Over the past decade, Denver has grown to become a mecca of diverse and innovative cuisine. My first (mild) introduction to Denver was during a layover on my way to Las Vegas in early 2020. Since that tantalizing visit, I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Denver at least once a year for work. This annual trip has become a beloved tradition among my friends and me, primarily because of the incredible food!
from Root Down DIA
My first real visit to Denver and finding places to eat was a bit of a challenge. We had a vegetarian in our group, I wasn’t eating red meat at the time, and I’m also gluten intolerant (yay for dietary restrictions). We were determined to ensure that everyone could find something delicious and suitable to eat at every stop. With careful research and planning, I’ve discovered some fantastic dining experiences, not just for that first trip, but for every trip I’ve taken since. ** I would like to note, most of the sit down food places in Denver include a gratuity on your bill that goes towards the BOH (back of house) & other employees that aren’t your server. You can always ask at each individual establishment what their automatic gratuity conditions are. **
Here’s a list of the restaurants that I’ve enjoyed in Denver, Colorado, complete with honest reviews. I hope these recommendations help you navigate the city’s vibrant food scene and enjoy it as much as I have.
Root Down DIA (Denver Airport-Terminal C)
During my layover at the Denver airport in 2020, in my flippy floppies, watching the beautiful snow falling outside, I discovered a cute little spot in C Terminal called Root Down.
Making Waves: Root Down & their organization Edible Beats. Edible Beats is a group of 6 restaurants that are 100% employee owned whose mission it is to bring real food : real flavor while promoting sustainability & utilizing the local farmers & ranchers to supply at least 50% of their ingredients.
The atmosphere is cute and quirky. Despite being in the airport, with its constant hustle and bustle, once you’re seated—especially towards the back with the window view—you feel transported to a charming urban jungle. The decor features a lot of repurposed and recycled artwork, adding to the unique vibe.
What immediately attracted me to this place was their Gluten Free offerings…but the icing on the cake…SOYRIZO!!!! (I have been pork free since 2006 so this is a huge win!) Without hesitation, I ordered the Breakfast Tacos which included scrambled eggs, cotija, Soyrizo (or Chorizo for you pork eaters), pickled red onions, salsa roja, avocado crema, & I opted for a green mix instead of the home fries. It was marvelous! Everything was fresh and it really came through in the dish. I was really impressed with it being in an airport. It became my mission from that point to one day visit their Brick & Mortar location.
Every single time I am at the Denver airport, I make it a point to eat here. I always order the same thing (with the occasional swap for home fries). Pricing wise, I would say it’s 3/5. Keep in mind, it is the airport, but also you are getting super fresh ingredients and absolutely delicious food…and I never leave hungry.
I give Root Down DIA 4/5 Waves
Prodigy Coffeehouse (3801 E 40th Ave & 4500 Broadway)
Whenever I fly into Denver, I prefer the earliest flight out of Florida possible. This means late nights and early mornings, so as soon as I land, the most important thing to do is get COFFEE. I needed a coffeehouse not far from the airport, conveniently on the way to the hotel. Among the various options, Prodigy and their cool logo stood out.
Making Waves: Prodigy is so much more than a coffeehouse; they also have a paid apprentice program that helps young adults not only study the craft of coffee, but help shape them into the new leaders for the city. “From healing in community together, these PRODIGIES are the next generation of leaders this city wants & needs.”
As soon as you pull into the parking lot, you can tell this place exudes good vibes. The beautiful mural on the front is very inviting and makes for a great photo op! If the weather is nice, they open the huge garage doors to let in the fresh mountain air, offering ample seating both on the patio and inside. They also have a conference & event room to work with their apprentices and leaders, it’s really awesome what they are doing for future generations.
Prodigy has a set coffeehouse menu, but they also display their seasonal specials on a large sign. I always get a lavender latte with oat milk (iced if the weather is nice). The lavender flavor is always spot on and very enjoyable. My husband usually gets the horchata latte, which has become a personal favorite for him—it’s usually gone before I can even ask for a taste.
They have a minimal but purposeful food menu. Due to my dietary restrictions, I haven’t been able to try anything, but everyone I’ve brought here who has eaten something has always said it’s delicious. Their chocolate croissant, which is bigger than my head and filled with chocolate throughout, looks and smells amazing—I’m very jealous!
I’ve been to the Broadway location once, though it’s not usually in the area of town I frequent. It’s a super cozy converted motorcycle garage with indoor and outdoor seating as well.
Prodigy has 2 locations, both are old converted garages, which I find fun and interesting! The location in the photos is the E. 40th location. I would price them 1.5/5, very reasonably priced for the quality and what you get.
I give Prodigy Coffeehouse 4/5 Waves
City, O’ City (206 E. 13th Ave)
I discovered City, O’ City back in 2021 when I traveled to Denver with a vegetarian friend. It was at the top of the highly recommended list of places to try, so we did. Now, dining at City, O’ City has become a tradition—I eat there every time I visit Denver. City, O’ City is a 100% vegetarian restaurant, but you would never guess you weren’t eating the real thing based on the flavors.
Making Waves: City, O’ City & Watercourse Foods are a women, family, & queer owned group whose standards for vegetarian fare have been a staple in the Denver area since 1998. Their key focuses are Community, Creativity, Pride, Culture of Belonging, & Sustainability.
As soon as you walk in, you can tell this place is a vibe: the artwork, the decor, the employees…it is super fun. It is a hot spot in town, so I definitely recommend making reservations.
Once seated, you’re given a carafe of water, and the menu is accessible via a QR code. I LOVE the Sherpa Chai; it has a perfect blend of spices and aromatics. Then, it’s time to move on to the one thing that definitely keeps me coming back for more: CARROT BACON! Y’all, it is SO good! Just do it.
The poutine is another favorite of mine, and it’s gluten-free! The gravy is savory and perfect over the bed of fries and cheese. They also have vegan options for this dish!
This is another place where I am a creature of habit (I promise, I will try something new next time!). I always order the BBQ Mac Wrap. It comes packed to the brim with BBQ tofu or seitan, gluten-free mac & cheese, creamy coleslaw, house-made pickles, and crispy onions. While it’s not gluten-free, you can get it without the wrap, no problem. It comes with a side, and let me tell you, I have never been able to finish this in one sitting. It is sooo delicious! It has a perfect blend of flavor and texture.
I rarely have room for dessert, but their dessert menu is definitely one that should not be missed. It is always changing, so ask your server what is on the menu while you’re there and make sure to SAVE ROOM!
City, O’ City is located near Capitol Hill, which a cute part of town. There are a few shops in the area worth a peruse. Pricing wise, I would say it’s 2.5/5, definitely worth every penny and you NEVER leave hungry.
I give City, O’ City 4.25/5 Waves
Blue Pan Pizza (3509 E 12th Ave)
On the hunt for gluten free pizza, I discovered Blue Pan Pizza. What drew me to them was their boasting about Detroit Style Gluten Free Pan Pizza. All I could think was ‘there’s no way…no way!’. Oh. Yes way.
Making Waves: Blue Pan Pizza specializes in Detroit Style Pizzas, and since their origin in the 1940’s, have won multiple awards for it. While DSP (their endearing anagram) is their specialty, they make and urge you to try multiple styles of pizza including New York and thin crust just to name a few.
Let me be completely honest and transparent: the food here was absolutely spectacular. However, there was a very uncomfortable situation between a manager and an employee during our visit. We were the only ones in the restaurant, and due to the altercation, it took an unusually long time for us to receive our food. Witnessing the employee being treated poorly and seeing them cry was very distressing. Having worked in restaurants for many years, I found the situation quite awkward. Although I’ve been eager to revisit, this experience has held me back. I hope it was an isolated incident. That said, let’s focus on the food!
I ordered the gluten-friendly Detroit-style pizza. While I can’t recall the exact toppings due to the situation, I do remember it being absolutely delicious. I was initially concerned that, being a deep-dish pizza and gluten-free, it might not be cooked through or might turn out tough. I was pleasantly surprised. It was perfectly baked, soft, and held together beautifully. I was very impressed.
I ordered the gluten-friendly Detroit-style pizza. While I can’t recall the exact toppings due to the situation, I do remember it being absolutely delicious. I was initially concerned that, being a deep-dish pizza and gluten-free, it might not be cooked through or might turn out tough. I was pleasantly surprised. It was perfectly baked, soft, and held together beautifully. I was very impressed.
We didn’t stay for dessert.
Blue Pan Pizza has 3 different locations in the Denver area, we ate at the E 12th location. I would price them around 2.5/5, I feel they are pretty on par with specialty pizza places, maybe even a little more affordable.
I give Blue Pan Pizza 2.75/5 Waves
Root Down (1600 W 33rd Ave)
You’ve already (hopefully) read about the location that started it all—now, welcome to the Root Down brick-and-mortar location! It took me a couple of visits before I was able to check this place out, as they were remodeling or closed every time I was in town. But in 2022, during a work trip and a friend’s birthday, I finally made it!
Making Waves: Root Down, part of the Edible Beats group (see DIA Making Waves), boasts a fresh-from-the-earth menu and funky, mid-century details that have earned it a cult following. More than just a restaurant, Root Down is a neighborhood nexus and sensory rabble-rouser, served with a spoonful of nostalgia. Imagine seasonal flavors, bright-AF cocktails, gas station architecture, and offbeat eBay finds. Eclectic is an understatement.
The vibe here mirrors the airport location, just on a larger scale. The bustling airport energy is swapped for a fun, relaxed atmosphere, complete with plenty of recycled and repurposed artwork. There are also several fun photo ops and a greenery wall. Reservations are definitely recommended for Root Down, as waits can be long without them.
The menu changes seasonally, but they have a few staples that remain. During my visit, I had a beet salad featuring three different types of beets, and it was divine. My friend had the lamb sliders, which disappeared immediately from her plate, so they must’ve been good. We ordered one of each dessert on the menu to celebrate our friend’s birthday. When I made the reservation, I noted that it was our friend’s birthday, so there was no awkward sneaking and whispering to the server. They brought out a beautifully decorated plate with “Happy Birthday, Tiffany!” It was such a nice and thoughtful touch.
The food at Root Down is fresh and quirky, perfectly in line with the Edible Beats brand. Pricing is around 3.25/5, making it a great choice for special occasions rather than everyday dining.
I give Root Down 4/5 Waves
Linger (2030 W 30th Ave)
Dining in a former mortuary?? YES PLEASE! When choosing which of the six Edible Beats spots to dine at, the backstory of Linger immediately caught my attention. The unique history and setting made it an irresistible choice, especially since we were celebrating my dear friend’s wedding anniversary! Reservations are definitely recommended.
Making Waves: Linger, part of the Edible Beats group (see Root Down DIA Making Waves), is housed in the former Olinger’s Mortuary. The decor combines macabre remnants, like tables made from autopsy rolling tables, with posh details in a window-flanked space overlooking the charming Lower Highland neighborhood. The drink menu features sips and seasonings as savory as the dishes they’re paired with. Meanwhile, the rooftop patio—outfitted with a 1975 GMC RV as a bar and a repurposed food truck as a kitchen—beckons patrons towards adventure.
Walking up to Linger, the first thing you notice is the massive neon sign on the rooftop reminiscent of The Hollywood Tower of Terror: Olingers Mortuaries – Linger Eatuaries. Upon entering, you are greeted by hosts wearing cadaver capes & hair pins, ready for their autopsy. The decor is delightfully macabre, yet stylish, and the space is expansive, with each room featuring its own unique theme. We were fortunate to be seated at a table made from an autopsy rolling table—thankfully never used for its original purpose.
Like the other EB restaurants, we started with a fresh carafe of water and given a chance to explore the menu, which is divided into enticing categories: Steamed Bao Buns, Kebabs & Skewers (cooked on a Robatayaki Grill), Street Bites, Food Truck, Night Bazaar, and Main Attractions. The specialty cocktail menu included fun offerings like Resting Place (lavender infused vodka, raspberry, lemon, & tonic), Mortuary Margarita, and Mojave Muerte (black pepper infused mezcal, hibiscus, blanc vermouth, lemon, & grapefruit bitters). Between the four of us, we tried almost 1 of everything.
Let’s talk about the food: from the Food Truck menu, I ordered the Impossible Sliders—two sliders with caramelized onions, mushroom duxelle, house-made dill pickles, miso-garlic ‘aioli,’ and a side of hot honey sweet potato waffle fries. They were delicious but were overshadowed by the Kebabs & Skewers menu. I opted for the Skewer Kebab Trio, allowing me to pick any three skewers. I chose the Bison Steak Kushiyaki (seasoned with black garlic, ginger, and miso-scallion brown butter), Chicken Satay (accented with cilantro, jalapeño, and kaffir peanut sauce), and the King Trumpet Mushroom (in a black garlic marinade with whipped tofu). The flavors were so masterfully combined that I ended up ordering another trio just to have more of the Bison and King Trumpet Mushroom. The chef’s carefully and thoughtfully curated flavors left me thoroughly impressed. I feel like we had so much other food brought to the table between all of us, but the Bison & Mushroom skewers were the highlight of the night for me.
For dessert, I got Maduros & Crema (roasted plantains, creama de queso mousse, smoked almonds & cotija). It was the only GF option, but I was more than satisfied. I was a bit skeptical about the almonds & cotija, but they beautifully complemented the savory & sweet flavors of the dish.
It’s tricky to pin down the pricing at Linger because their menu has a tapas vibe, with dishes spanning the whole pricing spectrum. Whether you’re in the mood for a light snack or something more filling, you’ll find options to fit any budget.
I give Linger 4.5/5 Waves
Cosmos Pizza (550 Grant St.)
My husband and I flew to Denver for a concert, which coincidentally fell on 4/20—a notable date not only in general but also in Denver, where recreational marijuana was legalized a decade ago in 2014. After checking in, we headed to our favorite local dispensary, Native Roots, to celebrate the occasion. The flight and the day’s excitement left us very hungry. Luckily, the folks at Native Roots pointed us to their neighbor, Cosmos Pizza.
Making Waves: Since opening their first of 6 locations in 2001, Cosmo’s Pizza has been a go-to spot for those who appreciate the art of true deck oven pizza. They really focus on quality, using only the finest and freshest ingredients available. Every day at Cosmo’s, they shred their own cheese and chop fresh vegetables. The dough is made right in the shop, which you can tell by the freshness of each bite. It’s clear that the extra effort the pizza crafters at Cosmo’s put into each pizza—not just in the ingredients they choose but also in how they bake them in their deck oven—really makes a difference in the overall customer experience.
The walk from Native Roots to Cosmos was magical, with the lightest and fluffiest snow falling around us—like punk kids had thrown a bunch of soap into the town’s fountain. We literally followed our noses to the front door of Cosmos, where we were greeted by the sight of pizza chefs flinging dough high into the air with grace and accuracy. And the pizzas were HUGE!
I was thrilled to discover that they offer a gluten-free crust. I ordered a pie topped with my go-to favorites: mushrooms, onions, black olives, and pineapples, accompanied, of course, by a side of hot sauce and Cosmos’ infamous spicy ranch. My husband opted for a couple of different slices, each the size of a normal pizza from your average pizza joint. We sat at the bar right by the pizza-making area and watched the pros in action—a flawless assembly line of pizza-making majesty.
We took our pizzas back to our hotel to enjoy. Mine was the largest gluten-free pizza I’ve ever seen, and it lasted me through multiple meals. It was also quite delicious! Most gluten-free pizzas can be tough or super thin and hard, but Cosmos’ gluten-free crust was just right. It was delightful when freshly baked and just as good the next day, straight out of the fridge.
Cosmos is a bit pricey for a pizza joint—I’d rate it 3/5 on the price scale. However, the quality of the ingredients and the unique pizza crafting process definitely make it worth the extra expense.
I give Cosmos 3.75/5 Waves
The Brutal Poodle (1967 South Broadway)
I have heard stories about The Brutal Poodle before, but I never got to try them out until this past April. All I can say is, I am so sad I haven’t been here sooner.
Making Waves: This spot isn’t just about dining; it’s about experiencing the vibrancy of Denver’s music culture while enjoying creatively presented dishes. Whether you’re there for the food, the music, or the overall vibe, The Brutal Poodle offers a distinctive twist on the traditional bar and grill concept, making it a must-visit for those looking to spice up their dining routine.
As we pulled up to The Brutal Poodle, it looked like we were walking into a dingy dive bar, which made us a bit apprehensive about what to expect. However, we love a good dive bar, and this one did not disappoint. The decor was intensely musically inspired, focused on metal music. They had posters from past and future shows plastered all over, along with memorabilia from some of my favorite bands, including an Every Time I Die skateboard—Yessss!
A very pleasant bartender/server seated us, and once we got the menus, we knew we were in trouble because everything looked delicious. The metal music influence extended to the menu with creatively named items like And Justice For All Eggrolls, Crowd Surf & Turf Rellenos, and Gwarled Cheese, just to name a few. The drinks followed suit, with names like Blacktooth Grin, The Lemmy, and Cannibal Corpse Reviver on the list.
I ordered the Gluten-Free 2 Step Chicken & Waffles—jalapeño cheddar cornbread waffles with hand-battered chicken breast topped with sriracha maple syrup and butter, as well as the gluten-free Mac N Cheese (pictured above) made with a house-made four-cheese sauce, baked in a cast-iron skillet, and dusted with Flaming Hot Cheeto Dust. Y’all, let me just say, it was a spiritual experience. Ever seen Once Upon A Time In Mexico? Remember the scene where Johnny Depp has to shoot the chef because the meal was so good? Well, that was me after the first bite of the Chicken & Waffles. It is one of the top 5 best things I’ve ever eaten. Perfect. The GF Mac? Sent from the Gods of Metal. I’m not exaggerating when I say I had to mentally recover from these dishes. My husband ordered The Hot Box Signature Brutal Mac, which features cavatappi pasta in their house-made four-cheese sauce, topped with smoked brisket, coleslaw, smokey fried onion straws, and house BBQ sauce. He gave the dish two metal horns up!
Pricing at The Brutal Poodle is a comfortable 2.25/5, which leaves plenty of room to try multiple items from the menu. Just be prepared—each dish is more than filling, so bring your appetite because every dish is a hit!
I give The Brutal Poodle 5/5 Waves