Between the art installations that have launched 1,000 conspiracy theories, the al fresco leisure activities out on DEN Plaza, and that ringtone-worthy train jingle, the Denver International Airport is more entertaining than your average travel hub — and that’s no less true of its dining options, both present and upcoming. Options currently open in the airport are covered at length below by terminal, and here’s a quick rundown of what’s opening in the future:
Coming Attractions
This summer will see the arrival of Ballpark favorite–turned–regional breakfast-and-brunch juggernaut Snooze, Shake Shack, and an outpost of Atlanta’s SweetWater Brewing Company, all in Concourse B. In 2022, Concourse B will also become home to Portland’s Voodoo Doughnut and a branch of homegrown hit Rosenberg’s Bagels & Delicatessen, while contemporary Union Station destination Mercantile Dining & Provision will get a sibling in Concourse A. And though details remain TBD, the Big Red F restaurant group will eventually be adding its enduringly popular concepts Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar and The Post Chicken & Beer to the mix.
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Jeppeson Terminal
With the massive renovation project in the Great Hall well underway, the Jeppesen Terminal is hardly the most relaxing place to dine. But for hungry travelers who can’t wait to go through security to fill their bellies, Boulder Beer Tap House, Cantina Grill, Red Rocks Bar & BBQ, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Caribou Coffee, and Subway await.
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Concourse A
Best bets in this concourse start at the scaled-down satellite of RiNo food hall Denver Central Market (A48), which houses four vendors under one roof: Vero Italian, SK Provisions, Culture Meat & Cheese, and Sushi-Rama. Also of note for those who favor local independent establishments over chains are Breckenridge Brewery, Brothers BBQ, and Snarf’s Sandwiches (A71–A73). Concourse A’s other venues are as follows:
- Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream (center core)
- Blue Sky Bar (TK)
- Caribou Coffee (center core)
- Denver Chophouse (center core)
- Dunkin’ Donuts (center core)
- Freshëns Fresh Food Studio (center core)
- KFC Express/Pizza Hut Express (center core)
- Lavazza (A32)
- McDonald's (center core)
- Mesa Verde Bar & Grill (mezzanine)
- Panda Express (center core)
- Quiznos (A34)
- Vino Volo (A49)
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Concourse B
United passengers flying out of Concourse B can sample the craft beers that turned Fort Collins icon New Belgium Brewing (B30) into one of the biggest names in the business; grab a chili-topped, tortilla-wrapped Denver dog at Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs (B24) or a sandwich at Etai’s Bakery Cafe (B23), which makes all its own breads; or even splurge on a steak dinner at Elway's (center core). See also:
- Aviator's Sports Bar & Bar-B-Que (mezzanine)
- Cantina Grill (mezzanine)
- Caribou Coffee (mezzanine)
- City Pho (mezzanine)
- City Wok (mezzanine)
- CRÚ Food and Wine Bar (B51)
- Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh (center core)
- Heidi's Brooklyn Deli (B87)
- Jamba Juice (mezzanine)
- Kabod Coffee (B89)
- Lounge 5280 Wine Bar (mezzanine)
- McDonald’s (center core)
- Modern Market (center core)
- Pizza Hut Express/Häagen Dazs (B21)
- Pour La France! (center core)
- Qdoba Mexican Eats (mezzanine)
- Que Bueno! Mexican Grille (center core)
- Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (B52)
- Sara Lee Sandwich Shoppe/Colombo Frozen Yogurt (B52)
- SMASHBURGER & Bar (B44)
- Starbucks Coffee (B32 and B80)
- Wetzel's Pretzels (B23)
- Wolfgang Puck (mezzanine)
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Concourse C
From mozzarella-gouda arepas with poblano-pistachio pesto and cranberry pico de gallo to lamb sliders with mint-garlic slaw and harissa aioli, Root Down lives up to its reputation as a longtime LoHi hot spot; an all-Colorado beer selection and seasonal cocktails seal the deal. Also in the center core, Tamales by La Casita does what it’s been doing in the Highlands since 1975 — turning out not only its namesake item smothered in red or green chile but also burritos, Frito pie, and more. But no meal in Concourse C would be complete without a cone from Little Man Ice Cream (C27). Finally, local roaster Dazbog Coffee (C47) and craft beer pioneer Great Divide Brewing (C32) deliver a taste of Denver in liquid form. For further consideration:
- Auntie Anne's Pretzels (C26)
- Big Bowl (C28)
- Caribou Coffee (C32)
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (C29)
- Coors Silver Bullet Bar (C29)
- Einstein Bros. Bagels (center core)
- Jamba Juice (C32)
- The Magic Pan (C28)
- McDonald's (center core)
- Modern Market (C28)
- SMASHBURGER & Bar (C51)
- Starbucks Coffee (center core)
- Tapas Sky Bar (C24)
- Timberline Steaks & Grille (center core)
- Villa Pizza (center core)
- Vino Volo (C49)
- Woody Creek Bakery & Café (C46)