Since my first trip to Denver, I obviously had to return to explore more of its vibrantly delicious food scene and add to the best guide to Denver, Colorado. This is a sequel to this post, so be sure to check that out too if you’re planning a Denver trip!

The best guide to Denver, Colorado – dining

Let’s kick off the best guide to Denver, Colorado’s vibrant dining scene, where a plethora of options await. From top-notch restaurants and a bustling central market to cozy coffee shops and delightful bakeries, this city has it all. But wait, there’s more! Denver also boasts a unique coffee shop that doubles as a stylish cocktail bar, providing the perfect blend of caffeine and spirits. And if you’re in the mood for incredible cocktails, look no further than the city’s restaurants, where you’ll find an array of establishments serving up the most amazing concoctions. Denver truly knows how to satisfy any culinary craving!

Linger

Linger, part of Edible Beats restaurant group, led by chef Justin Cucci, is one of six establishments dedicated to organic, locally sourced cuisine and community. These buzzwords are often tossed around, but Edible Beats truly embodies them. Since 2008, they’ve expanded to six restaurants — Root Down, Linger, Root Down DIA, Ophelia’s, Vital Root, and El Five — renowned for their responsibly grown, innovative vegetable-centric menus.

Their commitment goes beyond food; they embrace sustainable practices like wind-powered buildings and urban gardens spanning 4,000 square feet, providing fresh produce for their eateries. Each restaurant boasts inspired design, repurposing spaces with rich histories — a former adult video library turned boudoir-style gastrobrothel, a 1950s gas station transformed into a mid-century neighborhood gem, or an eclectic LoHi gem born from a mortuary. They not only speak the language of flavor but also champion diversity and uphold unwavering integrity in the tales they share and the dishes they serve.

“This once mortuary sets out to connect people through the diversity of food and culture. Linger’s eclectic menu represents specialties from multiple continents and is complimented by a rooftop deck that offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding peaks.”

We savored dishes including the Korean Fried Chicken & Mongolian BBQ Duck Bao Buns, Salmon Tostadas + Kohlrabi “Noodle” Salad.

Tavernetta

Tavernetta is brought by the James Beard Award-winning team of Frasca Hospitality Group. Inspired by the food, wine, and culture of Italy – Tavernetta brings la dolce vita style to Denver’s bustling Union Station neighborhood with fresh handmade pastas, an Italian directed wine & spirits list and world-class hospitality. The group was founded by Chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson and Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey along with partner Peter Hoglund. 

Other Frasca Hospitality spots – Denver: Sunday Vinyl | Boulder: Frasca Food and Wine & Pizzeria Alberico

We enjoyed lunch consisting of the likes of the Daily Soup, The Porchetta Sandwich, a delectable pasta & a few desserts!

Señor Bear

This unparalleled Latin-inspired restaurant and bar by The Culinary Creative Group, located in the heart of LoHi draws inspiration from the diverse gastronomic heritage of Central and Southern America, Señor Bear crafts a remarkable dining experience where delectable flavors and imaginative cocktails converge. With meticulous attention to detail and skillful execution, their team of culinary artisans elevates each dish to new heights, ensuring an unforgettable feast for your senses.

We enjoyed an array of dishes such as the Ceviche, Aguachile, Roasted Carrots + NY Strip Steak. They also offer something called Bear Basket for groups of 4 or more; 3 courses of their greatest hits for $70pp.

Of course we had to taste through a few of their colorful array of refreshing cocktails!

Pizzeria Locale

Located in the vibrant neighborhoods of Denver, CO, you can indulge in the authentic flavors of Naples, Italy, through Pizzeria Locale’s exquisite Neapolitan pizza. Embodying the spirit of the streets of Naples, their pizza dough is expertly crafted daily, using only four high-quality ingredients. With utmost dedication, each crust is meticulously stretched by hand, ensuring an unparalleled pizza experience. Whether you prefer to explore their thoughtfully curated menu or unleash your creativity by customizing your own pizza, they guaranteea a taste sensation that will transport you to the heart of Italy.

Note: They have great vegan & gluten free options.

We obviously decided to build our own pizzas & enjoy them with a classic Italian beverage + an Italian-inspired one.

Etai’s Bakery Cafe

Etai’s Bakery Cafe is a renowned establishment that provides a delightful culinary experience. With a focus on freshness and artistry, they offer a diverse range of artisan breads, delectable baked goods, refreshing salads, and an extensive selection of cold and hot sandwiches. The cafe also features a full-service coffee and fresh juice bar, as well as imaginative daily specials. Whether you’re in need of a quick bite or desire a leisurely meal, you can always expect the finest quality ingredients and exceptional customer service. The name “Etai’s,” pronounced as “ee-tie’s,” pays homage to the company’s founder and current CEO, Etai Baron, who is the son of Udi Baron. U Baron Group, a thriving family-owned institution in Colorado, was established in 1994 and has flourished to encompass an American-style artisan bakery, a catering company, six bakery-cafes, and four full-service restaurants.

We enjoyed lunch of salad, a couple waffle dishes, a scone, juice and coffee!

Denver Central Market

This vibrant culinary hub is nestled in the heart of RiNo (River North Art District). This bustling marketplace houses eleven unique vendors under one roof, creating a dynamic and diverse gastronomic experience for visitors. From freshly baked bread and pastries to artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and locally sourced produce, the market offers a feast for the senses. Whether you’re craving gourmet sandwiches, wood-fired pizza, or flavorful sushi rolls, the array of options cater to every palate. The communal seating area encourages socializing and fosters a sense of community, making it an ideal spot to gather with friends or meet new ones. With its trendy atmosphere and a wide selection of culinary delights, Denver Central Market has become a beloved destination for food enthusiasts in the Mile High City.

Izzio Bakery

Our first stop in the market was Izzio Bakery. Known for their beloved “Queens” (their take on the classic pastry kouign-amann) – with a vast selection of daily creative flavors and textures. They’re passionate about using only the absolute best ingredients, collaborating with local farmers and millers to create a custom flour that is traceable all the way back to the ground where their seeds are planted. That is how they know that their wheat is NON-GMO and always fresh.

We surely enjoyed their freshly baked artisan pastries, breads and desserts. But they don’t stop there; they have a full brunch-inspired menu including toasts, bowls, burritos and more!

High Point Creamery

Hudson Hill

This Capitol Hill spot combines the spirit of a coffeehouse and cocktail bar, operating from morning till evening. Its brick-walled corner location has a homey atmosphere, furnished with light wood and an abundance of thriving plants. The space is illuminated by large windows and Edison bulbs, while contrasting tiles and artwork infuse vibrant colors. Music is played on a record player to further set the mood.

They offer locally baked pastries and a small selection of classic bar snacks.

We tried a couple different bar snacks but the standout was hands down their specialty – a very unique grilled cheese sandwich, composed of various cheeses on a fresh baguette served alongside cherry jam and mustard. Of course we started with coffee and ended up at the cocktail menu.

Thump Coffee

Thump’s core mission is to create exceptional coffee and enhance the overall experience for coffee lovers. They recognized a void in the industry and sought to merge quality brew with emotional connection. Their commitment to craftsmanship has garnered a strong reputation, driven by their dedication to surpassing customer expectations and genuine concern for their well-being. They believe in coffee’s extraordinary potential to inspire and uplift, witnessing firsthand its transformative power.

We visited Thump to get some computer work done and indulged in a delicious salad, cookies, and cold brew. The environment was wonderful and conducive to productivity.

Note: It looks like they also have 3 locations in Bend, Oregon.

The best guide to Denver, Colorado – drinks

When it comes to the best guide to Denver, Colorado, it wouldn’t be complete without highlighting the city’s renowned watering holes. From trendy craft breweries to cozy neighborhood pubs, Denver offers a remarkable array of options for libation enthusiasts.

Great Divide Brewing & Barrel Bar

The mission of Great Divide Brewing Co. is to produce high-quality, distinctive ales for their customers, and to provide service and education in regard to the craft brewing industry. They are a brewery of Great characters, making remarkable beer while being active in the community.

Brian Dunn spent five years overseas building farms in developing countries during the late 80s, where his passion for beer grew. After returning to Colorado, he pursued homebrewing and graduate school. In 1993, he founded what would become one of America’s most celebrated craft breweries. Great Divide Brewery started small, with Dunn as the sole full-time employee. The brewery’s exceptional beers, balanced and flavorful, quickly gained recognition in Denver’s emerging beer scene. Over the years, Great Divide expanded, purchased a building, and continued to grow exponentially. In 2013, they acquired land in the RiNo neighborhood for further expansion. Great Divide Brewery’s success is credited to their dedicated employees and their commitment to Denver’s craft beer community, embodying the philosophy of “Bold Character” in their brews and beliefs.

We obviously opted to take a tour! Your ticket takes you behind-the-scenes of the original brewery and taproom plus a commemorative Great Divide Brewery Tour branded Spiegelau stemmed-glass and one full pour of your choice of beer. This was also when I started falling in love with sour beers!

The Meadowlark

This spot is an artistic basement bar seamlessly connected to a sun-drenched patio, where indie bands and DJs take the stage, while also offering a delightful happy hour experience.

Finn’s Manor

Nestled in the vibrant RiNo district, this cocktail bar is a true gem, boasting a prime location and an impressive selection of libations with 16 taps in constant rotation and an extensive collection of over 800 spirits.

El Five

Another Edible Beats spot, perched on the fifth floor high above LoHi, offering breathtaking, panoramic vistas of the downtown Denver skyline from their open-air patio. Drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean, their menu pays homage to the bold and vibrant flavors found across the region – encompassing Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East.

We stopped in to take in the breathtaking view & full moon while sipping on our delicious cocktails!

The best guide to Denver, Colorado – what to do

Last stop on the best guide to guide to Denver, Colorado – let’s delve into the realm of non-culinary adventures. Brace yourself for a thrilling journey through the city’s captivating art scene, vibrant shopping, enchanting gardens, and so much more! While most of the activities steer clear of food, I couldn’t resist including one delightful exception because, let’s face it, food is irresistible.

Rino Art District

The RiNo Art District is a former industrial hub that played a vital role in driving the city’s economic success. Once home to foundries, pattern shops, and various industrial uses, the area witnessed a shift as industries moved out of the city’s core in the late 80s and 90s. Left with vacant warehouses and failing infrastructure, artists began flocking to the area due to affordable prices and its fertile ground for artistic expression.

In 2005, local artists Tracy Weil and Jill Hadley-Hooper established the River North Art District with the aim of creating a vibrant community that connects artists who call the area home. Initially consisting of 8 members, the district experienced rapid growth, expanding to 50 members within a year. Today, RiNo boasts an impressive concentration of creative businesses, including architects, art galleries, designers, furniture makers, illustrators, painters, media artists, photographers, sculptors, and diverse studio spaces. RiNo is recognized as the thriving hub “Where Art Is Made” in Denver.

City Park Jazz

City Park Jazz presents 10 free jazz concerts each summer at Denver’s scenic City Park. Featuring local bands, their diverse audience enjoys jazz, blues, and salsa. Drawing on a historic tradition that began more than 130 years ago, the current series began as a just a handful of jazz concerts in 1986 and now attracts thousands of fans from all backgrounds. As a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) organization, they rely on private funding and prioritize recycling to protect the environment. If you happen to be around Denver in the Summer, it’s worth a trip!

Pizzeria Locale dough class

We had the opportunity to participate in a pizza dough class at Pizzeria Locale, and it was an incredibly enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Unfortunately, they are not currently offering these classes, but I will be sure to update this if there are any changes in the future!

Denver Botanical Gardens

Denver Botanic Gardens is dedicated to entertaining and delighting visitors to their wide range of gardens and collections on 24 acres. The gardens reflect an ever-widening diversity of plants from all corners of the world. They strive to spread wisdom of the Gardens through outreach, collaboration, and education. Through their conservation programs, they actively contribute to the preservation of species and the safeguarding of natural habitats for future generations. Their overarching mission is to establish a profound connection between individuals and plants, particularly those indigenous to the Rocky Mountain region and comparable areas across the globe, thereby imparting joy and enlightenment to all. Anchored by four core values of transformation, relevance, diversity, and sustainability – they have a clear roadmap for the future, guiding their endeavors.

They also support Chatfield Farms, managed in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a 700-acre native plant refuge and working farm located along the banks of Deer Creek in Littleton, Colorado. It’s home to historical buildings dating back to the 1800s, 2.5 miles of nature trails and numerous wildflower gardens. The area is also known for exceptional bird watching.

We loved wandering the absolutely breathtaking property! I would love to visit Chatfield Farms on my next trip to the state!

The best guide to Denver Colorado – sad to see these spots have closed

These are two spots that I am sad to realize have closed since I visited Denver, so I figured I would share the photos anyways!

Morin

Brass Tacks

It’s been far too long since I’ve been to Denver! I think it’s time I plan a trip…perhaps the next time I am back in the states! Feel free to comment any places I have got to go on my next trip!

Happy Travels,

Corey