A Day in the Life: Eating out in the Mile High City
When people think of the great food cities of the world, Denver isn’t usually topping anyone’s list. But over the last decade, the city has rapidly been gathering a reputation for being a destination to find awesome eats. This is of course something that the locals have known for a long time (and now the rest of us are just catching up).
For me, ever since I read On the Road by Jack Kerouac, I wanted to get to Denver and wander Larimar street and drink in its bars. While the city might not quite resemble the version from Kerouac’s novel anymore, there’s still plenty of drinking and culinary history to be found, and there are now countless unique food and cocktail options to dig into. You can find everything from fine dining, to mid-century steakhouses, to off-the-wall cocktails and bangin’ street food. So immerse yourself in my day-in-the-life of eating out in the Mile High City.
Breakfast: Denver Biscuit Company
Biscuits aren’t really a thing in Australia, so it’s always a treat to get some good biscuits when travelling around the States. When in Colorado, look no further than Denver Biscuit Company. There are a bevy of breakfast-y and brunch-y biscuit sandwich options that will satisfy even the deepest “morning-after-a-big-one” cravings. I went the ‘Tomahawk’ (sausage, scrambled eggs, cheddar, and house-made strawberry/rhubarb jam). You can also go classic and get a straight up serving of biscuits and gravy. Don’t forget to throw down on a side of grits and a big ol’ bloody mary to complete the scene.
Lunch: Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs
Starting off with street carts, concession stands, and now with a brick and mortar restaurant on Larimer St, Jim Pittenger is most definitely Denver’s king of hotdogs. His unique dogs (that often feature exotic game) have been featured on Bourdain’s ‘No Reservations’, The Food Channel, as well as making countless Top-10 lists. If you’re a first-timer (like I was), go the elk / jalapeno / cheddar dog with classic Biker Jim’s topping (cream cheese and caramelised onions). If you’re a true dog lover, you won’t be disappointed.
Afternoon Snack: Maria Empanada
Coming to the United States from Argentina with only $300 in her pocket, chef Lorena literally built Maria Empanada from the ground up. Now you can visit one of her 3 locations across Denver to try some absolutely stellar empanadas. Perfect little parcels filled with the most delicious combinations of fillings, like egg and potato, chorizo, ground Angus beef, and sautéed mushrooms and onions. Perfect for an arvo snack when you’re on the go. Try one (or all) of their specialties (the Argentina, the Chicken Chimichurri, and the Sierra).
Dinner: Hop Alley
Denver has a long history of Chinese culture dating back to the gold rush era, and the city once housed the largest Chinatown in the interior west. A lot has changed since then, yet a large movement of community leaders are fighting to rebuild Denver’s historic Chinatown. But in the meantime, Hop Alley (located in the funky RiNo district), and its owner/chef, Tommy Lee, are dishing out some badass modern asian food. Standout dishes include the dry pot cauliflower, wood grilled Chinese broccoli, cumin spiced lamb bau, and the Sichuan chicken with spicy paste. And do not fear! It’s not just the food that’s crackin’ here, the cocktails are super good too!
Or…….
Dinner: Mizuna
One of the highest rated restaurants in the western United States, and rightly so. Mizuna’s head chef Frank Bonanno has had a slew of award-winning restaurants, and at this joint you’ll find nothing but the quality you’d expect from someone of his standing in the culinary world. It’s French inspired New American cuisine, with rich yet delicate dishes like saffron prawns, Chilean seabass, and venison tenderloin, offset by guilty pleasure dishes like their famous butter-poached lobster mac & cheese. The wine list is excellent, and the service is second-to-none, so save this one for special night out.
Modern Cocktails: Honey Elixir
Touted as one of the best in town, Honey Elixir cocktail bar is throwing down some of the most unique creations you’ll find in Denver. They have a number of “potions” (non-alcoholic elixirs featuring unique floral and crystal essences), as well as some 1st class boozy cocktails (the ‘RiNo Shrub’ is a standout). If you want to kick your night into overdrive as your leave, finish with a ‘Viva La Baja’, an ice-cold tequila shot with an orange slice and tajin. The bar has a unique and relaxed vibe and sits in a really vibrant little part of town. (Fun Fact: they use raw honey instead of simple syrup in all their house-made elixirs).
Classic Cocktails: The Cruise Room
If you’re after a classic, booze-forward cocktail, then look no further than LoDo district’s The Cruise Room. It’s been there…. like…. forever! It’s Denver’s longest continuously running bar (opened in 1933), and it’s a beautiful slice of history for the vintage bar lover. With a wine bottle shaped room and a vibrant red art-deco design, it’s an experience to just sit in there and sip on an excellent dry martini (with a twist of course). (Tip: stay at The Oxford, the hotel the bar is housed in. It’s a great place to base yourself out of while exploring Denver).
Honourable Mentions….
Bastien’s - for 1950s vibes! Get a strong cocktail at the sunken bar and dig into one of their signature sugar steaks.
Roaming Buffalo Bar-B-Que – for Colorado craft BBQ including bison back ribs, venison sausage, and lamb shoulder.
High Point Creamery – for ice cream tasting flights.