When you think of Denver, you don’t necessarily think of it as having an exceptionally eclectic food scene, but it most certainly does. In fact, it happens to be home to many of the best restaurants in Colorado and the country. But with so many options to consider, you may find yourself wondering where to start in your restaurant search. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary for a bite to eat, we’re here to help. These 10 unique restaurants in Denver not only have adventurous menus but also give you a unique dining experience you won’t soon forget.
- The Buckhorn Exchange
The Buckhorn Exchange Restaurant / Facebook Established in 1893, this taxidermized wildlife-filled landmark is considered Denver’s original steakhouse. The Buckhorn Exchange serves up buffalo, quail, elk, rattlesnake, alligator, and the infamous Rocky Mountain oyster…if you dare! Buckhorn Exchange Restaurant, 1000 Osage St, Denver, CO 80204, USA
- The Fort
Ken Kanouse / Flickr Chow down on juicy buffalo steaks, BBQed duck quesadillas, crispy lamb riblets, and other new twists on “authentic” pioneer classics. This frontier-themed replica of historic Bent’s Fort in Southeastern Colorado offers an extensive wine list and selection of microbrews, as well as great views of the red rocks and surrounding areas. Snag a seat on The Fort’s patio and grab a bite before a show! The Fort, 19192 CO-8, Morrison, CO 80465, USA
- Casa Bonita
Casa Bonita / Facebook Somewhat of an urban legend, Casa Bonita is like stepping into an alternate world. As you dine, you’ll find yourself witness to a spectacle of fire jugglers, magicians, pirate caves, mariachi bands, and cliff divers plunging from 30-foot waterfalls. You truly have to experience Casa Bonita for yourself to believe it.
Editor’s Note: This business is temporarily closed, but is expected to re-open in May of 2023. Casa Bonita, 6715 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80214, USA
- Hamburger Mary’s, Denver
Hamburger Mary’s Denver / Facebook This is the place for you if you’re looking for fun, inviting atmosphere and colorful characters. Hamburger Mary’s boasts “kitchen, cocktails, cabaret,” and serves up tasty burgers with an unforgettable side of drag queen bingo. This is not your mama’s burger joint! Hamburger Mary’s Denver, 1336 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80218, USA
- Station 26 Brewing Co.
Station 26 Brewing Co. / Facebook This former firehouse-turned-taproom and brewery has some of the best beer and patio space in town! Grab food from a local food truck (there’s a different one every day), or better yet, stop by on the second Sunday of every month and revel in their holy trinity of beer, bluegrass, and brunch. Station 26 Brewing Co. is as lively as it is delicious. Station 26 Brewing Co., 7045 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80207, USA
- Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox
Ophelia’s / Facebook Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox is one of my personal favorites, and not just because of its name. This bordello turned “gastrobrothel” has just about anything that tickles your fancy. They’ve got stellar cocktails, live music, an outdoor patio, and throwback peep shows. If that weren’t enough reason to visit, they also offer killer brunches and dinners featuring globally inspired dishes with local, sustainably sourced, and organic products. Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox, 1215 20th St, Denver, CO 80202, USA
- Lola Mexican Fish House
Photo courtesy Lola With over 200 tequilas, fresh table-side guac, a raw bar, BBQed octopus, scrumptious tacos, and house-infused liquors, Lola’s is sure to sweep you off your feet. Go for brunch and try their chicken and waffles with chorizo gravy or horchata pancakes smothered in sweet cream syrup. Stay for happy hour and live music (every Sunday from 2:30 to 5 pm).
Editor’s Note: This business is permanently closed. Lola Mexican Fish House 1575 Boulder St, Denver, CO 80211
- Vesta Dipping Grill
Photo courtesy Vesta Meats. Cheeses. Breads. Sauces. Sold.
Editor’s Note: This business is permanently closed. Vesta 1822 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202
- The Cherry Cricket
Wally Gobetz / Flickr Duffy’s Cherry Cricket has been a Mile High burger institution since 1945. One of their most charming features is their wide range of toppings which includes items like green chiles and smoked cheddar, as well as the less traditional peanut butter and grape jelly. Wonder if Elvis ever ate a PB & J banana-bacon-cheeseburger? It’s likely. The Cherry Cricket, 2641 E 2nd Ave, Denver, CO 80206, USA
- Steuben’s Uptown
Clearwaters Photo / Flickr Steuben’s Uptown is a classy, hip retro diner that creates some serious comfort food! Try their meatloaf and mashed potatoes, crawfish etouffee, Memphis-style ribs, or gravy cheese fries, then wash it all down with a root beer float or a boozy shake. When it comes to cool restaurants in Denver, Steuben’s gives diners a true taste of Denver’s eclectic vibe. Steuben’s Uptown, 523 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203, USA
That sure is a lot of goodness…and we haven’t even scratched the surface! What are your favorite unique restaurants in Denver? Tell us in the comments.
The Buckhorn Exchange Restaurant / Facebook
Established in 1893, this taxidermized wildlife-filled landmark is considered Denver’s original steakhouse. The Buckhorn Exchange serves up buffalo, quail, elk, rattlesnake, alligator, and the infamous Rocky Mountain oyster…if you dare!
Buckhorn Exchange Restaurant, 1000 Osage St, Denver, CO 80204, USA
Ken Kanouse / Flickr
Chow down on juicy buffalo steaks, BBQed duck quesadillas, crispy lamb riblets, and other new twists on “authentic” pioneer classics. This frontier-themed replica of historic Bent’s Fort in Southeastern Colorado offers an extensive wine list and selection of microbrews, as well as great views of the red rocks and surrounding areas. Snag a seat on The Fort’s patio and grab a bite before a show!
The Fort, 19192 CO-8, Morrison, CO 80465, USA
Casa Bonita / Facebook
Somewhat of an urban legend, Casa Bonita is like stepping into an alternate world. As you dine, you’ll find yourself witness to a spectacle of fire jugglers, magicians, pirate caves, mariachi bands, and cliff divers plunging from 30-foot waterfalls. You truly have to experience Casa Bonita for yourself to believe it.
Editor’s Note: This business is temporarily closed, but is expected to re-open in May of 2023.
Casa Bonita, 6715 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80214, USA
Hamburger Mary’s Denver / Facebook
This is the place for you if you’re looking for fun, inviting atmosphere and colorful characters. Hamburger Mary’s boasts “kitchen, cocktails, cabaret,” and serves up tasty burgers with an unforgettable side of drag queen bingo. This is not your mama’s burger joint!
Hamburger Mary’s Denver, 1336 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80218, USA
Station 26 Brewing Co. / Facebook
This former firehouse-turned-taproom and brewery has some of the best beer and patio space in town! Grab food from a local food truck (there’s a different one every day), or better yet, stop by on the second Sunday of every month and revel in their holy trinity of beer, bluegrass, and brunch. Station 26 Brewing Co. is as lively as it is delicious.
Station 26 Brewing Co., 7045 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80207, USA
Ophelia’s / Facebook
Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox is one of my personal favorites, and not just because of its name. This bordello turned “gastrobrothel” has just about anything that tickles your fancy. They’ve got stellar cocktails, live music, an outdoor patio, and throwback peep shows. If that weren’t enough reason to visit, they also offer killer brunches and dinners featuring globally inspired dishes with local, sustainably sourced, and organic products.
Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox, 1215 20th St, Denver, CO 80202, USA
Photo courtesy Lola
With over 200 tequilas, fresh table-side guac, a raw bar, BBQed octopus, scrumptious tacos, and house-infused liquors, Lola’s is sure to sweep you off your feet. Go for brunch and try their chicken and waffles with chorizo gravy or horchata pancakes smothered in sweet cream syrup. Stay for happy hour and live music (every Sunday from 2:30 to 5 pm).
Editor’s Note: This business is permanently closed.
Lola Mexican Fish House 1575 Boulder St, Denver, CO 80211
Photo courtesy Vesta
Meats. Cheeses. Breads. Sauces. Sold.
Editor’s Note: This business is permanently closed.
Vesta 1822 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202
Wally Gobetz / Flickr
Duffy’s Cherry Cricket has been a Mile High burger institution since 1945. One of their most charming features is their wide range of toppings which includes items like green chiles and smoked cheddar, as well as the less traditional peanut butter and grape jelly. Wonder if Elvis ever ate a PB & J banana-bacon-cheeseburger? It’s likely.
The Cherry Cricket, 2641 E 2nd Ave, Denver, CO 80206, USA
Clearwaters Photo / Flickr
Steuben’s Uptown is a classy, hip retro diner that creates some serious comfort food! Try their meatloaf and mashed potatoes, crawfish etouffee, Memphis-style ribs, or gravy cheese fries, then wash it all down with a root beer float or a boozy shake. When it comes to cool restaurants in Denver, Steuben’s gives diners a true taste of Denver’s eclectic vibe.
Steuben’s Uptown, 523 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203, USA
If you’re searching for even more restaurant options, this Ninja Turtle-themed restaurant is one of the most unique dining experiences in Denver.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Restaurants In Colorado January 21, 2023 Jessica Moore What are the best restaurants in Colorado? The best restaurants in Colorado are plentiful, and the following is a listing of some of the best restaurants in the state:
Chef Zorba’s, Denver Debbie’s Drive In, Granby Mountain View Restaurant, Monte Vista Pelican Lakes Restaurant And Bar, Windsor Comida, Aurora Blocky’s, Loveland Big Mac & Little Lu’s Seafood, Westminster Work & Class, Denver Restaurant 1858, Colorado Springs
If you’re visiting the Denver area and looking for more restaurant options to give you the lay of the land of Denver’s foodie scene, you’re sure to find something to love on this list of 15 Denver restaurants with breathtaking views. What are the most unique restaurants in Colorado? The most unique restaurants in Colorado are found across the state, from roadside diners to eclectic eateries and more. Below are some of the most unique restaurants in the state:
Italian Underground, Glenwood Springs The Keg Lounge, Manitou Springs Edelweiss, Colorado Springs The Inventing Room, Denver The Aquarium Restaurant, Denver KaPow Comics & Coffee, Colorado Springs Millers And Rossi, Denver Grow + Gather, Englewood The Roadhouse, Boulder The Rabbit Hole, Colorado Springs
For even more unique dining options in Colorado, these 9 unique restaurants in Colorado each offer an unforgettable dining experience. What are the best fine dining restaurants in Colorado? The best fine dining restaurants in Colorado are found in nearly every town if you know where to look. We’ve done the hard work for you and narrowed down some of the best fine dining restaurants in the state:
The Hearthstone, Breckenridge Peppertree Restaurant, Colorado Springs Plato’s Restaurant, Aspen The Perfect Landing, Denver Ragnar’s, Steamboat Springs Ski Tip Lodge, Keystone 740 Front, Louisville Farm Bistro, Cortez Hazie’s, Steamboat Springs Golden Bee, Colorado Springs
If you’re visiting Colorado in the summertime and in search of outdoor dining options that still have a touch of refinement, these 14 Colorado restaurants offer a magical outdoor dining experience.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Restaurants In Colorado
January 21, 2023
Jessica Moore
What are the best restaurants in Colorado? The best restaurants in Colorado are plentiful, and the following is a listing of some of the best restaurants in the state:
Chef Zorba’s, Denver Debbie’s Drive In, Granby Mountain View Restaurant, Monte Vista Pelican Lakes Restaurant And Bar, Windsor Comida, Aurora Blocky’s, Loveland Big Mac & Little Lu’s Seafood, Westminster Work & Class, Denver Restaurant 1858, Colorado Springs
If you’re visiting the Denver area and looking for more restaurant options to give you the lay of the land of Denver’s foodie scene, you’re sure to find something to love on this list of 15 Denver restaurants with breathtaking views. What are the most unique restaurants in Colorado? The most unique restaurants in Colorado are found across the state, from roadside diners to eclectic eateries and more. Below are some of the most unique restaurants in the state:
Italian Underground, Glenwood Springs The Keg Lounge, Manitou Springs Edelweiss, Colorado Springs The Inventing Room, Denver The Aquarium Restaurant, Denver KaPow Comics & Coffee, Colorado Springs Millers And Rossi, Denver Grow + Gather, Englewood The Roadhouse, Boulder The Rabbit Hole, Colorado Springs
For even more unique dining options in Colorado, these 9 unique restaurants in Colorado each offer an unforgettable dining experience. What are the best fine dining restaurants in Colorado? The best fine dining restaurants in Colorado are found in nearly every town if you know where to look. We’ve done the hard work for you and narrowed down some of the best fine dining restaurants in the state:
The Hearthstone, Breckenridge Peppertree Restaurant, Colorado Springs Plato’s Restaurant, Aspen The Perfect Landing, Denver Ragnar’s, Steamboat Springs Ski Tip Lodge, Keystone 740 Front, Louisville Farm Bistro, Cortez Hazie’s, Steamboat Springs Golden Bee, Colorado Springs
If you’re visiting Colorado in the summertime and in search of outdoor dining options that still have a touch of refinement, these 14 Colorado restaurants offer a magical outdoor dining experience.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The best restaurants in Colorado are plentiful, and the following is a listing of some of the best restaurants in the state:
- Chef Zorba’s, Denver
- Debbie’s Drive In, Granby
- Mountain View Restaurant, Monte Vista
- Pelican Lakes Restaurant And Bar, Windsor
- Comida, Aurora
- Blocky’s, Loveland
- Big Mac & Little Lu’s Seafood, Westminster
- Work & Class, Denver
- Restaurant 1858, Colorado Springs
If you’re visiting the Denver area and looking for more restaurant options to give you the lay of the land of Denver’s foodie scene, you’re sure to find something to love on this list of 15 Denver restaurants with breathtaking views.
What are the most unique restaurants in Colorado?
The most unique restaurants in Colorado are found across the state, from roadside diners to eclectic eateries and more. Below are some of the most unique restaurants in the state:
- Italian Underground, Glenwood Springs
- The Keg Lounge, Manitou Springs
- Edelweiss, Colorado Springs
- The Inventing Room, Denver
- The Aquarium Restaurant, Denver
- KaPow Comics & Coffee, Colorado Springs
- Millers And Rossi, Denver
- Grow + Gather, Englewood
- The Roadhouse, Boulder
- The Rabbit Hole, Colorado Springs
For even more unique dining options in Colorado, these 9 unique restaurants in Colorado each offer an unforgettable dining experience.
What are the best fine dining restaurants in Colorado?
The best fine dining restaurants in Colorado are found in nearly every town if you know where to look. We’ve done the hard work for you and narrowed down some of the best fine dining restaurants in the state:
- The Hearthstone, Breckenridge
- Peppertree Restaurant, Colorado Springs
- Plato’s Restaurant, Aspen
- The Perfect Landing, Denver
- Ragnar’s, Steamboat Springs
- Ski Tip Lodge, Keystone
- 740 Front, Louisville
- Farm Bistro, Cortez
- Hazie’s, Steamboat Springs
- Golden Bee, Colorado Springs
If you’re visiting Colorado in the summertime and in search of outdoor dining options that still have a touch of refinement, these 14 Colorado restaurants offer a magical outdoor dining experience.
