Colfax Avenue has been recognized as the longest commercial street in the country, at 26 miles in length, but the notoriety of this thoroughfare often comes from the illicit activities that have plagued sections over time. The grittiness is part of the character though, and East Colfax is now a part of town with a growing scene, including restaurants, bars, and much more. For our purposes we've focused on the three-mile stretch between Franklin Street—where Park Avenue intersects—and Monaco Parkway, to bring you fifteen ultimate dining options along East Colfax that you should check out now.
The spots listed here are organized in alphabetical order and include everything from late night sausage eateries like Uber Sausage to popular doughnut shops like Voodoo Doughnuts and wine-centric restaurants with live music like Brik on York. If we missed your favorite East Colfax restaurant, leave a comment below or send us a tip down the tipline.
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The doughnut craze reached new heights in Denver when this Portland transplant set up shop and it has not slowed down. Don’t be alarmed by pastries that resemble blunts or male genitalia, and make sure to give the maple bacon bar a try.
As the name indicates, this spot dishes up Mexican-style tortas, or sandwiches. In addition to topping options like ham, chorizo, eggs and cheese (the Jose preparation), each one is loaded with refried beans, avocado, tomato, onions and mayo, and a choice of jalapeño peppers, chipotle sauce or jalapeño jelly.
First developed as a food truck, the brick-and-mortar followed in this first location (a second is in West Highland). Modern street tacos are the draw here, with combinations like sweet and sour braised pork belly, triple-cooked beef tongue or roasted chile poblano and creamed chipotle corn.
Known for its gourmet sausage sandwiches, you’ll find options like the Swiss—a veal and pork sausage, clover sprouts, red onion, parsley, spicy brown mustard and curry seasoning. Don’t miss the homemade chips and tater tots with seasonings like ranch or salt and malt vinegar.
Specials are offered nightly in addition to the regular menu of modern Italian fare. Dishes include sausage and caper pizza, spaghetti bolognese and lamb chops with gnocchi. Panini are also served on weekdays between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The trifecta of watering hole Atomic Cowboy, which houses pizzeria Fat Sully’s and the Denver Biscuit Company, is a unique combination. The three businesses keep different hours, but complement each other in what they have to offer.
This cozy spot opened quietly under the helm of Mizuna alum Royce Oliveira, with a well-edited and constantly changing menu. You may find dishes like buttermilk fried chicken, roasted salmon or porcini carbonara on any given night.
Bastien’s is an old-school steakhouse, with its signature offering being the New York strip sugar steak. The retro atmosphere is conducive to sipping on a martini and starting off with a shrimp cocktail.
At this cozy neighborhood spot, chef Clint Wangsnes has a certified sous-vide program that lends itself to the cooking of proteins like chicken, top sirloin and short ribs, found in plated entrees, sandwiches and atop salads.
Solera has been turning out Spanish-inspired cuisine since 2001, with a menu of meats, cheeses, modern tapas and larger plates. Don’t miss specials like Wednesday wine tasting, all-you-can-eat mussels on Tuesdays and happy hour Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Enjoy authentic cuisine at this Mediterranean restaurant where you’ll find baba ghanouj, beef shish kabob, gyros and more. There is daily happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., as well as belly dancing performances on the weekends.
A second outpost of the Southern-inspired breakfast and brunch eatery, Sassafras brings its biscuits and gravy to this part of town in a more modern setting.
The doughnut craze reached new heights in Denver when this Portland transplant set up shop and it has not slowed down. Don’t be alarmed by pastries that resemble blunts or male genitalia, and make sure to give the maple bacon bar a try.
As the name indicates, this spot dishes up Mexican-style tortas, or sandwiches. In addition to topping options like ham, chorizo, eggs and cheese (the Jose preparation), each one is loaded with refried beans, avocado, tomato, onions and mayo, and a choice of jalapeño peppers, chipotle sauce or jalapeño jelly.
First developed as a food truck, the brick-and-mortar followed in this first location (a second is in West Highland). Modern street tacos are the draw here, with combinations like sweet and sour braised pork belly, triple-cooked beef tongue or roasted chile poblano and creamed chipotle corn.
Known for its gourmet sausage sandwiches, you’ll find options like the Swiss—a veal and pork sausage, clover sprouts, red onion, parsley, spicy brown mustard and curry seasoning. Don’t miss the homemade chips and tater tots with seasonings like ranch or salt and malt vinegar.
Specials are offered nightly in addition to the regular menu of modern Italian fare. Dishes include sausage and caper pizza, spaghetti bolognese and lamb chops with gnocchi. Panini are also served on weekdays between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The trifecta of watering hole Atomic Cowboy, which houses pizzeria Fat Sully’s and the Denver Biscuit Company, is a unique combination. The three businesses keep different hours, but complement each other in what they have to offer.
This cozy spot opened quietly under the helm of Mizuna alum Royce Oliveira, with a well-edited and constantly changing menu. You may find dishes like buttermilk fried chicken, roasted salmon or porcini carbonara on any given night.
Bastien’s is an old-school steakhouse, with its signature offering being the New York strip sugar steak. The retro atmosphere is conducive to sipping on a martini and starting off with a shrimp cocktail.
At this cozy neighborhood spot, chef Clint Wangsnes has a certified sous-vide program that lends itself to the cooking of proteins like chicken, top sirloin and short ribs, found in plated entrees, sandwiches and atop salads.
Solera has been turning out Spanish-inspired cuisine since 2001, with a menu of meats, cheeses, modern tapas and larger plates. Don’t miss specials like Wednesday wine tasting, all-you-can-eat mussels on Tuesdays and happy hour Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Enjoy authentic cuisine at this Mediterranean restaurant where you’ll find baba ghanouj, beef shish kabob, gyros and more. There is daily happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., as well as belly dancing performances on the weekends.
A second outpost of the Southern-inspired breakfast and brunch eatery, Sassafras brings its biscuits and gravy to this part of town in a more modern setting.
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