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Eat Local: Denver’s Best Downtown Spots That Deserve Your Support
Check out this list of top spots locals love—and make your next meal one that supports the community!
What's Happenin' Denver
February 17, 2025
Hey Denver, let’s talk food! ❄️
This weekend was all about love, but today we’re turning that affection toward the heart of our city—downtown Denver’s best restaurants! Forget the places that blame tough times on parking and let’s focus on the ones that just keep serving up amazing food. We’re talking about the hidden gems, the chef-driven spots, and the longtime staples that deserve your support.
We took a look at where Denverites are actually eating, and here are some of the top local-loved restaurants you should check out:
Denver’s Downtown Dining: Where Good Food Comes First
🚶♂️ Ditch the drama, support local gems! While some restaurant owners are busy blaming parking for their woes, others are too busy making amazing food to care
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or planning a special night out, these restaurants prove that great food always finds an audience.
Civic Center & Central Business District
Appaloosa Grill – A scratch kitchen with great happy hour deals. Leven Deli – House-made pastrami and matzo ball soup done right. D’Corazon – Authentic Mexican food with fast service and a loyal following. Pints Pub – British-style pub vibes and an insane whiskey selection. Bourbon Grill – Comfort food heaven, serving up some of the best chicken in town. A5 Steakhouse – Dry-aged perfection with a side of hip atmosphere. Dragonfly Noodle – Ramen and rice bowls with bold flavors. |
Union Station
The Pig & The Sprout – Casual, creative eats near the train station. Kaffe Landskap – Cozy spot for coffee and Swedish pastries. JINYA Ramen Bar – Rich, flavorful ramen with a cult following. Onefold – Breakfast burritos that will change your morning. |
Capitol Hill & East Colfax
 | La Abeja – No-frills, all-flavor Mexican joint. Aloy Thai (7th Ave) – One of Denver’s best Thai spots, hands down. Vine Street Pub – A neighborhood staple with a killer beer selection. Table 6 – Cozy and classic New American cuisine. Potager – A pioneer in Denver’s farm-to-table movement. Anise – A Vietnamese favorite with unforgettable pho. Pho-natic – If you haven’t had their pho, what are you waiting for? |
Five Points & RiNo
 | Aloy Thai (Larimer) – Yep, it’s on the list twice for a reason. Pit Fiend BBQ – Wood-fired, smoky goodness. Rye Society – Elevated deli fare in a laid-back space. Welton Street Cafe – Soul food that warms your heart. Marco’s Coal-Fired – Neapolitan pizza done right. La Diabla – Birria tacos that might just change your life. Redeemer Pizza – A newer pizza spot that’s making serious waves. |
LoHi (Highland)
 | Pita Central – Mediterranean flavors that hit the spot. Bamboo Sushi – Sustainable seafood with serious style. Alma Fonda Fina – Traditional Mexican food with a modern touch. |
This is just a starting point, but we want to hear from you! Where do you love to eat downtown? Hit reply and let us know your favorite spots that make amazing food, support the local community, and keep the city’s culinary scene thriving.
Mile High Happenings (Feb. 17–18)
 Monday, February 17 📍 The Ogden Theatre | 935 E. Colfax Ave. 🕖 7:00 PM 💰 $42.50 - $45.00 🔥 Slayer’s legendary guitarist is hitting Denver with Municipal Waste and Alien Weaponry for a night of pure thrash energy. | Tuesday, February 18 📍 Buell Theatre | 1350 Curtis St. 🕗 8:00 PM 🎶 The iconic singer-songwriter behind Babylon and Sail Away brings his signature sound to the Mile High City. 📍 Oriental Theater | 4335 W 44th Ave. 🕖 7:00 PM 💰 $28+ 🔥 Get ready for an intense night of metal as Decapitated leads a killer lineup of heavy-hitters. 🎸 Hazlett 📍 The Bluebird Theater | 3317 E. Colfax Ave. 🕗 8:00 PM 🎶 The Australian indie-folk singer-songwriter brings his heartfelt tunes and poetic lyrics to the Bluebird. 📍 The Fillmore Auditorium | 1510 Clarkson St. 🕖 7:00 PM 💰 $31+ 🌈 The electronic rock duo returns to Denver with their hypnotic beats and vibrant visuals. 📍 The Ogden Theatre | 935 E. Colfax Ave. 🕖 7:00 PM 💰 $30+ 🔥 A night of raw energy and powerful vocals as The Plot In You takes the stage with an epic supporting lineup. |
Denver Weather This Week
❄️ Monday, Feb. 17: AM Snow Showers – A chilly start to the week with morning snow showers. High of 35°F, low of 10°F. 45% chance of precipitation. Bundle up!
🌥️ Tuesday, Feb. 18: Partly Cloudy – A cold one with a high of 22°F and a low of 3°F. Light NNE winds at 9 mph.
🌤️ Wednesday, Feb. 19: AM Clouds, PM Sun – A slow warm-up with a high of 22°F and a low of 9°F. Expect some sun later in the day!
🌤️ Thursday, Feb. 20: Partly Cloudy – A little warmer with a high of 32°F and a low of 21°F. 24% chance of precipitation, so keep an eye on the skies.
🌤️ Friday, Feb. 21: Partly Cloudy – A pleasant end to the workweek with a high of 41°F and a low of 24°F. Light NNE winds at 7 mph.
Explore More Denver Magic 🌟
Looking for more ways to dive into all things Denver? Check out these curated guides to make the most of your Mile High adventures:
• 🏔️ Top Things to Do in Denver: Your ultimate guide to the city’s must-see spots and hidden gems.
• 🍴 Best Restaurants in Denver: A foodie’s dream list of top eats in the city.
• 🏨 Best Hotels in Denver: From boutique stays to luxury escapes, find your perfect basecamp.
• ❄️ Winter Things to Do in Colorado: Embrace the snow with outdoor adventures and cozy retreats.
• 🌟 Unique Hotels in Colorado: Stay somewhere unforgettable with these one-of-a-kind accommodations.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these guides are here to help you uncover Denver’s best. Happy exploring! 🗺️✨
That’s a Wrap, Denver!
 | Whether you’re celebrating love, great food, or just making it through another winter day, there’s always something happening in the Mile High City. Go support your favorite local restaurants, check out a live show, and soak up all the city has to offer. We’ll be back soon with more of what’s happenin’ in Denver—until then, stay warm, stay curious, and keep exploring! 🍽️🎶❄️ See you out there! —The What’s Happenin’ Denver Team |