Top Quick Lunch Spots In Downtown Denver
(credit: oliveandfincheatery.com)
You know the feeling. The morning hours are winding down, the clock is ticking and your stomach is growling. It's lunch time, but where will you go to eat? If you work downtown, chances are you'll be looking for something within walking distance so you don't have to deal with parking. Lucky for you, there are lots of amazing restaurants offering great lunch specials all over the Downtown Denver. From quick sandwiches to fancier fare, there is a little something for everyone. So get out of your lunch rut and try one of these delightful restaurants during your next lunch hour.
Crepes 'N Crepes
1512 Larimer St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 534-1620
www.crepesncrepes.com
Take a quick vacation to France during your lunch hour with a trip to Crepes 'N Crepes. This delicious little eatery specializes in every type of crepe imaginable. The weekday lunch special includes any small crepe with a small salad or a cup of soup for less than $11. Try the savory crepes like the ham and cheese or the turkey and cheese or go for the sweet crepes filled with everything from Nutella to Belgian chocolate, caramel, bananas, strawberries or wild blueberries. There are lots of different items to choose from and everything is served up hot and fresh with plenty of time to enjoy your meal before you have to head back to the office.
Paramount Café
519 16th St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 893-2000
www.paramountcafe.com
This iconic Denver restaurant is always a great option for lunch. It's home to some of the best burgers in town, all served on a freshly toasted challah bun. If you like it spicy, try The Inferno, with habanero cream cheese, haystack onions and inferno sauce. Or go for something a little different with the BBQ elk burger served with apple-wood smoked bacon and jack cheese. Those with food allergies will also be pleased to know that the Paramount Café has a very large gluten-free menu, so everyone in your office can tag along. It's also fun to know that you'll be dining in what was once the tallest skyscraper in Denver, when it was originally constructed in 1891.
Related: Top Cheap Lunch Spots In Denver
Olive & Finch
1552 E 17th Ave.
Denver, CO 80218
(303) 832-8663
www.oliveandfincheatery.com
Olive & Finch is all about the fresh café flavors of the European countryside, so it's perfect for a fast lunch between meetings. There is a large marketplace inside if you have to grab something to go, or you can sit in the café and enjoy one of the many amazing sandwiches or the amazing coffee bar. Try the Yoshi sandwich, filled with roasted chicken, black forest ham, ancho chili aioli, Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions all perfectly prepared on a hot ciabatta bun. Or go for the Nico with shaved carne asada, Swiss cheese, spinach, onions, mushrooms and chimichurri sauce on a hot baguette. Worried about parking? Olive & Finch even offers curbside pickup, so you won't have to stress about finding a parking spot during the busy workday.
Billy's Gourmet Hot Dogs
2445 Larimer St.
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 284-2714
www.billysgourmethotdogs.com
Billy's Gourmet Hot Dogs serves up classic Chicago-style hot dogs with a Colorado twist. However, if you want something extra special, try one of the amazing specialty hot dogs like the White Hot Dog, a New York-style dog made of pork, veal and beef. Or try the Kobe beef dog made from premium Wagyu Kobe beef. You can also re-live your childhood with one of the best corn dogs in Denver. Make sure to save room for Billy's legendary French fries served many different ways. Try them with chili, cheese or even garlic pesto with blue cheese. If you still have room, you can also enjoy a tasty milkshake or ice cream cone as your sweet treat before that afternoon presentation.
Related: Top Business Lunch Spots In Denver
The Market at Larimer Square
1445 Larimer St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 534-5140
www.themarketatlarimer.com
The Market at Larimer Square is a hugely popular lunch spot with a fast and delicious deli, making it the perfect place for your mid-day bite. The deli menu is very large with all of the classic sandwiches from roast beef to turkey, ham, salami, pastrami, meatloaf and more. There is also a large vegetarian menu plus lots of traditional salad sandwiches like turkey salad, Cajun chicken salad, tuna salad and shrimp salad. You can also swing by the coffee bar for a cappuccino, latte or espresso to give you that extra energy boost to get through the afternoon. The Market at Larimer is the perfect place for a quick meal on the go. Bring it back to the office, but be ready to deal with all of your jealous coworkers as they ask why you didn't bring them back something too.
Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
