20 Fun & Unique Restaurants in Denver, Colorado

by Jen
Unique Restaurants in Denver
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Looking for the most unique restaurants in Denver? As someone who’s traveled to 70 countries, I can confidently say that Denver’s food scene is one of a kind. Set against the stunning Rocky Mountains, this city offers creative dining experiences that go beyond just good food.

From historic spots that celebrate Denver’s rich past to trendy eateries pushing culinary boundaries, this guide will take you through the best places to eat in Denver. Whether you’re craving a classic with a twist or something totally unexpected, these 12 unique restaurants will make your visit unforgettable.

  • 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend doing this Downtown Denver foodie tour. You’ll walk through the lively LoDo district, sampling 5 of the city’s best local restaurants. From Neapolitan pizza and authentic Argentinian empanadas to green chili and house-made dessert, each stop showcases a different side of Denver’s dining culture. You’ll also learn about Denver’s Wild West past, iconic landmarks like Union Station and Coors Field, and hidden gems in town. This tour is an absolute must-do on a Denver itinerary in my opinion.

Unique Restaurants in Denver, Colorado: 20 Incredible Denver Eateries

Are you ready to discover the most unique restaurants in Denver? As mentioned earlier, there’s a wide variety of places to eat in Denver that will please everyone. Keep reading to find out where to eat in Denver, Colorado for a unique dining experience.

Are you looking for wood-fired pizzas with a twist? Or would you prefer a dessert that doubles as a theatrical performance? Whatever your palate desires, Denver can accommodate your needs. Here’s your in-depth guide to the most unique restaurants in Denver.

Ultimate guide to Denver's foodie spots

1. Tocabe – An American Indian Eatery

  • 📍 Location: Northwest Denver
  • 💰 Price range: $15 – $25 per person
  • 🌽 Cuisine Style: Contemporary American Indian
  • 🔥 Standout Features: House-made fry bread, 24-hour cured bison ribs, Red Lake Nation wild rice, native-sourced ingredients
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Cultural food exploration, lunch runs, families, supporting indigenous business, unique Denver experience

Tocabe is Denver’s only American Indian-owned restaurant, and Ben Jacobs (Osage Nation) has been quietly serving some of the city’s most authentic indigenous cuisine since 2008. The signature here is the Indian fry bread taco—fluffy, hand-stretched bread that’s more pillowy than any tortilla you’ve had, topped with your choice of protein. Skip the obvious and go for the bison adobo, which gets slow-braised for 13 hours in house-made bison stock until it falls apart at the touch of a fork.

Tocabe

The real showstopper is the 24-hour cured bison ribs. They cure them with a 10-spice dry rub, braise in that same bison stock, then finish with rotating berry BBQ sauces that change seasonally. The wild rice comes directly from Red Lake Nation in Minnesota, and the tepary beans are heirloom varieties from Ramona Farms in Arizona. Everything tells a story about American Indian food traditions without feeling like a museum exhibit. The fast-casual format keeps prices reasonable while the ingredient sourcing rivals restaurants charging three times as much.

2. The Buckhorn Exchange

  • 📍 Location: Lincoln Park
  • 💲 Price range: $30 – $60+ per person
  • 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Old West Steakhouse / Wild Game / Historic
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Denver’s oldest restaurant, extensive taxidermy, Colorado Liquor License No. 1.
  • 🎯 Perfect For: History buffs, adventurous meat eaters, and unique Old West dining.

Step into a living piece of Denver history at The Buckhorn Exchange, the city’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, slinging steaks and stories since 1893! This place is a veritable museum of the Old West, with hundreds of taxidermy mounts adorning the walls and Colorado’s first liquor license proudly displayed.

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Buckhorn Exchange

A meal here is an invitation to try something adventurous, like their famous Rocky Mountain Oysters (if you dare!), or stick to classic hearty fare such as a perfectly cooked bison steak or tender elk medallions. The rattlesnake and pheasant sausage is another unique offering.

The Buckhorn Exchange is one of the unique restaurants in Denver.
At The Buckhorn Exchange, Denver’s oldest eatery, step into the Wild West with historic photos, Native American artifacts, and mounted animals.

3. Super Mega Bien

  • 📍 Location: RiNo (inside The Ramble Hotel)
  • 💰 Price range: $45 – $60 per person
  • 🌮 Cuisine Style: Latin Dim Sum
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Roving dim sum cart, Dana Rodriguez kitchen, almost entirely gluten-free, tableside service
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Group dining, Latin food adventurers, gluten-free diners, special occasions, RiNo hotel guests

Chef Dana Rodriguez created something completely original here at Super Mega Bien: Latin American small plates served dim sum-style from carts that roam the dining room. When servers approach your table with slow-braised beef brisket topped with creamy chipotle slaw, always say yes. The genius is that you’re building your meal based on what tempts you rather than committing to a static menu.

Grilled Artichokes, Red Pepper Romesco, Toasted Almonds

Rodriguez’s background at Work & Class shows in dishes like the braised Colorado lamb wrapped in banana leaves with achiote marinade. Nearly everything is naturally gluten-free, which is rare for Latin cuisine this authentic. The duck confit taquitos are crispy perfection, while the wood-fired vegetables change based on what’s best at the market that day.

The space inside The Ramble Hotel feels intimate despite being part of a larger property. Come hungry and with people who like to share—the cart service works best when you can sample multiple dishes. Pro tip: the carts come out more frequently early in service, so arrive closer to opening if you want maximum selection.

4. Linger

  • 📍 Location: LoHi
  • 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
  • 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Global Street Food / Small Plates / Eclectic
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Former mortuary setting, eclectic decor, rooftop lounge.
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous diners, unique themed experiences, and trendy group outings.

Dine with a playful nod to the dearly departed at Linger, ingeniously housed in the former Olinger Mortuary in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood! This spot embraces its history with a quirky, eclectic, and subtly macabre-chic decor – think water served in formaldehyde-style bottles.

View of the iconic OLinger sign, retrofitted for Linger

You’ll be thrilled by their globally inspired street food small plates, perfect for sharing. Consider trying the Devils on Horseback, their inventive bao buns with pork belly, or the flavorful crispy cheese wontons. It’s a place that sparks conversation.

  • 👉 Personal Recommendation: Experience why Denver is hailed as the “Napa Valley of Craft Beer” on this fun and social walking tour through Lower Downtown (LoDo). You’ll visit four of the city’s top breweries, sampling over 10 unique beers—from West Coast IPAs to chili-infused brews and German pilsners. This 2.5-hour tour is great for solo travelers, couples, or friends looking for a local experience beyond the taproom.
Linger's menu embarks on a global culinary journey, featuring Asian, African, and American street food.
Linger’s menu embarks on a global culinary journey, featuring Asian, African, and American street food.

5. Dio Mio

  • 📍 Location: RiNo
  • 💰 Price range: $25 – $35 per person
  • 🍝 Cuisine Style: Handmade Pasta
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Daily fresh pasta, squid ink fettuccine, counter-service format, Michelin Guide recommended
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Pasta lovers, quick quality meals, date nights, budget-conscious foodies, RiNo exploration

Spencer White and Alex Figura opened this Michelin Guide recommended spot in 2016, and it’s become the standard for fast-casual pasta done right. Everything gets made in-house daily, from the pasta to the focaccia that arrives warm and herb-crusted at every table. The cacio e pepe is their signature for good reason—silky handmade spaghetti tossed with pecorino and black pepper until it achieves that perfect creamy consistency that separates amateurs from professionals.

Dio Mio

The squid ink fettuccine with pork belly and kimchi shows how chef Peter McTiernan balances Italian technique with contemporary flavors. The pasta has that satisfying chew of fresh noodles, while the kimchi adds just enough funk to keep things interesting. Don’t sleep on the lasagna for two, which they added after their recent renovation—it’s properly layered and sized for sharing.

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The counter-service format lets you control your own pace while still getting tableside delivery and wine service. They recently expanded the bar to keep up with their growing natural wine program. The seasonal menu changes frequently, but you can count on finding both traditional preparations and creative interpretations that respect Italian fundamentals while reflecting Denver’s dining personality.

6. Root Down

  • 📍 Location: LoHi
  • 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
  • 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern American / Global / Vegetarian-Friendly
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Converted gas station, eclectic design, innovative/dietary-friendly menu.
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Health-conscious foodies, adventurous flavor seekers, and trendy dining.

Fuel up on fresh, globally inspired flavors at Root Down, cleverly located in a stylishly converted 1950s gas station in LoHi! This spot is all about innovative, modern American cuisine with a strong commitment to sustainability and catering to various dietary needs.

Main Dining Room

A visit here is an invitation to explore their creative menu, perhaps starting with the Country Fried Tofu for a surprising delight. The Diver Scallops with risotto or their flavorful Lamb T-Bones are also highly rated. It’s a place that feels both vibrant and conscious.

Root Down occupies a converted 1950s gas station, its menu's innovation is mirrored in the chic, eco-friendly ambiance fashioned from repurposed materials.
Root Down occupies a converted 1950s gas station, its menu’s innovation is mirrored in the chic, eco-friendly ambiance fashioned from repurposed materials.

7. Annette

  • 📍 Location: Aurora (Stanley Marketplace)
  • 💰 Price range: $55 – $75 per person
  • 🔥 Cuisine Style: Wood-Fired American
  • 🔥 Standout Features: James Beard Award winner Caroline Glover, whole roasted fish, wood-fired vegetables, scratch-to-table philosophy
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Special occasions, farm-to-table enthusiasts, Aurora locals, wood-fired flavors, celebration dinners

James Beard Award winner Caroline Glover has created something special tucked inside Aurora’s Stanley Marketplace. Annette isn’t just farm-to-table…it’s a complete philosophy about honoring producers and ingredients through wood-fired cooking. Glover worked at The Spotted Pig in New York before spending time on farms across Vermont and Colorado, and that combination of technical skill and ingredient knowledge shows in every dish.

Inside Annette

The whole roasted fish changes based on daily availability, but it’s always cooked over live fire with simple preparations that let quality shine. The wood-fired vegetables make you reconsider what vegetables can be. Try the roasted carrots with tahini and toasted seeds when they’re available. The mussels and frites represent French bistro perfection, while the pork tournedos currently sit on grilled kale with apricot sweet and sour sauce and Marcona almonds.

The space feels warm and welcoming despite being inside a bustling marketplace. The enclosed patio provides year-round outdoor dining, and the open kitchen keeps you connected to the wood-fired cooking process. Everything gets made from scratch using local and sustainable ingredients sourced directly from producers. The prices reflect the quality of ingredients and technique, but this is destination dining that justifies the drive to Aurora.

8. Avanti F&B

  • 📍 Location: LoHi & Boulder
  • 💲 Price range: $15 – $30+ per person (Varies by vendor)
  • 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Food Hall / Multiple Vendors / International
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Modern food hall, rotating food stalls, rooftop patio.
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Groups with diverse tastes, trying new food, and casual dining.

Embark on a culinary choose-your-own-adventure at Avanti F&B, a collective eatery! This modern food hall concept features a rotating lineup of diverse food incubator stalls, offering everything from artisanal pizza and gourmet burgers to global street food like arepas.

Avanti Food & Beverage

It’s the perfect spot to go with a group when no one can agree on what to eat. Everyone can grab something different; popular choices include pizzas from Gorlami Pizza, arepas from Quiero Arepas, or burgers from Knockabout Burgers.

Avanti F&B: This contemporary food hall curates a varied array of culinary concepts.
Avanti F&B: This contemporary food hall curates a varied array of culinary concepts.

9. The Wolf’s Tailor

  • 📍 Location: Sunnyside
  • 💰 Price range: $85 – $120 per person
  • Cuisine Style: Tasting Menu American
  • 🔥 Standout Features: One Michelin Star, zero-waste mission, fermentation program, grain-forward menu, Kelly Whitaker
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Special celebrations, culinary adventurers, sustainability-minded diners, Denver’s finest dining, anniversary dinners

Kelly Whitaker’s Michelin-starred restaurant represents Denver’s emergence as a serious culinary destination. The Wolf’s Tailor operates with a zero-waste mission that turns what would be scraps into flavor—bread waste becomes sourdough gochujang, vegetable trimmings transform into vinegars and mirins, and mushroom trim gets fermented into umami-rich garums.

The Wolf’s Tailor

The seasonal tasting menu showcases grains from their own milling operation, Dry Storage, along with hyper-local ingredients and fermented elements that create layers of complexity you won’t find elsewhere in Colorado. Chef Taylor Stark executes Whitaker’s vision with dishes that could include wood-fired Colorado spring lamb with sour cherry tonkatsu or wagyu with chanterelle miso. The fermentation program runs so deep they even make their own apple cider vinegar from local pressings.

The intimate Sunnyside space features an open kitchen and backyard garden where some ingredients grow on-site. Both wine pairings and creative non-alcoholic options are available, with the latter showing just as much thought as the food program. This is destination dining that teaches you about sustainability while delivering flavors that put Denver on the national culinary map.

10. El Five

  • 📍 Location: LoHi
  • 💲 Price range: $40 – $70 per person (Tapas style)
  • 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Mediterranean Tapas / Spanish / Middle Eastern
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Fifth-floor panoramic views, vibrant decor, Mediterranean tapas.
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Impressive date nights, group celebrations, and sunset skyline views.

Prepare for a feast for your eyes and your palate at El Five in LoHi! Perched on the fifth floor, this vibrant spot offers absolutely jaw-dropping, uninterrupted panoramic views of the Denver skyline and the majestic Rocky Mountains – it’s a “wow” moment.

Carne Paella

You absolutely have to share a selection of their incredible tapas, like the unique Matzah Ball Soup Dumplings or a classic Paella. Their Spiced Lamb Ribs and inventive gin tonics are also legendary. For a meal with an epic backdrop, this is the place.

El Five: Elevated dining with city skyline and Rocky Mountain views from its fifth-floor perch.
El Five: Elevated dining with city skyline and Rocky Mountain views from its fifth-floor perch.

11. Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club

  • 📍 Location: RiNo
  • 💰 Price range: $40 – $65 per person
  • 🎵 Cuisine Style: Modern American Supper Club
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Live jazz seven nights weekly, artist residencies, Renditions album dinners, craft cocktails
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Jazz lovers, date nights, special occasions, Denver music scene, supper club atmosphere

Scott and Nicole Mattson created the modern version of a 1940s jazz supper club, and it works exactly as well as that sounds. Nocturne isn’t background music—artists perform month-long residencies rather than one-off gigs, allowing them to develop material and build genuine connections with audiences. The result is music that feels more personal and connected than typical restaurant entertainment.

Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club

The seasonal American menu provides a solid foundation for an evening of live jazz. The wood-fired vegetables showcase proper technique, while dishes like the chicken under a brick get pressed flat for maximum skin contact and insanely crispy results. The craft cocktail program is serious business, with drinks that complement both the food and the intimate atmosphere.

The Renditions dinners are special events where bands reinterpret classic albums alongside specially curated menus—they’ve done 36 editions so far. The converted warehouse space features exposed brick, intimate lighting, and a mezzanine that creates perfect acoustics. Located in RiNo but honoring Denver’s history as the “Harlem of the West,” Nocturne recently celebrated their 10th anniversary, proving this concept has staying power in Denver’s evolving arts scene.

12. Work & Class

  • 📍 Location: RiNo
  • 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
  • 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Latin American / American Comfort Food / “Square Meal” Concept
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Shipping container building, “square meal” concept, lively/no-reservations.
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Casual comfort food, Latin flavor fans, and unpretentious dining.

Get ready for some seriously good, no-nonsense food in a uniquely cool setting at Work & Class in Denver’s RiNo district! Housed in a cleverly converted shipping container, this spot serves up a delicious fusion of Latin American and American comfort food.

Work and Class

A meal here requires you to try their amazing Rotisserie Chicken or perhaps some flavorful braised lamb. Their fried sweet plantains, chickpea croquettes, and the cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork) are also fantastic sides and mains.

Work & Class: Embracing the mantra "square meal, stiff drink, and fair price," this establishment focuses on quality without the premium cost.
Work & Class: Embracing the mantra “square meal, stiff drink, and fair price,” this establishment focuses on quality without the premium cost.

13. Ace Eat Serve

  • 📍 Location: LoHi
  • 💰 Price range: $35 – $50 per person
  • 🍕 Cuisine Style: Casual American Pizza
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Ping pong tables, wood-fired pizzas, full bar, communal atmosphere
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Groups, families, casual dining, ping pong enthusiasts, LoHi locals

The ping pong tables aren’t a gimmick…they’re integral to the social energy that makes Ace Eat Serve work as both restaurant and hangout spot. The wood-fired pizzas showcase proper technique with thin, charred crusts and quality toppings that hold up to the playful atmosphere. The Margherita hits all the classic notes, while more creative options like the Brussels sprouts pizza with bacon and balsamic prove they’re not just playing it safe.

Ping Pong Parlor

The menu extends beyond pizza with burgers that can compete with dedicated burger joints and shareable appetizers designed for groups who want to graze while playing games. The full bar includes craft cocktails and a solid selection of local beers that pair perfectly with the casual dining format.

The exposed brick space feels like a modern recreation center with communal tables and ping pong integrated throughout the dining room. The energy is infectious without being overwhelming, making it equally suitable for families with kids and groups of adults looking to extend their evening with games and drinks. This represents neighborhood dining at its best—unpretentious, welcoming, and focused on creating experiences that bring people together over good food and friendly competition.

14. The Bindery

  • 📍 Location: LoHi
  • 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person (Dinner); $15-$30 (Bakery/Cafe)
  • 🍽️ Cuisine Style: European-Inspired / Bakery & Market / All-Day Dining
  • 🔥 Standout Features: All-day eatery, in-house bakery, seasonal/artisanal dishes.
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Stylish brunches/lunches, artisanal baked goods, and sophisticated dining.

Experience a taste of European elegance and artisanal craftsmanship at The Bindery in LoHi. This beautifully designed, all-day eatery is part bakery, part market, and part sophisticated restaurant, offering a delightful menu inspired by European traditions.

Elegant and rustic steak and potatoes for dinner at The Bindery.

You’ll be delighted by their exquisite pastries for breakfast, a perfectly composed salad or sandwich like the Bindery Cubano for lunch. For dinner, the duck confit or fresh pasta dishes such as the rigatoni are excellent.

The Bindery is one of the unique restaurants in Denver.
The Bindery: Where dining becomes a creative adventure, crafting memorable experiences.

15. Forest Room 5

  • 📍 Location: Cherry Creek
  • 💰 Price range: $50 – $75 per person
  • 🌲 Cuisine Style: Contemporary American
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Forest-inspired decor, seasonal menu, Cherry Creek location, business-friendly atmosphere
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Business dinners, Cherry Creek shopping, upscale casual dining, contemporary American cuisine

Forest Room 5 brings contemporary American dining to Cherry Creek with a forest-inspired atmosphere that creates an escape from the surrounding shopping district. The seasonal menu reflects Colorado’s outdoor culture with dishes like the Colorado lamb with seasonal vegetables and the pan-seared salmon with local ingredients that change based on what’s available from regional producers.

Forest Room 5 interior

The location in Cherry Creek makes it convenient for both locals and visitors looking for quality dining in one of Denver’s premier shopping and business districts.

16. Little Man Ice Cream

  • 📍 Location: LoHi & other locations
  • 💲 Price range: $5 – $10 per person
  • 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Ice Cream Parlor / Homemade Ice Cream
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Iconic milk can building, homemade ice cream, long lines.
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Ice cream fanatics, family treats, and an iconic Denver experience.

Get your licks in at Little Man Ice Cream, an iconic Denver institution easily recognizable by its giant, 28-foot-tall milk can building in LoHi! This beloved spot serves up incredible, homemade ice cream in a delightful array of classic and creative flavors.

Salted Oreo ice cream

A visit here is an invitation to try a scoop (or two!) of their famous salted oreo or a seasonal special like peach cobbler. The Mexican chocolate and vegan options are also fantastic. It’s a sweet treat and a Denver landmark all in one!

Little Man Ice Cream in LoHi fuses vintage charm and modern flavors beneath its iconic 28-foot cream can structure.
Little Man Ice Cream in LoHi fuses vintage charm and modern flavors beneath its iconic 28-foot cream can structure.

17. The Source

  • 📍 Location: RiNo
  • 💲 Price range: $15 – $50+ per person (Varies by vendor)
  • 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Food Hall / Multiple Vendors / International & Local
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Upscale market hall, historic foundry, artisan vendors, brewery.
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Foodie exploration, trying multiple concepts, and a chic RiNo outing.

Immerse yourself in a vibrant culinary collective at The Source, an acclaimed market hall housed in a beautifully renovated 1880s iron foundry in Denver’s RiNo Art District! This place is a haven for foodies, featuring a curated collection of artisan food vendors.

Interior of The Source

You can wander from a renowned bakery to an artisan cheese shop. Grab some incredible wood-fired pizza from Grabowski’s, or fresh oysters from The Marigold. The Smoked Salmon Tartine from Reunion Bread is another popular pick.

The Source: Housed in a renovated 1880s foundry in RiNo, this marketplace unites diverse gourmet experiences under one roof.
The Source: Housed in a renovated 1880s foundry in RiNo, this marketplace unites diverse gourmet experiences under one roof.

18. Cart-Driver

  • 📍 Location: RiNo & LoHi
  • 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
  • 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Italian / Wood-Fired Pizza / Oysters & Small Plates
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Shipping container restaurant, Neapolitan pizza, oysters, prosecco on tap.
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Pizza purists, oyster lovers, and trendy Italian meals.

Get ready for some seriously good, authentic Neapolitan-style pizza in a uniquely cool setting at Cart-Driver! With locations including a cleverly converted shipping container in RiNo, this spot is all about high-quality ingredients and traditional Italian techniques.

Chicken Liver Mousse and Housemade Foccacia

You absolutely must try one of their amazing wood-fired pizzas, like the classic Margherita or the spicy Daisy. The Cart-Driver Pizza with sausage and kale, and their selection of fresh oysters, make for the perfect start to your meal.

Unlike your typical pizza place, Cart-Driver is a compact space bursting with character and flavors that belie its size.
Unlike your typical pizza place, Cart-Driver is a compact space bursting with character and flavors that belie its size.

19. Hop Alley

  • 📍 Location: RiNo
  • 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
  • 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Chinese / Regional Sichuan Influences
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Hip Chinese eatery, bold Sichuan flavors, shareable plates, creative cocktails.
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Modern Chinese food fans, spice lovers, trendy group dinners, and adventurous palates.

Prepare for a flavor explosion at Hop Alley, a hip and buzzy spot in RiNo serving modern Chinese cuisine with a focus on bold, regional flavors, particularly from Sichuan. This isn’t your standard takeout; it’s inventive, shareable, and incredibly delicious.

Inside Hop Alley

You’ll definitely want to share a few plates here. The La Zi Ji (fried chicken with Facing Heaven chiles) is a fiery favorite. The Bone Marrow Fried Rice and the Turnip Cakes with XO sauce are also highly acclaimed. Their creative cocktails perfectly complement the spicy fare.

20. The Inventing Room Dessert Shop

  • 📍 Location: West Highland
  • 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
  • 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Molecular Gastronomy Desserts / Ice Cream
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Liquid nitrogen ice cream, Willy Wonka creations, theatrical dessert show.
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Dessert adventurers, unique sweet treats, and a fun science-y show.

Prepare for a dessert experience that’s pure Willy Wonka magic at The Inventing Room Dessert Shop! This isn’t your average ice cream parlor; it’s a full-blown dessert laboratory where sweet treats are created with a theatrical flair using liquid nitrogen.

The Inventing Room

You’ll certainly want to try one of their amazing liquid nitrogen ice cream creations with all sorts of crazy toppings, or perhaps an exploding whipped cream dessert. The Space Foam and the “Really, Really Cold Cheetos” are other fun, interactive options.

At The Inventing Room Dessert Shop, Denver's desserts become performances as science and sweets merge in a dazzling culinary show.
At The Inventing Room Dessert Shop, Denver’s desserts become performances as science and sweets merge in a dazzling culinary show.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Most Unique Restaurants in Denver, CO

Are you searching for more information about where to eat in Denver? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Denver’s most unique restaurants.

What is the most famous food in Denver?

Denver’s diverse food offerings earn it renown, but one dish that stands out is the Denver Omelette. This hearty breakfast dish, packed with bell peppers, onions, ham, and cheese, has become a staple in many breakfast spots across the city. Additionally, with the city’s growth, dishes like gourmet burgers, craft beers, and green chili have also gained popularity.

What is the official state dish of Colorado?

The official state dish of Colorado is the Rocky Mountain Oysters. Contrary to the name, they’re not seafood. They are, in fact, deep-fried bull testicles, and they’re a delicacy in many parts of the state. Restaurants frequently serve them as appetizers alongside a side of cocktail sauce.

How many Michelin star restaurants does Denver have?

Currently, Denver does not have any Michelin-starred restaurants. The Michelin Guide, which awards stars to exceptional dining establishments, has not yet covered the city of Denver. The guide is limited to certain cities and regions, primarily in Europe, Asia, and select cities in the United States like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington D.C.

However, Denver does have a vibrant food scene with many restaurants that are highly rated by other organizations and publications. From farm-to-table eateries to high-end steakhouses and a variety of international cuisines, the city offers a rich culinary landscape that is worth exploring even without the Michelin recognition.

Where can I find unique places to eat in Denver?

There’s a wide array of unique restaurants in Denver. From eateries set in repurposed spaces like The Source and Beatrice & Woodsley to culinary adventures like The Inventing Room Dessert Shop, there’s no shortage of distinctive experiences. Exploring neighborhoods like LoHi and RiNo will also lead you to some hidden gems.

Shops and Restaurants Along Platte Street, Denver
Shops and Restaurants Along Platte Street, Denver

Are there affordable yet unique places in Denver to eat?

Absolutely! Denver offers a range of dining options that cater to various budgets. Places like Cart-Driver offer gourmet experiences without the hefty price tag. The city is also home to numerous food trucks and markets that serve delicious and unique dishes at wallet-friendly prices.

What’s the best way to explore Denver’s best restaurants?

One of the joys of Denver’s culinary scene is its diversity. Joining a food tour can be a great starting point. However, exploring on foot, especially in food-centric neighborhoods, and seeking local recommendations can lead you to some unforgettable dining spots.

Is Denver known for any particular type of cuisine?

While embracing a wide range of cuisines, Denver particularly stands out for its New American and Southwestern dishes. The city’s location allows for a fusion of flavors from the Midwest and the West, resulting in a unique culinary identity. Green chili, for instance, is a beloved staple in many local dishes.

Are there any themed or uniquely designed restaurants in Denver?

Yes, there are! Denver is home to several restaurants that offer not just great food but also a unique ambiance. The Inventing Room Dessert Shop is a prime example, where desserts come to life in a theatrical display of culinary science. Another standout is Beatrice & Woodsley, which transports diners to a fairy-tale forest setting right in the heart of the city. These establishments, among others, make dining in Denver a visually and gastronomically delightful experience.

Wrapping up Denver’s Unique Restaurants

Denver is a city that never ceases to amaze, especially when it comes to its culinary delights. From the bustling streets of LoHi to the artistic corners of RiNo, every neighborhood offers a taste of something extraordinary. It’s a place where food isn’t just sustenance; it’s an experience, a story, and sometimes, even a magical journey.

Whether you’re a local or a traveler passing through, the Mile High City promises a dining adventure that’s hard to forget. Dive into the world of molecular gastronomy at The Inventing Room Dessert Shop, or relish the rustic charm of Beatrice & Woodsley. And let’s not forget the myriad of flavors waiting to be explored, from classic Denver Omelettes to innovative global dishes.

So, the next time you find yourself wandering the streets of Denver, let your appetite lead the way. With a plethora of unique restaurants in Denver, every meal becomes a cherished memory. Here’s to delicious discoveries and the joy of exploring Denver’s vibrant food scene!

The top restaurants in Denver for all types of travelers
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Jon Miksis

About Jon Miksis

Award-winning Travel Writer • Founder of Global Viewpoint • 70+ countries visited • 10 Million+ readers

Since 2017, I’ve traveled 3–6 months a year, sharing detailed guides that have helped over 10 million readers travel smarter, deeper, and better. My work blends firsthand experiences — from U.S. road trips and cold-plunge cabins to Michelin-starred dining and business-class flights — with honest, independent reviews.

I’ve been hired by leading tourism boards in 7 countries across Europe, North America, and South America, as well as international travel brands. My travel tips and insights have been featured in Forbes, HuffPost, Yahoo Travel, and The Boston Globe. I’ve personally reviewed 500+ hotels, retreats, and flight experiences — and I never recommend a place I wouldn’t return to myself.

I also save $5–10K per year on airfare using flight tools and 10+ travel credit cards, and I’ve invested over $100K into personal development through transformational retreats and coaching since 2021.

When I’m not road-tripping across the Northeast or writing guides for Global Viewpoint, you’ll find me cold plunging in local lakes, sipping espresso in quiet cafes in Vienna, or chasing fall foliage across New England. I split my time between exploring the world and soaking up life in Boston, my lifelong home base. Some of my favorite places I keep going back to? Switzerland, Spain, Iceland, Italy, Greece, the Faroe Islands, Guatemala, California, Montana, Vermont, and coastal Maine in autumn.

See my latest adventures on Instagram and TikTok.

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