What food is Denver known for? We sure know how to eat well in the Mile High City, and we’ve been doing so since the pioneers roasted buffalo and potatoes over their campfires along the South Platte River. The origin of some of these iconic foods from Denver can probably be traced back to the old frontier days, while others came onto the scene in more recent years. When it comes to Mile High cuisine, one thing’s for sure – we love our meat and potatoes, especially when combined with hatch green chiles of nearly any variety.

1. Green Chile
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
Slathered, sipped, smothered, or by the spoonful, we just can't get enough green chile in the Mile High City. This famous Denver cuisine is available all over town, and all of it is excellent.
2. Smothered Burritos
mswine/Flickr
For breakfast, lunch, dinner, and maybe even dessert, we'll eat smothered burritos ANY time, ANY where.
3. Street Tacos
rez-art via Getty Images
Obviously there's a trend here, and it's no secret Denverites love Mexican-inspired fare, especially authentic street tacos that can be found on just about any city block, street corner, or parking lot in town.
4. Meats
The Fort Restaurant/Facebook
Whether its a juicy T-bone steak from the Fort, a bison burger from Cherry Cricket, or an elk hotdog from Biker Jim's, we heart our meats here in the Mile High City.
5. Rocky Mountain Oysters
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
Undoubtedly one of Denver's most iconic dishes and infamous rights of passage is the Colorado delicacy otherwise known as the Rocky Mountain Oyster. Denver restaurants are known for having this dish on the menu, and you should give it a try!
6. Cheeseburgers
Ben D./Flickr
According to the monument at 2776 N. Speer Boulevard, the cheeseburger was invented in Denver in 1935, and we've most certainly kept that beloved culinary tradition alive. Pick a meat, put a lot things on it, add some condiments and sides, and you're in Mile High heaven.
7. Green Chile Cheese Fries
Michael W./Yelp
Pro Tip: A burger should always be accompanied by a side of green chile cheese fries, swimming in all sorts of meaty, melty, spicy goodness.
8. Veggies
City, O' City/Facebook
Not all Denverites are raging carnivores, and we've got plenty of restaurants around town creating innovative vegetarian and vegan dishes, fit to be Mile High icons for the new millennium.
9. Denver Omelet
Stacy L./Yelp
No one really knows the origin of this popular Denver breakfast item, but it's known for its firmer texture and caramelized flavor. And you can find it on almost any diner menu in town.
10. Cinnamon Rolls
Katy C./Yelp
The Butcher Block Cafe has been wowing us with their legendary homemade traditional cinnamon rolls for decades. After all, they do advertise homemade cinnamon rolls on the side of their building. And don't miss the Denver Biscuit Company's newer bacon-topped biscuit creation, which cannot be beat. Eat 'em all!

Hopefully, this list of food Denver is known for stimulated your appetite! Ready for a road trip to have those cinnamon rolls? Book a Vrbo and check out more than the food in Denver!

Did we miss any of your Denver favorites? Let us know in the comments below! And while we’re on the subject, check out nine long-standing restaurants in Denver that have served mouthwatering meals for decades.

Looking for more fun in our state? Explore the beautiful national park right here in Colorado:

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What Food Is Denver Known For?

Christy Articola | September 18, 2022

Wow! All of the above foods sound fantastic! Can you point me to some of the best places to go to get them?

Sure! You should start first with green chili since it's practically the state food of Colorado:

  • One place that serves excellent green chili is Senõr Burritos. Learn all about a tiny spot in Denver that serves green chile to die for.
  • If you want to hit some more excellent green chili spots in the Mile High City, consider following the mouthwatering green chili trail in Denver. It will also give you a great overview of the best parts of the city!

 

Can you tell me more about Rocky Mountain oysters? I'm a little apprehensive...

You should be, as this is a very strange dish. But, you'll love them once you've tried them and you'll be able to say you've had them! Yes, they are bull testicles. Yes, they are fried to perfection. Yes, it's gross if you think about it too much, but just try not to. Just eat 'em! Here are ten places that sell rocky mountain oysters in Colorado, just like mom used to make!

Ok, I'm still not so sure about the testicles. How about some suggestions for great tacos while I think about it?

Sure, we understand. Fortunately, there are lots of great taco places in Denver to try! Start out with our top recommendations for places to get out-of-this-world-good tacos in Denver, including:

  • La Calle Taqueria Y Carnitas
  • Las Margs
  • Machete Tequila + Tacos

 

Enjoy!

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