When visiting Denver, be sure to try the city's unique blend of Southwestern, Midwestern, and Western cuisine, which is characterized by dishes such as Green Chile, Rocky Mountain Oysters, and Colorado-Style BBQ.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Denver's cuisine is a unique blend of Southwestern, Midwestern, and Western flavors, reflecting the city's location at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. The city's proximity to the mountains and the Great Plains has made it a hub for ranching and farming, resulting in a strong emphasis on meat-based dishes. Denver's cuisine has also been influenced by its Hispanic heritage, with many restaurants serving traditional dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, and chiles rellenos. Additionally, the city's craft beer scene has contributed to the development of a vibrant food culture, with many breweries offering food pairings and beer-pairing menus.
The city's food culture is also defined by its regional variations, with different neighborhoods offering distinct culinary experiences. For example, the LoDo (Lower Downtown) neighborhood is known for its upscale restaurants and trendy bars, while the Highlands neighborhood is home to a diverse range of ethnic eateries, including Mexican, Italian, and Asian restaurants. Denver's food culture is also characterized by its seasonal ingredients, with many restaurants offering farm-to-table menus that showcase the city's fresh produce, meats, and dairy products.
Denver's food scene is constantly evolving, with new restaurants and food trends emerging all the time. However, some things remain constant, such as the city's love of outdoor dining and food festivals. During the summer months, many restaurants offer patio seating, while the city hosts a range of food festivals, including the Denver Food and Wine Festival and the Great American Beer Festival.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Chile | sauce | a spicy sauce made from roasted green chilies, often served with tacos or enchiladas | Sam's No. 3, La Loma |
| Rocky Mountain Oysters | appetizer | breaded and fried bull testicles, often served with a side of cocktail sauce | The Buckhorn Exchange, The Fort |
| Colorado-Style BBQ | barbecue | a style of barbecue that involves slow-cooking meats over wood or charcoal, often served with a side of coleslaw or baked beans | Moe's Original Bar B Que, Big Papa's BBQ |
| Denver Sandwich | sandwich | a sandwich filled with corned beef, mustard, and pickles, served on rye bread | The Brown Palace Hotel, The Oxford Hotel |
| Chiles Rellenos | entree | roasted poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables, often served with a side of rice or beans | La Loma, El Taco de Mexico |
| Bison Burger | burger | a burger made from bison meat, often topped with cheese, bacon, and caramelized onions | The Cherry Cricket, The Kitchen Denver |
| Palisade Peaches | dessert | a type of peach grown in the Palisade region of Colorado, often served with ice cream or whipped cream | The Brown Palace Hotel, The Oxford Hotel |
| Colorado Craft Beer | beverage | a type of beer brewed in Colorado, often made with local ingredients such as hops and barley | Great Divide Brewing Co., Odell Brewing Co. |
| Tacos al pastor | taco | a type of taco filled with marinated pork, onions, and cilantro, often served with a side of salsa or guacamole | La Loma, Tacos Mexico |
| Chicken Fried Steak | entree | a steak coated in breading and fried, often served with a side of mashed potatoes or gravy | The Fort, The Buckhorn Exchange |
Street Food & Snacks
- Green Chile Fries: a type of french fry topped with green chile and cheese, often served at ballparks or food trucks ($5-$7)
- Elote: a type of grilled corn topped with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder, often served at street vendors or food trucks ($3-$5)
- Churros: a type of fried dough pastry coated in cinnamon sugar, often served with a side of chocolate sauce or caramel ($5-$7)
- Tacos: a type of Mexican dish filled with meat, cheese, and vegetables, often served at food trucks or street vendors ($3-$5)
- Funnel Cakes: a type of deep-fried cake often topped with powdered sugar, strawberries, or whipped cream, often served at fairs or festivals ($5-$7)
- Caramel Apples: a type of apple coated in caramel and nuts, often served at fairs or festivals ($5-$7)
- Popcorn: a type of popped corn often flavored with butter, salt, or cheese, often served at movie theaters or ballparks ($3-$5)
- Pretzels: a type of baked bread often shaped into a knot or twist, often served at ballparks or beer gardens ($5-$7)
Drinks
- Colorado Craft Beer: a type of beer brewed in Colorado, often made with local ingredients such as hops and barley ($5-$7)
- Green Chile Bloody Mary: a type of cocktail made with green chile, vodka, and tomato juice, often served at brunch or breakfast ($8-$10)
- Margaritas: a type of cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, often served at Mexican restaurants ($8-$10)
- Iced Tea: a type of tea served over ice, often flavored with lemon, peach, or mint ($2-$3)
- Coffee: a type of hot beverage made from coffee beans, often served at coffee shops or cafe ($2-$3)
- Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade: a type of drink made with lemons, sugar, and water, often served at fairs or festivals ($3-$5)
Dining Customs
- Tipping: it is customary to tip 15-20% of the total bill at restaurants and bars
- Reservations: it is recommended to make reservations at popular restaurants, especially on weekends or holidays
- Dress Code: the dress code at restaurants in Denver varies, but it is generally casual or business casual
- Eating Etiquette: it is customary to wait for the host to indicate where to sit, and to keep your hands visible on the table
- Food Sharing: it is common to share food with others, especially at family-style restaurants
- Payment: it is customary to pay with credit card or cash, although some restaurants may not accept checks
Where to Eat
- Restaurants: Denver has a wide range of restaurants, from fine dining to casual eateries
- Food Trucks: Denver has a vibrant food truck scene, with many trucks serving specialty cuisine such as tacos or barbecue
- Markets: Denver has several markets, including the Union Station Market and the Larimer Square Market
- Cafes: Denver has many cafes, serving coffee, pastries, and light meals
- Breweries: Denver is home to many breweries, offering tours, tastings, and food pairings
[SECTION] Food Markets & Food Experiences