Denver Airport Dining: Best Places To Eat

Denver International Airport has been ranked among the best airports in the world for food. The airport has introduced several new restaurants, including local favourites and global options, offering a wide range of cuisines to satisfy any craving. From grab-and-go meals to sit-down dining, here is a guide to some of the best places to eat at Denver International Airport.

Best spots for breakfast

Denver International Airport has a plethora of breakfast options to choose from. Here are some of the best spots to grab a bite before your flight:

Snooze A.M. Eatery

A Denver favourite, Snooze A.M. Eatery is known for its warm and welcoming vibes, and delicious breakfast options. Located in the B Gates at the Center Core on the mezzanine level, this eatery offers a variety of breakfast and brunch options, including French toast, pineapple upside-down pancakes, and smashed avocado benny. It's the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal before your flight.

Mercantile Dining & Provision

This chic airport eatery, located in the A Gates at the Center Core, offers elevated farm-to-table meals that can be enjoyed leisurely or on-the-go. The menu includes options like avocado toast, Turkish eggs, Wagyu pastrami sandwiches, and a variety of pastries. With its adjacent counter-service spot, it's a great choice whether you're looking for a quick bite or a more relaxed dining experience.

Tacos Tequila Whiskey

Tacos Tequila Whiskey is a relatively new addition to the airport, offering a variety of breakfast options like the carnitas breakfast burrito and an a.m. happy hour. Indulge in chips and chorizo queso, washed down with a spicy serrano margarita or a Bloody Mary. This spot is perfect for those who want a taste of Denver's local cuisine.

Denver Central Market

Denver Central Market, located near Gate A48, is a miniature version of the popular RiNo location. It offers a variety of local options, including hand rolls from Sushi-Rama and pizzas and pastas from Vero Italian. With something for everyone, it's an excellent choice when travelling with a group.

Root Down

Root Down, located in the C Gates at the Center Core, is a globally inspired restaurant with a focus on seasonal and veggie-forward dishes. The menu includes options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with most offerings being health-forward and accommodating for various dietary needs. Root Down is a great choice for travellers looking for a well-rounded dining experience.

Best bars

Denver International Airport has a wide variety of bars to choose from, and here are some of the best:

Lounge 5280 is a great spot to unwind and enjoy wine by the glass or bottle, local craft beers, and small plates like marinated olives and fresh burrata. It's located on the mezzanine level of Concourse B.

New Belgium Brewing, located near Gate B30 in Concourse B, offers impressive business hours, a lively atmosphere, and a diverse menu. They serve breakfast specials, salads, sandwiches, tacos, burgers, and, of course, a range of beers, including their popular Fat Tire and Voodoo Ranger IPA.

Great Divide Brewing, found near Gate C32 in Concourse C, is another excellent brewery option. They have a tap house and kitchen, offering all-day food options alongside a selection of their beers on tap, such as the Yeti Imperial Stout and a strawberry rhubarb sour ale.

For cocktail enthusiasts, Bar Dough in Concourse C, near Gate C54, is a must-visit. They serve signature cocktails like the frozen strawberry margarita and piña colada, alongside Italian staples such as gourmet pizza, pasta, salad, and their famous meatballs.

If you're craving a taste of Denver's steakhouse culture, Elway's in Concourse B, Center Core, is the place to go. With a menu featuring killer steaks and stiff cocktails, it's the perfect spot to indulge, especially if you have a delayed flight or are celebrating a special occasion.

Denver International Airport truly shines when it comes to its selection of bars, ensuring that travellers can find a spot to relax and enjoy a drink before their flight.

Best fast food

Denver International Airport has a wide variety of fast-food options to choose from. Here are some of the best ones:

Shake Shack

This popular New York-based fast-casual burger chain has made its way to Denver Airport, offering travellers a taste of their famous crinkle-cut fries, Angus beef burgers, and creamy shakes. You can find Shake Shack at the B Gates Center Core on the mezzanine level.

Snooze A.M. Eatery

Snooze is a beloved Denver-based breakfast and brunch spot, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere along with delicious food. Their DIA outpost has a sprawling 30-seat bar, making it a great option for those looking to beat the long wait times at their other locations. Indulge in their signature pineapple upside-down pancakes or smashed avocado benny while sipping on a mimosa or three. Snooze can be found at the B Gates Center Core on the mezzanine level.

Steve's Snappin' Dogs

Steve's Snappin' Dogs is a Denver institution, serving up award-winning hot dogs, burgers, and breakfast sandwiches. Their hot dogs are delivered directly from New Jersey and can be topped with slaw, chili, and cheese, or enjoyed in classic Chicago style. Wash it all down with a Bloody Mary, mimosa, or a Steve's Snappin' Ale, crafted especially for them by local brewery Bull & Bush. Steve's Snappin' Dogs is conveniently located near Gate B24.

Aviano Coffee

Aviano Coffee is an artisanal Denver-based coffee shop founded in 2006, bringing high-quality third-wave coffee to travellers. They are known for their expert sourcing and quality ingredients, offering a range of coffees and teas, as well as pastries, snacks, salads, sandwiches, and wraps. You can find Aviano Coffee near Gate B12 in Concourse B.

Mizu Sushi-Izakaya

Mizu Sushi-Izakaya is a popular sushi spot in Denver's LoHi neighbourhood, now bringing their delicious sushi rolls to the airport. They offer a variety of sushi combos, as well as sides like seaweed salad and edamame. Their bar programme is also impressive, featuring sake, wine, beers, Japanese spirits, and playful cocktails to help pass the time before your flight. Mizu Sushi-Izakaya is conveniently located near Gate B12 in Concourse B.

Smashburger & Bar

For burger lovers, Smashburger & Bar is a must-visit. They offer delicious smash burgers, including a spicy option, along with sweet potato fries and smash tots. You can wash it all down with a beer, as they are located in Concourse C, which has a variety of breweries nearby.

Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a more substantial meal, these fast-food options at Denver Airport are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Best local cuisine

Denver International Airport has been recognised for its food offerings, ranking ninth in the world for best airport food. The airport has expanded its local and "global flavour profile", with a variety of local restaurants and eateries now available for travellers to enjoy.

Mercantile Dining & Provision

A chic airport eatery that offers a variety of ways to experience elevated farm-to-table meals, from leisurely sit-down dining to on-the-go options. The menu includes options like avocado toast, Turkish eggs, Wagyu pastrami sandwiches, and roasted half chicken. There is also a wine selection available through Mercantile's Cruvinet Wine System.

Root Down

A popular spot for dietary-restriction-friendly dining, with a well-rounded selection of apps, entrees, and desserts available daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu is globally inspired and veggie-forward, with gluten-free and vegan options available. The restaurant is known for its craft cocktails, tap list, and unique take on farm-to-table cuisine.

Elway's

A steakhouse concept by legendary Broncos quarterback John Elway, offering killer steaks and stiff cocktails. Elway's also has a taproom in Concourse A, serving up soups, salads, and burgers for those who don't want to splurge on a full steak dinner.

Denver Central Market

A miniature version of the popular Denver food hall, offering a variety of local options, including hand rolls from Sushi-Rama and pizzas and pastas served by Vero Italian.

La Casita

A counter-service spot, specialising in husk-wrapped tamales, but also offering breakfast burritos, taco salads, burritos, quesadillas, and more.

Teatulia Tea & Coffee Bar

This Denver-based organic tea company serves chamomile tea lattes, hot green teas, pastries, veggie snack boxes, salads, and sandwiches.

Best places for dietary-restriction-friendly dining

If you're looking for dietary-restriction-friendly dining at Denver International Airport, head to Concourse C, where you'll find Root Down, a veggie-forward spot with globally inspired dishes spanning breakfast to dinner. The menu is peppered with options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with gluten intolerance, and the veggie burger comes highly recommended.

Another option is Superfruit Republic, a Colorado-based shop in the C Gates, Center Core, that serves fresh options like smoothies and acai bowls, which travellers can top with healthy treats like chia seeds, coconut, strawberries, and granola.

For a sweet treat, Little Man Ice Cream's airport kiosk near Gate C27 serves scoops, milkshakes, and boozy options like a strawberry margarita freeze. They have a dozen flavours in rotation, including salted Oreo and Space Junkie (black raspberry ice cream with brownie bites and marshmallow swirl).

If you're in Concourse A, head to Denver Central Market, a petite food hall near Gate A48 that replicates the original's penny tile floors and moss-green entry sign. You can find something for everyone, with options like sushi rolls, pizzas, and pastas.

For a grab-and-go option, Marczyk near Gate C62 serves pastrami on rye, pork green chile, avocado toast, breakfast burritos, and more.

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