Denver Airport's Restaurant Scene: A Tasty Surprise

Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado and generating over $36 billion for the region annually. With such a vast number of travellers passing through its doors, it's no surprise that the airport boasts an extensive array of dining options. From grab-and-go snacks to sit-down restaurants, there's something to suit every taste and dietary preference. In this guide, we'll explore the diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and bars that DEN Airport has to offer, ensuring that travellers can satisfy their cravings before boarding their flights.

Concourse A: Denver Central Market, Breckenridge Brewery, and more

Concourse A at Denver Airport offers a variety of dining options, including the popular Denver Central Market, which brings a mini version of RiNo's food hall to the airport. With a range of culinary concepts, travellers can choose from grab-and-go cheese boards and sandwiches at Culture Meat & Cheese, breakfast burritos, burgers, and rotisserie chicken from SK Provisions, nigiri and sushi rolls from Sushi Rama, and pizza from Vero Italian. Denver Central Market is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm.

For those craving a brew, Breckenridge Brewery on Concourse A offers a selection of craft beers. If you're looking for a quick bite, Brothers BBQ and Snarf's, also on Concourse A, serve up classic barbecue and sandwich options.

In addition to these dining choices, Concourse A is home to other establishments such as Starbucks, Dazbog Coffee, and Elway's, a steakhouse concept backed by legendary Broncos quarterback John Elway. With such a diverse range of options, travellers are sure to find something to suit their tastes and preferences.

Concourse B: Aviano Coffee, El Chingon Bistro, and more

Concourse B at Denver International Airport has a variety of dining options for hungry travellers. Aviano Coffee, a Denver-based artisanal coffee shop, offers an assortment of coffees and teas, as well as pastries, snacks, salads, sandwiches and wraps. Aviano sources its ingredients carefully and is known for its high-quality brews. El Chingon Bistro, meanwhile, brings the culinary artistry of Mexico City to Denver Airport. The menu includes breakfast burritos, tortas and an all-day selection featuring the cilantro lime salad, pozole verde and specialty ceviche. Also on Concourse B, Mizu Sushi-Izakaya serves up a range of sushi rolls, seaweed salad and edamame, alongside cocktails, sake, wine and beer.

These three restaurants are located near Gate B12, an area that previously lacked food options. They are part of a food hall from Tastes on the Fly, which operates the concessions with International Retail Group and SJAC ATL Airport. This food hall features a 1,150-square-metre shared seating area. Concourse B is also home to Elway's steakhouse, Snooze for brunch, and Steve's Snappin' Dogs, which serves loaded hot dogs, burgers and breakfast sandwiches.

Concourse C: Little Man Ice Cream, Great Divide Brewing, and more

Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado and generating over $36 billion for the region annually. With 80 million people passing through each year, the airport offers a wide range of dining options to cater to its vast number of travellers.

One of the spots in Concourse C is Little Man Ice Cream, a Denver icon known for its delicious treats, including homemade ice cream, sorbet, vegan flavours, and their iconic ice cream "Sammie's". The airport location also offers boozy options, such as Strawberry Margarita Freeze, Whiskey Apple Pie, and Oreo Java Spiced Rum. Little Man Ice Cream is famous for its 28-foot-tall milk can at its original location, which, unfortunately, did not make it to the airport. However, travellers can still enjoy their favourite ice cream treats in cups, cones, sundaes, milkshakes, and more.

Another popular establishment in Concourse C is Great Divide Brewing, offering all-day food options and a variety of beverages. With 13 beers on tap, travellers can choose from popular options like the Yeti Imperial Stout to more unique selections like a strawberry rhubarb sour ale or a Whitewater hard seltzer.

In addition to these, Concourse C is also home to Bar Dough and Mister Oso, two brands from the Culinary Creative Group. Bar Dough serves gourmet pizza and other Italian staples, while Mister Oso offers quick-serve smoked-meat tacos, ceviches, cocktails, and frozen drinks.

Concourse C in Denver International Airport presents a diverse range of dining options for travellers, from sweet treats to hearty meals and refreshing beverages.

Jeppesen Terminal: Boulder Beer Tap House, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and more

If you're looking for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink at the Jeppesen Terminal in Denver Airport, you're in luck! There are plenty of options to choose from, including the Boulder Beer Tap House, the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and more.

Let's start with the Boulder Beer Tap House, located on the west side of Level 5 in the Jeppesen Terminal. As Colorado's first microbrewery, established in 1979, this spot offers a variety of award-winning brews. You can also enjoy a small pub fare menu and grab-and-go options. It's a great place to relax and recharge, with outlets under the bar to charge your devices. Reviews highlight the Buffalo Gold and Hazed and Infused beers as excellent choices. The guacamole chips, veggie burger, and chicken nachos also come recommended. However, some patrons have noted that the food can be a bit hit or miss, and it's best to manage your expectations.

For those with a sweet tooth, the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in the B Gates is a must-visit. They offer an extensive line of premium chocolate candies and confectionery treats, including a fresh daily variety of caramel, candied apples, and fudge that can be gift-wrapped. It's the perfect place to pick up a delicious treat for yourself or a gift for someone special.

In addition to these highlights, the Jeppesen Terminal is home to a variety of other dining and drinking establishments. Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a sit-down meal, or just a place to relax with a drink, you're sure to find something to suit your taste and preferences.

Vegetarian and vegan options: Root Down, Superfruit Republic, and more

Denver International Airport has a wide variety of dining options for hungry travellers, including vegetarian and vegan choices. Here is a guide to some of the best vegetarian and vegan spots in the airport:

Root Down

Root Down is a popular choice for vegetarian and vegan travellers, with a convenient location in Concourse C and a reputation as an airport favourite. The restaurant offers globally-inspired cuisine, including gluten-free and vegan options. Their veggie burger is a must-try, and they also have a tofu Bahn-Mi on the menu. Root Down provides a unique dining experience, with seasonal fare and a focus on sustainability.

Superfruit Republic

For a quick, healthy bite, Superfruit Republic in the Center Core offers smoothies, acai bowls, coffee, and other breakfast options. Ask the staff about specific vegan choices when visiting, as their online menu indicates that they cater to various dietary preferences.

Auntie Anne's Pretzels

Auntie Anne's Pretzels can be made vegan if ordered without the butter that is usually added before baking. This option is promoted on their website, but availability may vary by location, so it's worth checking with the staff before ordering.

Voodoo Doughnut

Voodoo Doughnut, located in Concourse B, offers an assortment of exciting vegan doughnut options. From cream-filled to jelly-filled, these doughnuts are a perfect sweet treat for vegans.

Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh

Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh is a vegan-friendly chain with plenty of choices. Create your own stuffed pita, salad, rice bowl, or laffa (a wrap) with falafel and various fillings and sauces.

Steve's Snappin' Dogs

Steve's Snappin' Dogs in Concourse B offers veggie dogs that can be customised with various toppings. They also have a Beyond Burger on the menu, which can be ordered without cheese.

Other Options

Denver International Airport has several other vegetarian and vegan-friendly spots, including Caribou Coffee, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Jamba Juice, and Modern Market, which offers tofu-based dishes and vegan soups. Additionally, Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop typically has non-dairy vegan ice cream flavours available.

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