Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Denver, United States
1. Rocky Mountain Oysters
Taste the unique Rocky Mountain cuisine with these fried bull testicles. Served at various bars and restaurants across Denver.
- Cultural Experience: A traditional dish that showcases Denver's cowboy heritage.
- Rarity: Not commonly found on menus outside the region, making it a must-try for adventurous eaters.
- Authenticity: Found in local, authentic eateries, offering an authentic dining experience.
2. Green Chili
Spicy and savory green chili stew made from roasted Hatch green chilies, beef or pork, and tomatoes. Served in many restaurants throughout Denver.
- Regional Specialty: A beloved dish of Colorado, showcasing the region's love for spicy food.
- Versatility: Can be found in various forms like stew, burrito filling, or even as a pizza topping.
- Heat Level: Varying heat levels cater to different spice preferences, from mild to fiery.
3. Denver-style Pizza
Thin-crust pizza with a square shape and toppings like sausage, green chilies, and pepperoni. Found at pizzerias across the city.
- Regional Difference: A unique adaptation of traditional pizza that reflects Denver's local tastes.
- Square Slices: Unlike round-cut New York style slices, Denver-style pizza is square and easy to handle.
- Versatile Toppings: Offers a wide range of toppings that cater to different tastes, from classic to adventurous.
4. Sourdough Bread Bowl Soup
Warm, comforting soup served in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl. Available at various cafes and restaurants.
- Comfort Food: Perfect for cold Denver days, this dish provides warmth and comfort.
- Bread and Soup Combination: The sourdough bread bowl adds a unique texture and flavor to the soup experience.
- Seasonal Availability: Offered year-round but especially popular during winter months.
5. Colorado Lamb Burger
A gourmet twist on the classic burger, using locally sourced lamb. Found in high-end restaurants and some upscale eateries.
- Local Ingredients: Uses locally sourced lamb, supporting Colorado's farming community.
- Gourmet Experience: Offers a more refined dining experience compared to traditional burger joints.
- Flavor Profile: Features the unique flavor profile of Colorado lamb, which is leaner and more gamey than beef.
6. Chubby Cattle Chili Verde
Tender pork slow-cooked in green tomatillo sauce with garlic, onions, and spices. Served at Chubby Cattle in the Highlands neighborhood.
- Legendary Status: Recognized as one of Denver's best chili verdes by local food critics.
- Slow-cooked Ingredients: Ingredients are slow-cooked to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Spacious and Casual Atmosphere: Chubby Cattle offers a spacious, casual atmosphere perfect for both lunch and dinner.
7. The Original Chicken Tinga Tacos
Spicy shredded chicken in a tangy chipotle sauce, served on homemade corn tortillas. Available at Los Chingones in the RiNo district.
- Authentic Mexican Food: Offers authentic Mexican street food with a modern twist.
- Spicy Flavor Profile: Features the spicy chipotle sauce that is characteristic of traditional Mexican cuisine.
- Artisanal Corn Tortillas: Handmade corn tortillas add a unique texture and flavor to the dish.
8. Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs
Creative hot dogs made with exotic meats like elk, alligator, and kangaroo. Found at various Biker Jim's locations throughout Denver.
- Exotic Meat Offerings: Features a variety of exotic meats not commonly found in hot dogs.
- Gourmet Hot Dog Experience: Offers a unique, gourmet take on the classic hot dog.
- Fun Atmosphere: Biker Jim's locations offer a fun and lively atmosphere with outdoor seating.
9. Steuben's Biscuit Benedict
Traditional eggs benedict served on a fluffy buttermilk biscuit instead of an English muffin. Available at Steuben's in the Wash Park West neighborhood.
- Comforting Twist: Offers a comforting twist on the classic eggs benedict dish.
- Buttermilk Biscuit: The fluffy buttermilk biscuit adds a unique texture and flavor to the dish.
- Brunch Spot: Steuben's is known for its brunch menu and vibrant atmosphere.
10. Beer-Battered Fried Pickles
Crispy, beer-battered pickle spears served with ranch dressing. Found at various bars and pubs across Denver.
- Bar Food Staple: A popular bar food that pairs well with craft beers.
- Beer-battered Coating: The beer-battered coating adds a unique flavor profile to the pickles.
- Versatile Side Dish: Can be found as a side dish or appetizer at various establishments.
11. The Original Slopper
A Denver-style chili cheeseburger served on a garlic toast instead of a bun. Available at The Fort Restaurant in Morrison.
- Regional Specialty: A unique Denver-style dish that showcases the city's culinary traditions.
- Garlic Toast Buns: Garlic toast buns add a rich and savory flavor to the dish.
- Historic Atmosphere: The Fort Restaurant is housed in a historic adobe fort, offering an immersive dining experience.
12. Crepes a la Carte
Sweet and savory crepes made fresh to order. Available at Crepes a la Carte in downtown Denver.
- Customizable Options: Offers a variety of sweet and savory fillings for customized crepes.
- Artisanal Ingredients: Uses artisanal ingredients for authentic, fresh crepes.
- Quick Service: Crepes are made quickly, making it a convenient option for breakfast or lunch.
13. Cholon Modern Vietnamese
Modern takes on classic Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh mi. Found at Cholon in the RiNo district.
- Fusion Cuisine: Offers a fusion of traditional Vietnamese cuisine with modern twists.
- Artisanal Ingredients: Uses artisanal ingredients for authentic, flavorful dishes.
- Casual Atmosphere: Cholon offers a casual atmosphere perfect for both lunch and dinner.
14. The Cherry Cricket Burger
A classic cheeseburger served with crispy onion rings. Available at The Cherry Cricket in multiple locations throughout Denver.
- Iconic Burger Joint: Recognized as an iconic burger joint in Denver.
- Classic Burger Experience: Offers a classic cheeseburger experience with high-quality ingredients.
- Wide Variety of Toppings: Offers a wide variety of toppings, allowing customers to customize their burger.
15. Sloan's Lake Bakery Pastries
Freshly baked pastries like croissants, danishes, and macarons. Available at Sloan's Lake Bakery in the Sloan's Lake neighborhood.
- Artisanal Pastries: Uses artisanal ingredients for high-quality pastries.
- Freshly Baked Daily: Pastries are baked fresh daily, ensuring maximum flavor and quality.
- Cozy Atmosphere: Sloan's Lake Bakery offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere perfect for breakfast or coffee breaks.