The Lowdown on Colorado Food & Restaurants

I'm just a girl,
standing in front of a plate of food,
asking it to please be delicious...

What’s open right now?

These are some of my favorite places that have re-opened post-COVID, which I’ll try to keep updated.

Corridor 44 (great patio on Larimer Square, M-F happy hour 3-6pm with $5 champagne cocktails and $2 oysters)
D’Corazon (my favorite Mexican place downtown serving lunch/dinner Mon-Sat)
Briar Common (great brewpub with unique beers, a rooftop patio, and surprisingly amazing food; open for dine-in Mon-Sun 11am-8pm — yes that means brunch, too)
STK (daily happy hour 2:30-6:30pm and all day Sunday)
Uchi (dine-in by reservation only, but with daily happy hour 4-6pm)
The Crawling Crab (re-opened on Kine 12th for dine-in, serving my favorite crab and crawfish boils)
African Grill & Bar (open for dine-in Mon-Sat 11am-9pm in Lakewood and Green Valley Ranch with some of my favorite unique ethnic food in town)
Celtic on Market (this Irish pub is pretty much my second home for a chill atmosphere and good people; open Sun-Thu 11am-2am, Fri-Sat 10:30am-2am, or even earlier for sporting events)

Please message me on instagram or email me if you know anyone else worth mentioning.

Corridor 44 Happy Hour

Denver Highlights

This collection of posts is regularly updated to bring you my top recommendations around Denver, so check back anytime to find the perfect spot for anything from brunch to happy hour.

The Top 13 Happy Hour around Downtown Denver

I absolutely love a good happy hour. It really is the best time of day — and Denver offers so many good options. I can usually be found somewhere downtown for happy hour at least a couple of times a week, so I guess you could call me knowledgable on the topic. Here are my top 13 downtown/LoDo favorites, which I will keep updating as places open or close.

The Top 13 Places for Brunch Around Denver

I like to tell people that aren’t from Denver that on Sundays, people here are religiously devoted to one of 3 things: church, football, or brunch. I definitely fall into the last 2 categories — so it’s a delicate juggle between my 49ers and my mimosas in the Fall. Having been all over town for that sacred weekend meal, I want to share my top favorites with you all!

The Top 14 Date Night Restaurants Around Denver

Technically, any spot can be a date night destination depending on the couple. This list is meant to be a collection of restaurants that I think would be best for most couples who are looking for that “special” romantic atmosphere. None of these spots will be cheap, save for some happy hour deals if you go early — but in my opinion, they’e also worth it.

Instagram

I add all my new content on Instagram instead of posting regular blog posts here (as I used to). I will still keep a short collection of regularly-updated posts about my favorites on this website (above), but make sure to check my Instagram for all the latest!

colorado_bites

???? Eating & drinking my way through Colorado & the world ???? Yelp Elite 10yrs
???? Ukraine>SF>LA>Denver ???? natalia@coloradobites.com

Since you guys give such great recommendations —

Since you guys give such great recommendations — I’m now looking for your favorite African or Caribbean spots around Colorado! 🇯🇲 🇬🇭
.
A little awhile ago, I asked you guys where your favorite Indian food in Denver is — and many of you recommended @denverspiceroom — so I went to eat there, as well as ordered takeout to try some more dishes! 🇮🇳 🍛 🥰
.
I gotta say, I love their space. Super cute for a low-key, cozy, dimly-lit dinner — and doesn’t feel like a lunch buffet type of place. But my favorite thing is the spice level! 🌶 🔥 Even the medium burns a bit. I do love the hot, but only for 1-2 dishes (like the vindaloo).
.
Also, tons of great vegetarian options! I had the eggplant, and the saag, and the lentils, and the chickpeas, and the potatoes/peas — all awesome! 🍆 🥔 🥬
•
My only constructive comparison is that @newindiancafe down South has more curry type options — as well as goat (and I love goat). 🐐
•
Thanks for the rec guys! @nosauceleftbehind_ @hungryhungryhoppy @downtowncraft @denverhoodsandlocalgoods @yarrs @life_of_arcticsounds
.
.
#denverindianfood #indianfood #denvereats #denverfood #diningoutdenver #denverrestaurants #denverdining #denverfoodscene #denverfoodie #denverfoodies #denvereater #eaterdenver #eatdenver #eatdenverfood #denversbest #milehigheats #5280eats #303eats #denver #coloradoeats #bestfooddenver #coloradobites #globaleats

🌟 NEW BREWERY / RESTAURANT 🌟 Smash Face (@sm

🌟 NEW BREWERY / RESTAURANT 🌟
Smash Face (@smashfacebrewlodo) is now open on Market Street in LoDo next to the former Cowboy Lounge / Tavern spaces — which are also going to have 2 awesome new venues opening there this Fall (stay tuned).
.
First: I have to say, I just love the beer branding! Who doesn’t love a little smashed face pup?! 🥰 🐶 Second: I could sip their lager all day, especially on the dog-friendly patio (please bring your puppies so I can pet them haha). 🍻 There is also a full bar with some delicious cocktails if you’re not a beer person. 🍹
.
Third: the food is fantastic. They have a from-scratch kitchen that gives a modern spin to pub classics like brats, pizzas, and burgers — all with fresh ingredients. 🌭 🍕 🍔
.
You can get anything from a classic veal brat with caramelized onions (which is always my jam) - to any of 16 different sausages smothered with your choice of 40+ toppings and condiments. I gotta say, I’ll definitely be experimenting with some hot Cheetos on my dogs. 😆 The burger and white pizza look simple, but have ALL of the flavor. One of my favorites is probably the clam/jalapeño pizza — which seems like a strange combo at first, but it’s fantastic! 🍕 🦪 🌶 I don’t usually even like pizza (mostly because I don’t like too much bread, or the flavor of out-of-the-can sauce) — but this absolutely tastes fresh-made. The sauce tastes more like fresh tomatoes than tomato sauce, and those toppings are fire! 🍕 🔥
.
Thanks @smashfacebrewlodo for having us this weekend to try all your amazing brews and bites! 🍺 🍕 And to @gnarlymountaincookies and @downtowncraft for the invites / organizing. ✉️ And @hifelicia_hellofood for bringing her beautiful Golden. 🐶 And to everyone who was there being awesome — so cool to meet more foodies in Denver! 😘
.
•
#brewery #denverpizza #denverbrewery #denverbeer #lodo #lododenver #downtowndenver #denvereats #denverfood #diningoutdenver #denverrestaurants #denverdining #denverfoodscene #denverfoodie #denverfoodies #denvereater #eaterdenver #eatdenver #eatdenverfood #denversbest #denver #coloradoeats #bestfooddenver #coloradobites #globaleats #foodietribe

I really need to go to @kachinadenver more often — especially for brunch! 🥰 $15 bottomless mimosas, the friendliest staff, delicious food (with a lot of great vegetarian options too), great spice level and craft hot sauces, bright and airy atmosphere both inside and patio — I mean what more do you need! ☀️ 🥂
.
1️⃣ 👏 Apps and salsas (the salsa trio is awesome here, with good variety, flavor, and spice levels)
2️⃣ 🍾 Bottomless mimosas come with full bottles at your table so you can DIY (just how I like it)
3️⃣ 🍹 I love just a little bit of mango in my mimosa
4️⃣ 🥦 Roasted cauliflower and brussel sprouts (vegetarian)
5️⃣ 🥣 Chicken pozole (perfect with some habañero hot sauce in there)
6️⃣ 🌮 The carnitas taco is tender AF
7️⃣ 🫑 Relleno (also vegetarian)
8️⃣ 🧀 The melty gooey inside of that relleno
9️⃣ 🌶 Love the hot sauce options! None of that Tabasco or Cholula basic stuff.
.
•
#kachina #denverbrunch #lodo #lododenver #downtowndenver #denvereats #denverfood #diningoutdenver #denverrestaurants #denverdining #denverfoodscene #denverfoodie #denverfoodies #denvereater #eaterdenver #eatdenver #eatdenverfood #denversbest #denver #coloradoeats #bestfooddenver #coloradobites #globaleats #foodietribe #badfoodies

So I know it may seem like all I do is eat out —

So I know it may seem like all I do is eat out — but I actually do love to cook. 👩‍🍳 Everything from just a simple steak — to Thai curries, Vietnamese Bún bò Huế, Jamaican goat curry, Indian vindaloo, carnitas and lengua slow-cooked tacos, Ukrainian borsh, English oxtail stew… you name it.
.
So my spice rack is quite the collection, and 90% is from @savoryspiceshop. You can actually see it in the last photo — lovingly acquired over the years, many bottles refilled many a time, because they’re just so good! The Pike’s Peak Butcher’s rub is one of those I’ve refilled a lot. I use it on everything from steak to avocado toast. 🥩 🥑
.
I love shopping at Savory stores. You can just walk around and smell/taste everything — and there is a LOT to try! 👃 👅 You can explore regional spices, hot sauces, cookbooks, recipe suggestions, and a wide range of gift packs. Scroll ➡️ to see how awesome their gift packs are: beautifully designed, carefully curated, and packed with lots of recipe ideas! You can get anything from spice starter packs, to grilling essentials, to international specialties, to salt-free collections. They’ve made perfect birthday or Christmas gifts for many a friend and family member of mine. 🎁 💝
.
I’ve posted about Savory before — because I genuinely do love their stores and products. So this isn’t a sponsored post or bought opinion (but I did take some of these photos at a media event they hosted). Thank you for having me guys! So cool to actually meet one of the founders that started this whole business in Denver in 2004 — and see how far it’s come! 👏
.
.
.
#savoryspice #spiceshop #cookingspices #spicerack #spices #denverspice #denverspicestore #coloradospices #coloradospicestore #spicestore #spicegifts #giftideas #giftsforcooks #cookinglovers #denverfoodie #denverfoodies #coloradofoodies #coloradofoodie #coloradocooks #denvercooks

One of my favorite downtown spots for a delicious,

One of my favorite downtown spots for a delicious, big platter of Mexican food: @dcorazonlodo. 🇲🇽 And they’re back open after their summer break! 😁 👏 I’ve been coming here for lunch for 8+ years now. Cute, family-owned place with upbeat atmosphere, super fast service, cheap margaritas, and great food. ALWAYS GET THE CARNE ADOBADA. I know I do. 🥩 🍚
•
.
•
#denvermexicanfood #lodo #lododenver #downtowndenver #denvereats #denverfood #diningoutdenver #denverrestaurants #denverdining #denverfoodscene #denverfoodie #denverfoodies #denvereater #eaterdenver #eatdenver #eatdenverfood #denversbest #denver #coloradoeats #bestfooddenver #coloradobites #globaleats #foodiesinternationalchat #badfoodies

@exilekitchendenver (formerly Sassafras) brings Ac

@exilekitchendenver (formerly Sassafras) brings Acadian Louisiana dishes to Colfax — and my last post promised you some entree shots — so here they are! 📸
.
1️⃣ 🍗 Nashville hot po’boy — definitely the crowd pleaser
2️⃣ 🦪 Oyster po’boy
3️⃣ 🍳 Short rib benedict
4️⃣ 🍽 Some of the other dishes visible, like fried seafood platter, gumbo, biscuits and gravy, salad, etc.
•
⚜️ Fun fact: the term “po’boy” originates from the 1929 streetcar strike in New Orleans, when restaurants supported striking workers (“poor boys”) by feeding them what they could for free.
.
Big thanks to my hand model @remmy_xo 😘 And to Exile for inviting us in!
.
#denverbrunch #denverbreakfast #exilekitchen #denvereats #denverfood #diningoutdenver #denverrestaurants #denverdining #denverfoodscene #denverfoodie #denverfoodies #denvereater #eaterdenver #eatdenver #eatdenverfood #denversbest #denver #coloradoeats #bestfooddenver #coloradobites #globaleats #badfoodies #bloodymary

What’s your go-to brunch drink? @exilekitchenden

What’s your go-to brunch drink? @exilekitchendenver (formerly Sassafras) brings Acadian Louisiana dishes to Colfax — not to mention enormous Bloody Marys!
.
📸 Some photos of drinks and apps for your viewing pleasure in this post — and some entrees in the next!
.
1️⃣ 🍅 24oz Bloody Mallets: classic and jambalaya
2️⃣ 🥚Deviled eggs
3️⃣ 🧆 Boudin balls (a must!)
4️⃣ 🥠 Beignets — also perfect as dessert
•
⚜️ Fun fact: the term “Cajun” actually comes from Americans pronouncing “Acadian” (in reference to the French Acadian settlers who came to Louisiana).
.
Big thanks to Exile for inviting us in! 😘
.
#denverbrunch #denverbreakfast #exilekitchen #denvereats #denverfood #diningoutdenver #denverrestaurants #denverdining #denverfoodscene #denverfoodie #denverfoodies #denvereater #eaterdenver #eatdenver #eatdenverfood #denversbest #denver #coloradoeats #bestfooddenver #coloradobites #globaleats #badfoodies #bloodymary

@tavernettadenver at @denverunionstation isn’t j

@tavernettadenver at @denverunionstation isn’t just a great Italian/pasta spot — they also have a fantastic NY steak. 🥩 After pastas, my parents got dessert (2nd photo) — and I ordered a steak 😆
•
.
•
#tavernetta #steak #denversteak #denverunionstation #lodo #lododenver #downtowndenver #denvereats #denverfood #diningoutdenver #denverrestaurants #denverdining #denverfoodscene #denverfoodie #denverfoodies #denvereater #eaterdenver #eatdenver #eatdenverfood #denversbest #denver #coloradoeats #bestfooddenver #coloradobites #badfoodies #globaleats

You can make anything into a burrito if you put yo

You can make anything into a burrito if you put your mind to it! 😆 🌯 This is a spicy tuna sushi burrito from @motomaki.colorado, for example. No chopsticks required! 🥢 🍣
•
.
•
#sushiburrito #motomaki #downtowndenver #denvereats #denverfood #diningoutdenver #denverrestaurants #denverdining #denverfoodscene #denverfoodie #denverfoodies #denvereater #eaterdenver #eatdenver #eatdenverfood #denversbest #denver #coloradoeats #bestfooddenver #coloradobites

Where is your favorite Indian food in Denver? 🇮

Where is your favorite Indian food in Denver? 🇮🇳 And what’s your favorite dish? 🍛
..
My go-to downtown (and this is a photo of delivery): Mint (@mintindianrestaurant). This is the samosas, lentil soup, goat vindaloo, hyderbadi chicken curry, and lamb house curry — although they also have great chettinad, lamb biryani, and tikka masala. I switch it up! 🍛🥰
.
🇮🇳 Not shown here, but one of my faves in Denver metro (if you’re willing to drive) is actually @newindiancafe in Greenwood Village. They are South Indian so they add great spice and have a wide selection of curries. I’ve actually catered a few events with them! 🇮🇳
•
.
•
#denverindianfood #indianfood #denvereats #denverfood #diningoutdenver #denverrestaurants #denverdining #denverfoodscene #denverfoodie #denverfoodies #denvereater #eaterdenver #eatdenver #eatdenverfood #denversbest #milehigheats #5280eats #303eats #denver #coloradoeats #bestfooddenver #coloradobites #globaleats #badfoodies

The staircase to the overlook at Devil’s Head wa

The staircase to the overlook at Devil’s Head was closed, but awesome hike with the ladies today regardless! 🏔 ☀️
.
🍻 Have you tried any non-alcoholic beers yet???? 🍻
I finished off with my usual tradition of a “beer” at the top — although this time, non-alcoholic! My latest discovery from While Foods has been this Golden from @athleticbrewing. Tastes just like a real craft beer, and only 50 calories too!
.
🍄 And like the true Ukrainian that I am (taught well by my backpacking parents) — I even sniffed out a whole pile of mushrooms I’m now making for dinner! 🍄
.
📸 Thank you to @gdempseyphotos for the photos of me on the trail and to the lovely @vivalavieloca for the company! Love these girls. 😘
.
.
.
#nonalcoholic #nonalcoholicdrink #nonalcoholicbeer #nonalcoholicdrinks #hiking #foraging #foragingmushrooms #hikingcolorado #coloradohiking #coloradohikingtrails #coloradohikes #coloradohike #hikecolorado #hikingadventures #hikinglife #hikingtrails

Are you a sweet or savory brunch fan? 🥞 or 🥩

Are you a sweet or savory brunch fan? 🥞 or 🥩?
.
I’m definitely a savory person — give me meat anytime! 😆 So I love these two dishes at @thekitchen (who always hosts a fantastic bougie brunch):
.
1️⃣ 🥩 Steak & Eggs: cast iron hanger steak, farm eggs, hash, ranchero sauce
2️⃣ 🐓 Chilaquiles: farm eggs, roasted chicken, salsa roja, cotija, pepita, crema, pickled red onion, radish, cilantro
•
.
•
#denverbrunch #brunch #lodo #lododenver #downtowndenver #denvereats #denverfood #diningoutdenver #denverrestaurants #denverdining #denverfoodscene #denverfoodie #denverfoodies #denvereater #eaterdenver #eatdenver #eatdenverfood #denversbest #milehigheats #5280eats #303eats #denver #coloradoeats #bestfooddenver #coloradobites #badfoodies

Load More... Follow on Instagram