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The Hottest Restaurants in Denver Right Now, Fall 2023

Denver’s 2023 Michelin-Starred and Bib Gourmand Restaurants, Mapped

20 Top-Tier Denver Coffee Shops

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Hottest Restaurants in Denver Right Now, July 2015

Where to eat in Denver right now.

by Andra Zeppelin
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by Andra Zeppelin

More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right now? Restaurant obsessives want to know what's new, what's hot, which favorite chef just launched a sophomore effort.

And while the Eater 38 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the 'it' places of the moment. Thus, we offer the Eater Heatmap, which will change on a regular basis to always highlight where the foodie crowds are flocking to at the moment.

IN: Moxie Bread Co., Milk & Honey

OUT: RiNo Yacht Club, Work & Class

Editorial disclosure

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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

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The wood-fired modern American cooking and the elevated craft cocktail program at Acorn gained the restaurant many accolades. Acorn was named among Bon Appetit's best 50 new restaurants in the country and 5280 Magazine ranked the RiNo eatery #2 among the top 25 restaurants in Denver. When you go, don't miss the carrot and ricotta ravioli with black garlic, chili-almond jam, baby carrots, and aged gouda.
3350 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216
(720) 542-3721
(720) 542-3721

Also featured in:

Mercantile Dining & Provision

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Casual and laid-back by day and fine dining by night, the new venture from chef Alex Seidel from Fruition has quickly attracted an audience. Come early in the day for breakfast pastry and a cup of Commonwealth Coffee, at lunch for a giant Banh Mi sandwich, or in the evening for any of the great pasta dishes.
1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver, CO 80202
(720) 460-3733
(720) 460-3733

Also featured in:

Stoic & Genuine

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With a stunning interior and a creative seafood menu, this venture from chef Jennifer Jasinski and partner Beth Gruitch is a winner. Don't miss the whole crispy haddock, the broccoli salad, and the granitas.
1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 640-3474
(303) 640-3474

Also featured in:

Cart Driver

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The menu is small and smart, the space intimate and vibrant, and the pizzas may be the best in Denver. Go in with an open mind and enjoy the Cart Driver pie, fresh oysters, and the vanilla soft serve, maybe with a shot of Underberg. Bonus: lunch service is now offered and late night brings in a lively industry crowd.
2500 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80205
(303) 292-3553
(303) 292-3553

Also featured in:

Blackbelly Market

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Chef Hosea Rosenberg, winner of Bravo's Top Chef Season 5, took his time opening his own restaurant but the wait paid off. The space is warm, the cocktails are lovely, and the food is superb. Bonus: Not one but two patios are now open.
1606 Conestoga Street, Boulder, CO 80301
303.247.1000
303.247.1000

Also featured in:

Leña

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Slowly but surely, Lena became a fixture of Denver's dining with a seriously bustling dining room. Grab a seat at the bar or get a table with friends, but whatever you do, don't miss the tacos
24 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
(720) 550-7267
(720) 550-7267

Also featured in:

Ophelia's Electric Soapbox

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Set in the Ballpark neighborhood behind the unassuming door of a former brothel, this new venue from restaurateur Justin Cucci is sexy, smooth, and irresistible. Global bites, great decor, and well-curated live music make this new spot a winner.
1215 20th Street, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 993-8023
(303) 993-8023

Also featured in:

CHO77

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Noodles and great dim sum bites inspired by travels through Southeast Asia is what this hot spot is about. Chef Lon Symensma created an eatery where the casual environment makes guests feel at home and the elevated food keeps them coming back. Come early (opens at 4 p.m.) to avoid the crowds.
42 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
(720) 638-8179
(720) 638-8179

Osaka Ramen

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The long awaited ramen shop from chef Jeff Osaka opened in May and Denverites cannot get enough. Try the tonkotsu and don't miss the kara age chicken for either lunch or dinner.
2611 Walnut Street, Denver, CO 80205
(303) 955-7938
(303) 955-7938

Also featured in:

Union Lodge No. 1

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The new American bar from the Arvada Tavern team, Mike Huggins and Lenka Juchelkova, has become a quick favorite in Downtown Denver. Turn of the century cocktails served in a cozy and inviting environment are the highlight.
1543 Champa Street, Denver, CO 80202
(720) 389-0447
(720) 389-0447

milk & honey

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After significant delays, this Larimer Square bar and restaurant opened its doors with a sexy space and fun menu.
Larimer Square, 1414 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 997-7590
(303) 997-7590

Also featured in:

Moxie Bread Co.

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There are at least three kinds of Kouign Amann offered here daily and that alone is worth the drive to Louisville. This new bakery serves breakfast and lunch and a weekly Wednesday evening pizza dinner.
641 Main Street, Louisville, CO 80027
(720) 456-8461
(720) 456-8461

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Acorn

3350 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216
The wood-fired modern American cooking and the elevated craft cocktail program at Acorn gained the restaurant many accolades. Acorn was named among Bon Appetit's best 50 new restaurants in the country and 5280 Magazine ranked the RiNo eatery #2 among the top 25 restaurants in Denver. When you go, don't miss the carrot and ricotta ravioli with black garlic, chili-almond jam, baby carrots, and aged gouda.
3350 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216
(720) 542-3721
(720) 542-3721

Mercantile Dining & Provision

1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver, CO 80202
Casual and laid-back by day and fine dining by night, the new venture from chef Alex Seidel from Fruition has quickly attracted an audience. Come early in the day for breakfast pastry and a cup of Commonwealth Coffee, at lunch for a giant Banh Mi sandwich, or in the evening for any of the great pasta dishes.
1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver, CO 80202
(720) 460-3733
(720) 460-3733

Stoic & Genuine

1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver, CO 80202
With a stunning interior and a creative seafood menu, this venture from chef Jennifer Jasinski and partner Beth Gruitch is a winner. Don't miss the whole crispy haddock, the broccoli salad, and the granitas.
1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 640-3474
(303) 640-3474

Cart Driver

2500 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80205
The menu is small and smart, the space intimate and vibrant, and the pizzas may be the best in Denver. Go in with an open mind and enjoy the Cart Driver pie, fresh oysters, and the vanilla soft serve, maybe with a shot of Underberg. Bonus: lunch service is now offered and late night brings in a lively industry crowd.
2500 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80205
(303) 292-3553
(303) 292-3553

Blackbelly Market

1606 Conestoga Street, Boulder, CO 80301
Chef Hosea Rosenberg, winner of Bravo's Top Chef Season 5, took his time opening his own restaurant but the wait paid off. The space is warm, the cocktails are lovely, and the food is superb. Bonus: Not one but two patios are now open.
1606 Conestoga Street, Boulder, CO 80301
303.247.1000
303.247.1000

Leña

24 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
Slowly but surely, Lena became a fixture of Denver's dining with a seriously bustling dining room. Grab a seat at the bar or get a table with friends, but whatever you do, don't miss the tacos
24 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
(720) 550-7267
(720) 550-7267

Ophelia's Electric Soapbox

1215 20th Street, Denver, CO 80202
Set in the Ballpark neighborhood behind the unassuming door of a former brothel, this new venue from restaurateur Justin Cucci is sexy, smooth, and irresistible. Global bites, great decor, and well-curated live music make this new spot a winner.
1215 20th Street, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 993-8023
(303) 993-8023

CHO77

42 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
Noodles and great dim sum bites inspired by travels through Southeast Asia is what this hot spot is about. Chef Lon Symensma created an eatery where the casual environment makes guests feel at home and the elevated food keeps them coming back. Come early (opens at 4 p.m.) to avoid the crowds.
42 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
(720) 638-8179
(720) 638-8179

Osaka Ramen

2611 Walnut Street, Denver, CO 80205
The long awaited ramen shop from chef Jeff Osaka opened in May and Denverites cannot get enough. Try the tonkotsu and don't miss the kara age chicken for either lunch or dinner.
2611 Walnut Street, Denver, CO 80205
(303) 955-7938
(303) 955-7938

Union Lodge No. 1

1543 Champa Street, Denver, CO 80202
The new American bar from the Arvada Tavern team, Mike Huggins and Lenka Juchelkova, has become a quick favorite in Downtown Denver. Turn of the century cocktails served in a cozy and inviting environment are the highlight.
1543 Champa Street, Denver, CO 80202
(720) 389-0447
(720) 389-0447

milk & honey

Larimer Square, 1414 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80202
After significant delays, this Larimer Square bar and restaurant opened its doors with a sexy space and fun menu.
Larimer Square, 1414 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 997-7590
(303) 997-7590

Moxie Bread Co.

641 Main Street, Louisville, CO 80027
There are at least three kinds of Kouign Amann offered here daily and that alone is worth the drive to Louisville. This new bakery serves breakfast and lunch and a weekly Wednesday evening pizza dinner.
641 Main Street, Louisville, CO 80027
(720) 456-8461
(720) 456-8461

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