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Lucy Beaugard

The Guide to Fast-Casual Eating in Denver

Delicious and affordable food on the go

by Lucy Beaugard Updated
2 comments / new
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by Lucy Beaugard Updated
2 comments / new
Lucy Beaugard

The fast-casual restaurant scene was created with busy but discerning diners in mind, joining fast food and casual dining in perfect counter-service harmony. And Denver has plenty of talented chefs cooking up enticing dishes at a convenient pace for its city dwellers on a schedule. Their concepts offer quick-service curries, all-vegan options, diverse food stalls and trucks, and, of course, pizzas.

So instead of relying on fast food chains (with questionable ingredients), Denver eaters can dive into a quick and satisfying bowl of poke, oysters alongside a pizza made to order, or a quality fried chicken sandwich. Whether there’s only 30 minutes for lunch or an hour for dinner, this guide should provide enough options for dining quickly and dining well around Denver.

Note: Map points are not ranked by listed from west to east. If we missed your favorite fast-casual spot, please feel free to share with us in the comments below or send a tip to denver@eater.com.

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Biju's Little Curry Shop

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Try any of the bowls at this South Indian spot, each jam-packed with flavor, such as the coconut curry chicken with spiced lentils, sautéed cabbage, herb yogurt, a sprinkle of cilantro and mint chutney with crushed papadam.

4279 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212
(303) 975-6886
(303) 975-6886
<span data-author="5195">Biju’s Little Curry Shop </span>
Biju’s Little Curry Shop
Biju’s Little Curry Shop [Official Site]

Vital Root

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Whether vegan, vegetarian, or just health-conscious, Vital Root offers quick and delicious food that caters to everyone but the strictly carnivorous. Try the miso ramen with soy milk broth, togarashi tofu, yam noodles, nori, broccoli, mushroom, bok choy, and an egg.

3915 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212
(303) 474-4131
(303) 474-4131
Vital Root
Vital Root
Vital Root/Facebook

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The Royal Rooster

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Tucked inside Old Major, the Royal Rooster pop-up lunch operates Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. serving fried and roast bird sandwiches, juicy burgers, tacos, and more. Try the classic rooster with dill pickles, mayo, and lettuce all served on a squishy bun.

3316 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
(720) 420-0622
(720) 420-0622
<span data-author="5195">The Royal Rooster </span>
The Royal Rooster
The Royal Rooster/Facebook

Also featured in:

Brider

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Enjoy healthy and delicious scratch-made fare from executive chef Steven Redzikowski (of Acorn and Oak at Fourteenth) for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the fast-casual Brider. The rotisserie chicken banh mi with paté aioli, pickled carrots, and cucumbers is a favorite.

1644 Platte St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 455-3084
(303) 455-3084
<span data-author="5195">Brider </span>
Brider
Brider/Facebook

Also featured in:

Avanti Food & Beverage

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Avanti takes fast-casual to a whole different level with seven dining options, all as quick as they are satisfying. Dive into the bamboo bowl at QuickFish, the margherita pie at Brava, la original at Quiero Arepas, fried chicken at Rebel Chicken, Mexican classics at BorraCho Taco, or French fare from Bistro Georgette.

3200 N Pecos St, Denver, CO 80211
(720) 269-4778
(720) 269-4778
<span data-author="5195">Avanti Food &amp; Beverage </span>
Avanti Food & Beverage
Lucy Beaugard

Also featured in:

Honor Society Handcrafted Eatery

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Downtown diners will find quick and guilt-free food at Honor Society. Try the local beet salad (add salmon) with organic arugula, apples, toasted hazelnuts, and goat cheese tossed in a citrus vinaigrette.

1900 16th St #150, Denver, CO 80202
(720) 420-0614
(720) 420-0614
<span data-author="5195">Honor Society Handcrafted Eatery </span>
Honor Society Handcrafted Eatery
Honor Society Handcrafted Eatery/Facebook

Pizzeria Locale

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Not only are the pies delicious at this Boulder original and Denver transplant, but they’re made to order in a wood-fired oven and always ready in a couple minutes. Try the Diavola with red sauce, smoked mozzarella, pepperoni, basil, and chili flakes.

550 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
(720) 508-8828
(720) 508-8828
Pizzeria Locale
Pizzeria Locale
Pizzeria Locale/Facebook

Also featured in:

Cart-Driver

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The space may be small — 640 square feet to be exact — but the taste is anything but. Try the namesake pizza with sausage, kale, mozzarella, and chili flakes, or dive into the newly released winter pie with rosemary ham, potatoes, artichokes, hazelnuts, and taleggio. Order oysters and Prosecco on tap to go with it.

2500 Larimer St #100, Denver, CO 80205
(303) 292-3553
(303) 292-3553
Cart-Driver
Cart-Driver/Facebook

The Denver Central Market

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Known for its convivial atmosphere, the Denver Central Market makes for a great spot to pop in and grab a quick bite while also shopping for local ingredients to incorporate into dinner. Try a slice of quiche at Izzio Bakery, oysters or poke at Tammen’s Fish Market, a cocktail at Curio, and a salad or bowl at Green Seed. Then finish with a double scoop at High Point Creamery.

2669 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
High Point Creamery
High Point Creamery
The Denver Central Market/Facebook

Also featured in:

Call

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Newcomer to Larimer Street and the RiNo neighborhood, Call has a homey feel and a menu full of healthy and equally tasty dishes. If time allows, take a cozy seat up front and try any of the sweet treats scattered across the counter top.

2845 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
(303) 954-0230
(303) 954-0230
<span data-author="5195">Call </span>
Call
Lucy Beaugard

Also featured in:

Finn's Manor

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This go-to warm weather spot is known for its bar, patio, and permanent food truck “pod” parking lot with rotating favorites like Mile High Thai, Stokes Poke, Chicken Rebel, and What Would Cheezus Do. Check Facebook to find the latest vendors.

2927 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
<span data-author="5195">Finn’s Manor </span>
Finn’s Manor
Finn’s Manor [Official Site]

Also featured in:

Dio Mio — Handmade Pasta

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Dio Mio is a must stop for quality handmade pasta in a casual-cool space. Order cacio e pepe (fettucine, black pepper, and Parmesan) from the counter, and then scope out a table.

3264 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
(303) 562-1965
(303) 562-1965
<span data-author="5195">Dio Mio — Handmade Pasta </span>
Dio Mio — Handmade Pasta
Dio Mio/Facebook

Olive & Finch

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This all-day eatery has something for just about everyone on the menu. For a quick and healthy meal on-the-go order the farro salad with kale, carrots, chickpeas, feta, grape tomatoes, raisins, apples, and toasted sunflower seeds, tossed in apple cider vinaigrette.

1552 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80218
(303) 832-8663
(303) 832-8663
<span data-author="5195">Olive &amp; Finch </span>
Olive & Finch
Olive & Finch [Official Site]

Also featured in:

Chop Shop Casual Urban Eatery Colfax

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Pop by for a quick bite with all the quality of full service. Try the 48-hour-cooked short rib with grilled baby carrots, whipped potatoes, crispy pickled onions, and three peppercorn hoisin demi-glace, or the French dip.

4990 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80220
(720) 550-7665
(720) 550-7665
<span data-author="5195">Chop Shop Casual Urban Eatery</span>
Chop Shop Casual Urban Eatery
Chop Shop Casual Urban Eatery/Facebook

Also featured in:

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Biju's Little Curry Shop

4279 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212

Try any of the bowls at this South Indian spot, each jam-packed with flavor, such as the coconut curry chicken with spiced lentils, sautéed cabbage, herb yogurt, a sprinkle of cilantro and mint chutney with crushed papadam.

4279 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212
(303) 975-6886
(303) 975-6886
<span data-author="5195">Biju’s Little Curry Shop </span>
Biju’s Little Curry Shop
Biju’s Little Curry Shop [Official Site]

Vital Root

3915 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212

Whether vegan, vegetarian, or just health-conscious, Vital Root offers quick and delicious food that caters to everyone but the strictly carnivorous. Try the miso ramen with soy milk broth, togarashi tofu, yam noodles, nori, broccoli, mushroom, bok choy, and an egg.

3915 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212
(303) 474-4131
(303) 474-4131
Vital Root
Vital Root
Vital Root/Facebook

The Royal Rooster

3316 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211

Tucked inside Old Major, the Royal Rooster pop-up lunch operates Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. serving fried and roast bird sandwiches, juicy burgers, tacos, and more. Try the classic rooster with dill pickles, mayo, and lettuce all served on a squishy bun.

3316 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
(720) 420-0622
(720) 420-0622
<span data-author="5195">The Royal Rooster </span>
The Royal Rooster
The Royal Rooster/Facebook

Brider

1644 Platte St, Denver, CO 80202

Enjoy healthy and delicious scratch-made fare from executive chef Steven Redzikowski (of Acorn and Oak at Fourteenth) for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the fast-casual Brider. The rotisserie chicken banh mi with paté aioli, pickled carrots, and cucumbers is a favorite.

1644 Platte St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 455-3084
(303) 455-3084
<span data-author="5195">Brider </span>
Brider
Brider/Facebook

Avanti Food & Beverage

3200 N Pecos St, Denver, CO 80211

Avanti takes fast-casual to a whole different level with seven dining options, all as quick as they are satisfying. Dive into the bamboo bowl at QuickFish, the margherita pie at Brava, la original at Quiero Arepas, fried chicken at Rebel Chicken, Mexican classics at BorraCho Taco, or French fare from Bistro Georgette.

3200 N Pecos St, Denver, CO 80211
(720) 269-4778
(720) 269-4778
<span data-author="5195">Avanti Food &amp; Beverage </span>
Avanti Food & Beverage
Lucy Beaugard

Honor Society Handcrafted Eatery

1900 16th St #150, Denver, CO 80202

Downtown diners will find quick and guilt-free food at Honor Society. Try the local beet salad (add salmon) with organic arugula, apples, toasted hazelnuts, and goat cheese tossed in a citrus vinaigrette.

1900 16th St #150, Denver, CO 80202
(720) 420-0614
(720) 420-0614
<span data-author="5195">Honor Society Handcrafted Eatery </span>
Honor Society Handcrafted Eatery
Honor Society Handcrafted Eatery/Facebook

Pizzeria Locale

550 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203

Not only are the pies delicious at this Boulder original and Denver transplant, but they’re made to order in a wood-fired oven and always ready in a couple minutes. Try the Diavola with red sauce, smoked mozzarella, pepperoni, basil, and chili flakes.

550 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
(720) 508-8828
(720) 508-8828
Pizzeria Locale
Pizzeria Locale
Pizzeria Locale/Facebook

Cart-Driver

2500 Larimer St #100, Denver, CO 80205

The space may be small — 640 square feet to be exact — but the taste is anything but. Try the namesake pizza with sausage, kale, mozzarella, and chili flakes, or dive into the newly released winter pie with rosemary ham, potatoes, artichokes, hazelnuts, and taleggio. Order oysters and Prosecco on tap to go with it.

2500 Larimer St #100, Denver, CO 80205
(303) 292-3553
(303) 292-3553
Cart-Driver
Cart-Driver/Facebook

The Denver Central Market

2669 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205

Known for its convivial atmosphere, the Denver Central Market makes for a great spot to pop in and grab a quick bite while also shopping for local ingredients to incorporate into dinner. Try a slice of quiche at Izzio Bakery, oysters or poke at Tammen’s Fish Market, a cocktail at Curio, and a salad or bowl at Green Seed. Then finish with a double scoop at High Point Creamery.

2669 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
High Point Creamery
High Point Creamery
The Denver Central Market/Facebook

Call

2845 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205

Newcomer to Larimer Street and the RiNo neighborhood, Call has a homey feel and a menu full of healthy and equally tasty dishes. If time allows, take a cozy seat up front and try any of the sweet treats scattered across the counter top.

2845 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
(303) 954-0230
(303) 954-0230
<span data-author="5195">Call </span>
Call
Lucy Beaugard

Finn's Manor

2927 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205

This go-to warm weather spot is known for its bar, patio, and permanent food truck “pod” parking lot with rotating favorites like Mile High Thai, Stokes Poke, Chicken Rebel, and What Would Cheezus Do. Check Facebook to find the latest vendors.

2927 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
<span data-author="5195">Finn’s Manor </span>
Finn’s Manor
Finn’s Manor [Official Site]

Dio Mio — Handmade Pasta

3264 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205

Dio Mio is a must stop for quality handmade pasta in a casual-cool space. Order cacio e pepe (fettucine, black pepper, and Parmesan) from the counter, and then scope out a table.

3264 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
(303) 562-1965
(303) 562-1965
<span data-author="5195">Dio Mio — Handmade Pasta </span>
Dio Mio — Handmade Pasta
Dio Mio/Facebook

Olive & Finch

1552 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80218

This all-day eatery has something for just about everyone on the menu. For a quick and healthy meal on-the-go order the farro salad with kale, carrots, chickpeas, feta, grape tomatoes, raisins, apples, and toasted sunflower seeds, tossed in apple cider vinaigrette.

1552 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80218
(303) 832-8663
(303) 832-8663
<span data-author="5195">Olive &amp; Finch </span>
Olive & Finch
Olive & Finch [Official Site]

Chop Shop Casual Urban Eatery Colfax

4990 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80220

Pop by for a quick bite with all the quality of full service. Try the 48-hour-cooked short rib with grilled baby carrots, whipped potatoes, crispy pickled onions, and three peppercorn hoisin demi-glace, or the French dip.

4990 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80220
(720) 550-7665
(720) 550-7665
<span data-author="5195">Chop Shop Casual Urban Eatery</span>
Chop Shop Casual Urban Eatery
Chop Shop Casual Urban Eatery/Facebook

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