The best restaurants in Denver

What is it? From the same restaurant group behind Brutø comes the only Colorado restaurant to hold two Michelin stars and a Michelin green star to boot, thanks to the zero-waste, seasonal, unexpected flavor journey the multi-course tasting menu provides. Charcoal and wood-fired cooking transforms local grains, proteins and produce into sparkling little edible packages, deeply nuanced and full of whimsy, that arrive in a carefully timed cadence.

Why we love it: The entire experience makes you feel a little like you’re part of a secret club for diners with elevated palates. Highly detailed culinary techniques like fermentation, preservation, dehydration, wood parching, and foraging (the list goes on) tell a food's origins story that your server will happily share with each delivery of the almost-too-pretty-to-eat bites.

Time Out tip: If available, book an outdoor private dining tent. It totally ups the exclusive in-the-know vibe.

Address: 4058 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 5–9pm

Expect to pay: Tasting menu is $225 per person, but a beverage pairing could set you back another $150 per person—at least.

What is it? In a city full of Mexican-inspired eats, chef Johnny Curiel burst onto the scene in late 2023 with a repertoire of playful, outside-the-box dishes like decadent camote asado (agave roasted sweet potato with silky-smooth fennel whipped requesón, or Mexican ricotta-like cheese)—and did it better than everybody else. Not only was Alma the only new Mile High restaurant to snag a Michelin star in 2024, but Curiel was also named the Michelin Guide Colorado 2024 Young Chef Award winner. Fitting for a chef who now runs a veritable small empire of coveted eateries (try sister concepts Alteño and recently Michelin-starred Mezcaleria Alma for equally rich and nuanced branches of elevated Mexican cuisine).

Why we love it: This place is pure fun packed into an adorably tiny space with a dozen-ish two-tops and a chef’s counter. Three chefs and a bartender move in a harmonious hustle behind the counter as they take orders, slice garnishes, stir sauces and plate ingredients—all the while chatting with eager patrons mesmerized by the creative visions coming together in real time. Order the Enmoladas De Pato: mole negro chichilo, duck carnita, sweet potato puree, and salsa de chiles cecos (or, as the team says, “Oaxaca on a plate!”).

Time Out tip: Even if you’re not a margarita person, make an exception while you’re here. Avocado and sweet corn play starring roles in the Alma versions for zippy concoctions that have just the right amount of smooth-from-the-earth freshness to feel good about ordering another.

Address: 2556 15th St, Denver, CO 80211

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 2–10pm, Fri 2–11pm, Sat 4–11pm, Sun 4–10pm

Expect to pay: $15 to $21 for small plates, $29 to $48 for dishes to split, $16 for cocktails.

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What is it? An 18-seat, 11-course Michelin-starred (twice if you include the green star) sensory experience in Lower Downtown (LoDo)’s historic Dairy Block, showcasing a sustainable culinary technique derived from brutalist concepts (hence, the name): raw, stark, bold, unapologetic and built around full utilization (as in, nothing goes to waste) of ingredients that are seasonal, local and regeneratively farmed when possible.

Why we love it: The team at the helm embraces change and innovation, taking risks even as the highest accolades keep rolling in. To wit, executive chef Byron Gomez (under lauded restaurateur Kelly Whitaker of Id Est Hospitality Group) ushered in a culinary evolution in 2024 with his Costa Rican roots. Yet, he sustained the Michelin-level dining experience built around practices like fermentation and dehydration that make use of every flavor and texture the team can eke out of an ingredient. (Fancy looking drink? That might be recycled pea pulp dust coating the rim. Melon on your plate? Chef might tell you he’s soaking the rinds to make a fruity martini brine.) The next change: Gomez is exiting this summer after his final Costa Rican tasting menu, which unlocks Brutø’s newest era: a chef residency program in collaboration with its new R&D studio next door. Because the only thing better than one chef with wildly creative ideas is…many. 

Time Out tip: All this ingredient recycling and small-space, intimate cooking can make cross-contamination a bit of a thing if you’ve got certain allergies (mushrooms, soy, nightshades); make sure to discuss this well before your reservation.

Address: 1801 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 5–8:30pm

Expect to pay $180 per person for the tasting-menu format, plus beverages.

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What is it? An understated-yet-elegant Michelin-recognized Wash Park destination eatery that shines with the freshest handmade pasta in half a dozen varieties at any given time, from perfectly pillowy mushroom mezzaluna to creamy gemelli alla norcina (black truffle, fennel sausage, pecorino). You’d be hard-pressed to find better tagliatelle Bolognese in Bologna itself.

Why we love it: Everything feels warm and intentional at Olivia, from the greeting to the knowledgeable servers to the menu, which includes helpful illustrations with each pasta headliner (for diners not up on their culurgiones) and thoughtful dessert-wine pairings with each sweet treat.

Time Out tip: There’s something about rolling and cutting your own pasta that makes it that much more delicious, which is why Olivia’s pasta-making classes (parties of six to 10, Tuesday–Saturday 12:30–2pm) are such a great call. Choose from three different class types, all beginner-friendly.

Address: 290 S Downing St, Denver, CO 80209

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5–9pm

Expect to pay: $200 for a modest two-top dinner (small plate, pasta and a glass of wine apiece); $85 for the four-course pasta tasting menu (tablewide participation) with an optional $60 (apiece) wine pairing

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What is it? White tablecloths, twinkling lights, thoughtful wine pairings and French sophistication in Governors’ Park, all of which have given this celebrated flagship from Frank Bonanno—arguably the top chef-restaurateur in the city—25 years’ worth of staying power.

Why we love it: For a special occasion that warrants 30-day dry-aged bluefin crudo, beef Wellington or confit duck torchon. The menu changes monthly at the chefs’ discretion, but thankfully, the butter-poached lobster mac and cheese—an indulgent bite of beurre-blanc heaven and Food Network Challenge winner—is a staple.

Time Out tip: If you enjoy Mizuna, keep an eye out for Bonanno’s newest venture (July 2026), Rōmyō: an Italian-Japanese fusion spot in Larimer Square that pays homage to the idea that the two cuisines share some culinary attributes.

Address: 225 E 7th Ave, Denver, CO 80203

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5–9pm

Expect to pay: $100 to $150 per person; cocktails $20. Wine varies.

What is it? From Fonda Fina Hospitality (yes, the same talent—aka, Chef Johnny Curiel—behind Alma Fonda Fina and Mezcaleria Alma) comes an 18-course tasting menu that explores Mexican tradition by celebrating the starring role of masa (dough made from ground corn—milpero, after all, means ‘corn farmer’). The team, which entails a rotating residency of chefs from within the hospitality group, welcomes two seatings of just eight people a night, with diners moving through four distinct spaces in the restaurant in a literal journey through Mexican heritage. Guests start in the antechamber with a welcome beverage (think: Tejuino (fermented masa) with lime sorbet; move into the dining room for cold counter raw bites and seafood such as brown butter lobster with heirloom tomato and Mokum carrots; transition through the glass encased wine and fermentation room to sample items including pulque (fermented agave sap) and atole agrio (nixtamalized corn, fermented masa, water and salt); and finish at the hot counter for dishes like borrego (lamb saddle with mole negro chichilo and sweet potato gastrique). Dessert (four courses) at the hot counter rounds out the night. 

Why we love it: There really is nothing like it in Denver. This is a three-hour storytelling experience for those who want to dive deeper into the richness of Mexican heritage through the portal of food and the lens of a chef whose ability to translate his own culinary memories into a nuanced, exciting journey for customers is unmatched.

Time Out tip: Come as curious as you are hungry. Says Curiel: “The space is so small—there’s a chef per person, and a lot of conversations. We’re gonna be together for three hours. We want people to ask questions, be loud, be vocal. You are going to come in here and hear 200 new words. We want you to leave here more knowledgeable than when you came.” 

Address: 3455 Ringsby Ct, Denver, CO 80216

Opening hours: Wed–Sat 6–10:30pm; two seatings at 6pm and 7:30pm

Expect to pay: $225 per person for the tasting menu, which includes a welcome drink and fermented beverage. Pairing menus and drinks are additional.

What is it? A sophisticated nature-inspired eatery tucked onto the rooftop of downtown’s new(ish) Populus Hotel, serving flavorful game, seafood, and seasonal produce fire-roasted over an open flame. Dishes are bold, bright and earthy with addictive accompaniments like silky charred onion butter and briny caper berries. 

Why we love it: The vibes and energy match the food's intentionality. Soft forest-like lighting glints off warm wood accents as you move through the space; strategic table placement by the oversized windows (designed to mimic an aspen tree trunk when the hotel catches your eye from a distance) allows unobstructed views of Denver’s bustling Civic Center below; the indoor-outdoor bar invites open air flow throughout; and the decor is all live edges, natural textures, and moss-green furnishings. The intoxicating (yet subtle) campfire scent wafting about from the open hearth is a heavenly reminder of the Colorado roots behind the menu. This is a place to appreciate every bite and its nod to the land that brought it forth.

Time Out tip: Pay attention to the knowledgeable and thoughtful servers. On our last visit, we ordered a different à la carte side (pickled spring vegetables) than the item our server recommended (spring snow and snap peas with lemon vinaigrette) to complement our grilled whole snapper with lemon chili beurre blanc. He brought out both…and he was right.

Address: 240 14th St, Denver, CO 80202

Opening hours: 4:30–10pm; bar 4:30–11pm

Expect to pay: $250+ for a two-top, including bread service, an appetizer, an entree for the table, a modest bottle of wine, and a dessert to split

What is it? Contemporary, non-traditional Vietnamese dishes that will surprise and delight your palate with flavors and textures that push boundaries, yet simultaneously make Vietnamese culinary techniques approachable. Husband-and-wife team Ni and Anna Nguyen opened their labor of love in 2023 and have been wowing diners since with creative and playful offerings such as fried pig ears with chili, lime, ginger, cabbage and egg and the shrimp cake with butter, trout roe and mint. Do not skip the zippy, pineapple-bathed hamachi crudo.  

Why we love it: It feels like a neighborhood secret for those in the know about the hippest happenings—the kind of spot you can slide into for date night or roll into solo for a bite at the bar and be equally enamored with the buzzy atmosphere that matches the collective zing of the menu. Each dish and zesty cocktail (looking at you, Dirty Michelada with the pickle beer) feels fresh and unexpected—like an adventure you want to talk about for days.

Time Out tip: Don’t have time for a sit-down meal? Worry not. Pop into the once-a-week Sắp Sửa bakery (Saturdays, 8am–noon) and grab yourself a fennel-ricotta muffin or Vietnamese banana-rum cake. We suggest getting there early to avoid the line.

Address: 2550 E. Colfax Ave, Denver, CO  80206

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 5–9:30pm; Fri–Sat 5–10pm; bakery Sat 8am–12pm

Expect to pay: Dishes run the gamut from $12–$35; cocktails ring in at $14–$17

What is it? The sushi at these sister spots, occupying swanky digs right next door to each other on bustling Old South Pearl Street in Platt Park, is so fresh you’ll swear you’re in Japan.

Why we love it: You’d be right, kinda, about that Japan feeling; the Kizaki brothers, who own the two spots and have been setting the sushi standard in Denver since 1984, have another brother in Japan who sources the catch from one of the biggest fish markets. That sashimi on your plate? Swimming off the coast of Japan less than 24 hours ago.

Time Out tip: Can’t get a reservation at one of the brothers’ sushi spots? Fret not. They also run a little brother restaurant, Ototo—look for more casual noodles and robata skewers along with the same fresh fish—across the street to round out the “Den Corner.” And if you really want to up your Japanese game, in April 2025, one of the brothers, Toshi, opened a fourth eatery, Kizaki (yep, just down the block), to showcase the “edomae” (old Tokyo) style of sushi offerings at an intimate nine-seat omakase counter. It took a mere five months to earn a Michelin star.

Address: Sushi Den: 1487 S Pearl St.; Izakaya Den: 1487-A S Pearl St; Denver, CO 80210

Opening hours: Sushi Den: Daily 11:30am–2pm; Sun–Thu 5–9:30pm; Fri–Sat 4:30–10pm. Izakaya Den: Tue–Thu 5–9:30pm; Fri–Sat 4:30–10pm.

Expect to pay: Appetizers and (non-vegetarian) rolls range from around $10 to $25; kitchen entrees (fish) and sushi platters (non-vegetarian) run from mid–$30s to $42. Grab noodle dishes for $20 to $22.

What is it? An upscale yet unpretentiously playful Michelin-recognized purveyor of Japanese izakaya tucked into a cute Lower Highland (LoHi) nook. We can’t get enough of the sesame-kissed hamachi cushioned in a tangy, citrus-y yuzu cloud with leek oil.

Why we love it: The chill factor. Kawa Ni’s sunny, earthy, bamboo aesthetic, laid-back walk-in vibe, and unapologetic but not overdone flavors suggest that this is a place to settle in at the bar and get cozy with a good friend and the menu.

Time Out tip: You can’t beat the happy hour (Tue–Fri 4–5pm, Sat–Sun 11:30am–2pm). A $10 shaken Sake-It-Tumi and a $6 swordfish katsu (panko coated) bao might be the best deal in town.

Address: 1900 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211

Opening hours: Tue–Fri 4–9:30pm; Sat 11:30am–2:30pm, 4:30–9:30pm; Sun 11:30am–2:30pm, 4:30–8pm

Expect to pay: You won’t find much over $29 on the menu (half the items are under $20) with the exception of the raw dishes, and beverages are mid-priced as well, so let the adventure begin.

What is it? A daring, stylish take on regional Chinese cuisine in River North (RiNo) that challenges its throngs of diners to explore the unexpected and earned three consecutive Michelin Bib Gourmand nods.

Why we love it: Take everything you know about Chinese food and toss it—this ain’t no stomping ground for General Tsao. We’re talking bone-marrow fried rice; whole fried local bass with tangy black bean chili sauce and tender Hakurei turnip; Dungeness crab prepared in three different styles (ask your server); flank steak with honeycomb tripe and pickled fresno; and cocktails that are too much fun. Did we mention there are separate vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and even pescatarian menus? Yes, there will be a wait.

Time Out tip: For all you planners out there: Reservations for the exclusive six-seat chef’s counter (Thursday to Saturday, starting at 5pm, $125 deposit per person) drop 21 days out. The nine-course tasting menu—think seasonal, local, out-of-the-box—is not available in the main dining room, nor can you order off the main menu at the counter.

Address: 3500 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 5–10pm

Expect to pay: Small plates $8–$29; medium plates $12–$29, large plates $30–$48.  Happy hour (Mon–Wed 5–6:30pm) bites run $6–$15.

What is it? A melange of Israeli flavors and textures spread across a smorgasbord of shareable dips, spreads, and breads makes dining at this Michelin-noted River North (RiNo) darling an entertaining event from start to finish. But it’s not all foraged mushroom hummus and beet tahini with sumac pickled shallot; entrees like whole branzino with slow-cooked garlic and capers and duck confit tagine with candied almonds and pickled apricots round out the menu.

Why we love it: Safta is somehow at once a place to celebrate a major milestone and to roll in for family dinner for no reason at all; the airy second-story digs are both elevated and approachable, the cuisine both worldly and comforting.

Time Out tip: Portions can be confusing in these formats; ask your server for a recommended number of dishes to order from each menu section.

Address: 3300 Brighton Blvd #201, Denver, CO 80216

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11am–2pm; Sat–Sun 10am–2:30pm; Fri–Sat 5–10pm; Sun–Thu 5–9pm

Expect to pay: Depends on your dining and sharing style: Apps and spreads start at $9, hummus and small plates run up to $22, and entrees up to $64.

What is it? Executed by the same decorated team behind Boulder’s legendary Frasca, this more approachable spin-off, which has earned Michelin Bib Gourmand status, showcases Italian cuisine with a wider focus in an inviting space overlooking the tracks at the iconic Union Station.

Why we love it: Casual but exemplary service, an exciting location and a versatile vibe make this eatery appealing to a range of diners. Fireplace lounge cocktails? Check. Seating by the open kitchen? Check. Chef’s table dining? Check. Homey Colorado feel with just enough urban polish to fit the downtown scene? Check. It’s the perfect place to tuck into a plate of lamb ragu over handmade rigatoni.

Time Out tip: Make this place your go-to fuel stop if you’ve got travel out of Union Station planned. The bar and lounge are open all day here during the week—perfect for a cocktail and “ciccetti” (small bites) if you’re killing time waiting for a train.

Address: 1889 16th St, Denver, CO 80202

Opening hours: Daily  5–10pm, happy hour 3–6pm, bar and lounge all day; Mon–Fri 11:30am–2pm

Expect to pay: $18–24 for antipasti, $32-plus for pasta, $42–$56 for entrees, $12 for sides; $12–$21 for happy hour bites; a glass of vino runs $14–$42

What is it? This elegant downtown steakhouse, courtesy of renowned restaurateur and chef-about-town Troy Guard, eschews the stilted dark-leather ambiance of its same-old counterparts in favor of an inviting light-and-glass vibe.

Why we love it: With subtle modern twists on classic steakhouse fare (think: Wagyu tartare with black garlic and Vietnamese vinaigrette and oak-grilled octopus with white bean celery salad) and detail-oriented non-beef entrees (see: kurobuta bone-in pork chop with barley risotto and pickled stone fruit), the menu is refreshing—but the steaks really are the star of the show. Splurge on the filet flight ($115) for true decadence of the prime, Wagyu and grass-fed variety.

Time Out tip: Dress codes are few and far between in a town where Patagonia is practically the uniform, but G&G wants you to “dress for the experience.” Collared shirts and dress shoes, please—leave the tees and athleisure wear at home.

Address: 1801 California St, Denver, CO 80202

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 11am–2pm; daily 4–10:30pm; happy hour Mon–Fri 3–6pm

Expect to pay: Special occasion prices. Eight-ounce steaks range from $48 to $96, non-beef entrees for $44 and up, and à la carte sides ring in at $13 to $47. There’s a glass of red for everybody at $15 to $75.

What is it? It’s culinary pasts that collide in a future and a mélange of global cuisines. It’s underground and moody but harkens back to childhood with a gummy bear theme. It’s Latin American, French, and Italian. It’s trendy yet friendly, dark in space but lighthearted in vibe, pork schnitzel and snapper crudo.

Why we love it: Because it’s so eclectic that it works. Make no mistake, there is a lot going on in this swanky subterranean space that serves butter in the shape of a gummy bear in the same stop as duck fat Madeleines with chicken liver mousse and Cara Cara marmalade. But somehow, it comes together in playful harmony that makes for a wholly memorable meal.

Time Out tip: Bear Leek has a monthly Supper Club so popular there’s a waitlist. This is where the chefs play: They’ll create, experiment, and test new ideas “rooted in Colorado’s landscape” to assemble a ready-to-go dinner for you at home. If you’re local and crave a little dinner routine shake-up, sign up for a two-top ($110) or four-top’s worth ($215) of food and let Bear Leek hook you up once a month.

Address: 2611 Walnut St, Denver, CO 80205

Opening hours: Mon–Tue 5–9pm; Thu–Sat 5–10pm

Expect to pay: $8–$18 for starters, $14–27 second course, $55–$67 for a shared entree, $17 a cocktail

What is it? This airy, contemporary, pan-Asian Lower Downtown (LoDo) institution is a favorite for power lunches and grown-up nights out, with beautifully executed small, shareable plates that hit both Southeast Asian and Coloradoan notes flawlessly.

Why we love it:  Soup dumplings, soup dumplings, soup dumplings. The brothy French onion filling surrounded by perfect little pouches that burst in your mouth are what made this place a perennial favorite. Those, and the coconut-y kaya toast. And the Chiang Mai chicken wontons with soy black vinegar and ginger…

Time Out tip: Missed out on the dumplings while you were visiting downtown? Don’t sleep on your second chance to grab them from the ChoLon’s outpost at Denver International Airport’s Concourse C. (Heck, even if you’re not flying out of C, might we suggest you get to the airport early enough to build in a dumpling run? They’re that good.) Or, hit up the Sloan’s Lake location if you’re west of the city.

Address: 1555 Blake St #101,  Denver, CO 80202

Opening hours: Downtown: Mon–Sat 11:30–3pm; Sun–Mon 5–8pm; Tue-Sat 5–9pm; 

Expect to pay: Small plates for $15 to $24, large plates for $23 to $41, cocktails for $16 to $19.

What is it? From the same visionary (Justin Cucci) behind neighborhood all-stars Linger and Root Down, El Five Tapas de Gibraltar makes a statement in Lower Highland (LoHi) with unbeatable fifth-floor city skyline views, a buzzy patio, provocative decor and a bold Mediterranean tapas menu.

Why we love it: El Five is where you go to see and be seen, to experiment with a mélange of shareable flavors (choose from Spanish-, North African-, and Middle Eastern-influenced tapas) and to soak up the energy and exuberance of an always-happening it spot.

Time Out tip: The menu can be a bit overwhelming if you’ve got a sizable group: Galician empanada? Tunisian couscous? Goat cheese croquettas? Make it easy on yourselves and order a mezze platter with hummus and dips galore, followed by a round of steaming, fragrant paella chock full of meat, veggies or seafood.

Address: 2930 Umatilla St, 5th Floor, Denver, CO 80211

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 5–9pm; Fri, Sat 5–11pm

Expect to pay: Sexy prices for a sexy spot: $20 to $55 mezze options; $16 to $29 small plates; and paella that runs $39 (half portion) to $76 (full). You’ll certainly need a glass of Alvarinho for about $15.

What is it? Wood-fired sourdough pizzas, briny oysters on the halfshell, a prosecco-forward drink menu and—largely at the Lower Highland (LoHi) location—an array of Italian-inspired shareables like seasonal risotto and Mafalde carbonara. The trendy River North (RiNo) flagship has been likened to a shoebox; in reality, the 640-square-foot nook is a revamped shipping container (true to the neighborhood vibe), while the LoHi outpost seats 80 in carefully restored historic digs built in 1890.

Why we love it: File this place under “so-random-it-works.” The pizza is bubbled and charred to chewy perfection (order the clam—trust us); the oysters are crave-worthy on a sunny summer afternoon; and the cocktails are hip (try the “Messed Up” Negroni, which sparkles with prosecco).

Time Out tip: Ask about the Cocktail for a Cause program before ordering your drink: Every month, the Cart-Driver barkeeps dream up a new cocktail to support a worthy local nonprofit. Buy that drink, and 100 percent of those proceeds go toward that organization.

Address: RiNo: 2500 Larimer St, Suite 100, Denver, CO 80205; LoHi: 2239 W 30th Ave, Denver, CO 80211

Opening hours: RiNo: Daily noon–midnight, happy hour 3–5pm and 10pm–midnight. LoHi: Mon 4–9pm; Tue–Thu 4–10pm; Fri–Sat 3–10pm; Sun 3–9pm; happy hour Mon–Thu 4–6pm, Fri–Sun 3–5pm

Expect to pay: Dinner for two (small plate, pizza, a half dozen oysters and a cocktail each) might run you around $100.

What is it? This sleek yet casual noodle shop in Lower Highland (LoHi) has been ramen royalty since opening in 2012, reigning so supreme that it became the precursor to the wildly popular Chinese-influenced Hop Alley (see No. 8) and spawned another Uncle iteration across town in West Wash Park.

Why we love it: Uncle does a well-curated selection of small plates (think silky chilled tofu and grilled hanger steak laced with dashi-soy and togarashi) and crowd-pleasing buns (the soft shell crab is a fun one), but the rich, brothy ramen—choose from the chicken- and pork-based shoyu or spicy sesame broth and the vegan miso option that still bursts with umami—is a no-brainer. Every time.

Time Out tip: We became hooked on Khao Soi—a traditional northern Thai noodle soup with a rich coconut curry base—during a trip to its actual birthplace in the Chiang Mai province of Thailand. The Uncle version? It might be better.

Address: LoHi: 2215 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211; West Wash Park: 93 S Pennsylvania St, Denver, CO 80209

Opening hours: LoHi: Mon–Thu 5–9pm; Fri, Sat 5–10pm; West Wash Park: Mon–Thu 5–9:30pm; Fri, Sat 5–10pm

Expect to pay: About $20 for ramen, roughly $15 to $25 for small plates and other bowls.

What is it? A family-owned taco shop that’s been slinging mouthwateringly rich birria since it launched as a food truck in 2020 and, due to ravenous popular demand, opened a brick-and-mortar just three years later. Choose from a variety of fillings—beef, goat, pork, chicken, steak and cactus—and pick your vessel: red corn tortilla, keto cheese shell, taco, quesadilla, burrito, torta and more.

Why we love it: The oversaturated taco trade is a tough field to break into these days in Denver, which makes Kiké’s humble beginnings in the truck and wild line-out-the-door goodness all the more impressive. Any time a foodie trend like birria explodes, there will be watered-down versions galore. No such thing here; the flavors are authentic, bold and true to the owners’ Mexican roots.

Time Out tip: The menu sports a birria ramen option. Does it seem a little odd with its dueling cuisines? Yes. Should you trust us, order it and die happy with your belly full of sinfully rich steaming noodles and beef soaked in consomé? Also yes.

Address: 1200 W 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80211

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 11am–9pm

Expect to pay: $50 buys you a generous lunch for two.

What is it? Helmed by Frank Bonanno, one of Denver’s most beloved and talented chef-restaurateurs (see: Mizuna), this sleek 11-venue food hall anchors the buzzy Dairy Block in Lower Downtown (LoDo), which was once the home of the Windsor Dairy circa 1920.

Why we love it: For Yumcha’s black pepper caramel wings. And Fuso’s “Fun-Guy” fusilli with truffle-infused artisan flair. And Lucky Bird’s crispy chicken with gochujang butter. And Konjo’s rich Ethiopian fare with extra injera. And the scoop of Cornicello ice cream we can never resist. And… need we go on?

Time Out tip: Four words: Drag Queen Bingo Brunch. Every Sunday, from 11am to 2pm, let loose and scarf down some croque madame or Italian shaksuka (eggs, tomato sugo, sourdough). Okay, two more words: bottomless mimosas.

Address: 1800 Wazee St, Suite 100, Denver, CO 80202

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 11–8pm; Fri, Sat 11–9pm; Sun brunch 10–2pm

Expect to pay: Typical urban food hall prices: You’ll walk away with a $25 tab at most vendors.

What is it? Nine rotating eateries housed in modified shipping containers surround community-style tables in Lower Highland’s industrial-chic food hall that includes three bars, an airy lounge and two killer rooftop patios.

Why we love it: The casual bites are big on taste, easy on the wallet and perfect for groups (young professionals, rejoice!). Venezuelan-style arepa from Quiero Arepas? Elk jalapeño cheddar dog from Biker Jim’s? Oysters fresh shucked, charbroiled or Rockefeller from Shuck Brothers? Tom yum waffle fries from Farang Thai Kitchen? Take a lap, put your order in, grab your buzzer and snag a seat upstairs with a view of the city skyline. Plus, if you find yourself in Boulder or Vail, check out the counterpart outposts for a different selection of vendors in the high country.

Time Out tip: An early 2025 remodel debuted an early-hours coffee shop (Lattes! Pastries! Breakfast burritos!) that now makes setting up shop at Avanti for an all-day WFH stint entirely plausible (before, we had to wait till 11am).

Address: 3200 Pecos St, Denver, CO 80211

Opening hours: Hours vary by day and vendor location (upstairs, downstairs, café, bar)

Expect to pay: Typical counter-order prices: $12 to $16 for an oversized arepa, barbacoa taquitos or a Mediterranean grazing board.