Taking a trip to Denver is so much more than gorgeous mountain views and fresh Rocky Mountain air. While Denver is known for being one of the most in-shape cities in the country, it’s also a haven for some seriously delicious food. From traditional southwestern staples (Rocky mountain oysters anyone?) to modern dishes that have only just burst on the scene (like Pho), there is so much to taste and explore on your Denver vacation. Read on to find out what the 10 most iconic dishes in Denver are:
Image Source: Beau Jo’s Facebook
1) Pizza at Beau Jo’s
Beau Jo’s is a prime example of the Colorado-style pizza that you absolutely should try. What is Colorado-style pizza you ask? Well its falls somewhere between New York style and Chicago deep dish, with a thicker crust that gives off just the right amount of bite. There are 8 Beau Jo’s locations around the state so there’s a good chance there is one near you even if you aren’t in Denver.
2) Apple & Kale Salad at Acorn and Oak at Fourteenth
This isn’t just your average kale salad at Acorn and Oak at Fourteenth. This salad helped kick off the nationwide kale craze and is one of the best salads you will have anywhere in the country. A mix of finely sliced kale, apples, lemon, Parmesan cheese, chili powder, and candied almonds make for a salad that strikes the right balance between sweet, salty, crunchy, and spicy.
3) Macaroni & Cheese at Mizuna
Over 13 years ago, this dish was first unveiled at Mizuna, and it hasn’t left the menu since. By popular demand, this macaroni & cheese has remained the only item unchanged on the rotating menu here. Lobster, mascarpone cheese, beurre blanc, and lobster oil make this mac & cheese a perfect combination of decadent flavors and way better than anything you could get out of a box.
4) Elk Jalapeno Cheddar Dog at Biker Jim’s
Exotic hot dogs are what makes Biker Jim’s undeniably special. From Alaskan reindeer to wild boar, Biker Jim’s has pretty much every meat you could think of. The best of the bunch, and one of the most iconic hot dogs in the city, is the Elk Jalapeno Cheddar Dog that must be tasted to be believed.
5) Smothered Mexican Hamburger at The Orginal Chubby’s on 38th
A Denver classic, this is more burrito than hamburger and utilizes the famous green chiles that can be found all around the city. A hamburger patty is paired with beans and melted cheese, then wrapped up in a flour tortilla, and finally smothered with green chile sauce and even more melted cheese. It’s delicious, it’s messy, it’s served until 2am. What’s not to love about the smothered mexican hamburger at The Original Chubby’s on 38th?
6) Sopapillas at Casa Bonita
While much of Casa Bonita’s appeal comes from so much more than food (cliff divers and mariachi bands are just the beginning), it’s sopapillas are worth making the journey for. Perfectly fluffy pillows of fried dough are served with honey to create a simple but oh-so-tasty combination of flavors. Plus, Casa Bonita was featured in a famous episode of South Park for all those comedy fans out there.
7) Rocky Mountain Oysters at The Buckhorn Exchange
One of the most famous of all the foods in Denver, you definitely want to try them before you find out what they are. For those who don’t want to know, skip to the number 8 now. They’re deep fried baby bull testicles. And if you’re brave enough to try this dish, you should do it at the ultra-traditional Buckhorn Exchange, which has been serving these up since 1893.
8) Oysters a Jax Fish House
These oysters are very different than Rocky Mountain oysters, and are perfect for the seafood lover. Even though Denver is landlocked, these oysters are flown in fresh daily at Jax Fish House to ensure they are just as fresh as anywhere on the East or West coast.
9) Pho at Pho 555
Pho isn’t the first dish you think of when you think of Denver, but it might be after you try Pho 555. Pho places are everywhere in Denver, but you’ll keep coming back here because they do it right. This classic Vietnamese noodle soup is served with super tender slices of beef in a carefully crafted beef broth alongside a heaping of rice noodles and various condiments.
10) Smothered Breakfast Burrito at Sam’s No. 3
Perhaps the most iconic Denver food of them all, the smothered breakfast burritos at Sam’s No. 3 are a particular favorite of both tourists and locals. There is a huge variety of fillings to choose from, so you know that you’ll get exactly what you want out of your breakfast, and every burrito comes topped with the green chile sauce that made Denver famous. This is a breakfast you won’t forget anytime soon.
There you have it. The 10 most iconic dishes in Denver. If you’re taking a trip to Denver anytime soon, make sure to try out at least of few of these places, you’re sure to be happy that you did. And if you’re looking to stay in Denver, try a vacation rental with PC Housing for a home away from home that will make your vacation one to remember.