known around Denver for a few good reasons. Holding the title for Denver's highest open-air rooftop bar, ranked best Bar in Denver for 2021, and serving elegant small plates that pair up perfectly with their cocktail menu. If you're after a quick bite, 54Thirty is not your place. Once you're settled in next to one of their open fire pits with a cocktail in hand, you'll be hard-pressed to want to give up your seat. If you're out with friends, we recommend getting a selection of their crafty dips to enjoy alongside their City Peaks cocktail made with fin, honey, lemon, blackberry, and bubbles.

Syrup

Syrup, Denver

We bet you can guess what Syrup Restaurant is known for.. mouth-watering pancakes and waffles that provide the perfect base to enjoy one of owner Tim Doherty's crafty homemade syrups. We're not just talking about your basic maple syrup either. Instead, top your choice of pancakes, French toast, or waffles with flavor-infused buttermilk, blackberry, strawberry, butterscotch, or coconut syrup. If that's not enough to get you up bright and early for breakfast, we don't know what is. Luckily for Denver locals, Syrups has 4 locations dotted around Denver, so you won't have to drive far.

Original Pancake House

Original Pancake House, Denver

While the original Original Pancake House (OPH) was founded in Portland, Oregon, back in 1953, Denver's first OPH opened in 1996 and has been a staple of breakfast in the region ever since. Contrary to what the name suggests, OPH serves way more than just pancakes. Of course, it's hard to resist their thick bacon and blueberry pancakes, but their Green Chile Eggs Benedict, Cowboy Omelette, and crepes make your decisions that much more challenging. Both of Denver's locations, one in Cherry Hills and one at Denver Tech Center, are open until 2 pm, making it the perfect late breakfast turned lazy afternoon experience.

Annette Scratch to Table

Annette Scratch to Table

Owner and chef Caroline Glover has three main goals for her restaurant Annette Scratch to Table – serve diners as though they were guests in her home, to be a place where people can share food and tell stories, and serve food that honors food producers, nourishes eaters and embraces creativity. Everyone can agree, she's well exceeding these goals. As you walk into the restaurant, you're greeted warmly by the staff, and the dark wood ambiance with an open kitchen sets the tone for the quality of food you'll soon be enjoying. It's impossible to pick a favorite dish, but their Maschhoff Family Pork Tenderloin is sure to be a table pleaser.

White Pie

White Pie

It's all about the thin-crust pizza at White Pie – perfectly crispy, flaky, and hints of smoky aromas. While thin crust is not the easiest to pull off, chefs and brothers Kris and Jason Wallenta have no fear as they toss their crusts into the air then into the wood-fired pizza oven. Their staple pizza is their classic Mootz – house red sauce, mozzarella, and basil, and next in line is their White Pie, which uses crème fraiche as a base topped with mozzarella, garlic, bacon, cremini mushroom, and a sunny egg. Or grab their Lasagna Al forno to take and bake up a scrumptious dinner to impress at home.

Panzano

Panzano, Denver

When you think of Italian, your mind likely wanders to late nights indulgences filled with carbs and stretchy pants. While there's certainly nothing wrong with that, Panzano in downtown Denver might have you changing your mind. Dinner remains their must-try, with Northern Italian-inspired dishes with a focus on local and organic produce. However, you'll also find a buzzing crowd enjoying their fresh-baked croissants for breakfast, goat cheese and asparagus omelet for brunch, and Salsiccia Pizza for a late lunch. No matter the time of day, we recommend making a reservation so you don't have to put your growling stomach through torcher waiting for a table.

SuperMegaBien

Korean BBQ beef buns at Super Mega Bien, Colorado
Korean BBQ beef buns at Super Mega Bien, Colorado

Denver’s SuperMegaBien takes the Asian dim sum style of eating and infuses it with Latin American flavor. Tapas sized dishes can be taken from their carts while large plates are available for order. Family style eating is the norm here so don’t feel weird about sharing your plate with your tablemates.

The menu is extensive and full of flavor. Try the carne asada with chimichurri, shrimp ceviche with habanero sauce, or patatas bravas with spicy chorizo. Their happy hour is full of great deals so get there early if you can!

NOLA Voodoo Tavern

NOLA Voodoo Tavern
Red beans and rice, gumbo and etouffée at NOLA Voodoo Tavern

The best of New Orleans cuisine can still be found more than a thousand miles away in Denver’s NOLA Voodoo Tavern. Located in hip North Denver, this is a place to go for a night out. The atmosphere is fun and lively here. It feels like Mardi Gras is just around the corner, all year long.

Try cajun favorites like crawfish, fried okra, tangy catfish po’boy, and house wings dripping with their secret sauce. Don’t forget to indulge in some New Orleans cocktails while you watch the NFL Saints game on their TV.

Work & Class

Work & Class, Denver, Colorado
Work & Class, Denver, Colorado

A no-nonsense bar for hungry customers, Work & Class, is where Denver goes for a strong drink and a filling meal. The food is classic Southern cuisine with a Latin flair. Crispy fried chicken, decadently cheesy mac and cheese, and juicy pulled pork are served alongside carnitas and empanadas.

There is no pretension here, the food is served with local workers in mind at a fair price. Grab a bourbon or a local craft beer and join in the conversation.

Cattivella

Sauteed shrimp, sausage, bell peppers, creamy polenta at Cattivella, Colorado
Sauteed shrimp, sausage, bell peppers, creamy polenta at Cattivella, Colorado

Experience the drama and distinct tastes of wood-fired Italian cuisine at Cattivella. Come here with an appetite, the dishes are bursting with rich flavors. Creamy truffled macaroni and cheese is topped with juicy grilled steaks and oysters are charbroiled with parmesan and herbs.

Cut into a gooey wood-cooked pizza under the umbrellas in Cattivella’s sunny patio. If it’s a cold day, step inside their bright and airy dining room with a sleek design.

Officer’s Club

Officers Club, Denver, CO
The inside of the Officers Club, Denver, Colorado

Located near Denver’s former Lowry air force base, Officer’s Club is a nod to the classic officer’s clubs of decades past. Open to everyone, Officer’s Club focuses on well-made traditional American food. Seafood and steaks are the highlights on the menu, from crab cakes and halibut to french dip sandwiches. If you come on a Friday or Saturday, you can try their famous prime rib.

The sleek wood plated dining room opens up into a covered patio that is perfect on summer days. Look through their extensive cocktail list for something that will help you relax after a long day at work.

Shrimp Scampi served with warm cheddar biscuits, charcoal fired California artichokes and cheesecake
Shrimp Scampi served with warm cheddar biscuits, charcoal fired California artichokes and cheesecake
Lobster dinner for two, served with Warm Cheddar Biscuits, a Large Winter Salad and your choice of two sides
Lobster dinner for two, served with Warm Cheddar Biscuits, a Large Winter Salad and your choice of two sides

Ultreia

Tapas at Ultreia, Denver
Modern tapas and great service awaits at Ultriea, Denver, CO

Travelers might not expect to find a restaurant as refined as Ultreia in Denver’s historic union station. Drawing from Spanish and Portuguese cuisine, Ultreia serves food all day long. Tapas and pintxos include Iberian flavors like chorizo sausage, manchego cheese, and marinated octopus. Sangria and wine flow and are a welcome addition to any meal or happy hour.

Covered and heated outdoor seating means you can enjoy the patio all year long. Diners who see the beautiful interior, with high ceilings, intricate fine-art inspired murals, and iron-framed windows may decide to stay inside instead.

Citizen Rail

CitizenRail Denver
Coal fired mussels, simmered in a rich tarragon-dijon broth with grilled bread at Citizen Rail, Denver, CO

Lovers of good steak will feel at home at Citizen Rail. Located in central downtown Denver, Citizen Rail dry-ages, smokes, cures, and hand cuts their meats in house. Wild venison, steaks, local lamb, and rabbit are prepared and served with care.

The open kitchen is centered in the dining room, so guests get a front-row view of their dish in progress. Sit at the bar during their great happy hour or head outside to their patio on a sunny day.

Rhein Haus Denver

Reinhaus Denver
Authentic German cuisine, served (of course) with an ice cold German lager at Reinhaus in Denver

Located in Denver’s LoDo neighborhood is Rhein Haus, a Bavarian beer hall. Brats loaded with toppings and warm soft pretzels with house-made sauce are perfect companions for your pitcher of beer. Grab a pork schnitzel or a burger if you are feeling particularly hungry.

Rhein Haus is spread over two levels with 24 beers on tap. Stained glass windows and German decor make the interior stand out. Four bocce courts (a ball game) are on-site for those who want to have a little fun.

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