While I have only lived in Denver for about two years now, I have come to realize that Denver offers a pretty great food scene across the city with a wide variety of delicious and unique options.
Denver is not particularly known for its famous BBQ or pizza like other cities, but the mix of food styles and atmospheres of restaurants throughout the city make Denver an awesome place to get a tasty meal. Here are a few unique food establishments that prove that Denver’s food scene is one that should not be overlooked.
Avanti Food and Beverage
Photo courtesy of @avantifandb on Instagram
Avanti is a modern take on a classic food court. Unlike the sub-par food courts found in shopping malls or on campus, Avanti offers affordable food for your vegetarian sister and your taco-loving best friend.
The industrial building is located in LoHi with seven different culinary options and two large bars. The food options range from Venezuelan-style arepas to Italian pizza to Japanese noodles and rice dishes, as well as a sustainable and local food option.
Photo courtesy of @avantifandb on Instagram
This creative concept is great for indecisive friend groups or families (however, with so many options, you might become more confused). Since there are seven different options to choose from, there is something for everyone. Not sure if you’re feeling Italian, Mediterranean, or Japanese? Check out Avanti and prepare to be amazed, and maybe a little overwhelmed, by so many delicious choices.
The Source
Photo courtesy of @thesourcedenver on Instagram
The Source is slightly similar to Avanti, in that it offers different food options located in a single building. Its location is a little out there, as the building neighbors multiple industrial buildings, a factory, and a dog groomer, but that’s what makes it unique, right?
The Source is home to 15 merchants, including two sit down restaurants, a classy French bakery, a coffee shop, a small market for all your eclectic cheese and spices, a floral shop, and a few very trendy boutiques. You can do your shopping and eating all in the same building.
Photo by Jillian Connolly
Comida and Acorn are the two restaurants located in The Source, and both offer a very different style of food. My experience at Acorn practically changed how I feel about food. I sat at the chefs counter and I was about six feet from where they prepared all the dishes. I drooled over every dish that was carried out of the kitchen. My top favorites were the shrimp and grits and the spring asparagus with baby artichokes. Both were packed with flavor.
Photo courtesy of @thesourcedenver on Instagram
Comida is right across from Acorn and serves non-traditional gourmet tacos and brunch. Each taco contains a fusion of flavors that you might not expect. Don’t forget to try their watermelon jalapeño margarita (or the habanero pineapple margarita if you’re feeling something spicy). Go feed that taco and margarita addiction and check out this awesome spot.
Night Bazaar
Photo courtesy of @nightbazaardenver on Instagram
I randomly came across this magical place after eating dinner in the neighborhood. The Night Bazaar is located in the River North Art District. It is modeled after the concept of a night market that originally started in China, and all the shops are open from 5 pm to 12 am.
You might have a hard time deciding what to eat here as well, because the bazaar offers an assortment of food trucks on the weekends. Shrimp tacos, pierogies, crepes, burgers and more can be found at this unique joint.
Along with offering great food and drinks, the Night Bazaar includes the shops from various local artists. The goal of the Night Bazaar is to showcase Denver’s talent, whether that be in the form of food, art, or music.
Photo courtesy of @nightbazaardenver on Instagram
Unfortunately, the Night Bazaar was not permanent, as it closed earlier this month. However, I included it because there are rumors that a Night Bazaar 3.0 is in the works, so stayed tuned.