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Bird’s-eye-view of a packed metal barbecue tray filled with pulled lamb, ribs, smoked turkey, mac and cheese, and potato salad.
The spread at Roaming Buffalo Bar-B-Que.
Ruth Tobias

Denver’s 25 Most Iconic Dishes

These eats define the Mile High City

by Ruth Tobias Updated
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The spread at Roaming Buffalo Bar-B-Que.
| Ruth Tobias
by Ruth Tobias Updated

Every restaurant has its signatures; not every restaurant has an icon. But these 25 places do.

By definition of the word “iconic,” nothing on this map should come as a surprise; the only real criterion for inclusion is renown (or perhaps, in some cases, notoriety). In other words, the following dishes have all been around long enough to have made an impact on Denver’s dining scene, offering meaningful insight into where it’s been, where it’s at, and where it’s going. And anyone who eats their way through all of them automatically earns the badge of a local: congratulations. (Bonus points for stopping at as many as Mile High breweries as possible in between bites.)

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Frasca Food and Wine

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While Boulder’s typically out of range for a Denver map, exceptions must be made for what’s arguably the most famous restaurant in all of Colorado, where the frico caldo — essentially a cheesy potato pancake — has welcomed guests since Frasca’s opening 20 years ago. Eater covered it for its Classics Week back in 2015, and it’s only burnished its legacy since.

1738 Pearl St (17th), Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 442-6966
(303) 442-6966
White plate atop a rippled white table cloth. The plate holds a cheesy potato pancake covered with herbs.
Frasca’s frico caldo.
Frasca Food and Wine

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Bison Indian taco at Tocabe

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One of only a few American Indian restaurants in the entire country, this fast-casual Berkeley favorite run by members of the Osage Nation has brought key Indigenous traditions to the Mile High table, including fry bread. Get it topped with shredded bison, hominy, and elderberry vinaigrette for the complete package.

3536 W 44th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
(720) 524-8282
(720) 524-8282
Indian fry bread taco topped with bison meat and fresh chopped vegetables.
The bison taco at Tocabe.
Rachel Greiman

Mexican hamburger at the Original Chubby’s

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The vibe is chaotic. The service is desultory at best. And the style of Mexican food it serves is — well, not to everyone’s taste, especially if they’re not familiar with the sauce-laden Colorado approach. But love it or hate it, there’s one thing Chubby’s always gets right, and that’s this burrito stuffed with a burger patty and refried beans, topped with cheese, and smothered in mouth-lacerating green chili.

1231 W 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 455-9311
(303) 455-9311
Burger-stuffed burrito smothered in green chile
A behemoth at Chubby’s.
Ruth Tobias

Pita and hummus at Safta

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On the one hand, Safta’s flawless hummus and pita bread represent the transformation of RiNo from an emerging district to a nationally known destination in 2018, when it drew an influx of outside talent (Uchi, Death & Co, and Shake Shack also opened in the neighborhood that year). On the other hand, they inspired a bit of a hummus renaissance around town — although no one can make it quite like chef-owner Alon Shaya can, whether topped with soft-cooked egg, roasted mushrooms, or lamb ragù.

3330 Brighton Blvd #201, Denver, CO 80216
(720) 408-2444
(720) 408-2444
Bird’s-eye-view of pita and hummus topped with lamb.
The richly spiced lamb hummus at Safta.
Lucy Beaugard

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Hot dogs at Yacht Club

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What are hot dogs doing at one of Denver’s most illustrious cocktail bars — one named the best in the U.S. at Tales of the Cocktail 2024? Being consummately incredible. Whether topped with cheeseball spread, celery rémoulade, pickled peppers, and pecans or caviar, crème fraîche, pickled shallots, and potato chips, whether paired with grower Champagne or a Jack & Coke, they exemplify the polished-meets-punk aesthetic that both Yacht Club’s team and Denverites hold dear.

3701 N Williams St, Denver, CO 80205
A small bar table topped with Lay’s-brand potato chips and mini hot dogs.
Hot dogs in unexpected places.
Shawn Campbell

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Canoli at Lechuga’s Italian Restaurant

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The single “n” isn’t a typo — it’s a hallmark of this vestige of the old Northside, famed since 1961 years for its calzone-like, marinara-smothered wraps of pizza dough filled with sausage or meatballs and cheese. Guess what else you’ll find inside some versions? Chile peppers. Now’s that’s Italian, Denver-style.

3609 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 455-1502
(303) 455-1502
A pile of pizza bites: sausage, mozzarella, and cheese wrapped in dough.
The mini pizza canoli at Lechuga’s.
Lechuga’s Italian Restaurant

Chilled tofu at Hop Alley

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Since its opening in 2015, Hop Alley has been instrumental in putting RiNo on the map, thanks in no small part to its chilled tofu. Though this eternal hot spot for modern Chinese cuisine is home to more than its share of groundbreaking dishes — including the Beijing duck roll and the bone-marrow fried rice — it’s tofu slices in sesame bang bang sauce with smashed cucumbers and crisp peanuts that has earned national attention.

3500 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
(720) 379-8340
(720) 379-8340
Dish of slice chilled tofu with cucumbers in sesame sauce.
The iconic chill tofu at Hop Alley.
Hop Alley

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Rabbit pie at the Bindery

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Though it occasionally disappears from the seasonal menu, the Bindery chef-owner Linda Hampsten Fox’s fabulous rabbit pie is too big and bright a star to ever remain out of the spotlight for long: Sharpened with cheddar and pecan and smoothed by a dollop of mustard gelato, the delicately composed dish still manages to stand out in a scene crowded with superlative dishes. Don’t miss this one when it’s around.

1817 Central St, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 993-2364
(303) 993-2364
Savory rabbit pie with mustard gelato.
The rabbit pie at the Bindery.
Lucy Beaugard

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Ice cream at Little Man Ice Cream Company

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Little Man Ice Cream now has several locations, but its LoHi stand shaped like a 28-foot-tall milk can is a bona fide landmark, luring the neighborhood out in full force night after night — not just in summer — for scoops of salted oreo, banana pudding, pumpkin chai, and more; in 2017, Eater Denver captured the magic of the experience in this photo essay.

2620 16th St (at 30th Ave), Denver, CO 80211
(303) 455-3811
(303) 455-3811
Scoops of slightly melted salted maple ice cream in a white cardboard cup.
Salted maple ice cream at Little Man.
Ruth Tobias

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Kale and apple salad at Brider

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Word of this salad has spread far and wide since its invention at Boulder’s OAK at Fourteenth in 2010. First the togarashi-seasoned mixture of baby kale, shaved apple, candied almonds, and Parmesan in lemon vinaigrette popped up at OAK’s now-closed RiNo follow-up, Acorn; then it made the menu at its fast-casual sibling, Brider, gaining ever more followers along the way. Rarely has such a simple salad made such a splash.

1644 Platte St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 455-3084
(303) 455-3084
Close-up of a bowl of kale and apple salad with Parmesan shavings.
The shaved kale and apple salad at Brider.
Jennifer Olson

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Johnny burger at My Brother's Bar

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Though it has gone by many different names under many different owners since 1973, this low-key lounge at the edge of LoHi remains Denver’s oldest continuously operating bar. And the Johnny burger (along with its simpler sibling, the JCB) is nearly as fabled as the place itself, loaded with Swiss, American, and jalapeño cream cheese as well as grilled onions.

2376 15th St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 455-9991
(303) 455-9991
Horizontal view of a cheeseburger on a sesame seed-studded bun.
The Johnny burger in its glory.
Ruth Tobias

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Pineapple upside down pancakes at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

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How has this breakfast joint managed to expand from the original Ballpark location to a sprawling 10-state franchise over the course of 18 years, with 10 other outlets in metro Denver alone — all of them thronged morning in and morning out? One word: pancakes. Actually, make it four: Pineapple upside-down pancakes. (Or make it a flight of pancakes, which also includes the cinnamon roll and strawberry shortcake flavors.)

2262 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
(303) 297-0700
(303) 297-0700
Pineapple upside down pancake
Close-up of a caramelized pineapple pancake topped with a perfect sphere of cinnamon butter.
Larimer Associates

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Fried tacos at Mexico City Restaurant & Lounge

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For more than 60 years, the family behind this Ballpark institution has been serving up what’s reportedly a Denver original: fried tacos. Loaded with steak, ground beef, or chicken (carnitas are an option on Fridays); American cheese (really); and lettuce and tomatoes, plus bacon or avocado for extra, they’re a prime example of Coloradan comida as well as a local’s ultimate hangover cure.

2115 Larimer Street, CO 80205
(303) 296-0563
(303) 296-0563
Loaded plate with golden-fried tacos and cheese-drenched beans and rice.
Mexico City’s fried taco.
Ruth Tobias

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French onion soup dumplings at Cholon

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Though xiao long bao come filled with everything from matzo balls to green chili these days, no one had seen anything like Lon Symensma's version — delicate yet fit to burst with French onion soup and gruyère — when this upmarket LoDo go-to for Asian diasporic food opened in 2010. Now they’re joined on the menu by a play on General Tso’s chicken dumplings, but the originals still take the cake.

1555 Blake St #101, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 353-5223
(303) 353-5223
Bird’s-eye-view of four xiao long bao dumplings in a bamboo steamer.
French onion soup dumplings at Cholon.
Ruth Tobias

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Fresh bacon at Rioja

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A game-changer back when pork belly remained far beyond the U.S. mainstream, chef Jennifer Jasinski’s “fresh bacon” appetizer is scented with cardamom and set atop curried green garbanzo purée to exemplify the elegance for which Rioja is so well-known. (Granted, her artichoke tortelloni has drawn equal raves over the course of the modern Mediterranean restaurant’s 20 years in business.)

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1431 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 820-2282
(303) 820-2282
Pork belly atop garbanzo puree.
Fresh bacon at Rioja.
Ruth Tobias

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Green chili at La Loma

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While green chili appears as an ingredient elsewhere in these listings, no map of iconic local dishes would be complete without a standalone example of what is, after all, the lifeblood of Colorado cuisine (along with craft beer). For 50-plus years, this Mexican favorite has been dishing up a textbook version from a family recipe, enriched with caramelized pork and accompanied by homemade flour tortillas (or mini–chile rellenos, as pictured). It’s the edible equivalent of a welcome mat at Denver’s door.

1801 Broadway (18th & Broadway), Denver, CO 80202
(303) 433-8300
(303) 433-8300
A bowl of bright green chili with handmade flour tortillas and chopped scallions sit atop a navy blue plate.
The pork-studded green chili at La Loma.
La Loma

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Steubie Snacks at Steuben's

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Defining Steubie Snacks as nuggets of deep-fried, braised pork shoulder rolled in powdered sugar is not the same as describing them: The ultimate munchies have an addictive je ne sais quoi that simply has to be eaten to be understood.

523 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
(303) 830-1001
(303) 830-1001
Plate-within-a-plate of deep-fried pork nuggets with powdered sugar.
Steubie Snacks at Steuben’s.
Connor Green

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The Franklin at Denver Biscuit Company

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Like Snooze, the Denver Biscuit Company started as one little daytime operation on East Colfax before expanding across the city on the strength of its namesake item. Now also in Baker, Berkeley, Aurora, Centennial, and Golden, it’s never not packed to the rafters with people clamoring for biscuit sandwiches — above all the Franklin, featuring fried chicken, bacon, cheddar, and sausage or mushroom gravy plus an optional fried egg. Many have tried but few have managed to replicate its success.

3237 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
(303) 377-7900
(303) 377-7900
A man’s hand props up a white dish supporting a mammoth biscuit breakfast sandwich, all of this foregrounding brightly hued wallpaper print.
Biscuit loaded with fried chicken, bacon, cheddar, and gravy at Denver Biscuit Company.
The Hip Photo

Sugar steak at Bastien's Restaurant

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Owned and operated by the Bastien family for more than 80 years, this East Colfax steakhouse is celebrated for two things: Its fabulously retro architecture and interior design, and its thick-cut, sugar-rubbed steaks. Served rare or medium-rare, they come with all the old-school trimmings: bread, salad or soup, seasonal vegetables, and a choice of potato (but the twice-baked is the right way to go).

3503 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
(303) 322-0363
(303) 322-0363
Red plate holding a slab of steak with potato, vegetables, and an ornamental flowers.
Sugar steak at Bastien’s.
Ruth Tobias

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Chile-relleno burrito at El Taco De Mexico

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In recognition of the cult following it’s garnered since its inception in 1985, this Lincoln Park taqueria received an America’s Classics award from the James Beard Foundation in 2020. One bite of its green chili–smothered chile relleno burrito is all the evidence anyone needs to confirm the righteousness of the honor.

714 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204
(303) 623-3926
(303) 623-3926
Smothered, cheese-covered burrito stuffed with chile relleno.
Chile-relleno burrito at El Taco De Mexico.
Ruth Tobias

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Lobster macaroni and cheese at Mizuna

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Mizuna chef-owner Frank Bonanno represents one of the sturdiest branches on the family tree of Denver chefs, and this macaroni and cheese lives on as one of his most influential creations. Featuring mascarpone and chunks of butter-poached lobster meat, it’s still — more than 20 years since its debut — the pillar of all decadent dishes in town.

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225 E 7th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
(303) 832-4778
(303) 832-4778
Elegant bowl of macaroni and cheese topped with lobster and a thyme sprig.
Lobster macaroni and cheese at Mizuna.
Rachel Greiman

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Torta di formaggio at Barolo Grill

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To truly grasp the enduring reputation of this Northern Italian fixture in Country Club, a first-time guest needs to do three things: a) order a bottle of the eponymous wine; b) add shaved truffles to at least one dish; and c) get the torta di formaggio for dessert. A cheesecake featuring Piedmontese Castelmagno, rather than cream cheese, is drizzled with lavender honey and dusted with toasted hazelnuts and edible flowers — it’s the definitive finale to a night at one of Denver’s oldest special-occasion destinations.

3030 E 6th Ave, Denver, CO 80206
(303) 393-1040
(303) 393-1040
Long white dish holding a breadstick-shaped cheesecake dessert topped with edible flowers and crushed hazelnuts.
Torta di formaggio at Barolo Grill.
Barolo Grill

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Banana cream pie at Sushi Den

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Never mind some roadside diner — Denverites know that the very best place in town for a slice of banana cream pie just so happens to be a decades-old sushi bar on Old South Pearl. Whether solo at the sushi counter or sitting with a larger group at one of its all-wood tables, no dinner here is complete without this sweet swan song.

1487 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210
(303) 777-0826
(303) 777-0826
A bright yellow banana cream pie with whipped cream and a fruit medley garnish.
Banana cream pie at Sushi Den.
Sushi Den

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Bison back ribs and pulled lamb at Roaming Buffalo Bar-B-Que

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Knock two items off the Denver dining bucket list in one fell swoop at this tiny but mighty University smokehouse: Both the bison back ribs and the pulled lamb shoulder (pictured here with turkey) go to show not only that there’s such a thing as Colorado-style barbecue but that it’s glorious.

2387 S Downing St, Denver, CO 80210
(303) 722-2226
(303) 722-2226
Bird’s-eye-view of a packed metal barbecue tray filled with pulled lamb, ribs, smoked turkey, mac and cheese, and potato salad.
The spread at Roaming Buffalo Bar-B-Que.
Ruth Tobias

Historian’s Platter at the Fort

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Sure, it’s touristy, but this Morrison property — which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places — actually does have something entertaining to say about the evolution of Colorado cuisine. Its signature appetizer platter includes not only Rocky Mountain oysters (yes, bull testicles) but also bison sausage and bison tongue, plus peanut butter–stuffed and pickled jalapeños, guacamole and chips, and two dipping sauces for good measure.

19192 CO-8, Morrison, CO 80465
(303) 697-4771
(303) 697-4771
Platter of Rocky Mountain oysters, bison tongue, bison sausage, and other Western appetizers.
Historian’s Platter at the Fort.
Meredith Hartung

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Frasca Food and Wine

1738 Pearl St (17th), Boulder, CO 80302

While Boulder’s typically out of range for a Denver map, exceptions must be made for what’s arguably the most famous restaurant in all of Colorado, where the frico caldo — essentially a cheesy potato pancake — has welcomed guests since Frasca’s opening 20 years ago. Eater covered it for its Classics Week back in 2015, and it’s only burnished its legacy since.

1738 Pearl St (17th), Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 442-6966
(303) 442-6966
White plate atop a rippled white table cloth. The plate holds a cheesy potato pancake covered with herbs.
Frasca’s frico caldo.
Frasca Food and Wine

Bison Indian taco at Tocabe

3536 W 44th Ave, Denver, CO 80211

One of only a few American Indian restaurants in the entire country, this fast-casual Berkeley favorite run by members of the Osage Nation has brought key Indigenous traditions to the Mile High table, including fry bread. Get it topped with shredded bison, hominy, and elderberry vinaigrette for the complete package.

3536 W 44th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
(720) 524-8282
(720) 524-8282
Indian fry bread taco topped with bison meat and fresh chopped vegetables.
The bison taco at Tocabe.
Rachel Greiman

Mexican hamburger at the Original Chubby’s

1231 W 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80211

The vibe is chaotic. The service is desultory at best. And the style of Mexican food it serves is — well, not to everyone’s taste, especially if they’re not familiar with the sauce-laden Colorado approach. But love it or hate it, there’s one thing Chubby’s always gets right, and that’s this burrito stuffed with a burger patty and refried beans, topped with cheese, and smothered in mouth-lacerating green chili.

1231 W 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 455-9311
(303) 455-9311
Burger-stuffed burrito smothered in green chile
A behemoth at Chubby’s.
Ruth Tobias

Pita and hummus at Safta

3330 Brighton Blvd #201, Denver, CO 80216

On the one hand, Safta’s flawless hummus and pita bread represent the transformation of RiNo from an emerging district to a nationally known destination in 2018, when it drew an influx of outside talent (Uchi, Death & Co, and Shake Shack also opened in the neighborhood that year). On the other hand, they inspired a bit of a hummus renaissance around town — although no one can make it quite like chef-owner Alon Shaya can, whether topped with soft-cooked egg, roasted mushrooms, or lamb ragù.

3330 Brighton Blvd #201, Denver, CO 80216
(720) 408-2444
(720) 408-2444
Bird’s-eye-view of pita and hummus topped with lamb.
The richly spiced lamb hummus at Safta.
Lucy Beaugard

Hot dogs at Yacht Club

3701 N Williams St, Denver, CO 80205

What are hot dogs doing at one of Denver’s most illustrious cocktail bars — one named the best in the U.S. at Tales of the Cocktail 2024? Being consummately incredible. Whether topped with cheeseball spread, celery rémoulade, pickled peppers, and pecans or caviar, crème fraîche, pickled shallots, and potato chips, whether paired with grower Champagne or a Jack & Coke, they exemplify the polished-meets-punk aesthetic that both Yacht Club’s team and Denverites hold dear.

3701 N Williams St, Denver, CO 80205
A small bar table topped with Lay’s-brand potato chips and mini hot dogs.
Hot dogs in unexpected places.
Shawn Campbell

Canoli at Lechuga’s Italian Restaurant

3609 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211

The single “n” isn’t a typo — it’s a hallmark of this vestige of the old Northside, famed since 1961 years for its calzone-like, marinara-smothered wraps of pizza dough filled with sausage or meatballs and cheese. Guess what else you’ll find inside some versions? Chile peppers. Now’s that’s Italian, Denver-style.

3609 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 455-1502
(303) 455-1502
A pile of pizza bites: sausage, mozzarella, and cheese wrapped in dough.
The mini pizza canoli at Lechuga’s.
Lechuga’s Italian Restaurant

Chilled tofu at Hop Alley

3500 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205

Since its opening in 2015, Hop Alley has been instrumental in putting RiNo on the map, thanks in no small part to its chilled tofu. Though this eternal hot spot for modern Chinese cuisine is home to more than its share of groundbreaking dishes — including the Beijing duck roll and the bone-marrow fried rice — it’s tofu slices in sesame bang bang sauce with smashed cucumbers and crisp peanuts that has earned national attention.

3500 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
(720) 379-8340
(720) 379-8340
Dish of slice chilled tofu with cucumbers in sesame sauce.
The iconic chill tofu at Hop Alley.
Hop Alley

Rabbit pie at the Bindery

1817 Central St, Denver, CO 80211

Though it occasionally disappears from the seasonal menu, the Bindery chef-owner Linda Hampsten Fox’s fabulous rabbit pie is too big and bright a star to ever remain out of the spotlight for long: Sharpened with cheddar and pecan and smoothed by a dollop of mustard gelato, the delicately composed dish still manages to stand out in a scene crowded with superlative dishes. Don’t miss this one when it’s around.

1817 Central St, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 993-2364
(303) 993-2364
Savory rabbit pie with mustard gelato.
The rabbit pie at the Bindery.
Lucy Beaugard

Ice cream at Little Man Ice Cream Company

2620 16th St (at 30th Ave), Denver, CO 80211

Little Man Ice Cream now has several locations, but its LoHi stand shaped like a 28-foot-tall milk can is a bona fide landmark, luring the neighborhood out in full force night after night — not just in summer — for scoops of salted oreo, banana pudding, pumpkin chai, and more; in 2017, Eater Denver captured the magic of the experience in this photo essay.

2620 16th St (at 30th Ave), Denver, CO 80211
(303) 455-3811
(303) 455-3811
Scoops of slightly melted salted maple ice cream in a white cardboard cup.
Salted maple ice cream at Little Man.
Ruth Tobias

Kale and apple salad at Brider

1644 Platte St, Denver, CO 80202

Word of this salad has spread far and wide since its invention at Boulder’s OAK at Fourteenth in 2010. First the togarashi-seasoned mixture of baby kale, shaved apple, candied almonds, and Parmesan in lemon vinaigrette popped up at OAK’s now-closed RiNo follow-up, Acorn; then it made the menu at its fast-casual sibling, Brider, gaining ever more followers along the way. Rarely has such a simple salad made such a splash.

1644 Platte St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 455-3084
(303) 455-3084
Close-up of a bowl of kale and apple salad with Parmesan shavings.
The shaved kale and apple salad at Brider.
Jennifer Olson

Johnny burger at My Brother's Bar

2376 15th St, Denver, CO 80202

Though it has gone by many different names under many different owners since 1973, this low-key lounge at the edge of LoHi remains Denver’s oldest continuously operating bar. And the Johnny burger (along with its simpler sibling, the JCB) is nearly as fabled as the place itself, loaded with Swiss, American, and jalapeño cream cheese as well as grilled onions.

2376 15th St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 455-9991
(303) 455-9991
Horizontal view of a cheeseburger on a sesame seed-studded bun.
The Johnny burger in its glory.
Ruth Tobias

Pineapple upside down pancakes at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

2262 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205

How has this breakfast joint managed to expand from the original Ballpark location to a sprawling 10-state franchise over the course of 18 years, with 10 other outlets in metro Denver alone — all of them thronged morning in and morning out? One word: pancakes. Actually, make it four: Pineapple upside-down pancakes. (Or make it a flight of pancakes, which also includes the cinnamon roll and strawberry shortcake flavors.)

2262 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
(303) 297-0700
(303) 297-0700
Pineapple upside down pancake
Close-up of a caramelized pineapple pancake topped with a perfect sphere of cinnamon butter.
Larimer Associates

Fried tacos at Mexico City Restaurant & Lounge

2115 Larimer Street, CO 80205

For more than 60 years, the family behind this Ballpark institution has been serving up what’s reportedly a Denver original: fried tacos. Loaded with steak, ground beef, or chicken (carnitas are an option on Fridays); American cheese (really); and lettuce and tomatoes, plus bacon or avocado for extra, they’re a prime example of Coloradan comida as well as a local’s ultimate hangover cure.

2115 Larimer Street, CO 80205
(303) 296-0563
(303) 296-0563
Loaded plate with golden-fried tacos and cheese-drenched beans and rice.
Mexico City’s fried taco.
Ruth Tobias

French onion soup dumplings at Cholon

1555 Blake St #101, Denver, CO 80202

Though xiao long bao come filled with everything from matzo balls to green chili these days, no one had seen anything like Lon Symensma's version — delicate yet fit to burst with French onion soup and gruyère — when this upmarket LoDo go-to for Asian diasporic food opened in 2010. Now they’re joined on the menu by a play on General Tso’s chicken dumplings, but the originals still take the cake.

1555 Blake St #101, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 353-5223
(303) 353-5223
Bird’s-eye-view of four xiao long bao dumplings in a bamboo steamer.
French onion soup dumplings at Cholon.
Ruth Tobias

Fresh bacon at Rioja

1431 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202

A game-changer back when pork belly remained far beyond the U.S. mainstream, chef Jennifer Jasinski’s “fresh bacon” appetizer is scented with cardamom and set atop curried green garbanzo purée to exemplify the elegance for which Rioja is so well-known. (Granted, her artichoke tortelloni has drawn equal raves over the course of the modern Mediterranean restaurant’s 20 years in business.)

1431 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 820-2282
(303) 820-2282
Pork belly atop garbanzo puree.
Fresh bacon at Rioja.
Ruth Tobias

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Green chili at La Loma

1801 Broadway (18th & Broadway), Denver, CO 80202

While green chili appears as an ingredient elsewhere in these listings, no map of iconic local dishes would be complete without a standalone example of what is, after all, the lifeblood of Colorado cuisine (along with craft beer). For 50-plus years, this Mexican favorite has been dishing up a textbook version from a family recipe, enriched with caramelized pork and accompanied by homemade flour tortillas (or mini–chile rellenos, as pictured). It’s the edible equivalent of a welcome mat at Denver’s door.

1801 Broadway (18th & Broadway), Denver, CO 80202
(303) 433-8300
(303) 433-8300
A bowl of bright green chili with handmade flour tortillas and chopped scallions sit atop a navy blue plate.
The pork-studded green chili at La Loma.
La Loma

Steubie Snacks at Steuben's

523 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203

Defining Steubie Snacks as nuggets of deep-fried, braised pork shoulder rolled in powdered sugar is not the same as describing them: The ultimate munchies have an addictive je ne sais quoi that simply has to be eaten to be understood.

523 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
(303) 830-1001
(303) 830-1001
Plate-within-a-plate of deep-fried pork nuggets with powdered sugar.
Steubie Snacks at Steuben’s.
Connor Green

The Franklin at Denver Biscuit Company

3237 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206

Like Snooze, the Denver Biscuit Company started as one little daytime operation on East Colfax before expanding across the city on the strength of its namesake item. Now also in Baker, Berkeley, Aurora, Centennial, and Golden, it’s never not packed to the rafters with people clamoring for biscuit sandwiches — above all the Franklin, featuring fried chicken, bacon, cheddar, and sausage or mushroom gravy plus an optional fried egg. Many have tried but few have managed to replicate its success.

3237 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
(303) 377-7900
(303) 377-7900
A man’s hand props up a white dish supporting a mammoth biscuit breakfast sandwich, all of this foregrounding brightly hued wallpaper print.
Biscuit loaded with fried chicken, bacon, cheddar, and gravy at Denver Biscuit Company.
The Hip Photo

Sugar steak at Bastien's Restaurant

3503 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206

Owned and operated by the Bastien family for more than 80 years, this East Colfax steakhouse is celebrated for two things: Its fabulously retro architecture and interior design, and its thick-cut, sugar-rubbed steaks. Served rare or medium-rare, they come with all the old-school trimmings: bread, salad or soup, seasonal vegetables, and a choice of potato (but the twice-baked is the right way to go).

3503 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
(303) 322-0363
(303) 322-0363
Red plate holding a slab of steak with potato, vegetables, and an ornamental flowers.
Sugar steak at Bastien’s.
Ruth Tobias

Chile-relleno burrito at El Taco De Mexico

714 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204

In recognition of the cult following it’s garnered since its inception in 1985, this Lincoln Park taqueria received an America’s Classics award from the James Beard Foundation in 2020. One bite of its green chili–smothered chile relleno burrito is all the evidence anyone needs to confirm the righteousness of the honor.

714 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204
(303) 623-3926
(303) 623-3926
Smothered, cheese-covered burrito stuffed with chile relleno.
Chile-relleno burrito at El Taco De Mexico.
Ruth Tobias

Lobster macaroni and cheese at Mizuna

225 E 7th Ave, Denver, CO 80203

Mizuna chef-owner Frank Bonanno represents one of the sturdiest branches on the family tree of Denver chefs, and this macaroni and cheese lives on as one of his most influential creations. Featuring mascarpone and chunks of butter-poached lobster meat, it’s still — more than 20 years since its debut — the pillar of all decadent dishes in town.

225 E 7th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
(303) 832-4778
(303) 832-4778
Elegant bowl of macaroni and cheese topped with lobster and a thyme sprig.
Lobster macaroni and cheese at Mizuna.
Rachel Greiman

Torta di formaggio at Barolo Grill

3030 E 6th Ave, Denver, CO 80206

To truly grasp the enduring reputation of this Northern Italian fixture in Country Club, a first-time guest needs to do three things: a) order a bottle of the eponymous wine; b) add shaved truffles to at least one dish; and c) get the torta di formaggio for dessert. A cheesecake featuring Piedmontese Castelmagno, rather than cream cheese, is drizzled with lavender honey and dusted with toasted hazelnuts and edible flowers — it’s the definitive finale to a night at one of Denver’s oldest special-occasion destinations.

3030 E 6th Ave, Denver, CO 80206
(303) 393-1040
(303) 393-1040
Long white dish holding a breadstick-shaped cheesecake dessert topped with edible flowers and crushed hazelnuts.
Torta di formaggio at Barolo Grill.
Barolo Grill

Banana cream pie at Sushi Den

1487 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210

Never mind some roadside diner — Denverites know that the very best place in town for a slice of banana cream pie just so happens to be a decades-old sushi bar on Old South Pearl. Whether solo at the sushi counter or sitting with a larger group at one of its all-wood tables, no dinner here is complete without this sweet swan song.

1487 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210
(303) 777-0826
(303) 777-0826
A bright yellow banana cream pie with whipped cream and a fruit medley garnish.
Banana cream pie at Sushi Den.
Sushi Den

Bison back ribs and pulled lamb at Roaming Buffalo Bar-B-Que

2387 S Downing St, Denver, CO 80210

Knock two items off the Denver dining bucket list in one fell swoop at this tiny but mighty University smokehouse: Both the bison back ribs and the pulled lamb shoulder (pictured here with turkey) go to show not only that there’s such a thing as Colorado-style barbecue but that it’s glorious.

2387 S Downing St, Denver, CO 80210
(303) 722-2226
(303) 722-2226
Bird’s-eye-view of a packed metal barbecue tray filled with pulled lamb, ribs, smoked turkey, mac and cheese, and potato salad.
The spread at Roaming Buffalo Bar-B-Que.
Ruth Tobias

Historian’s Platter at the Fort

19192 CO-8, Morrison, CO 80465

Sure, it’s touristy, but this Morrison property — which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places — actually does have something entertaining to say about the evolution of Colorado cuisine. Its signature appetizer platter includes not only Rocky Mountain oysters (yes, bull testicles) but also bison sausage and bison tongue, plus peanut butter–stuffed and pickled jalapeños, guacamole and chips, and two dipping sauces for good measure.

19192 CO-8, Morrison, CO 80465
(303) 697-4771
(303) 697-4771
Platter of Rocky Mountain oysters, bison tongue, bison sausage, and other Western appetizers.
Historian’s Platter at the Fort.
Meredith Hartung

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