American Food Denver is a blog that does what it says on the tin. It provides a holistic take on food in Denver, focusing on restaurants, their menus, and bars and breweries.
The blog’s author resides in the area and is only sporadically at liberty to visit other cities, so we get an eye from someone living in Denver.
What is Food Denver?
Food Denver is a directory of places to eat, drink and shop. The site is run by a select few members of the local food community, alongside professional photography by Michael Harms (shown above).
The site also has some well-done slideshows highlighting various local spots and event coverage.
What Makes Food Denver Different?
News and reviews are arranged with an expert eye. As mentioned, the blog’s author has been eating at these places for years, so you can feel assured that the insights will be thorough.
What’s Unique About This Food Blog?
The site’s editor concentrates on national chains and local spots, giving us a glimpse of what it is like to eat in Denver. The Last Word: If you can’t tell, we’re huge fans of this blog.
It does a fantastic job of balancing the needs of locals with the appetites of those just visiting. This is quite a feat, but Food Denver knocks it out of the park.
History of American Food Denver
Food Denver was founded in 2010 by Jordan Michelman (shown above). He graduated from high school and the University of Denver with journalism and computer science degrees.
While the idea for this site came to him in 2008, he didn’t start operations until late 2010. The place was undergoing some redesigns while we were visiting it, so we don’t have any previous shots of what it looked like, but you can get a good idea from the slide show.
American Food Denver Manu
American Food Denver Manu was our host for the evening. We had met him sometime before, and he agreed to set up a conversation while we were visiting his place.
The place is owned by Manu, a native of India who has been living in America for quite some time.
Great 16 Restaurants American Food Denver
1. Sushi Den
What is Sushi Den? Sushi Den is a sushi restaurant that gets creative with its food. The restaurant has been operating since 1980, so you can be sure they’re doing something right.
What is Unique About This Restaurant? The owner of Sushi Den, Jiro Ono, was the subject of the critically acclaimed film ‘Jiro Dreams of Sushi.
2. French Bakery
What is a French Bakery? French Bakery is a classic, old-fashioned bakery. They have been in business since 1958 and focus on friendly service and good quality baked goods.
What is Unique About This Restaurant? The restaurant has been around since 1958. In that time, it has survived several decades of Denver’s changing landscape while staying true to who they are and what they do.
3. 2nd Avenue Espresso
What is a 2nd Avenue Espresso? 2nd Avenue Espresso is an espresso and pastry shop that serves coffee and pastry. The shop has been operating since 1998 and has made its way down the block on Larimer Street.
What is Unique About This Restaurant? The owner of 2nd Avenue Espresso, Howard Baucom, started as a barista in Boulder, Colorado. He then moved to Seattle, where he met his wife, who would become the shop owner in 1998. Since then, the shop has been a local staple in Denver.
4. Southern Style BBQ
What is Southern Style BBQ? Southern Style BBQ serves up some Texas-style barbecue. They have been in operation for about 30 years, which makes them one of Denver’s most established barbecue joints.
What is Unique About This Restaurant? The restaurant claimed to have served 5 million pounds of meat as of 2013 and was inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest barbecue restaurant (rolling both barrels).
5. Tryst
What is Tryst? Tryst is a Mediterranean restaurant that serves casual, Mediterranean food. The restaurant has been operating since 2005 and owns two outposts: a wine bar and a seafood restaurant (both shown on their website, established below).
What is Unique About This Restaurant? The owner of Tryst, David Gallegos-Alvarez, is the son of the man who started America’s first fast-food chain.
6. The Good Life
What is a Good Life? The Good Life is a pizzeria that serves up pizza. For those who don’t know, Italian pizza was created in Italy and brought to America by Italian immigrants. Thus, the restaurant’s name.
What is Unique About This Restaurant? The restaurant’s owner, Ronny Siegel, has lived in Denver for over 40 years. He was inspired to start The Good Life after frequenting pizza spots in Italy.
7. Sancho’s Taco Shop
What is a Sancho’s Taco Shop? Sancho’s is a counter-service Mexican restaurant that serves tacos, burritos, and other Tex-Mex dishes. This location is the third in Denver, with two others in Colorado Springs and Englewood.
What is Unique About This Restaurant? The restaurant’s namesake is Mexican-American actress Margarita Muñoz. Her voice can be heard in the various ads run by the restaurant.
8. Artisanal International Bistro
What is Artisanal International Bistro? This restaurant is where you can go to experience fine dining and light fare all in one place. The restaurant has been operating since 2010, which means it’s been around for a while now.
What is Unique About This Restaurant? The restaurant combines high-quality catering and fine dining in one place. You can choose which courses you want when you order a meal at Artisanal International Bistro. Then, the kitchen (that spells “kitch”) will prepare and plate every item.
9. Fruition
What is Fruition? Fruition is a gourmet food shop that serves dishes inspired by French cuisine (along with some Asian and seafood along the way). The shop has been operating since 2007 and started as a restaurant that sold sandwiches and wine.
What is Unique About This Restaurant? Fruition’s chef, Michael Lees, has been named one of Denver’s best chefs by Westword numerous times. He has also written two books, “Eating in Denver” and “Denver’s 50 Best Restaurants”.
10. Ayron Bistro
What is Ayron Bistro? The restaurant is French and specializes in elegant, fine dining. The restaurant has been in operation since 2003 and was recently named one of the best restaurants in the country by OpenTable.
What is Unique About This Restaurant? Ayron Bistro uses local, seasonal ingredients to create dishes designed to showcase them. They also order in bulk to get the freshest ingredients possible.
11. Bistro Vendome
What is Bistro Vendome? This restaurant specializes in French dishes. Bistro Vendome has several locations in Denver, with many of the places have been locally owned since the restaurant’s inception.
What is Unique About This Restaurant? Bistro Vendome is one of Denver’s most upscale French restaurants. The restaurant serves food from a small menu that often changes based on what ingredients are available locally.
12. Caffe Nero
What is Caffe Nero? This coffee shop sells espresso drinks. The shop has been in business since 1975 and has expanded to Ireland and the United Kingdom.
What is Unique About This Restaurant? The first Caffe Nero was owned by an Italian immigrant named Enrico Cova. In his will, he left the business to be run in the future by the first person to identify a new type of coffee drink (which ended up being espresso).
13. Fruition
What is Fruition? Fruition is a gourmet food shop that serves dishes inspired by French cuisine (along with some Asian and seafood along the way). The shop has been operating since 2007 and started as a restaurant that sold sandwiches and wine.
What is Unique About This Restaurant? Fruition’s chef, Michael Lees, has been named one of Denver’s best chefs by Westword numerous times. He has also written two books, “Eating in Denver” and “Denver’s 50 Best Restaurants”.
14. The Oceanaire
What is The Oceanaire? The restaurant is an authentic fine dining establishment and one of the best in Colorado. The restaurant has been operating since 1990 and serves French-based dishes on its menu.
What is Unique About This Restaurant? The restaurant’s owner, Jean Pierre Mouly, had a ton of success with his other restaurants. He started the restaurant business by opening a Swiss bakery when he was 19 years old (which sold bread and pastries).
15. The Buff
What is the Buff? The Buff is a bakery that sells bagels and various other pastries. The Bakery’s products are available at several locations (including counter-service and full-service restaurants).
What is Unique About This Restaurant? The restaurant’s owner, Michael Roth, opened the first Denver location in 1990. He later obtained a degree in baking from Colorado State University.
16. Garage Kitchen
What is Garage Kitchen? This restaurant serves up food made with fresh ingredients that are locally sourced. The restaurant has been in operation since 2003 and also sells market-inspired snacks and desserts.
What is Unique About This Restaurant? The menu at Garage Kitchen changes frequently based on what’s available at the local farmers’ markets. It also serves up seasonal dishes that reflect locally available during the season.
Conclusion
Denver’s food scene is unique, and the restaurants above are just some of the ones you can check out. The city also has many other restaurants, including many that are top-notch in quality and taste.
If you’ve been to any of the restaurants above and want to recommend others, please let us know in the comments!
FAQ
What food is Denver famous for?
Denver is known for many different things, but one food you should try is Denver-style Italian beef. This sandwich consists of thinly sliced meat and a ton of Italian spices. Just look at the image below to get an idea of how the sandwich looks.
Where was the Yum Yum Tree in Denver?
The Yum Yum Tree was located at East Colfax and Sheridan. It was originally opened in 1950 and changed locations in 1995. The restaurant closed in August 2012, which is why so many people are sad about it closing.
Is the Denver food scene good?
Yes, Denver has one of the best food scenes in the country. The city serves some unique cuisines in all of America and has many dining options (including those above). It doesn’t matter if you want a sit-down restaurant or a quick bite to eat; Denver’s food scene has something for everyone.
Does Colorado have good restaurants?
Yes, Colorado has a lot of awesome restaurants. The state also has a decent amount of food options, so you can find something you like easily.
