Colorado is a foodie paradise where breathtaking views meet unforgettable flavors. Known for its farm-to-table movement, bison dishes, and craft beer culture, the Centennial State offers dining experiences as unique as its Rocky Mountain backdrop. Whether you’re into elevated alpine dining or quirky hidden gems, Colorado’s restaurants deliver big on taste and atmosphere.
Picture indulging in elk tenderloin at The Fort in Morrison, dining in a cozy yurt at Pine Creek Cookhouse near Aspen, or enjoying a craft brew with your meal at Denver’s Euclid Hall. For something truly out of the ordinary, Colorado’s food scene is well worth the trip. Get ready to explore 12 unique restaurants that redefine dining in the Rockies!
👉 Pro Tip: The Original Colorado Springs Food Tour is a total must for food lovers! You’ll hit up awesome local spots, try some seriously tasty eats, and get the inside scoop on the city’s food scene and history. Show up hungry and ready to vibe—it’s the perfect way to explore Colorado Springs!
Unique Restaurants in Colorado: 24 Incredible Colorado Eateries
From meals served in the sky to dishes prepared in a historic airplane, each spot in Colorado offers something special. Get ready to uncover the hidden gems of Colorado’s culinary scene as we guide you through some unforgettable dining experiences.
1. Urban Farmer
- 📍 Location: Denver (LoDo, inside The Oxford Hotel)
- 💲 Price range: $40 – $70+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Steakhouse / Farm-to-Table
- 🔥 Standout Features: In-house butchery, local ingredients, rustic-chic decor
- 🎯 Perfect For: Steak lovers, sustainable dining, and upscale rustic meals
Slide into a leather booth at Urban Farmer, inside Denver’s historic Oxford Hotel. Think reclaimed wood, flickering candles, and serious farm-to-fork energy. This spot’s got an in-house butcher, so you know the steaks are top-notch.
Ordering a perfectly cooked New York strip or a tender bison ribeye is a good plan. Their house-cured charcuterie board with local cheeses, or the seasonal farm salad with ingredients from nearby, are also excellent choices.
2. The Wolf’s Tailor
This is one of the most inventive eateries in Denver and worth every hype it gets. The Wolf’s Tailor weaves together Italian and Japanese influences, presenting you with dishes you just won’t find anywhere else. Expect handmade pastas rubbed elbows with Koji-cured meats and locally foraged ingredients. The Torizo skewer and the house sourdough focaccia are absolute musts for your first visit. The patio is magical at dusk – vine-wrapped, fairy-lit, and just the right amount of modern rustic. Grab a seat outside if you can. Pro tip: Book ahead or you’re likely to miss out. Highlands neighborhood vibes are strong here, with good stroll options to art spaces nearby. Personally, their creative tasting menu blew me away with flavors I didn’t know you could find in Colorado.
3. Snooze A.M. Eatery
- 📍 Location: Multiple locations (e.g., Denver – Union Station, Boulder)
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Breakfast / Brunch / American
- 🔥 Standout Features: Pancake flights, creative eggs Benedicts, retro-modern decor
- 🎯 Perfect For: Brunch fanatics, pancake lovers, and energetic morning outings
Brunch like a boss at Snooze A.M. Eatery, where colors are bright and coffee flows. The pancake flight is a wild ride – the pineapple upside-down pancake is a must, alongside choices like blueberry danish or sweet potato.
For savory, the breakfast pot pie is creamy, flaky comfort. Their various eggs Benedict, like the “Bella Bella Benny” with prosciutto and Taleggio, are also huge hits. There’s always a wait, but it makes your morning a celebration.
4. Bastien’s Restaurant
Bastien’s is a retro institution, operating since the 1950s, and it wears its neon charm with pride. This is steakhouse nostalgia at its finest. If you’re into melt-in-your-mouth, sugary-crusted steaks (the famous Sugar Steak is a rite of passage), this spot is non-negotiable. The circular booths and old-school bar make the whole experience feel like you’ve crashed a cocktail party from another era. Great for late-night people-watching on Colfax, and you’re just steps from classic music venues like the Ogden Theater. My honest take: retro never tasted so good – that Sugar Steak is a Denver legend for a reason.
5. El Five
- 📍 Location: Denver (LoHi)
- 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person (Tapas style)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Mediterranean Tapas / Spanish / Middle Eastern
- 🔥 Standout Features: Rooftop skyline views, bold tapas, fifth-floor setting
- 🎯 Perfect For: Date nights, group outings, sunset cocktails, and skyline photos
At El Five, the first thing you’ll notice is the view – panoramic Denver skyline plus Rocky Mountains. Then come the flavor-packed tapas. The matzah ball soup dumplings are playful and rich, a surprising and comforting bite.
Their paella Valenciana with saffron, chicken, and seafood brings serious flavor. The Diablo Eggs with harissa and chorizo are another standout. Sip a cocktail, snap a sunset pic, and settle in – this place serves skyline magic.
6. The Rabbithole | Bar
Descending into The Rabbithole feels like tumbling into Wonderland, Denver-style. This clandestine cocktail bar and restaurant is actually hidden underground, with enchanted decor and whimsical rabbit motifs everywhere you look. Their Absinthe Fountain cocktails are as photogenic as they are boozy, and the Rabbit Confit is an unexpected, rich delight. The whole vibe teeters between surreal speakeasy and theatre set – dramatic lighting, plush booths, and an always-buzzing bar. Definitely date-night-worthy or a fun start to an evening downtown (Union Station is a 10-minute stroll away). Honestly, the unapologetically offbeat style and creative cocktails made this spot stick in my memory.
7. Adam’s Mystery Playhouse
- 📍 Location: Denver (Baker)
- 💲 Price range: $60 – $80 per person (Dinner & Show)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / Dinner Theater
- 🔥 Standout Features: Interactive murder mystery, Victorian mansion setting, comedic performances
- 🎯 Perfect For: Mystery fans, group outings, and interactive entertainment
Who dunnit at Adam’s Mystery Playhouse, Denver’s quirkiest dinner theater? Set in a spooky Victorian mansion, this murder mystery puts guests in the action. Actors roam, dropping clues while you dig into your banquet-style meal.
The menu is part of the ticketed show and changes, but expect choices like roast chicken or beef medallions. A salad to start and a simple dessert are standard. It’s campy, hilarious, and full of “aha!” moments. Clue fans, this one’s a must.
8. Atomic Cowboy home of Denver Biscuit Co. & Fat Sully’s NY Pizza
This is like three superstars in one spot – biscuit-lovers, pizza fans, and craft beer nerds unite under one chill, neon-lit roof. For brunch, Denver Biscuit Co. is pure heaven: get the Franklin (giant biscuit, fried chicken, sausage gravy, bacon). After hours, Fat Sully’s serves up pizza by the slice that could give any New York joint a run for its money. The atmosphere switches from laid-back brunch buzz to rowdy nighttime energy, with communal tables and classic arcade games in the corner. Perfect pit stop after a concert at the Ogden just down Colfax. My tip: come with friends, share everything, and don’t skip the boozy milkshakes.
9. Root Down
- 📍 Location: Denver (LoHi)
- 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern American / Global / Vegetarian-Friendly
- 🔥 Standout Features: Converted gas station, sustainable design, inventive global flavors
- 🎯 Perfect For: Eco-conscious diners, global food lovers, and a trendy night out
Root Down brings flavor in a space that used to fill gas tanks. Now, it fills bellies with bold global eats and stylish vibes. The country fried tofu with a savory mushroom gravy is crispy, satisfying magic.
Their sweet potato fries come with dipping sauces you’ll want to bottle. The Diver Scallops with seasonal accompaniments are another popular choice. Add in reclaimed décor and a killer cocktail list, and you’ve got a feel-good, flavor-packed hangout.
10. Skirted Heifer
Skirted Heifer is the burger joint you recommend to out-of-towners, especially if you want your burger with a crown of crispy, frico-style cheese overflowing the patty (that’s the “skirt”). This Colorado Springs favorite makes everything from scratch, down to the pickles and sauces. Order the Skirted Heifer burger loaded with local beef – the cheese skirt is pure culinary joy. Inside, it’s cozy and weirdly whimsical (look out for the cow murals). Street parking can be tricky, but the nearby Tejon Street strip has funky shops if you want to stroll off your burger coma. Trust me: get a vanilla shake for pure diner nostalgia.
11. Linger
- 📍 Location: Denver (LoHi)
- 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Global Street Food / Small Plates
- 🔥 Standout Features: Quirky former mortuary setting, rooftop bar, eclectic menu
- 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous foodies, themed nights out, and rooftop cocktails
Former mortuary turned foodie paradise? Yep, Linger is dead serious about fun. Menus styled like toe tags, cocktails served upstairs with a killer view, and small plates from around the globe – it’s weird in the best way.
Trying the devils on horseback (bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with cheese) is a good plan. The Korean BBQ tacos or the crispy pork belly bao buns are also full of unforgettable flavors. Spooky theme, serious eats.
12. Hops & Pie
This pizza haven in Denver’s Berkeley neighborhood stands out with its crispy, chewy sourdough pies and massive rotating craft beer list. The real kicker? You can customize almost everything, from gluten-free dough to extra-garlicky crusts. Try the Pulled Pork & Pineapple Pie or one of their rotating beer/cheese pairings. The space has a cozy, neighborhood-pub feel with chalkboard walls and string lights. Not far from Tennyson Street’s art galleries and boutiques, it’s perfect for pre-gaming an art walk. My pick: grab a cold IPA and split a pie with someone who likes to argue about the best pizza toppings.
13. Safta
- 📍 Location: Denver (RiNo, inside The Source Market Hall)
- 💲 Price range: $40 – $70 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Israeli / Middle Eastern
- 🔥 Standout Features: House-made pita, vibrant salatim, communal dining
- 🎯 Perfect For: Mezze lovers, bread fans, and Middle Eastern flavors
At Safta, the pita is puffed, warm, and basically perfect – and that’s just the beginning. This bright spot inside The Source Market Hall brings Israeli comfort food with style. Load up on hummus and pass around a rainbow of salatim.
The hummus with lamb rib-eye is a standout. Their wood-fired cabbage with caraway and schug, or the creamy labneh with various toppings, are also must-tries. It’s bold, beautiful, and made to share.
14. Lucile’s Creole Café
Lucile’s brings a legit taste of New Orleans to Colorado, complete with powdery beignets and the fluffiest biscuits in town. The interior is pure Southern charm, dotted with floral tablecloths and sunshine-yellow walls. Get the Eggs Pontchartrain or giant plate of shrimp and grits for authentic Creole goodness. The soundtrack always seems to be some jazzy, brass-heavy playlist. Their Boulder location is just a few blocks from Pearl Street, which is perfect for a lazy weekend wander afterwards. Honestly, nothing beats an early Lucile’s brunch followed by a coffee stroll through Boulder.
15. Pikes Peak Summit House
- 📍 Location: Cascade (At the summit of Pikes Peak)
- 💲 Price range: $5 – $15 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / Cafe / Donuts
- 🔥 Standout Features: 14,115 ft elevation, high-altitude donuts, sweeping mountain views
- 🎯 Perfect For: Sightseers, mountain explorers, and donut fans
What’s better than a donut? A high-altitude donut at 14,115 feet. At the Pikes Peak Summit House, you’ve earned this treat. The donuts are soft, golden, and puffed just right in the thin mountain air, a simple cake style.
A cup of hot coffee or hot chocolate is essential to pair with your donut. They also offer basic fare like chili or soup. Add a view that stretches forever, and you’ve got the ultimate Rocky Mountain reward.
16. Smok Barbecue – RiNo, Denver
Smok delivers Texas-style barbecue magic right in the heart of RiNo. The brisket is smoked to a deep, peppery bark and their housemade pickles and jalapeno cheddar sausage mean you never have to settle for bland barbecue again. The interior is all industrial-cool, with exposed bricks and a huge communal table, while the patio is perfect for messy, hands-on BBQ feasts in the sun. Check out the street art around nearby alleyways – RiNo’s murals are everywhere. Real talk: the burnt ends practically changed my mind about what barbecue could be.
17. The Airplane Restaurant
- 📍 Location: Colorado Springs
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / Casual Dining
- 🔥 Standout Features: Dining inside a Boeing KC-97, aviation memorabilia, family-friendly experience
- 🎯 Perfect For: Aviation buffs, families with kids, and a one-of-a-kind themed meal
Strap in and dig in at The Airplane Restaurant, where your booth might be in the belly of a real Boeing KC-97. Surrounded by cockpit controls and vintage aviation gear, this place is a blast. The menu is classic American fare.
The Reuben sandwich on marbled rye is a popular choice. Their classic cheeseburgers or a hearty Philly cheesesteak also hit the spot. Really, you’re here for the jet-fueled atmosphere. This one’s flying high on charm.
18. Izakaya Den
If you’re seeking sleek, modern Japanese with an emphasis on fresh sushi and seasonal small plates, Izakaya Den is a must in the Platt Park neighborhood. Their Den Roll and miso-marinated Alaskan Black Cod are both flavor bombs. The double-height upstairs bar feels like a swanky Tokyo hideaway, complete with a retractable glass roof that brings in those Denver bluebird-day vibes. It’s a top spot for special occasions or impressive dates, just steps from local shops and the famous Pearl Street Farmers Market. I keep dreaming about their hand rolls – the rice is always perfectly warm.
19. Davies’ Chuck Wagon Diner
- 📍 Location: Lakewood
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic American Diner / Comfort Food
- 🔥 Standout Features: 1957 diner car, retro Americana decor, hearty breakfast classics
- 🎯 Perfect For: Nostalgia lovers, diner food fans, and budget-friendly bites
Time warp alert: Davies’ Chuck Wagon Diner is straight out of the 1950s. Slide into a vinyl booth, sip a thick chocolate shake, and order up a massive breakfast plate. The chrome gleams, the grill sizzles, and everything tastes like your grandma made it.
A classic Denver omelet or their fluffy buttermilk pancakes are great breakfast choices. For lunch, a juicy patty melt or their famous chicken fried steak will satisfy. Retro never tasted so good.
20. Forest Room 5
Part woodland escape, part urban bar, Forest Room 5 is the quirkiest spot you’ll ever drink whiskey in. The decor is a fever dream of tangled branches, outdoor firepits, and literal tree stumps for chairs. The menu leans into campfire favorites with upscale twists, like bacon-wrapped dates and wild mushroom crostini. The vibe gets even dreamier at night with fairy lights and occasional local music if you time it right. Just a few blocks from the Platte River trail, so you can wander along the water after. Secret tip: the best s’mores are made in Denver, apparently.
21. Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
- 📍 Location: Boulder
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: International / Tea House / Eclectic
- 🔥 Standout Features: Hand-carved Tajik teahouse, global tea selection, artistic setting
- 🎯 Perfect For: Tea connoisseurs, art lovers, and cultural dining experiences
A literal gift from Tajikistan, the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse is a jewel box of color, detail, and deliciousness. Every beam and tile was handcrafted overseas – and the food? Just as inspired. Sip an exotic tea and soak up the ornate surroundings.
Trying their fragrant Persian chickpea kufteh (meatballs) is a good plan. The Indonesian Peanut Noodles or their afternoon tea service with scones and finger sandwiches are also popular. It’s part café, part museum, all magic.
22. Cafe Aion
Cafe Aion channels Mediterranean warmth and Spanish tapas authenticity in the heart of Boulder. This place is meant for long, laughter-filled meals with plates of crispy patatas bravas and housemade charcuterie. Try their paella special – it’s as saffron-scented as anything I had in Barcelona. The mood is breezy and inviting, with exposed brick, book-lined shelves, and a covered patio if you want to people-watch. Right on The Hill, it’s close to University buzz and a great first stop before a CU Boulder game. The sangria alone is worth popping in for, even if you’re solo.
23. The Crypt
- 📍 Location: Denver (Broadway)
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person (Drinks/Food Truck Fare)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Bar / Varied (Food Trucks)
- 🔥 Standout Features: Goth/industrial bar, dark-themed decor, live DJs, rotating food trucks
- 🎯 Perfect For: Alternative night owls, goth scene regulars, and themed bar fans
Love your nightlife with a side of shadow? The Crypt is Denver’s dark and dreamy goth bar, where fog machines churn and vibes are gloriously gloomy. DJs spin all night, the lighting is moody, and food trucks out front are your midnight salvation.
The drinks are the main event here. Consider a dark and stormy Black Magic cocktail or a simple vodka soda. The food trucks rotate, so you might find anything from gourmet hot dogs to tacos or vegan fare. This place is built for the bold.
24. The Bindery
The Bindery brings an all-day bakery, market, and lively dinner spot together under one stylish roof in LoHi. The brunch menu is stellar – think lemon ricotta pancakes and house-baked morning buns – but the standout is their dinner: don’t miss the duck confit pasta or the honey-lavender roasted chicken. Interiors are clean, minimal, and flooded with light in the morning. It’s great for a casual lunch or a more refined dinner, especially if you grab seats near the front window for perfect people-watching. You’re a quick jaunt to the pedestrian bridge into downtown. Every time I’m in LoHi, The Bindery is my non-negotiable stop for a fresh pastry and a great coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Unique Places to Eat in Colorado
Got questions about eating out in Colorado? Our Colorado restaurant guide FAQ section has all the answers you need.
What food is Colorado famous for?
Colorado is known for its love of game meat, like bison and elk. It’s also famous for Palisade peaches, Rocky Ford melons, and Olathe sweet corn. Don’t forget the green chili, a spicy favorite that locals adore. These foods reflect Colorado’s rich agricultural heritage and its blend of cultures. From food festivals to local farmers’ markets, these items are celebrated across the state, offering a taste of the vibrant things to do in Colorado.
What food can you only get in Denver?
Denver is unique for its Denver omelet, a hearty breakfast favorite. Also, Rocky Mountain oysters are a must-try for the adventurous eater. These dishes, along with craft beers from Denver’s many breweries, offer a taste of the city’s bold flavors and innovative spirit. Denver’s culinary scene is a mix of traditional recipes and modern twists, making it a standout in the best restaurants and one of the top places to live and visit in Colorado.
How many Michelin star restaurants are in Colorado?
Colorado has made its debut in the esteemed MICHELIN Guide, receiving recognition for its vibrant culinary scene. The state boasts five One-MICHELIN-Star restaurants, showcasing high-quality cooking that’s worth a stop. These establishments, located from Denver to Boulder and into the mountain towns, highlight the diverse and rich flavors Colorado has to offer. This recognition marks a significant milestone for Colorado’s dining landscape, emphasizing the creativity and excellence of its chefs and restaurants.
Where can I find the best cheap eats in Colorado?
For cheap eats in Colorado, look no further than food trucks, local diners, and street food markets. Cities like Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs offer a variety of options that won’t break the bank. From tacos and burgers to international cuisines, these spots serve up delicious meals at affordable prices. Many of these eateries source ingredients locally, ensuring fresh and flavorful dishes.
What are some must-visit fine dining restaurants in Colorado?
Colorado’s fine dining scene includes establishments like Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder, known for its Italian cuisine, and The Penrose Room in Colorado Springs, offering a luxurious dining experience. These restaurants, along with others across the state, provide exquisite menus, exceptional service, and an atmosphere perfect for special occasions. They showcase the best of Colorado’s local produce and culinary talent.
What makes a restaurant unique in Colorado for dinner?
Unique restaurants in Colorado for dinner often feature breathtaking views, historical settings, or innovative concepts. Places like the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse offer a cultural experience alongside their meals. Others, set in the mountains, provide diners with scenic overlooks. What makes these restaurants stand out is their ability to merge Colorado’s natural beauty and history with exceptional culinary offerings.
How do I choose a restaurant in Colorado?
When choosing a restaurant in Colorado, consider what type of experience you’re looking for. If you want to try local flavors, look for places that specialize in Colorado cuisine. For a more upscale evening, check out fine dining in Colorado options. Reviews and recommendations can also guide your choice. Think about location, menu variety, and any dietary preferences you have.
Can I find international cuisine in Colorado?
Yes, Colorado offers a wide range of international cuisines. From authentic Mexican and Italian to Thai and Ethiopian, there’s something for every palate. Cities like Denver and Boulder are hotspots for global flavors, hosting unique restaurants in Colorado for dinner that bring the world’s culinary traditions to the Rocky Mountains. These eateries provide a chance to explore diverse cultures through food.
What’s the best way to find hidden gem restaurants in Colorado?
To discover hidden gem restaurants in Colorado, start by asking locals for their recommendations. Social media and food blogs focused on Colorado can also lead you to lesser-known spots. Exploring different neighborhoods on foot or by car can uncover places that aren’t widely advertised but are loved by those in the know. Remember, some of the best dining experiences come from unexpected discoveries during your stay in Colorado.
Final Thoughts On Unique Colorado Restaurants
Our journey through some of the most unique and delightful dining spots has come to an end, but the adventure doesn’t have to stop here. With our Colorado restaurant guide, you’ve got a treasure map to explore the state’s culinary wonders.
From high-altitude donuts to dinners in an airplane, Colorado’s dining scene is as varied as its landscape. Remember, this guide is just the beginning. Colorado’s food story is constantly evolving, with new flavors and experiences around every corner in this Southwest USA gem.
