Denver Colorado, USA Travel Guide
Denver's culinary scene is diverse, influenced by its Western heritage, proximity to new produce, and a rapidly growing, diverse population.
It is a city that loves its food, its drink, and its ability to innovate.
A lean red meat, often featured in burgers, steaks, and stews. It offers a slightly sweeter, richer flavor than beef.
This is a staple, especially from New Mexico. Roasted green chiles are used in sauces, stews, and served over burritos or huevos rancheros.
Denver is a major craft beer city. Hops, malt, and various yeasts create a wide range of beer styles, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts.
A savory, often spicy, stew or sauce made from roasted Hatch green chiles (from New Mexico). It is a staple here.
Find it at Sam's No. 3 and many Mexican and Southwestern restaurants throughout the city.
A leaner, slightly sweeter alternative to beef. Bison meat is common on menus due to its regional availability.
Widely available in American restaurants and steakhouses across Denver.
Denver is a major craft beer city. You find a large number of breweries producing a vast array of styles.
Brewery taprooms are everywhere, especially concentrated in the RiNo Art District and around South Broadway.
Seek out pastries and baked goods from independent bakeries.
Denver has several popular artisanal sorbet shops offering creative flavors.
Sophisticated culinary experiences.
Quality food and a pleasant atmosphere.
Affordable and delicious options.
Avanti Food & Beverage (LoHi) features multiple restaurant concepts and a popular rooftop patio. Milk Market (LoDo) is a large food hall with a wide variety of vendors.
Union Station houses several restaurants and cafes, from casual to upscale.
Denver's a varied population means extensive international cuisine options. You can enjoy Mexican, Vietnamese, Ethiopian, Italian, Japanese, Thai, Indian, Chinese, and lots of other global flavors.
Rioja (Mediterranean-inspired) and Mizuna (creative, seasonal dishes) are popular choices.
Widely available, especially in trendier neighborhoods.
Many restaurants offer clearly marked vegan dishes.
Many restaurants accommodate requests. Inform your server.
Most kitchens are prepared to handle dietary requests.
Seasonal markets allow you to meet producers and sample fresh goods.
Great for fresh Colorado produce.
Surrounding areas have farms that offer tours or farm-to-table dining experiences.
Especially popular during harvest season.
Brewery Taprooms: Many breweries have in-house kitchens or regularly host food trucks, a casual and fun dining experience alongside craft beer.
Book culinary tours and experiences through trusted platforms.
Apps like HappyCow (for vegan/vegetarian dining) and Yelp or Google Reviews (with dietary filters).
Calling restaurants directly to confirm their ability to accommodate specific needs.
Reservations are especially useful for popular restaurants on weekends and upscale eating establishments.
Colorado's farms provide seasonal fruits and vegetables, which many Denver restaurants incorporate into their menus.
Supporting farm-to-table initiatives.
You might find venison or elk in some upscale or niche eateries, especially those with a mountain-town influence.
Less common in city restaurants.
Do not leave Denver without trying a craft beer. The city's brewery scene is one of the best in the nation, offering endless choices and welcoming taprooms.
Many breweries have in-house kitchens or regularly host food trucks, a casual and fun dining experience alongside craft beer.
Food Halls and Rooftop Dining are popular, providing wide varieties of choices and mountain or city views.
Denver's culinary scene is generally accommodating, but for specific dietary needs, planning ahead is always best.
