One of our favorite parts of visiting a new city is eating like a local. Denver has no shortage of incredible restaurants and after staying there almost a month this summer some favorites arose.
Our Denver Restuarant Picks at a Glance
- 🥐 Best Breakfast & Bakery: Bakery Four
- 🍔 Best Historic Burger: My Brother’s Bar
- 🌎 Best for Groups & Families: Edgewater Public Market
- 🍝 Best Special Occasion Dinner: Rioja in Larimer Square
Start Your Morning at Bakery Four
If you only have time for one breakfast stop in Denver, make it Bakery Four.
Located in the Berkeley neighborhood, this bakery consistently turns out some of the best pastries we’ve had outside of Europe. Flaky croissants, perfectly laminated pastries, fresh sourdough, and seasonal specialties make it worth arriving early—the lines are there for a reason. If you can, go during the week to avoid weekend lines and missing out on your favorite pastry because it is sold out.
If you wait until 10:30 a.m. the fresh baguette sandwiches will be ready. Pick some up along with a little butter, cheese, or charcuterie, and you’ll have the perfect lunch for a picnic in one of Denver’s beautiful parks or take on a great hike.
Website: https://bakeryfour.com
Grab a Burger at My Brother’s Bar
Sometimes you don’t need trendy—you just need really, really good.
My Brother’s Bar is exactly that.
Known as Denver’s oldest continuously operating bar, it has been serving guests since 1873, surviving name changes, Prohibition, and generations of Denver history. Today it remains one of the city’s most beloved neighborhood institutions.
Skip the fancy toppings and order one of their famous burgers—or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try the bison burger, a Colorado classic. Grab the onion ring and fry combo and pair it with a cold drink, soak in the historic atmosphere, and enjoy one of those places that feels completely authentic.
Website: https://www.mybrothersbar.com.
Need Something for Everyone? Head to Edgewater Public Market
Traveling with family or friends who can never agree on where to eat? We were traveling with teenagers, so this happened more than once.
Edgewater Public Market solves that problem beautifully.
This lively food hall brings together dozens of local vendors serving everything from tacos and barbecue to sushi, pizza, desserts, coffee, international cuisine, and craft drinks. Everyone can order exactly what they want and still enjoy eating together.
On our last visit, two favorites stood out:
- The delicious gyros
- Fresh, flavorful dim sum
It’s the kind of place that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even an afternoon snack while exploring the Denver area.
Splurge on Dinner at Rioja in Larimer Square
Every trip deserves one memorable meal.
For us, that’s Rioja.
Located in the heart of historic Larimer Square, Rioja has become one of Denver’s most celebrated restaurants, and it’s easy to understand why. The menu is refined without feeling pretentious, the service is exceptional, and it’s a place where you’ll want to slow down and linger over every course.
Don’t skip the:
- Fresh seasonal salads
- Handmade pastas
- Incredible desserts
Our recommendation? Arrive early enough to wander through Larimer Square before dinner. Browse the locally owned boutiques, admire one of Denver’s most charming historic streets, and then settle in for a meal that will likely become one of the highlights of your trip.
Website: https://www.riojadenver.com
Our Favorite Denver Food Stops
Whether you’re grabbing pastries for a picnic, enjoying a historic burger joint, letting everyone choose their own favorite meal at a food hall, or celebrating over an unforgettable dinner, each offers something uniquely Denver.
If you’re planning a trip, save this list—you’ll be glad you did.
