AVMA News

Dining in Denver: 10 can’t-miss restaurants to visit

While in Denver for AVMA Convention 2023, you’ll notice that the food scene is as diverse as Colorado’s terrain. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re seeking comfort food or fine French cuisine, traditional American eats or fresh vegan fare. Try out one of these 10 delicious eateries next time hunger strikes and don’t forget to make reservations, so you don’t miss out.

An Indian taco on fry bread
Tocabe’s philosophy is native first, local second. The American Indian–owned and operated restaurant partners with Native and Indigenous producers, as well as vendors on a local level, to create dishes such as the Indian Taco made with fry bread. (Photo courtesy of Tocabe)
  1. Denver Biscuit Company
    Hit up one of five Denver Biscuit Company locations around the city for a hearty brunch where everything is made in house. The house specialty—biscuits, of course—can come smothered in gravy, as a sandwich, or as the base for strawberry shortcake.
  2. Corinne Restaurant
    Modern American cuisine with Colorado flavor is the basis for Corinne’s Restaurant, located inside Le Meridien Denver Downtown. Local ingredients are central to many of the dishes, including favorites such as the Ora King Salmon for dinner or the Chicken Tinga made with red chilies for brunch. Before or after your meal, head upstairs to 54Thirty, Denver’s highest open-air, seasonal rooftop bar, for a signature cocktail.
  3. Chez Maggy
    From celebrity chef Ludo Lefebvre, Chez Maggy is a traditional French brasserie that pays homage to his mother-in-law, Margaret, who was from Denver. Try the Colorado lamb chops with grilled vegetables over a dandelion puree or have the Maggy’s Tagliatelle Bolognese, which is based on her recipe.
  4. Tocabe
    Tocabe’s claim to fame is it is the only American Indian–owned and operated restaurant in the Denver metro area specializing in Native and Indigenous cuisine. Co-owned by Ben Jacobs and Matthew Chandra, a member of Oklahoma’s Osage Nation the fast-casual restaurant has traditional plates, such as fry bread with Colorado-raised bison meat and hominy salsa.
  5. Señor Burritos
    Looking for something fast, affordable, and delicious? Look no further than Señor Burritos, a family-owned restaurant known for their giant breakfast burritos and authentic Mexican dishes. Try the potato, egg, and chorizo breakfast burrito with the signature salsa. Vegetarian customers love the green chili.
  6. Work & Class
    Work & Class is a casual restaurant and bar with Latin and American food along with the motto, “Food and drink for people who can eat.” The menu includes rotisserie meats, specialty sides, and freshly baked breads and tortillas. Perfect for groups, share the blue corn empanadas stuffed with mushrooms, sofrito, and Oaxaca cheese.
  7. Rioja
    Rioja’s menu is inspired by Mediterranean ingredients and local flavors. Enjoy innovative cocktails, fresh pastas, and sumptuous entrees such as the Wagyu tri tip with black garlic purée. If the weather cooperates, take in the sights of Larimer Square from the outdoor seating area. Rioja’s happy hour, from 2:30-5 p.m. in the lounge area, has lots of great options, too, including the rioja “picnic,” which features artisan meats, marinated sheep-goat feta, Gorgonzola, olives, fennel salad, orange confit, and almonds.
  8. Bao Brewhouse
    Take your pick at Bao Brewhouse. Stay on the first floor to nosh on Chinese street food–inspired fare and a local rotating draft list in the tap room. Or, head upstairs to the Tea Room, where the menu and ambiance provide a more intimate affair. Stay late enough and you’ll also be treated to a DJ performance.
  9. Jovanina’s Broken Italian
    For wood-fired, modern Italian food, you’ll want to stop by Jovanina’s Broken Italian in the LoDo neighborhood. The vegetable-forward menu is built for sharing, but dishes such as the rainbow carrots with whipped feta are so tasty you’ll want to keep them to yourself. For a hearty dinner, order the elk Bolognese. Don’t forget a chocolate budino for dessert.
  10. Stout St. Social
    Catch a game and a quick bite at Stout St. Social. The extensive menu has something for everyone: oysters and sushi, crowd-pleasing appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, and more. Plus, the convenient location right by the Colorado Convention Center makes Stout St. a favorite for groups and end-of-the-day drinks.

Leave lunch plans open for Friday, July 14, during AVMA Convention 2023 in Denver. New this year is Food truck Friday, happening from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mountain Time. Food trucks will be parked off Welton Street, which can be accessed via Lobby B at the Colorado Convention Center.

Attendees can sample some of the best food in the Denver area while supporting small businesses. All food and beverages will be available for purchase by cash or credit; AVMA debit cards will not be accepted at the food trucks.