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!
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Unique Restaurants in Colorado: 12 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. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
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.
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