Casual Cravings
From savory empanadas to hidden culinary gems, I’ve tracked down the top street eats and casual bites fueling Denver's biggest food obsessions.
Lazo Empanadas
Yumcha
Marczyk Fine Foods
McGregor Square
A family-owned business serving traditional Argentinian pastries with over a dozen savory and sweet fillings. They bake each pocket fresh using authentic dough combined with local farm-fresh ingredients.
GF: They offer a plant-based gluten-free empanada option.
Location: LoDO
An Asian street food concept located inside the Denver Milk Market. The casual eatery offers a menu of handmade dumplings, warm noodle dishes, and dim sum inspired by travels across Asia.
GF: While they do not have dedicated fryers several dishes—including the lemongrass shrimp cakes, tofu dishes, and wings—can be prepared gluten-free.
Location: LoDo & Uptown
An independent, family-owned specialty grocery market founded in Denver in 2002. The neighborhood stores offer sustainably raised meats, local produce, fresh seafood, and homemade prepared foods.
GF: Plenty of packaged gluten-free groceries, specialty items, and bread options.
Location: LoDO, Uptown, Park Hill
Milepost Zero is a lively food hall located in McGregor Square. It features multiple local food vendors and a 35-tap self-pour beer wall. Just outside, you’ll find a spacious outdoor plaza featuring a giant screen TV showing the day’s biggest sporting events.
GF: Nearly every food stall offers gluten-free options, with a wide variety of choices ranging from tacos and poke bowls to fresh salads and ice cream.
Location: LoDo
Avanti
Post Oak BBQ
Redeemer Pizza
Little Man Ice Cream
A bustling 2-story food hall featuring multiple local vendors. It's best known for its vibrant rooftop patio, featuring breathtaking views of the downtown Denver skyline.
GF: Each food stall features gluten-free options, with a diverse selection of dishes ranging from arepas and tacos to fresh salads, protein bowls, baba ganoush, and hummus.
Location: LoHi & Boulder
If you are from Texas like I am, and looking for barbeque this is the place for you. Post Oak Barbecue uses an authentic wood-fired method to serve tender brisket, ribs, turkey, wings, and house-made sides.
GF: All three BBQ sauces are gluten-free, as are their selection of slow-smoked meats, including brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and turkey.
Location: Tennyson
A trendy spot serving up New York–style pizza, craft cocktails, and natural wines. Stay for a relaxed dinner or swing by for a late-night slice—the kitchen keeps things going until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
GF: Gluten-free options are limited to salads, pickles, and artichokes. However, use caution, as wheat flour is used throughout the kitchen, creating a risk of cross-contact.
Location: RiNo
A Denver favorite with an ever-changing lineup of delicious flavors. The Salted Oreo is my go-to, but there’s always something new to try!
GF: While they aren’t a dedicated gluten-free facility, participating locations offer gluten-free ice cream options and cones.
Location: LoDo, LoHi, Cherry Creek, Central Park, Congress
Elevated Bites
Explore my picks for the best of Denver’s mid-tier dining—a curated mix of energetic brunch spots, cozy local bars, and sophisticated neighborhood favorites.
Marcos Coal Fired Pizza
Cherry
Cricket
Run for the Roses
La Diabla
Pozole y Mezcal
Serving authentic, VPN-certified Neapolitan pizza, this Denver favorite has become a go-to for locals. With ingredients imported straight from Italy and high-temperature ovens that create the perfect charred crust, every pizza delivers an authentic taste of Naples.
GF: They offer a dedicated gluten-free menu featuring everything from pizza and house salad to wings—including my wife’s favorite pizza, the Williamsburg!
Location: LoDo
A beloved neighborhood burger joint serving up classics since 1945. Known for its juicy burgers, cold beers, award-winning green chile, and signature Green Chile Relleno Burger, this longtime local favorite is a true Denver institution.
GF: Although it’s not a dedicated gluten-free facility, they offer gluten-free buns, burgers, and salads for a satisfying meal.
Location: LoDo & Cherry Creek
A swanky underground cocktail lounge and speakeasy tucked beneath the lively Dairy Block. The elegant, cozy space sets the mood for an inventive cocktail experience, with a menu designed like a deck of playing cards. While classic cocktails are available, the creative house drinks are the real draw.
GF: Their deviled eggs, caviar, and classic cocktails are naturally gluten-free, offering a few delicious options to enjoy.
Location: LoDo
A highly acclaimed Mexican eatery specializing in traditional pozole, though my personal favorite is the pambazo. This popular spot doesn’t take reservations, and lines can get long, so arrive early and come hungry!
GF: Many menu items are naturally gluten-free, including the pozole, chips, and tacos. However, the kitchen is not dedicated gluten-free, so cross-contact is a possibility.
Location: LoDo.
Kachina Cantina
Ultreia
ChoLon Modern Asian
Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
A modern Southwestern restaurant known for its house-made blue corn tortillas, sautéed nopales, and flavorful wild rice dishes. The jalapeño margarita is a house favorite—and one of my personal favorites, too!
GF: Gluten-free options include house-made blue corn tortillas, bean purée, guacamole, pozole, enchiladas, and skirt steak, offering plenty of flavorful dishes to choose from.
Location: LoDo
An Old World–inspired Spanish and Portuguese tapas lounge known for its distinctive small plates, tinned fish, craft cocktails, and thoughtfully curated Spanish wines. You can’t go wrong here, especially with the bacon-wrapped dates and the irresistible pastel de nata for dessert!
GF: Their bacon-wrapped dates—a favorite of my wife’s—can be prepared gluten-free! Many of their other small plates can also be modified to accommodate a gluten-free diet.
Location: LoDo
A vibrant fusion of Southeast Asian street food and classic European culinary techniques, this upscale Denver eatery offers a creative and elevated dining experience. Don’t miss the French onion soup dumplings—they’re incredible—and the Malaysian noodles are equally delicious!
GF: Many of their sushi options are naturally gluten-free, while other dishes, including the fried rice, roast chicken, and pork tenderloin, can be modified to accommodate a gluten-free diet.
Location: LoDo & Sloan Lake
Lively, loud, and always buzzing, this oyster bar brings a taste of the coast to landlocked Denver. The chargrilled oysters will transport you straight to New Orleans, while the raw bar feels like a seat overlooking Boston Harbor. And don’t overlook the happy hour—it’s one of Denver’s best-kept secrets!
GF: They offer plenty of gluten-free options, but our favorites include the chargrilled oysters, ahi tuna poke bowl, and peel-and-eat shrimp.
Location: LoDo & Boulder
Poka Lola
A swanky cocktail lounge tucked inside The Maven Hotel, serving up creative seasonal cocktails with something to please everyone in your group. When hunger strikes, the kitchen delivers elevated takes on American comfort food, with snacks available until 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. depending on the night.
GF: Their gluten-free offerings include deviled eggs, shishito peppers, and baked chicken lollipops, along with other flavorful options to explore.
Location: LoDo
Happy Camper
A popular, high-energy pizza spot known for its massive outdoor patio, complete with turf, fire pits, camper trailers, and colorful neon signs. The kitchen serves up signature pizzas alongside a variety of appetizers, while loud music and a lively atmosphere make the whole place feel like one big party.
GF: While it’s not a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, they offer gluten-free pizza crust, along with select appetizers and salads.
Location: LoHi
Postino
A stylish wine bar known for its impressive Bruschetta Board, where you can choose four generous slices from a rotating selection of creative toppings. Favorites include Brie & Apple with Fig Spread, Smoked Salmon with Pesto, and Prosciutto with Fig & Mascarpone. It’s a must-order in my wife’s book—and one of her favorites!
GF: They offer gluten-free alternatives for much of the menu, including a dedicated gluten-free bruschetta board and gluten-free bread for paninis, sandwiches, and grilled cheese.
Location: LoHi, Congress, & Boulder
Dierks Bentley Whisky Row
A massive country-western bar located just across from Coors Field. The first floor features giant TVs, a live music stage, and a sprawling dance floor, while the second story opens onto a spacious rooftop patio complete with lawn games. It’s the perfect spot to grab a drink, catch some live music, and soak up the lively game-day atmosphere.
GF: While they don’t have dedicated fryers, several menu items can be modified to be gluten-free, including salads and bunless burgers.
Location: LoDo
Call Me Pearl
An intimate cocktail lounge tucked inside the Rally Hotel, offering a thoughtfully curated menu of small bites and elevated dishes. The menu features oysters, crispy rice, caviar, and a fabulous New York strip served with a parsnip-fennel purée that is absolutely to die for!
GF: Gluten-free options include truffle fries, caprese, hummus, and the New York strip steak, all of which can be prepared to accommodate a gluten-free diet.
Location: LoDo
Destination Dining
Welcome to your definitive guide to Denver high-end dining. From sophisticated, cozy lounges to unforgettable gastronomic journeys, these are my picks for the premier tables worth booking right now.
Uchi Sushi
Tavernetta
Cooper Lounge
Rioja
An acclaimed restaurant known for its distinctive take on Japanese cuisine, featuring globally sourced sushi and fabulous small plates. If you’re dining here, always go for one of their omakase tasting menus—you truly can’t go wrong!
GF: Approximately 80% of their menu is gluten-free, and the staff is very knowledgeable about which dishes are safe for a gluten-free diet.
Location: RiNo
An upscale Italian restaurant renowned for its exceptional service, handmade pastas, and impressive selection of Italian wines. Their focaccia is truly one of the best I’ve ever had—an absolute must-try!
GF: Much of the menu can be prepared gluten-free, including house-made pastas, appetizers, and even focaccia bread, offering plenty of options to enjoy.
Location: LoDo
A stylish 1930s-inspired cocktail bar tucked away on the mezzanine of Denver Union Station. Known for its elevated cocktails and refined small plates, it offers a sophisticated atmosphere paired with beautiful views of downtown Denver.
GF: Gluten-free small-plate options include shrimp cocktail, marinated olives, deviled eggs, and charcuterie served without the crackers—perfect for sharing or creating your own spread.
Location: LoDo
An award-winning restaurant celebrated for its refined, locally sourced Mediterranean cuisine and exceptional wine pairings. A standout destination for beautifully crafted dishes and a thoughtfully curated dining experience.
GF: Many dishes can be modified to accommodate a gluten-free diet, including seared scallops, caprese, charcuterie, and risotto.
Location: Larimer square
Urban Farmer
Mercantile
Venice
A modern, farm-to-table steakhouse known for its exceptional steaks and one of the best Old Fashioneds around! They also serve an amazing weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
GF: Their grass-fed steaks, raw bar selections, and salads offer plenty of naturally gluten-free options. They also serve a great breakfast, complete with gluten-free breakfast potatoes and toast.
Location: LoDo
A New American, farm-to-table restaurant located inside the historic Union Station that offers a prix fixe menu at lunch and a chef's table dinning experience at night.
GF: The servers are knowledgeable about gluten-free dining and can confirm ingredients and preparation methods directly with the chef. Many menu items can also be adapted to accommodate a gluten-free diet.
Location: LoDo
A Northern Italian institution known for its old-world charm, handmade pastas, and expertly curated wine pairings. The LoDo location is home to Colorado’s largest restaurant wine cellar, featuring more than 3,000 bottles.
GF: Many menu items can be prepared gluten-free, including select pastas and a variety of fish, meat, and chicken entrées..
Location: LoDo
A5 Steakhouse
Ocean Prime
Cruise Room
One of my favorite steakhouses in Denver, featuring premium cuts of beef sourced from regional ranchers. For a taste of their exceptional kitchen without the full steakhouse price tag, their daily happy hour is one of the best deals in town!
GF: The staff is very knowledgeable about gluten-free dining, and many options, including the steak and raw bar selections, are naturally gluten-free. Salads and mashed potatoes are also great choices for sides.
Location: LoDo
An upscale supper club that delivers an elevated dining experience from start to finish. Known for its warm, attentive service, elegant atmosphere, and beautifully prepared prime steaks and fresh seafood, it’s a place where every detail feels thoughtfully considered.
GF: Their menu features several gluten-free options, including steaks, seafood, raw bar selections, and salads, with staff able to help identify suitable choices.
Location: Larimer Square
Denver’s oldest bar, tucked away inside the historic Oxford Hotel, has been serving up cocktails since December 6, 1933 (and maybe before) —the day after Prohibition was officially repealed. Step through the doors and you’ll feel like you’ve entered an space that has been frozen in time.
GF: Their small bites include naturally gluten-free options such as raw oysters and caviar, perfect for a light bite or an elegant start to your meal.
Location: LoDo
