Where to Eat and Drink at Denver International Airport (DEN)
Between the art installations that have launched 1,000 conspiracy theories, the al fresco leisure activities out on DEN Plaza, and that ringtone-worthy train jingle, the Denver International Airport (DIA) is more entertaining than your average travel hub — and that’s no less true of its dining options, both present and upcoming. The former are covered at length below, terminal by terminal, and her
Coming Attractions
DIA’s commitment to local operators is admirable: This year will see the opening of a number of Denver favorites. In concourse A, look for contemporary American kitchen the Bindery, hip ramen shop Uncle, Argentinian darling Maria Empanada, and Fat Sully’s Pizza. With Osteria Marco, Frank Bonnano is bringing his brand of Italian cuisine to Concourse B. And Concourse C will see a satellite of Hosea Rosenberg’s Santo, serving up modern Southwestern cuisine.
Amid the hubbub of security checkpoints, the Jeppesen Terminal is hardly the most relaxing place to dine. But for hungry travelers who can’t wait another minute (or 20) to fill their bellies, Boulder Beer Tap House, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Subway, and multiple coffee outlets await.
This concourse has been a hotbed of activity over the past year, seeing not one, not two, but five new arrivals from local, independent operators. One of a very few Native American restaurants in the country, Tocabe (A38) serves up frybread, Indian tacos, and the like; D Bar (A38) takes a dessert-first approach to contemporary cuisine; Olive & Finch On the Fly (A48) comes from Mary Nguyen, one of Denver’s best sandwich and pastry purveyors; The Bagel Deli (A38) brings an old-school touch of the Lower East Side to the Mile High City; and Williams & Graham (A38) is a veritable speakeasy behind a bookcase, just like its celebrated craft cocktail-focused sibling in LoHi.
Of course, they’re not alone. Other best bets in this concourse are Mercantile Dining & Provision (center core), featuring the New American cuisine of James Beard Award–winning chef Alex Seidel; the scaled-down satellite of RiNo food hall Denver Central Market (A48), which houses four vendors under one roof — Vero Italian, River Bear Meats, Lunchboxx, and Sushi-Rama; and Tacos Tequila Whiskey (A18), whose name says it all. Still more Colorado-proud establishments include Breckenridge Brewery (A71), Elway’s Taproom and Grill (A18), Snarf’s Sandwiches (A73), and Brothers BBQ (A71). Concourse A’s other venues are as follows:
United passengers flying out of Concourse B can start their day right with doughnuts from wildly popular Portland, Oregon, export Voodoo Doughnut (Mezzanine) or with pancakes and Benedicts galore at Ballpark smash hit–turned–regional breakfast-and-brunch juggernaut Snooze an A.M. Eatery (Mezzanine). Non-morning people, meanwhile, can sample the craft beers that turned Fort Collins icon New Belgium Brewing (B30) into one of the biggest names in the business; grab a chili-topped, tortilla-wrapped Denver dog at Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs (B24) or a sandwich at veteran Denver chef Frank Bonanno’s Jersey-inspired deli Salt & Grinder; go global at modern Mexican spot El Chingon (B12) or Japanese eatery Mizu Sushi Izakaya (B12); or even splurge on a steak dinner at Elway’s (center core).
