Colorado Restaurant and Dining Guide

Colorado is a place where the Old West mingles with the energy of the tech wave, and the same could be said of this state's dining scene. Forget any notions of chuckwagon grub; this state serves up a dizzying array of food that's as varied as its geography.

Take Denver’s Tocabe, An American Indian Eatery for instance. They're shaking up the game with their modern spin on indigenous foods. Aurora's got the whole retro vibe nailed down with Rosie's Diner. Vintage cars aside, their pies are legit slices of Americana. Into brews and international eats? You've got to hit 503w in Colorado Springs. Over in Fort Collins, The Regional takes the whole 'farm-to-table' concept up a notch. And let’s not forget Pueblo's Bingo Burger; they're cooking up local Pueblo chiles into their patties. Craving something more upscale? Grand Junction’s 626 On Rood offers swanky meals without the stuffiness. Did you know Colorado was home to the cheeseburger? It's a state that honors its culinary past while embracing the now, making it a killer destination for anyone who lives to eat. So, what’s the lowdown? We're diving deep into what makes Colorado's culinary scene buzz—from Denver to Grand Junction.

Denver: Where Bison Meets the Art Scene

Denver's got this intriguing mix, right? It's a city that's caught between its Gold Rush past and an artsy, almost bohemian future. But one thing remained consistent - its knack for culinary innovation. From the era of saloons and gold miners to today's diverse foodscape, Denver's never missed a beat.

Now, let's talk eats. Remember when you couldn't spell hummus? Enter Safta. Tucked away in the Source Hotel, this airy Middle Eastern spot is nothing short of transformative. That Fattoush Salad is like a flavor bomb with its crispy sourdough and pomegranate molasses. Speaking of transformative, Tocabe is changing the narrative around Native American cuisine. Forget about the stereotypical stuff; this spot serves up Native American dishes that are authentic yet modern. Their Indian Taco? Imagine fry bread topped with your choice of protein, and it's nothing short of genius.

Spuntino's the place for those craving Italian with a Mile-High spin. It's not just any Italian joint; it's a love story told through food. Their Arancini, filled with local Olathe sweet corn and Miticrema cheese, are a revelation. And don't get me started on their Alce Crudo—wild-tracked elk tartare that'll make you question why you ever settled for basic beef. But if you want some Latin flair rolled into a dim-sum-style experience, you can't skip SuperMegaBien. Their Leche de Tigre Ceviche and Ropa Vieja bring new life to your palate—think habanero-coconut milk sauce and slow-braised beef. It’s a cultural mashup on a plate.

In between bites, you can feast your eyes at the Denver Art Museum. The museum is a treasure trove, especially its Indigenous Arts of North America collection. And let's not forget the Denver Botanic Gardens. You’re saving species while taking the ultimate Insta-pic. But hey, if you're more into fossils than flowers, Red Rocks Park has got you covered. The park's towering walls tell the Earth's story like ancient social media posts.

Aurora: From Diners to Delis, a Culinary Palette

Aurora, often eclipsed by its big sibling Denver, has a rich history that makes it a legitimate contender in the Colorado food scene. Let's just say, if Denver’s the flashy older sibling, Aurora's the cool, artsy one you'd actually want to hang with.

Originally a military hub and a quiet suburb, Aurora has grown into a town that's more mosaic than melting pot. The culinary influences here are genuinely global, and why not start your culinary safari at Rosie's Diner? It's your quintessential '50s diner, neon and all, straight from a Rockwell painting. Sink your teeth into their Roasted Turkey Dinner—oven roasted turkey breast, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce, oh my! And for pork aficionados, their Grilled Pork Chop Dinner is legit, no fooling around.

Afterwards, take a palate trip across the Atlantic to Helga's German Restaurant & Deli. If you're hankering for a Euro vibe without the jet lag, this spot has got you covered. Imagine pork Jäger schnitzel drenched in a hunter’s sauce, paired with chicken schnitzel and a traditional Veal bratwurst - that's their Rheinland Platter. You won't regret it. Promise.

But let’s not overlook the city's Eastern leanings. At GOLDEN SAIGON Restaurant prepare for a culinary journey to Vietnam. Ever tried Bún bò Huế? The beef brisket swimming in a spicy broth that'll shake you to your core. And for the seafood lovers, their Seafood Sauté is the real deal, from lemongrass sauce to ginger spice.

Now you might be feeling the need to walk off all those calories. Head over to Cherry Creek State Park. This scenic oasis is a playground for those who want to mix a little outdoor action with their food quest. Kayak, hike, or simply bird-watch with the Rockies playing backdrop. Aurora Reservoir is another hangout if water’s more your speed. And don't skip the Aurora History Museum, where local stories add that extra layer of depth to your culinary expedition.

Colorado Springs: Where Cowboys and Cuisine Collide

Colorado Springs may be known for its sky-kissing mountains and military history, but let me spill the tea—it's got a culinary scene that's just as stellar. Wedged between the Rockies and rolling plains, this town's got a heritage rich with Native American and Wild West influences. That same yin and yang is served up on its plates, blending tradition with trendy innovation.

Taste the Wild West at Cowboy Star Restaurant and Butcher Shop, where rustic meets refined. Hand-cut steaks served amid indoor firepits? Oh yeah, it's a whole mood. The Baby Iceberg Wedge here is far from basic—it's decked out with house-cured bacon and blue cheese crumbles that are straight-up scrumptious. If you're into something a little more south of the border, Milagro's Cocina Mexicana is your joint. Rooted in Jalisco traditions, this place knows how to level up Mexican cuisine. Their Pollo En Mole is the real MVP—think airline chicken breast smothered in an otherworldly mole poblano.

If you're more of the fusion-fanatic type, 503w has your number. With a craft beer menu that's lit, you'll want to try their Gangnam Fried Chicken. It's a blend of spice and everything nice, layered with sweet Thai and sriracha aioli drizzle. You should also for their Gaucho Burger—it's the kind of dish that makes you say, "Why didn't I think of that?"

And hey, a trip here isn’t just about the eats. You've gotta check out the Garden of the Gods, a sanctuary that's been holy ground for Native American tribes like the Apache and Ute. And for the history buffs, the National Museum of World War II Aviation is a hidden gem. It's not just an airplane hanger; it's a slice of history, wrapped up in rivets and steel.

Comfort Food and Native Flora: Fort Collins Unveiled

Fort Collins has always been a place of intersections. It’s where the prairie meets the Rockies, the wild frontier meets modern civilization, and let me tell you, it’s where Colorado's culinary game gets real. Founded as a military outpost in the 1860s, this college town has grown from a sleepy hideaway to a vibrant city, and the eats here are as cool and diversified as the local music scene.

Brunch at La Creperie & French Bakery is an absolute must. Imagine this: sunlight spills into a cozy café, and you're diving into a Parisian Salad that’s like a mini-vacation to France. Avocado, smoked salmon, hard-boiled egg—it’s an ensemble of simple ingredients that hits different. Or go egg-citing with Cocotte Brioches; picture two poached eggs snuggled into a homemade brioche. It's legit comfort with a French flair.

Now, how about a pivot to Chinese comfort? At Beijing Noodle, you're in for a culinary ride that's as authentic as it gets outside of China. Their Pork Wonton Soup is basically a hug in a bowl, and if you’re into a little heat, their Spicy Shredded Chicken Noodles are fire. If you're more of a locavore, The Regional serves up farm-to-table eats that bring something unique to the table. It's the kind of place where a pretzel is more than a pretzel; it's an experience. Think house-baked twistiness topped with Hazel Dell mushrooms, a blend of cheeses, and a hint of white truffle oil. No joke, it's soul-warming.

And while you're here, the Gardens on Spring Creek will let you see what grows in the prairie-meets-Rockies terrain. Or step into the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery for a mind-meld of history and culture that's just as rich and varied as the city's food scene. Need to walk it off? Pineridge Natural Area is your go-to for a bit of hiking and local wildlife spotting.

Pueblo's Spice & Spirit: A Flavorful Chronicle

Pueblo—a city rippling with the traces of time, from its 19th-century railroading heritage to a present-day blend of cultures and flavors. Nestled near the Arkansas River, Pueblo wears its history on its sleeve, and the influence is unmistakably clear in its dining scene. But what's the real dish on Pueblo's culinary significance? Let's rewind. Originally a hub for steel and railways, Pueblo has a grittier past than some of its Colorado neighbors. It's as if the town took that raw, industrial energy and channeled it straight into its kitchens. Even though we're years past the steel era, that same gusto reigns.

For instance, take Bingo Burger, an upbeat joint that's become a cornerstone of Pueblo culture. Their Grove Burger is a mouth-watering stack featuring Bingo beef, thick-cut bacon, and—here's the kicker—Pueblo chile cheese sauce. Seriously, it's got a kick that’ll light up your tastebuds. Looking for something with a little more finesse? Try the Goat Hill Burger—Colorado-sourced lamb, goat cheese, and sautéed mushrooms, all jazzed up with lemon rosemary aioli. And something global, Mr. Tandoori Urban Bar and Grill serves a Saag Paneer that’ll take you straight to the heart of Delhi. It's a city favorite, as comforting as a warm blanket on a Colorado winter night.

But don't just chow down and dash. Take a stroll through the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk. It’s not just about boats and water—it’s a stroll down memory lane, where you’ll learn about the catastrophic 1921 flood and its impact on the city. Or check out the El Pueblo History Museum. The exhibits are eye-opening, and hey, you might get some cool conversation starters for your next meal out.

Grand Junction: Where Red Rocks Meet Red Wine

If you're picturing dramatic cliffs and mind-bending landscapes, you're only half right. Sure, the place is a looker—thanks to landmarks like the Colorado National Monument and Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area—but it's also a food lover's hidden gem. So, what's cooking in this city that once was a mere dusty railroad stop?

Grand Junction, originally founded in the late 1800s, has been through quite the metamorphosis. Once a go-to for coal and minerals, the town now churns out some of the most flavorful plates you can imagine. How did we go from soot to sauté pans? Well, it's all about the land. This region's arable soil and agreeable climate create the backdrop for an avant-garde culinary scene.

5198 N Nevada Ave #150, Colorado Springs, CO 80918

The food and service was phenomenal during our first visit on Christmas Eve - however, our second visit was a huge disappointment.

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Superb463 Reviews4.6

503W

503 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905

So yummy!!!! Service was a bit slow but at least the food was fresh. Our waitress was kind and attentive. Definitely would recommend to anyone

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Superb346 Reviews4.6

Helga's Haus & Bier Garden: German Restaurant & Bier Garden & Deli

14197 E Exposition Ave, Aurora, CO 80012

with a group of 6 men from a ROMEO Club. All agreed that we want to come here again next month.

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Superb203 Reviews4.7

Spuntino

2639 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211

We sat at the bar and Vince took great care of us… so much so, I thought he was the GM! We got the Focaccia app, Arroncini, and the kitchen made the past...

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Superb337 Reviews4.7

Mr. Tandoori Urban Bar and Grill

310 S Victoria Ave unit c, Pueblo, CO 81003

As the only Indian restaurant I'm aware of in Pueblo, Mr. Tandoori does a decent job of representing its cuisine in the Steel City.

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Good85 Reviews3.5

Bingo Burger - Pueblo

101 Central Plaza, Pueblo, CO 81003

Was blown away with the flavor of the burgers. Have ran restaurants in the past even burger joints and they don't compare to this place. This is a n...

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Good243 Reviews3.8

The Winery Restaurant

642 Main St, Grand Junction, CO 81501

The owner is very rude and treats people like trash, his attitude ruins this restaurant, will never go back

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Superb276 Reviews4.5

626 On Rood

626 Rood Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501

Delishious Smoked duck breast salad & lobster mac, bonus plus was a fabulous glass of Sauvigion blanc!

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Superb144 Reviews4.6

Tocabe, An American Indian Eatery

3536 W 44th Ave, Denver, CO 80211

Indian tacos with shredded buffalo meat is my favorite. Their chipotle sauce on top is the best.

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Superb429 Reviews4.8

Rosie's Diner Aurora

14061 E Iliff Ave, Aurora, CO 80014

We always love diners like this for their vibe. The food is fresh and cooked perfectly. Everyone is always ready with a smile on their faces. We will be...

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Superb576 Reviews4.4

Recently Opened Restaurants

Roberta's Pizza - Denver

1665 Grant St, Denver, CO 80203

Pizza was good but before I ordered I asked about bill being split up because friends wanted to buy us dinner. “Oh, no problem at all! This is just to ge...

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Good12 Reviews3.9

Uni Sushi

3982 Red Cedar Dr A, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

The atmosphere is amazing and the food is very delicious! The food presentation is beautiful, it came in a little boat and was so cute. Staff is friendly...

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Superb22 Reviews4.8

Mama Jo's Chicken, Biscuits, BBQ

3525 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206

Did not like it, man in my food, all girth, service was okay, loud restaurant but overall 1 star.

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Superb21 Reviews4.8

Bamboo Sushi

1160 Madison St, Denver, CO 80206

Fantastic first impression of this new and very welcomed sushi house in Congress Park. Fresh and delicious, terrific service and warm and welcoming staff.

Superb8 Reviews4.6

Cinnamon's Bakery Loveland Yards

5673A McWhinney Blvd, Loveland, CO 80538

A friend recommended we try these cinnamon rolls before they were even open, here in Loveland! We had 6 today and can say they are some of the best cinna...

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Superb6 Reviews5

Mezcaleria Alma

2550 15th St, Denver, CO 80211

Holy cow! Amazing experience! Andy was our server but we were also taken care of Christina. The food and service was incredible! We had the most amazing ...

Superb46 Reviews5

Little Arthur's Hoagies

205 E 7th Ave, Denver, CO 80203

Very slow service. Okay food. Took almost an hour for my pizza to come out. If they had told me it was going to be that busy I would have cancelled my or...

Good96 Reviews4.1

Tikka and grill (masala &wings)

2252 Lake Ave, Thornton, CO 80241

I had a small incident with the restaurant while ordering, they immediately corrected it and made it right. The food is so good and the portions are huge...

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Superb64 Reviews4.5

Torchys Tacos

7381 W Alameda Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226

Lewis took very good care of us. Get this guy a raise!

Parking: Cool

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Superb155 Reviews4.5

Encanto Cocina & Cantina

2124 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205

Made my order wrong two separate visits in a row and refused to refund me or remake my food. Terrible service and incredibly overpriced. The music is so ...

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Superb151 Reviews4.8

Red Cedar Bistro

516 Main St, Longmont, CO 80501

Fantastic! First time to this new restaurant on Main Street Longmont. Matt, our water was amazingly attentive and answered our questions expertly. Ordere...

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Superb55 Reviews4.8

JIN ASIAN FUSION

3890 Kipling St, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

The food (eg fried rice, egg drop soup, sesame chicken) was good except I would say one thing, it was a bit salty.

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Superb65 Reviews4.7

Jimano's Pizzeria

385 Crossing Dr Suite 105, Lafayette, CO 80026

I'm going to update my listing because I appreciate Chris reaching out and leaving a message (missed his call). This was probably a 1 off day and t...

Superb53 Reviews4.6

John's Table

1700 Dogwood St, Louisville, CO 80027

We came here for a celebratory dinner with friends and it happened to also be Valentine’s Day. The table was decorated so nicely with cute vday stickers ...

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Superb179 Reviews4.5

Lan’s Noodles & dumplings 兰州拉面

1000 S Colorado Blvd #102, Glendale, CO 80246

The open kitchen design is really cool and you can see and hear the chefs making fresh noodles by hand. The dumplings, buns and shredded potato salad we...

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Good181 Reviews4.2

Superb73 Reviews4.6

511 ROSE

511 Rose St, Georgetown, CO 80444

We stopped in Georgetown on our drive back to Denver from a ski trip, and had a delicious lunch! The whole menu was great, the staff was warm and welcomi...

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Superb160 Reviews4.6

Happy Lemon Greenwood Village

9686 E Arapahoe Rd B, Greenwood Village, CO 80112

My favorite boba place by far!! I come here almost everyday! David is so nice and always welcomes me and knows my order! Love this place, 10/10 for sure!!

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Good67 Reviews4.1

MAYANS TACOS

831 Main St, Silt, CO 81652

The lady taking orders needs to speak English. I repeated my order several times and I still ended up with nothing close to what I ordered!

Superb66 Reviews4.9

Blue Sparrow Coffee

3070 Blake St #180, Denver, CO 80205

We came here years ago and loved it, glad to see not a lot has changed. New faces greeted us, but the coffee and service was still solid. Rino is lucky t...

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Superb81 Reviews4.5

Blue Sparrow Coffee

1615 Platte St suite 135, Denver, CO 80202

Visited Denver for work and this place was nearby. I had a vanilla latte here multiple mornings and it was great! I loved the espresso flavor and how it ...

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Good80 Reviews4.1

Bai Tong

1120 N Lincoln Ave, Loveland, CO 80537

we did our 1st DoorDash from Bai Tong...very impressed- the food was excellent, soup was temp hot, everything was complete & correct and Im sure they...

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Superb140 Reviews4.4

Santiago's Mexican Restaurant

1485 E Eisenhower Blvd, Loveland, CO 80537

We have been going to Santiagos for many years. I have wanted to write a review for a long time but never took the time. The breakfast burritos are so in...

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Good140 Reviews3.6

Gordo's Red Tacos

148 E Rogers Rd, Longmont, CO 80501

For a seventeen buck meal.. no drink, i scarfed it down..great tasting. The 4 carne tacos w/ beans n rice sides. I’ll return to try other menu items👍😎 ju...

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Average20 Reviews3

Good Love

208 3rd St, Paonia, CO 81428

Our party of four enjoyed the shoestring fries, and the other three members liked the flank steak 'Yakitori' they ordered. I ordered the $21 ...

Superb45 Reviews4.8

Hunan Chinese Restaurant

2561 E Main St, Cortez, CO 81321

From my experience was very uncomforting.Me an my 4yr old son went inside they first judged us by our looks. We're Native Americans we never thought...

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