clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
More Maps

26 Essential Denver Bars

8 New Brunches to Try in Denver Right Now

Where to Dine in the RiNo Neighborhood

More in Denver See more maps

The 38 Essential Denver Restaurants, July 2015

An updated map of Denver's essential restaurants. This highly elite group covers the entire city, spans myriad cuisines, and collectively satisfies all of your restaurant needs.

by Andra Zeppelin
1 comment / new
View as Map
by Andra Zeppelin
1 comment / new

Today Eater updates the Eater 38, our list of Denver's essential restaurants. This list is our answer to any question that begins with "Can you recommend a restaurant?"

This group of eateries covers the metro area, spans over many cuisines, and collectively satisfies all of your restaurant needs. Every few months, we add pertinent restaurants that were omitted or have recently become eligible (restaurants must be open at least six months). Older restaurants that have stepped up their game may be added back to the list. This list is presented in alphabetical order.

Without further ado, we made some changes. Vesta Dipping Grill, Cart Driver, and Pinche Tacos joined the list. With new additions, also come some subtractions: Vert Kitchen, TAG, and Devil's Food have left the ranks of essential restaurants.

What is your personal Denver 38? Join the discussion in Eater Forums.

Editorial disclosure

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Acorn

Copy Link
The RiNo offshoot of Boulder's Oak at Fourteenth continues to draw crowds and accolades. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant owned by Bryan Dayton and Steve Redzikowski serves some of the city's best cocktails and great wood-fired centric food.
3350 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216
(720) 542-3721
(720) 542-3721

Also featured in:

Beast + Bottle

Copy Link
With each meal, sibling team Paul and Aileen Reilly open the doors to a the space that is as welcoming as their own dining room. There are always dinner specials, a well-curated wine and cocktail list, and desserts one should save room for.
719 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
(303) 623-3223
(303) 623-3223

Also featured in:

Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs

Copy Link
Biker Jim's Dogs just can't be missed. The wild game sausages are all the rage, and most likely, they will be for a very, very long time.
2148 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
(720) 746-9355
(720) 746-9355

Also featured in:

ChoLon Bistro

Copy Link
ChoLon is a fantastic Asian fusion restaurant. Chef Lon Symensma, whose resume includes serving as executive chef at Buddakan in NYC, creates truly memorable and truly beautiful dishes.
1555 Blake St., Denver, CO 80202
(303) 353-5223
(303) 353-5223

Also featured in:

Colt & Gray

Copy Link
Colt & Gray is a place of intrigue. While it's definitely a classy joint with a professional and knowledgeable service staff, it's not stuffy. Chef/owner Nelson Perkins emphasizes the nose-to-tail concept at Colt & Gray, offering one of the city's best selections of charcuterie and offal.
1553 Platte St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 477-1447
(303) 477-1447

El Taco De Mexico

Copy Link
One word: Authentic. El Taco De Mexico is the quintessential taqueria, offering a plethora of tacos (pork, beef, chicken, tongue, cheek, etc.) and some of the best green chili in town. It's not a show-stopper of restaurant where decor is concerned, but you don't come here for the aesthetics — you come here to eat, and eat you will.
714 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204
(303) 623-3926
(303) 623-3926

Also featured in:

Frasca Food and Wine

Copy Link
Frasca is Colorado's top restaurant. The Northern Italian-inspired eatery has an outstanding wine list curated by master sommelier Bobby Stuckey. The food, under the direction of chef Lachlan Patterson, always impresses. This classic is a must on any diner's list.
1738 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 442-6966
(303) 442-6966

Also featured in:

Fruition Restaurant

Copy Link
It's hard not to love this restaurant. Food and service are consistently on point here. Chef Alex Seidel changes the menu with the seasons and sources many ingredients from his own farm.
1313 E 6th Ave, Denver, CO 80218
(303) 831-1962
(303) 831-1962

Also featured in:

Fuel Cafe

Copy Link
Bob Blair's restaurant is everything a diner with a conscious for sustainability could ask for. The chef's dedication to sustainable ingredients and locally-sourced products is evident in his creative food. Don't miss the desserts, which are always on point.
3455 Ringsby Ct, Denver, CO 80216
(303) 296-4642
(303) 296-4642

Jax Fish House Denver

Copy Link
For two decades, Jax Fish House has been the go-to restaurant for oysters, fish, and a mean happy hour. This LoDo staple - open daily starting at 4 p.m.- attracts a broad range of dining patrons.
1539 17th St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 292-5767
(303) 292-5767

Also featured in:

Lao Wang Noodle House

Copy Link
This hole-in-the-wall family-owned and operated Taiwanese joint served the best Xiao Long Bao in the Mile High City. Service may be slow but it's well worth it. Don't miss the Caution: Brewing beers.
945 S Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219
(303) 975-2497
(303) 975-2497

Linger

Copy Link
Linger is almost too hot for its own good. Reservations can be hard to nab, but once you're in, you'll be hooked. Between the dining room and the menus, the innovation at Linger is exceptional. Linger also has the best patio in the city. This is a great spot for lunch, dinner, happy hour and late night cocktails.
2030 W 30th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 993-3120
(303) 993-3120

Also featured in:

Mizuna

Copy Link
Frank Bonanno's flagship restaurant is the perfect place to dine when looking for an intimate atmosphere and attentive service. Expect to drop some money here, but fear not — it's not likely that exec chef Stephen McCary will disappoint.
225 E 7th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
(303) 832-4778
(303) 832-4778

Also featured in:

OAK at fourteenth

Copy Link
This Boulder restaurant co-owned by chef Steve Redzikowski and bartender Bryan Dayton draws guests with its new American cuisine and well-curated drink program. With a stylish neighborhood restaurant vibe, Oak at Fourteenth features local and seasonal dishes, many cooked in the wood-fired oven that shines in the dining room.
1400 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 444-3622
(303) 444-3622

Also featured in:

Old Major

Copy Link
Chef Justin Brunson's farmhouse cuisine, a solid beverage program, and superior service make guests return over and over. The LoHi restaurant features one of the best happy hours around.
3316 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
(720) 420-0622
(720) 420-0622

Also featured in:

More in Maps

Basta

Copy Link
Tucked away in the Peloton complex on East Arapahoe, this is a wood-fired eatery that dishes out a variety of items from handmade pastas and Neapolitan pizzas to oysters and short ribs cooked sous vide. For a more casual experience, check Denver sister eatery Cart Driver.
3601 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80303
(303) 997-8775
(303) 997-8775

Pizzeria Locale

Copy Link
From the rockstar team behind Frasca Food and Wine, Pizzeria Locale brings Neapolitan pizza to pie fanatics who submit themselves to cutting their own slice for the sake of authenticity. The space is contemporary, the wine list superb, and the service very attentive.
1730 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 442-3003
(303) 442-3003

Also featured in:

Potager

Copy Link
Potager is Denver's original farm-to-table restaurant. Chef and owner Teri Ripetto sources many ingredients locally and uses the seasons to guide her ever-changing menus. Not to miss: the simple and outstanding desserts created by Jayne Yelich.
1109 Ogden St, Denver, CO 80218
(303) 832-5788
(303) 832-5788

Also featured in:

Rioja

Copy Link
Chef Jennifer Jasinski has transformed Larimer Square with her restaurants, and it all started with Rioja. This Mediterranean gem is a Denver staple, and Jasinski is constantly keeping her menu fresh.
1431 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 820-2282
(303) 820-2282

Steuben's

Copy Link
Steuben's is a dream come true for those who appreciate a classed-up diner. The retro eatery is known for some of the best comfort food in the city, including green chili cheeseburgers, lobster rolls and fried chicken. Everything is hip about this place.
523 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
(303) 830-1001
(303) 830-1001

Also featured in:

Sushi Den

Copy Link
It's hard to deny that Sushi Den has some of the best fish and sushi masters in town. It's been over 25 years since Sushi Den opened and there's still a wait every night. That's some real staying power, folks.
1487 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210
(303) 777-0826
(303) 777-0826

Also featured in:

Table 6

Copy Link
Between the playful menu, the cozy decor, and spectacular wine list, Table 6 is the right place for a casual dinner, a boozy brunch or a romantic date.
609 Corona St, Denver, CO 80218
(303) 831-8800
(303) 831-8800

The Plimoth

Copy Link
This neighborhood bistro continues to gather loyal guests. The food created by chef Peter Ryan is classic French fare with a modern touch, all served in an inviting dining room by friendly waitstaff.
2335 E 28th Ave, Denver, CO 80205
(303) 297-1215
(303) 297-1215

The Populist

Copy Link
The team behind Crema Cofffe House created a timeless community eatery in its space in RiNo. Popular dishes created by chef Jonathan Power include the smoked jackfruit, Thai sausage and cavatelli, and fava and chèvre agnolotti.
3163 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
(720) 432-3163
(720) 432-3163

Also featured in:

Tom's Home Cookin'

Copy Link
A Denver staple of Southern comfort food, Tom's Home Cookin' makes the best meatloaf, fried chicken, and all the must sides that come with it. Genuine sweet tea is a treat.
800 E 26th Ave, Denver, CO 80205
(303) 388-8035
(303) 388-8035

Uncle

Copy Link
The Momofuku-esque dishes at Tommy Lee's LoHi noodle shop are still just as popular as they were when the restaurant first opened. Ramen is a challenging food to master, let alone various styles of it, but Uncle has it down. Must try: kimchi ramen.
2215 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 433-3263
(303) 433-3263

Williams & Graham

Copy Link
Denver can't get enough of the gastro-fare and exceptional cocktail program at Sean Kenyon's popular Williams & Graham. The likely wait is well-worth it. On the horizon: The Occidental, a new sister bar to this speakeasy, will open soon next door.
3160 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 997-8886
(303) 997-8886

Also featured in:

Z Cuisine & A Cote

Copy Link
You don't feel like you're dining in Denver at Z Cuisine. The quaint restaurant makes you feel as though you've been transported to France, and frankly, you don't want to leave. The dining room is currently remodeling but A Cote, next door, offers the full restaurant menu.
2239 W 30th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 477-1111
(303) 477-1111

Barolo Grill

Copy Link
White table cloths, a spectacular wine list, and a rich and attractive pasta menu: That is the now-classic Barolo Grill. The restaurant maintains its loyal following in Denver with attentive service and classic Italian cuisine.
3030 E 6th Ave, Denver, CO 80206
(303) 393-1040
(303) 393-1040

Also featured in:

Work & Class

Copy Link
This RiNo casual spot is universally loved. Bustling with guests, Work & Class brings an array of meats and side dishes served in a family-style format. On Sundays, chef Dana Rodriguez offers her irresistible fried chicken.
2500 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
(303) 292-0700
(303) 292-0700

Also featured in:

Bistro Barbes

Copy Link
French-trained chef Jon Robbins brought this gem to the Park Hill neighborhood last year and a loyal following quickly formed. His dishes combine enticing yet delicate flavors of North Africa, Morocco, and Spain.
5021 East 28th Avenue, Denver, CO 80207
720-398-8085
720-398-8085

Also featured in:

to the wind

Copy Link
Small, quaint, and charming, To The Wind is the right place for an intimate dinner. The French-influenced dishes rooted in classic recipes and techniques are a delight.
3333 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80206
303-316-3333
303-316-3333

Crema

Copy Link
In Denver's thriving coffee market, Crema stands out as a fabulous community place that serves not just the best coffees but also beautiful pastries, sandwiches, and fresh juices.
2862 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
(720) 284-9648
(720) 284-9648

Also featured in:

Guard and Grace

Copy Link
A new generation steak house, Guard & Grace brings a fabulous classic meat selection to its guests alongside a lovely raw bar and enviable wine list. Don't miss the desserts!
1801 California St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 293-8500
(303) 293-8500

Also featured in:

TRVE Brewing Co.

Copy Link
With the kind of beer scene that Colorado boasts, it is only natural that a brewery would join this list. TRVE is quirky, loud with a metal slant, and irresistible. The beers range from sours to stouts and the staff is super friendly.
227 Broadway, #101, Denver, CO 80203
(303) 351-1021
(303) 351-1021

Cart Driver

Copy Link
Pizza, oysters, and more is what is on the menu at this popular hangout. Get lunch or come by for a late bite but whatever you do, don't miss the clam pizza.
2500 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80205
(303) 292-3553
(303) 292-3553

Also featured in:

Pinche Tacos

Copy Link
This modern taqueria that started as a food truck continues to attract loyal fans at both of its locations, the original one listed here and its sister one in the Highland. The Cotija cheese taco is a must.
1514 York St, Denver, CO 80206
(720) 475-1337
(720) 475-1337

Vesta Dipping Grill

Copy Link
Nearly two decades old, this LoDo restaurant still draws a crowd for its approachable American cuisine. Bonus: The new dessert program led by pastry queen Nadine Donovan is reason alone for a visit.
1822 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 296-1970
(303) 296-1970