When hunger hits hard in Denver, there’s no need to suffer in silence. The Mile High City has quietly become one of the most exciting food scenes in the West, blending bold Rocky Mountain flavours with global influences and a serious love for hearty, satisfying meals. Whether you’re fresh off a hike, wandering downtown with a growling stomach, or nursing last night’s bad decisions, Denver’s got something to satisfy even the most desperate appetites.
To paraphrase the late, great Warren Zevon: here’s where – and what – to eat in Denver when you’re dead hungry.
1. The OG Hangover Cure: Breakfast Burrito from Santiago’s
Where: Multiple locations
What: Denver’s iconic breakfast burrito is not just a food – it’s a rite of passage. Santiago’s version is simple and perfect: eggs, potatoes, cheese, and your choice of meat, all smothered in their legendary green chili. Wrapped up and handheld, it’s a burrito built for redemption.
2. Big Appetite Energy: The Jackfruit Sloppy Jane at City, O’ City
Where: 206 E 13th Ave
What: This quirky Capitol Hill staple serves up some of the city’s best vegetarian comfort food. The Jackfruit Sloppy Jane is smoky, spicy, and messy in all the right ways: served open-faced on grilled sourdough with pickled veggies and slaw. Yes, it’s meatless. No, you won’t care.
3. Mile-High Meaty Madness: Bison Burger at The Cherry Cricket
Where: 2641 E 2nd Ave (Cherry Creek) + Ballpark location
What: A Denver classic, The Cherry Cricket lets you customize your burger with a mountain of toppings. Get the bison burger for something local and lean, then go wild with onion rings, green chili, or even peanut butter if you’re feeling bold.
4. Korean Soul Meets Fried Chicken: The “KFC” at Seoul ManDoo
Where: Edgewater Public Market, 5505 W 20th Ave
What: Korean Fried Chicken with a capital K. Crispy, sticky, spicy, and sweet – this chicken is the stuff of cravings. Seoul ManDoo pairs it with their signature dumplings and Korean sides, all served fast and full of flavour.
5. Elevated Comfort: Mac & Cheese at Steuben’s
Where: 523 E 17th Ave
What: When the only thing that can save you is a heaping bowl of carbs and cheese, Steuben’s delivers. Their mac & cheese is baked to golden perfection and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs—and you can add pork belly or green chili if you really mean business.
6. Late-Night Savior: Fat Sully’s Pizza
Where: Multiple locations, including East Colfax and South Broadway
What: When the bars close and you’re about to make questionable decisions, steer yourself to Fat Sully’s. Their New York-style slices are as big as your head and exactly what your 2am self needs. Bonus points for that crispy crust and molten cheese pull.
7. Something Sweet & Extra: Ice Cream Flight at Little Man Ice Cream
Where: 2620 16th St (LoHi)
What: When your sweet tooth joins the hunger party, head to the 28-foot-tall cream can that is Little Man. Try a flight of their rotating flavours – salted Oreo, Mexican chocolate, or honey lavender – for dessert that’s both nostalgic and next-level.
8. When You Want a Bit of Everything: Avanti Food & Beverage
Where: 3200 Pecos St
What: Can’t decide what you’re hungry for? Head to this food hall in LoHi with rooftop views and rotating global vendors. You can grab a Nashville hot chicken sandwich, Venezuelan arepas, sushi burritos, and still have room for frosé or local craft beer.
Denver doesn’t mess around when it comes to food. Whether you’re downtown or in the highlands, knee-deep in brunch menus or chasing down food trucks, this city is built to feed the hungry – and the very hungry. So next time you’re feeling dead hungry in Denver, don’t panic. Just follow the scent of sizzling green chili, melting cheese, or fried perfection.
Eat big. Eat bold. Eat Denver.
