A Food Lover's Guide to Denver
Denver is home to many locally, chef-owned restaurants, making it possible to find something new to try every night of the week. This is one of the reasons why this area is every foodie's dream destination when looking for the latest, upscale and most progressive eateries in the country.
Your visit to the Denver area will place you in the center of a variety of restaurants, including both casual and fine dining atmospheres. The area is home to both breweries and taphouses. You will have also have easy access to food trucks that can be found scattered throughout the city. Even sports lovers will have dining options close to the action of Coors Field.
Top Restaurants
Euclid Hall offers a quaint atmosphere that is similar to that of a small brewery. In addition to the unique menu options available, including schnitzels, hand cranked sausages, poutines, and apps like bruléed center cut beef marrow bones, you will be treated to the knowledge of the staff who will help you find the best beer pairings for your entrée of choice. Try the hops infused pickles while you're there.
The Kitchen Denver is one of the best neighborhood bistros in the downtown Denver area. This restaurant offers garden-to-table menu options served in an eco-friendly, urban environment. Menu options include a seafood bar, Bolognese, steak, chicken, rainbow trout, sea scallops, pork chop and lamb chops.
Rioja offers Mediterranean entrees that have been influenced by regional ingredients and one of the best wine collections in town. Best known for using the freshest ingredients possible, Rioja has a menu featuring homemade pastas, brunch options, mouthwatering desserts, black truffle gnocchi, pork tenderloin and seafood options.
Enjoy simple dishes, served with a sense of elegance at Table 6. This small eatery is very popular among both the locals and those traveling through the Denver area. You will be able to enjoy everything from comfort food such as sloppy Joes and tater tots to a maple smoked pork loin with oat risotto. The menu changes daily in order to capture the flavors of the season. If you are there over the weekend, make sure to stop in at Table 6 for Sunday brunch.
You will feel right at home from the moment you walk into the doors at Tag. The atmosphere is very friendly and is complemented by the surrounding brick-lined interior and orange lights. The menu features Hawaiian-inspired dishes, including goat enchiladas, caramelized butterfish and charred edamame. If you are looking for unique cocktails, this is the place to go.
Other top restaurants in the Denver area include:
Related: Top Pizza in Denver
Food Trucks
Recently food trucks have become more popular, inspiring many to skip traditional dining options and head out to the great outdoors for their meals. Food trucks in the Denver area offer everything from barbecue to baked goodies and seafood to Asian cuisine. If you have a craving for something, chances are one of the area food trucks has it.
Popular food trucks in the Denver area include:
- Biscuit Bus
- Cheese Louise Food Truck
- Crock Spot
- Manna from Heaven Gourmet Food Truck and Catering
- Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees and Smoothies
- The Orange Crunch
- Pinche Tacos
- Quiero Arepas
- Still Smokin Fusion BBQ
- Tasterie Truck
These trucks can be found at various events and businesses throughout the Denver area. One popular business where you will find some of the area's finest food trucks is at the Denver Beer Company. Food trucks are there every day, including Brava Pizza, Little India, Basic Kneads, Big Country BBQ and Baps and Pops. Check out the website for a calendar of upcoming food trucks and times.
Over the summer you will find food trucks lining up at the Civic Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You will also find a decent gathering of food trucks at the Broadway Farmers Market, the Pearl Street Market and the Highlands Farmers Market from May through October.
WhereIsThatFoodTruck.com offers a calendar of all food truck events and locations where your favorite food trucks will be in the Denver area.
Pre-Game Dining
Every Colorado Rockies fan knows that the area surrounding Coors Field is the place to go before the big game. Several restaurants in this area offer both pre- and post-game dining specials and unique atmospheres. So the next time you plan to go to the game, do not wait just before the first pitch goes out to head out to the stadium. Instead, make plans to arrive early and dine at the one area's top restaurants, including Vesta Dipping Grill or Falling Rock Taphouse. Or you can go into the stadium to enjoy a meal at Mountain Ranch Bar and Grille.
To help you plan your pre-game dining agenda, here is a list of some other popular restaurants near Coors Stadium:
Related: Best Sports Bars in Baltimore
As you can see, the Denver area is home to many restaurants, all offering something different and unique. Just one of the reasons why food lovers make plans and enjoy vacations in this area. You will be surprised to discover the many new and innovative menus offered by many of the Denver chefs.
Heather Landon is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience. She has combined two of her passions - writing and travel - to share her experiences with others. You can read more of her articles at Examiner.com.