Guard and Grace
If you have a hankering for mouthwatering steak and an elegant fine dining experience, make a reservation at Guard and Grace. This swanky LoDo steakhouse is the definition of a modern-day Denver classic. Brought to you by the mind of renowned chef Troy Guard, the menu offers a unique twist on iconic American dishes. Indulge in prime cuts of beef like the 32-oz Ribeye Tomahawk or the Duo of Filet Mignon. For a true showstopper, order up the Beef Wellington, a tender filet mignon wrapped in herb crepes and puffed pastry. Guard and Grace definitely caters to the meat lovers, but don’t sleep on the fresh seafood options like the cold-water Australian lobster tails or local Colorado trout. The classy ambiance and top-notch steaks make this a must-visit for celebrating a special occasion.
Address: 1801 California St, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (303) 293-8500
El Five
Want Hispanic cuisine with a breathtaking view? Head to El Five for the ultimate upscale dining experience elevated 27 stories above Downtown Denver. Nestled inside a historic high-rise on the 16th Street Mall, this premier tapas bar revolutionizes traditional Spanish dishes with its modern culinary concepts. Start off your meal with some internationally-inspired small plates like the crispy potatoes with schmaltz aïoli or the chicken thigh pibil tacos. Then take your taste buds on a trip to the Mediterranean with the saffron seafood paella or baked whole branzino. Be sure to pair your tapas with an artfully crafted cocktail from the Sangria Lounge or an ice-cold pour from the extensive wine list. After dinner, retreat to El Five’s rooftop patio to soak in unparalleled views of Denver’s dynamic cityscape.
Address: 2930 Umatilla St #500, Denver, CO 80211
Phone: (303) 524-9193
Avanti Food & Beverage
Expect the unexpected at Avanti Food & Beverage, an eclectic modern food hall located in a revamped 1960s office building. This two-story collective offers a variety of unique culinary experiences across two levels of bar areas and indoor/outdoor restaurant stalls. Each shipping container-style eatery is filled with a different independent restaurant concept ranging from birria tacos and Detroit-style pizza to Korean BBQ chicken and authentic Tuscan bites. Don’t worry about finding something to please your entire group, the mouthwatering options are endless at Avanti. Every few months, some of the restaurant stalls rotate to welcome new concepts as well. When you need a break from all the food, enjoy craft beers, cocktails, and views from Avanti’s buzzing rooftop bar and terrace.
Address: 3200 N Pecos St, Denver, CO 80211
Phone: (720) 269-4778
Denver Milk Market
Much like Avanti, Denver Milk Market is an innovative modern food hall bringing a variety of local culinary concepts under one very hip, very trendy roof. Taking inspiration from the building’s past as a former dairy factory, Milk Market has transformed the historic space into an energetic community gathering place filled with 16 different restauran counters and bars. Pull up a chair to grab globally-inspired street food from places like Hop Alley, Farmerbrown, and Au Feu. Or enjoy quick-service selections like loaded burgers, fresh pasta, and plant-based tacos from Mother Tongue, Mopan and THEREnough. Make sure to visit the dessert window baker, Miette et Chocolat, for a sweet end to your meal.
Address: 1800 Wazee St, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (720) 610-8129
Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs
A hot dog may not exactly scream “gourmet dining”, but Biker Jim’s turns that notion on its head. This quirky Denver establishment has been serving up unique gourmet sausages and hot dogs since the early 2000s. The mastermind behind Biker Jim’s is Jim Pittenger, a down-to-earth food truck owner who was determined to elevate hot dogs in the same way chefs transformed the humble hamburger. Try one of Biker Jim’s exotic proteins like the elk jalapeño cheese cheddar sausage or the antelope chicken apple sausage with blueberry balsamic. Even the classic dogs get a tasty upgrade with toppings like the juicy georgia hot link tucked in a jumbo King Hawaiian bun. This place proves you don’t need a white tablecloth for quality dining.
Address: 2148 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
Phone: (303) 285-9858
Root Down
Looking for a fresh, nutritious bite that doesn’t sacrifice flavor? Make your way to Root Down for locally sourced, made-from-scratch meals full of seasonal ingredients. This lively LoHi neighborhood eatery features a menu as diverse as its fun, funky atmosphere. Start off with some sharable favorites like the truffle cheese fries and charred rare ahi tuna nachos before diving into hearty entrees like the BLB sandwich and mouthwatering pastrami spiced salmon. Root Down crafts flavorful fare for every dietary preference, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Be sure to save room for dessert—you won’t want to miss Root Down’s famous butterscotch pudding with a gingersnap cookie.
Address: 1600 W 33rd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
Phone: (303) 993-4200
Linger
Just down the street from Root Down is this restaurant’s quirky sister establishment, the beloved Linger. A true Denver original, Linger has become known for its globally inspired menu and its setting inside a renovated 1970s mortuary building. Step through the creepy-chic entryway to find a vibrant, energetic open-air deck perfect for lounging with drinks and small plates. The diverse menu here draws inspiration from street food and comfort fare from around the world. Feast on creative mashups like the Korean fried chicken bocadillo, smoked brisket sweet potato hash, and sizzling shrimp BunChon. For brunch, Linger truly shines with must-try plates like the Moroccan lamb scramble and morning curry. No foodie tour of Denver is complete without dining at this award-winning Mile High City gem.
Address: 2030 W 30th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
Phone: (303) 993-3120
Reserve Your Private Shuttle to Denver’s Best Eateries
After reading through this foodie guide to Denver dining, your stomach is probably growling with hunger. Don’t let traffic jams, confusing city streets or parking woes put a damper on your culinary adventures. Let the professionals at Denver Party Bus provide you with a private charter bus rental and personal team so you can hop from restaurant to restaurant without a hitch. Focus on savoring every bite and creating delicious memories with your friends or group while we handle the transportation logistics. Just give us a call at 720-597-7100 to reserve your ride and get ready to eat your way through Denver like an absolute pro! From hot dog havens to fine dining destinations, this city has something to satisfy every palate.