Welcome to Denver
My husband and I have lived in Denver since 2015, the front end of the population surge. We found that we're much more likely to get visitors here than when we lived in the sweltering humidity of Houston, so we put together this guide of our Mile High favorites. Is there something we've missed? Reach out and let me know!
Restaurants
725 East 26th Avenue
Denver, CO 80205
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We were spoiled in Pennsylvania and then deprived when we lived in Houston, so we were stoked to find a New Yorker who has made his way to Colorado and opened a good bagel place. This place is legit – Taylor Ham (for those friends visiting from NJ), lox, rugelach…it’s all incredible! Fun fact: They have a special water filtration system that replicates NYC water, and they claim it’s the key to the perfect bagel.
Rosenberg's
1890 Wazee Street
Denver, CO 80202
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Kachina is near Coors Field, so this is a good stop before or after a baseball game. They have good margaritas, and their signature tacos are served on a puffy shell called fry bread – it’s not what you’re expecting, but it’s good! Next door is Denver Milk Market, a building with several different restaurant concepts (Italian, burgers, fried chicken, bao, etc.) and a full bar. In our experience, the food at Denver Milk Market hasn’t been great, but the atmosphere is cool. It’s worth wandering around and maybe grabbing a drink or snack.
Kachina
2615 Walnut Street
Denver, CO 80205
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This is one of Nate’s favorite burgers in Denver. If Georgia is playing, you won’t be able to get a table, but normally you can just walk into this place. They have a nice outdoor seating area too, so take advantage if the weather is nice.
Park Burger
2817 3rd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
Nate discovered this quiet gem tucked in a busy shopping district. They only serve dumplings (fried or steamed) and noodles (fried or in a soup), but you will leave full and satisfied! We’ve never had a bad meal here, and the staff is beyond friendly. If you make reservations in advance, you’ll be seated upstairs where they have a different, more expensive, seasonal menu. While it looks delicious, we’ve never eaten upstairs because the food downstairs is just so good! Just take your chances and walk in with no reservation.
Smok
Union Station
1701 Wynkoop Street
Unit 150
Denver, CO 80202​
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This place is known for their eggs benedict and elaborate French toast. Show up by 8am or plan to wait. It’s a hot spot!
Snooze
City Park West
1875 York Street
Denver, CO 80206
This is probably our favorite traditional breakfast place in Denver. It’s no frills, but also doesn’t get as busy as Snooze and some other Denver staples. Try the Kitchen Sink…and then plan to have leftovers for breakfast the next day.
Syrup
1899 16th Street
Denver, CO 80202
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We went here to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary and again to try their tasting menu at Christmas time. It’s a nicer place, and you’ll probably need to make reservations in advance, but it’s great – probably one of our favorite places in Denver. If you have a small group (2-3 people) and get the chance, sit at the chef’s counter. You get to see all of the action and chat with the expediter.
Citizen Rail
2463 Larimer Street
Denver, CO 80205
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This place gets crowded and tends to cater to a young professional crowd, but they’ve got good street tacos, an interesting Tang cocktail, and it’s in a fun part of town. If the weather is nice, ask for a table on the rooftop.
Los Chingones
1415 Market Street
Denver, CO 80202
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This is a chain, but it’s a fun spot for happy hour or grabbing dinner before heading to an Avalanche game. They have bocce courts set up inside and a menu with tons of German food.
Rhein Haus
2715 17th Street
Denver, CO 80211
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This place tops Madison’s list, despite the fact that it’s a chain restaurant. They have more than 10 types of bruschetta, and you can mix-and-match to build a pretty sizeable plate for about $15. We like to share bruschetta one plate at a time and enjoy it over a bottle (or 2) of wine. The wine menu is really good quality and reasonably priced, so don’t waste your time with a glass – go straight for a bottle!
Postino
2817 3rd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
Nate discovered this quiet gem tucked in a busy shopping district. They only serve dumplings (fried or steamed) and noodles (fried or in a soup), but you will leave full and satisfied! We’ve never had a bad meal here, and the staff is beyond friendly. If you make reservations in advance, you’ll be seated upstairs where they have a different, more expensive, seasonal menu. While it looks delicious, we’ve never eaten upstairs because the food downstairs is just so good! Just take your chances and walk in with no reservation.
Fortune Wok to Table
1475 E. 17th Avenue
Denver, CO 80218
Sunday brunch here is the best. We’re pretty picky about our margaritas but have given Dos Santos our personal award for best in Denver. Start with the guacamole trio (the pineapple bacon is our favorite) and then share the chorizo quesadilla (only available during brunch).
Dos Santos
Breweries
1477 Monroe Street
Denver, CO 80206
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This place is decorated like the science class you always wanted to take in high school. Their beers
Cerebral Brewing
3350 Brighton Boulevard
Unit 130
Denver, CO 80216
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This place is known as one of the most popular sour beer breweries in the country. It’s located in a super cool building called The Source, which houses a coffee shop, butcher, florist, some small boutiques, and a couple of restaurants. It’s a fun place to wander, especially if the weather isn’t great.
Crooked Stave
7045 East 38th Avenue
Denver, CO 80207
Station 26
Brewing Co
2895 Fairfax Street
Denver, CO 80207
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This place is about 2 blocks from our house, and we tend to be regulars here in the summer. They have nice outdoor seating and bring in local food trucks nightly. Fun fact: One of the owners of this place works at the same company as Madison. Her husband runs the day-to-day while she acts as taste-tester and financial backer.
Long Table Brewhouse
Activities
4600 Sleepytime Drive
Boulder, CO 80301
This one seems silly, but Madison has been no fewer than 5 times and keeps going back. The tour takes you through their processing factory, explains why they can’t call most of their products ‘tea’ and includes a stop in the fan-favorite ‘Mint Room’. The tour is free and includes free tastings and a take-home sample, but you exit through the gift shop…and I are you not to buy anything!
Celestial Seasonings Factory Tour
1701 Wynkoop
Denver, CO 80202
Union Station
5735 Washington Street
Denver, CO 80216
A good activity for a rainy day, the tour can be hit-or-miss depending on what candy they’re making that day, but a fun stop none-the-less. This place makes beautiful ribbon candy and unique chocolate bars but has acquired many other brands over the years, including Jelly Belly…so there’s something for everyone. It’s free and includes samples, so you can’t lose.
Hammond's Candies Factory Tour
Coors Field
2001 Blake Street
Denver, CO 80205
Rockies Baseball Game
18300 W. Alameda Parkway
Morrison, CO 80465
Red Rocks
Pepsi Center
1000 Chopper Circle
Denver, CO 80204