Denver Dining—and More: An Inside Guide to Good Food and Sights To See

Dodie Ownes with the American Library Association Midwinter Colorado Councilor’s Hospitality Committee -- Library Journal, 12/15/2008

Welcome to Denver. In January, the average high temperature is 47°, with the average low being 16°. But it’s a dry cold (take that, Arizona!). If the sun is shining, as it is 300 days of the year, you may not even notice the temperature while you dash from the Convention Center to LoDo (lower downtown) to Capitol Hill and back. This is a compact, grid-driven city, with the anomaly of angular Speer Boulevard. Denver loves tourists and that includes conferencegoers. The litmus test for the city was hosting the Democratic National Convention in August 2008, and it came through with flying colors. An expanding light-rail system combined with reliable and timely rapid transportation options makes Denver a great city for American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter Meeting attendees. Keep your orientation by remembering that west is where the mountains are and south is where the sun will be hanging during the day. The Capitol building and Denver Public Library are southeast of the convention center and just four or five blocks away.

If you are from a sea-level location, keep these simple tips in mind for your first day or so in Denver: do not exercise heavily, drink many alcoholic beverages, or skimp on water intake! The mile-high altitude creates arid conditions and can make visitors get dehydrated quickly. If you are going to the mountains, or even just spending a day outside in Denver, put on sunscreen. It is easy to get a sunburn here, even in January.

The Light Rail Train Station located under the convention center parking garage can get you to most of the north/south and easterly parts of Denver easily. Costs are extremely reasonable, and the system is considered to be very safe for travelers. If you are staying in a downtown hotel, you might not even use it, but if you are in lodging in the Denver Tech Center Area, light rail will be a godsend!

Staying in downtown, or you are a semi-local trying to get around downtown? Best deal ever is the free MallRide, which travels through the heart of downtown Denver, making frequent stops within walking distance of some of the city’s most popular tourist attractions and the convention center. And it’s free! Even if you only have three or four blocks to go, you will learn to love the MallRide shuttle. It connects with several Light Rail Stations, too, in case you are interested in venturing farther afield.

DINING

Central Denver
Central Denver is the area mostly east (main entrance) and south of the convention center area. You may want to jump in a cab or on Light Rail (see above) if it is particularly cold. The Auraria/University of Colorado-Denver campus, which is just west (look for the mountains) of the convention center, is a good landmark to keep in mind when negotiating the city. Speer Boulevard is on the west side of the convention center, and Stout Street borders the south side—many of the restaurants below are in that area, now known as the Golden Triangle. If you have a little extra time at lunch, or time to explore at dinner, you will find any of these a wonderful choice.

Buckhorn Exchange, 1000 Osage Street, 303-534-9505, www.buckhornexchange.com
Get a taste of the West at this classic Denver establishment just over the tracks from the Auraria campus. Game, fish, and both kinds of oysters (those from the sea and the Rocky Mountain variety—ask a local for an explanation…).

City, O’ City, 206 E. 13th Avenue, 303-831-6443, www.watercoursefoods.com
For vegans, foodies, and carnivores. Tofu scrambles, baked brie with fig jam, and country fried seitan. Two locations in downtown Denver.

Dazzle Restaurant and Lounge, 930 Lincoln Street, 303-839-5100, www.dazzlejazz.com
Denver’s premier jazz club and a fabulous place to sip a classic cocktail and have a great meal. Everyone will feel cool sitting in the retro bar area. If you are looking for a late night eat, this is the spot—the kitchen stays open practically ’til closing at midnight Mon.-Wed., 1 a.m. Thu.-Sat., and 10 p.m. on Sundays.

Cuba Cuba Cafe & Bar, 1173 Delaware St., 303-605-2822, denver.citysearch.com/profile/11575494/denver_co/cuba_cuba.html
Denver’s only full-scale Cuban restaurant. Authentic Cuban food and bar—family owned and operated for seven years. The entire experience will transport you to the islands for a short and exciting eating vacation. Yes, mojitos in January are totally appropriate.

Domo, 1365 Osage Street, 303-595-3666, www.domorestaurant.com
Japanese country food, quite different from the usual Japanese restaurant fare. The building also houses a Japanese country museum, a traditional Japanese garden, and an aikido dojo. Lunch and dinner Monday–Saturday, closed Sunday.

Dougherty's Neighborhood Pub, 5 E. Ellsworth Avenue, 303-777-5210, doughertys.org
Yeah, it’s a pub, but the food’s good, too, and very reasonably priced. In addition to the usual pub grub, it’s known for stuffed burgers and Irish dishes. The lamb chops and shepherd’s pie are especially good. Open for lunch and dinner.

Go Fish, 1 Broadway Unit B108, 303-733-8881, gofishdenver.com
This moderately priced lunch and dinner spot (Monday–Saturday, dinner only on Sunday) offers Sushi and sashimi, Japanese and fusion entrees, plus a full bar.

Heidi's Brooklyn Deli, 555 17th Street, 303-295-1845, www.heidisbrooklyndeli.com
A Brooklyn-style deli started in Denver in 1994. Local favorite: fresh mozarella and pesto sandwich on chiabatta bread. Melts in your mouth and in your hands!

Le Central, 112 E. Eighth Avenue, 303-863-8094, www.lecentral.com/
“Affordable French Restaurant,” indeed! Good traditional French food at extremely reasonable prices. The prix fixe specials and the mussels and fries are especially good values.

Limon, 1618 E. 17th Avenue, 303-322-0898, www.limondenver.com
The place for “Novoandino cuisine,” i.e., Peruvian-influenced entrees and tapas, also has mixed drinks and South American wine and beer. Dinner only, closed Sundays.  

Strings, 1700 Humboldt Street, 303-831-7310. www.strings.com
In his artsy interior with a friendly date-night atmosphere, Chef Humboldt scores big with creative offerings that include outstanding seafood specials and what is perhaps Denver’s best veal chop. The bar delivers classic cocktails done to perfection.

Taki's Healthy Japanese Food, 341 E. Colfax Ave, 303-832-8440
A Colorado State Library favorite with sushi, chicken tonkatsu, and miso soup if you're getting a cold.

Vine Street Pub, 1700 Vine Street, 303-388-2337, www.mountainsunpub.com
Pub fare, home brews, and no televisions! The two locations in Boulder weren't enough, so the owners opened the Vine Street Pub in Denver. Long walk.

Wolfe's BBQ, 333 E. Colfax Avenue, 303-831-1500
This one-man BBQ treasure on Colfax is just up the street from the Capitol. Ribs or tofu, regular or hot (I do mean hot) sauce. You have to love the gruff owner, Louis Wolfe.

Downtown and LoDo, and being with the coolness
The MallRide is the major connection to the restaurants and clubs in LoDo (lower downtown), which is just west of the convention center and home to many of Denver’s off–convention center hotels. Mayor John Hickenlooper was one of the early developers of this area, founding the Wynkoop Brewing Company 20 years ago when trains were barely running to Union Station and only derelicts were hanging around the Market Street area. Many of these establishments are only six to eight blocks from the convention center, but if time is at a premium, just jump on the shuttle to shave some time off your visit to Denver’s where-to-be-seen area. Also nearby: Denver Museum of Contemporary Art, Metro State’s Center for Visual Art, and Cry Baby Ranch. The downtown properincludes the area immediately adjacent to the convention center and west to LoDo.

Downtown
The downtown proper includes the area immediately adjacent to the convention center and west to LoDo.

Bistro Vendome,1414-H Larimer Square, 303-825-3232, www.bistrovendome.com
Situated in the historic Sussex building (1880), this casual French bistro also has cocktails and an extensive selection of French wines.

Del Mar Crab House,1453 Larimer Square, 303-825-4747, www.delmardenver.com
Seafood from the East Coast and the West Coast; Maine lobster to Dungeness crab, New England clam chowder or Alaskan halibut. Pastas and salads also available.

Gelazzi, 1411 Larimer Square, 303-534-5056, www.gelazzi.com
Yes, we know it’s cold outside, but 32 flavors of gelato made fresh for you daily? Jittery fan favorite: Affogato al Caffe—gelato with an espresso shot.

Lime: An American Cantina, 1414 Larimer Square, 303-893-LIME, www.eatatlime.com
Go here for vegetarian corn tamales, masa that’s sweet but not too sweet, and local RedBird farms chicken. The lime rice, refried beans, and red chili sauce are vegetarian.

Mad Greens,1200 Acoma Street, 303-464-7336, www.madgreens.com
This busy restaurant is cafeteria style and casual. Build your own salad from a long selection of vegetables, meats, toppings, and dressings, or order from the salad menu.

Marlowe’s, 501 16th Street, 303-595-3700, www.marlowesdenver.com
One of Denver’s most popular after-work and pretheater gathering spots, Marlowe’s is conveniently located on the 16th Street Mall on the street level of the historic Kittredge Building (built in 1891). The kitchen serves up tasty lunches and an enormous choice of dinner menu selections, and the crowd is always lively.

Palettes, 100 W. 14th Avenue Parkway, 303-534-1455, www.coloradoeats.com/palettes
In the Denver Art Museum and across the plaza from Denver Public Library, this perfect escape from the convention center is just a few blocks away. American cuisine with the freshest of ingredients. Lunch Tuesday–Sunday, dinner only on Friday.

Red Square Euro Bistro, 1512 Larimer Street, 303-595-8600, www.redsquarebistro.com
Russian cuisine with a European flair. An impressive selection of vodkas! Décor has an Art Deco feel with Russian influences.

Rialto Café, 934 16th Street, 303-893-2233, www.rialtocafe.com
Enjoy the Rialto’s Art Deco interior and beautiful bar anytime. The full breakfast and weekend brunch has fruits, waffles, eggs, and more. Lunch menu includes salads or larger entrées.

Sam’s No. 3™, 1500 Curtis Street, 303-534-1927, samsno3.com
American, Mexican, and Greek, this is casual, good food that is inexpensive and reasonably fast. With great breakfasts served all day, Sam’s is also known for its hot dogs and chili. Don’t forget to check the specials board.

Samba Room,1460 Larimer Square, 720-956-1701, www.sambaroom.net
A fun, upbeat, sophisticated, Latin-style bistro. The Latin fusion cuisine features grilled meats and seafood with tropical fruits and spices. It claims to have a "fully stocked cigar humidore."

Santa Fe Cookie Company, 1647 Court Place, 303-623-0919
Fresh-baked cookies, two to three cookies per dollar bag. Just bring your change and an appetite. Local favorite: sugar cookies that are crunchy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside.

Ship Tavern at the Brown Palace Hotel, 321 17th Street, 303-297-3111, www.brownpalace.com/dining/dining.cfm
Inside the historic Brown Palace Hotel, this restaurant with a nautical theme has been serving food since 1934. Leave Denver for a break and transport yourself to a harbor-side tavern. Black-tie waiters anticipate your needs, and don’t feel bad about having a hamburger—you will be rewarded for your choice on the first bite.

Three Sisters, 1717 Stout Street, 303-991-8772, www.threesisterscafeandcatering.com
There is a vast selection of soups with three vegetarian options and four or more for nonvegetarians. Add a miniloaf of bread, and you have a nice lunch for around $6.

Vesta Dipping Grill, 1822 Blake Street, 303-296-1970,www.vestagrill.com
Specializing in dipping sauces and fondue, Vesta has something delicious to eat for everyone. The atmosphere is simultaneously hip and warm, and the funky bar is fun for people watching.

Wazee Supper Club, 15th Avenue and Wazee, 303-623-9518, www.wazeesupperclub.com
This local’s favorite has great pizzas, sandwiches, and regional beers on tap. Live music on many Friday and Saturday evenings adds to the fun. A great atmosphere and really, really good French fries, just a couple of blocks from the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Market Street strolling area.

Wynkoop Brewing Company,1634 18th Street, 303-297-2700, www.wynkoop.com
Denver's first brewpub (established in 1988) is located in the historic J.S. Brown Mercantile Building in LoDo. Casual and friendly, good food, and great local beer.

Zaidy’s Deli, 1512 Larimer Street, 303-893-3600, www.zaidysdeli.com
A menu with choices like Challah French Toast, Matzoh ball soup, or a corned beef Reuben. Sauerkraut and pickles, instead of breadsticks, served to every table. Breakfast and lunch only (closes at 3 p.m. daily).

For Those That Like To Wander, or Who Have a Car!

240 Union, 240 Union Boulevard, Lakewood, 303-989-3562, www.240union.com
If you take the old highway, Route 6, to the mountains, stop by 240 Union for a perfect glass of wine, incredible service, and unbelievably great food. Don’t let the strip mall location put you off—240 Union never disappoints.

Bang!, 3472 W. 32nd Avenue, 303-455-1117, www.bangdenver.com
In the Highlands neighborhood just west of Denver, Bang! serves up comfort food in a cozy, friendly environment. To walk off the famous gingerbread, wander up and down 32nd Avenue and check out the shops, which range from a cheese purveyor to a Spanish-language bookstore.

Briarwood Inn, 1630 Eighth Street, Golden, 303-279-3121, thebriarwoodinn.com
You know it is date night when you get an invitation to the Briarwood Inn for dinner! Tucked up against the foothills of the Rockies, the Briarwood delivers a memorable and delicious dining experience every time.

Cherry Cricket, 2641 E. Second Avenue, 303-322-7666, www.cherrycricket.com
In the tony Cherry Creek area of Denver, the Cricket consistently wins raves for the best burgers in the city. Locals love the place, and there are many cool boutiques and galleries that offer great window shopping.

El Rancho, 29260 U.S. Highway 40, Golden, 303-526-0661, historicelrancho.com
If you are trying to sneak in a trip to the mountains and head west on I-70, make a stop and take in the view of the Continental Divide at the historic El Rancho. Perfect for pre- or après-ski, there is a roaring fireplace, good drinks, and a menu that sports buffalo medallions as well as mac n’ cheese.

Flagstaff House, 1138 Flagstaff Road, Boulder, 303-442-4640, www.flagstaffhouse.com
As if the breathtaking views of Boulder weren’t enough, the food here will blow you away—and empty out your wallet as well. A very special dining experience, complete with wildlife peering in the windows while you gape at the celebrities who frequent the room.

Other fun stuff you want to know about

Avant-Card, 303 16th Street, 303-595-4387
Need the perfect card? You'll probably find it at this tiny shop, tucked away in the basement of the Republic Plaza Building, down the steps from the big Starbucks at 16th and Tremont.

Denver Mint, 320 W. Colfax Avenue, 303-405-4761, www.usmint.gov/mint_tours/index.cfm?action=StartReservation
No, not a candy—a place that makes money! One of the coolest and quickest tours in Denver, this is a favorite with school groups in the metro area. Just a couple of blocks from the convention center.

Golden City Brewery, 920 12th Street, Golden, 303-279-8092, www.gcbrewery.com
Aptly billed as “the 2nd largest brewery in Golden,” this cozy spot is run by a couple of renegade Colorado School of Mines (CSM) professors. Stop by for a seasonal brew or one of Golden City’s award-winning Legendary Pale Ale or Clear Creek Gold beers. If you have the time, hike a few blocks west to the CSM Geology Museum to take in 50,000 minerals, fossils, gemstones, and artifacts housed in a unique setting.

Hammond’s Candies, 5735 N. Washington Street, 303-333-5588, www.hammondscandies.com
Yum yum yum! This is the sweetest little tour in Denver. Hammond’s is famous worldwide for its ribbon candy and specialty hard candies. Visit for the free tour, grab a handful of samples, and just try to resist getting more stuff in Hammond’s retail area. Tours every half-hour, every day except Sunday.

Kirkland Museum, 1311 Pearl Street, 303-832-8576, www.vancekirkland.org
Kirkland Museum displays 20th-century decorative arts, with more than 3300 works on view of Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau, Gasgow Style, Wiener Werstätte, De Stijl, Bauhaus, Art Deco, and Modern and Pop Art. Know that lamp you liked at crazy Aunt Lou’s house that looked like a UFO? It’s here.

Loveland Ski Area, Exit 216, Interstate 70, Georgetown, 303-569-3203, www.skiloveland.com
Give yourself permission to take a short 45-minute ride west toward the mountains and squeeze in a few runs at the Front Range’s (Colorado Springs to Ft. Collins) favorite local’s area. Brown bag it in the friendly cafeteria, or hit Tommyknocker Brewery in Idaho Springs on the way back to Denver—and if you do, the Tomato Swiss Artichoke soup is not to be missed.

National Western Stock Show, 4655 Humboldt Street, 303-297-1166, www.nationalwestern.com/nwss
January 10–25, 2009. It really is as horsey as it sounds—you can see a rodeo, check out poultry breeding, and have a darn good funnel cake all while checking out the biggest belt buckles and the buckingest broncos west of the Mississippi. This is the real deal, folks. Want to catch a cowboy/cowgirl? Swing by the Grizzly Rose, where line-dancing and roping is always in style.

Pacific Mercantile Company at Sakura Square, 1925 Lawrence Street, 303-295-0293, www.pacificeastwest.com
It is no Uwajimaya of Seattle, but the Pacific Mercantile has plenty of food and gift shopping opportunities.

Pandora Jewelry, 220 E. 13th Avenue, 303-832-7073, www.pandorajewelrydenver.com
Need a Freud action figure or a new eyebrow ring before your division meeting? Pandora Jewelry is The Place for you.

Tattered Cover, www.tatteredcover.com, 303-322-7727
Two locations downtown (LoDo, and west on Colfax), this Denver institution is legendary among bibliophiles. Visit either location to find out what everyone is talking about!