While technically in Wheat Ridge, I'm putting this in the Lakewood section. It's a really cute coffee shop with lots of space, although on a Tuesday afternoon around 3pm it was pretty crowded. They do have wifi but it's only for 180 minutes per purchase. So if you want to camp out there expect to have to buy a new item every so often. They have lots of coffee options and snacks. I went for a simple cappuccino as it was cold outside and it wasn't bitter, just rich and strong.
Right off West Colfax, Brew Culture is one of the only "Instagram-friendly" shops in the Lakewood area. It's cute inside, they have good wifi and their wifi is strong. There's also a brewery I've yet to try next door, so if you want to start with coffee and end with a beer, you can!
One of my favorite Italian places in Colorado, Cafe Jordano is that local Italian place you see in movies. The whole staff seems like family and their pasta is fresh. I love their ravioli because it comes with a meatball and that thing is the most flavorful meatball I've ever consumed.
This little spot near where I got my Colorado driver's license has really good coffee and comfy seating. I don't know about the wifi because I just took my book, but I would recommend it instead of going to a chain.
Okay, it seems like Denverites are in two camps about Casa Bonita, ones that absolutely detest it and ones who see it for the kitschy glory. I'm here for it. It reminds me of the Mexico ride at Epcot combined with the Rainforest Cafe and just a whole lot of childhood fun. The roomie and I went on a Wednesday, so it wasn't crowded — no line, but apparently, it gets nuts on the weekends. I would say it's a photography paradise because you have cliff divers, a waterfall, sopaipillas (the best part of the meal) and more. It's just so much fun if you accept it for what it is and go along for the ride.
Like Great American Cookie Company but not in a sketchy mall, CCC serves up the regular flavors plus unique seasonal flavors. I went in the fall to try their pumpkin spice and it didn't disappoint.
If you're looking for Instagramable desserts, CREAM in Belmar is a good go-to. They do ice cream sandwiches with warm cookies and fun flavors. Plus, they'll do ice cream tacos and donut sandwiches.
Denver's newest food hall, and probably the most casual is Edgewater. It's in a warehouse, so not a ton of atmosphere (which I like), but there are a bunch of communal tables, a good bar and lots of options for everyone in your life. We tried Gyros King and I was pleasantly surprised. It was a good gyro and I would for sure go again.
So, Aung's is my favorite Thai restaurant in Denver BUT Farmhouse Thai is a close second. The benefit of Farmhouse is their Crab Rangoons may just be the best I've had in Colorado. Their Panang Curry lit me up in the best way possible, and it wasn't even Thai hot.
After a particularly stressful Monday, I stopped at Granny Scott's, not sure what to expect. But holy cow, this pie. It is worth every penny. You kind of have to look to find the building, but get a slice of the grasshopper once you're there.
My favorite food is bread, so when I walked into Great
Harvest and they had a "bread bar" for sampling I might have lost myself a bit. They do really nice sandwiches, baked goods and I highly recommend a loaf of their cinnamon chip or challah bread — you won't regret it.
This super cute coffee shop is probably off your radar as it's in a shopping center I had never even seen until I visited. They have a few very instagramable spots inside and on a Saturday afternoon it wasn't crowded. They have an extensive latte menu that all looks delightful — I had a mint chocolate concoction and loved it.
This is that classic small-town ice cream parlor you grew up going to. Brightly colored walls, what seems like miles of buckets of ice cream and plenty of cone options. One of my
friends and I have been twice because it's halfway between us and the ice cream is just so good! Get the Tin Roof in a sugar cone, and you won't be disappointed.
As we know, I'm kind of obsessed with bagels, so I like that there is a place pretty close to my apartment where I can get my fix. It's a cute spot, and the staff is kind.
Located in Belmar, Paciugo is a hidden gem. It has really good coffee and even better gelato. Plus, the staff is super
nice.
If you like pierogies, which how could you not? This is kind of the go-to place in Denver. I like their schnitzel, which you can get with a few pierogies on the side. They also have a gelato shop inside the store and you can purchase frozen pierogies to-go.
Piggin' Out has a few locations but the Lakewood one is fun because all the seating is outside. It's an eclectic mix of seating options but so nice for a hot summer day or a crisp fall afternoon. All the meat was flavorful and smoked well. Would recommend this spot to get out of your routine!
I spotted this little place in Lakewood on Instagram one day and immediately put it on my list. Lakewood can be kind of barren for locally-owned restaurants, so I was really excited. The place has great lighting, a good craft beer selection and tons of pizza options. And the pizza...oh my, my mouth drools a little remembering how good it was. And they have spicy honey — which is worth its weight in gold. If you live in the southern Denver area, this is a great restaurant to meet friends on a weeknight for laughs and drinks.
The roomie introduced this to me, and I simultaneously love her for it and hate her for it. I love her because they have the best baked goods in Denver...I haven't tried enough to really say that but holy cow; these are really freaking good. I hate her for it because now every Sunday I want to hop in my car and go get a whole box of the aforementioned pastries. I like going, picking up a bunch and eating them the rest of the week...or the same day...depends on my mood. You can also eat them there before you head out on a Saturday morning hike in some of the nearby open spaces.
This place gets insane on a Sunday morning but oh is the food worth the wait. It's in the Lakewood Belmar area — kinda like The Gulch or Coconut Point but Denver-vibes and the kitchen serves up this biscuit dish covered in cheese that makes you want to drool on your table.
In Belmar, Tstreet had been on my list for a super long time and when we walked in I remembered why. The interior is super well designed, and feels quite fancy for Lakewood. I had their nachos, which are massive and the mixture of cheeses is delightful. The drinks looked good too.
Littleton
Acres confuses me, but in a good way. It's off Broadway and it's fancy but casual at the same time. The Beef Cheek Empanadas are A+ and I highly recommend the Bruce's Biscuits, which come with a honey butter second to none.
As I try to eat at all the Littleton restaurants — the Denver community I call home — this was at the top of my list. It's located along the adorable main street downtown and has a rooftop portion. Have yet to go up there but the roommate and I grabbed dinner at the bar one night and I was happily surprised. We had margaritas, they make 'em strong and the Pollo con Crema is excellent. It's smothered in this chipotle cream sauce that I wish they bottled and sold so I could put it on everything.
My favorite car wash is in this parking lot, so one morning I thought to finally try this little coffee shop. The atmosphere is cute, very world travel themed and the coffee was strong but not bitter (aka my goal with coffee). I had a chocolate muffin too and just sat for a bit; twas very peaceful.
I have never been to the original location of this spot, but I love the Littleton one. It's right across from the Littleton courthouse and has a rooftop with views of the Front Range. It's a all-day brunch type of place, which as a basic human I love. Definitely get the bacon flight, bacon & waffles and an aperol spritz.
My favorite place to take my laptop in downtown has great lighting, delicious baked goods and good coffee (and excellent eggnog chai during the holiday season). The owners are incredibly sweet, and you just feel good about spending a Sunday morning there.
You walk into Bowles and you get the sense that everyone knows everybody. It's cute and sweet. I did breakfast on a cold, rainy morning so I didn't get to take advantage of the outdoor seating next to the waterfall — but do that if you can. The breakfast burrito was pretty good and the service was excellent. It's that no-frills breakfast spot near your house that won't have an insane wait on a weekend.
When I was about to cry from
the most stressful week of my life (should I TM that?) I got an email from Liz, my now roommate. So Breck Brew holds a lot of happiness for me, I found an apartment that I loved in the parking lot, I met one of my good friends for the first time by the fireplace, I spent St. Patrick's Day and other occasions here. The brewery is beautiful, with a gorgeous dining room and cool outdoor space that is insane on a summer day. They even have a popsicle stand some weekends that I cannot wait for now that the snow has stopped. The bbq options on the menu are delicious, and the beer is good too. I highly, highly recommend.
A classic brunch spot in a big, old house off of the main Littleton drag, Cafe Terracotta does not disappoint. The brunch wait can be kind of long, so go early on a Sunday. But while you wait indulge in their mimosas and pretty much all the food on the menu is good. I had a classic breakfast with bacon, eggs and potatoes, all were good and cooked to perfection.
If you want to support a local donut shop in Littleton, City Donuts is a great option! They have tons of different flavors but their chocolate iced with sprinkles is my favorite. It's like a fluffy sugary pillow.
This very aesthetically pleasing coffee shop off of Littleton's main thoroughfare helps a great cause and has delicious coffee. The breakfast burrito is also something to taste test. I would suggest going early in the morning if you want parking because it gets pretty insane. My only thing is the wifi is a little sketchy so come prepared with a book too.
If you are a gamer...of any kind...Enchanted Grounds was made for you. I go for the solid wifi and good coffee — they have a La Marzoco. Every time I've gone there have been tons of people playing various games, discussing the gaming community and more.
In west Littleton, Flying Pig serves up juicy burgers and good craft beer. They also do good specials so check out their website before you head over.
Right near the RTD line in downtown Littleton, Grande Station is a good local spot. A friend and I went for dinner and it's the kind of place that can be nice if you want it to be or casual. They do great drink specials and breakfast most days. I had the Southwest Chicken Salad, basically it's covered in cheese and that makes me happy. Julia had the Station Prime sandwich, which is basically a whole ribeye for fairly cheap, so a super good deal.
Whenever I need an iced latte and don't want to go far from my apartment or need a pick-me-up on the way home from work, I'll go to Ground Up. I've never sat down to test out their wifi, but they are super friendly and their coffee isn't bitter.
I love a classic diner, the more over-the-top the better and Gunther Toody's is right up my alley. The best friend adores their Monte Cristo, I love their thick chocolate malts and the burger is also good.
This one is really off-the-beaten-path in Littleton, I had never been in this part of town until I sought Hogback out. But, ooo, is it good! Highly recommend the egg rolls (asian cabbage, smoked pork, cheddar cheese and a spicy Thai sauce). The Original Porker, a pulled pork sandwich on toast with roasted hatch green chilis and melted pepper jack cheese, has the perfect kick.
This is one of my favorite places in downtown Littleton, it feels like it could be in Gilmore Girls...except tea instead of coffee. The vibe is cozy, with window seats deep enough to fully sit criss-crossed. They have tons of different chais (my favorite tea) but they have pretty much every tea you could imagine. Plus, wifi!
I finally tried this Denver staple, they've been around since 1933, and was not disappointed. I had a pumpkin spice donut, because I'm basic and it was so perfectly done.
This might be the place I suggest the most in Littleton. It's in a cute house, off of Littleton Blvd. Latke Love serves up traditional Jewish delicacies but I think their latkes with homemade apple sauce are the best dish. They taste like home, super warm, crunchy, salty, now I want them.
Le Peep is my go-to for breakfast in Littleton. It's near my apartment; I love the vibe — it's always packed — they have fun seasonal dishes and their iced coffee is A+.
There are many Lucile's in the Denver-area, but I've only been to the Littleton version, which sits right on the water in a cool yellow house. The inside vibe isn't exactly what you'd expect, but they do some amazing biscuits...they look like pillows. Plus, you can get beignets, which make everything better.
Like all of the chains but with a local feel, Nella's is a classic froyo shop. They have tons of flavor options and of course, all the toppings.
A chain, but a new to me chain, Nekter does juices/smoothies/cleanses. And while I'm not a huge fan of all that I do recommend if you are looking for a quality smoothie. When I got sick I went and got their "immunity" shots — not sure if they helped but they made me feel like they helped.
Located in a downtown Littleton cheese shop, Nook is good for when you need to get something done in cute surroundings. They have great wifi, good baked goods and delicious coffee.
OPH might be a chain you are familiar with but just in case you aren't, here's this one! It's located in the busiest/maybe best shopping center in Littleton and it doesn't disappoint. The meals aren't cheap but they are MASSIVE. Look at the whipped cream atop those chocolate chip pancakes! If you are headed for a long day shopping, hiking, driving this would be my go-to.
A cute pizza spot with great deals — including a 6" pizza, half salad and drink for $12.25 — the food is really yummy. It's fast casual but a little bit nicer so you can use it as a date night spot or a place to meet with your girlfriends for their wine bottle deal on Monday nights.
I recently discovered this coffee shop in a kind of industrial part of Littleton (south of downtown), but it is so cute inside, they have great wifi and I love the amount of outlets/seating options. The lady who was working was super sweet, and I loved their many chai latte options — I'm a spicy girl myself. The coffee bar is highly Instagramable as well.
Please walk, don't run to Rosie's. It's in a strip center across from the Southwest Mall and if you didn't know it was there, you wouldn't go. BUT GO. I went twice in two days because I love it so much. They serve up delicious baked goods but they also do great breakfast biscuit sandwiches that both myself and a friend love. The atmosphere is cute and the guy who operates the front is hilarious. Seriously, go to this local spot and enjoy it!
Maybe the best mac & cheese I've had in Colorado and some really good baked beans, weirdly the meat came in last. But that doesn't mean in isn't good too. Saucy Buns is in the same building as the Elvis Theater and it's tiny but so worth a visit. The employees are also super nice!
A fast-casual spot in south Denver, Shawarma has phenomenal spicy hummus. The folks who run it are really nice, and on a Friday night, it can get pretty crazy in there.
This place is huge! And has wi-fi and would be great if you need to sit down and get some stuff down. It has that camp out vibe because it's so big. It kind of reminds me of Mozarts in Austin. I had a latte and it was smooth as can be, not bitter at all! I recommend going for breakfast at Duffeyroll down the street and then coming here for coffee.
This little spot is located in an unassuming strip-mall near the Elvis movie theater...if you know, you know. I wasn't expecting a whole lot but you walk in and it's cute and the service is great. The tacos are tiny — just like the classic taquerias in Texas — and they do good sauces/salsas as well.
I'm a big philly cheesesteak fan, I grew up with a place right by my house, so I was curious how this place would be. It was classic and perfect. Good for when you just want something a little greasy and bad for you.
If you are a margarita consumer like me, The Alley is a great spot for you in downtown Littleton. They have so many flavors, including a prickly pear, which we all know brings out the Texan in me. The food truck out back serves up tacos, and they usually have live music. Have four or five margs like a friend, and I did, and you'll end up singing "Redneck Woman" far too loudly with the band.
I love a bundt cake, Texas has many Nothing Bundt Cake shops but this is the local version of that! I went in the afternoon on a weekday and they still had a ton of the mini bundts in tons of flavors. It was summer and they even had pumpkin! I had the creamsicle and the chocolate, which were both incredibly moist and the icing was just sweet enough.
Located at the entrance to Downtown Littleton, Toast is always packed. I was so pleasantly surprised and happy with my trip there. I thought it would be your classic diner, not that there is anything wrong with that, but it's so much more. They are incredibly creative with their food, I had the honey chicken biscuits smothered in black pepper gravy and wanted to try one of the epic pancakes.
Okay, for anyone who has ever lived/been in Florida and tried a Publix Sub, this shop is the closest thing in Denver I've found to them. They put this pepper jelly on all their sandwiches that is absolute heaven. I think about this sandwich a lot...and my co-worker is also obsessed.
I shop at Tony's more than my bank account likes...but their pre-prepared meatballs, freshly baked bread, brownies and cheese selection just real me in. Plus, they usually have something I can't find anywhere else...like chicory coffee.
The best friend found this place after we were starving from hiking...this happens quite frequently to us, so we took off our muddy shoes and basically sped over. I had never heard of Walter's until she found it, but oh my goodness their crust is SO good. Like I may have had dreams about it since then. The spot is in an unsuspecting strip center near downtown Littleton, but you walk in, and the place is nice and the staff are even nicer. I think it would be the perfect, movie-moment, neighborhood pizza joint for anyone.
Aurora
If you are super into the aesthetics like me, have brunch at Annette. It's in Stanley Marketplace — a foodhall in Aurora — but the restaurant has its own space and that 10am light streaming through the windows is beautiful. Did I mention if you order coffee, it comes in a Le Creuset press?! Debora and I loved the food, it was all so good.
When I first moved to Denver I saw this place all over Instagram, and their desserts do not disappoint. If you're a bubble tea lover, head over here or if you like kooky milkshakes it's your spot.
This spot out near the airport...as close as a cute restaurant can be to the airport... had been on my radar for a while but I hadn't had a chance to try it until recently. The place looks like if Bumble (
the dating/friendship app) was a restaurant. In the best way possible — it's highly Instagramable with bright yellows and honeycomb design features. The wait can be super long on weekends (but the counter is a free-for-all). Get the Fro-J, basically a frozen mimosa and split the cinnamon roll — it's massive. I enjoyed the breakfast nachos, because that's fun but I think they could have thrown some scrambled eggs on top to keep with the breakfast theme.
This is in the back of an Ethiopian grocery store, which is super fun to explore as well, and their Napoelon cake is one of the better versions I've had in Denver. Plus, the coffee is good, not too bitter.
Located in Stanley Marketplace, Rolling Smoke is bringing traditional bbq to Denver. Their mac & cheese is made with shell pasta and is delightfully cheese, plus they serve traditional baked beans — where there is almost more molasses than bean. The meats were smoked well and I was shocked at how good it all was on a Sunday afternoon only a few hours before closing.
If you are looking for something that isn't a fast meal, Root Down is the place to go. Their food is delicious — I had a meatball bahn mi that was A+ — but they also have a good wine list and these really nice tables if you're traveling by yourself, like I always am. It's a treat-yo-self kind of airport meal, and I like that.
This place kind of, not totally, reminds me of the coffee shop in Friends (I am not a Friends fan, but I know about Central Perk, okay?). It just feels incredibly cozy and everyone is nice. If you are over in the greater Aurora area, it's a good stop.
I think Snowl was designed with social media in mind because it seems like every corner has a staple of the perfect aesthetic restaurant. This was also the first place (and only) I have had Taiyaki, those adorable fish shaped cones. I had it filled with red bean paste, taro and covered in fruity pebbles. The cone was so good because it wasn't overly sweet. That was probably my favorite thing that while I was eating dessert, it wasn't sickly sweet. Plus, the place was packed but I easily got a seat and just enjoyed people-watching the other influencers.
If you love that minimalist, Pinterest coffee shop design, go to Sonder immediately. If you're like me and love a good coffee shop with good wifi, Sonder is great too. It's located in an apartment complex...or so it seems? But there is always parking and I highly recommend asking about their seasonal menu. I went in the summer and had a sunflower latte (not sure I liked it, but it was so different than anything I've experienced).
You have to travel a pretty good distance to this one if you don't live in south Denver, and the wait on Sundays can be pretty steep, but the griddles are worth it. I highly recommend the ebelskivers (seasonal donut holes) as an appetizer before you enjoy the savory pancake...yeah, it's amazing.
I love Thai-rolled ice cream. The love began in
Austin and it continues today. This particular spot is in a grocery store...but don't be intimidated. You don't even have to walk into the actual store as Wonder sits to the right before the second set of doors. Wonder is another Instagram place, there is a cute green wall with twinkle lights and a golden sign. I had the mango ice cream, which was so light and airy that I wanted to go back for more. The people running the shop are so sweet and gave me suggestions on what to top it with — overall a fantastic experience.
Yes, this is a chain (and for my Austin readers, y'all are getting one!) but it's so unique I wanted to include it. I have never had Ube in my life but when I saw a photo of that beautiful lavender milkshake I knew I had to get my hands on it. The place gets packed but you can always find a parking spot and the line moves quickly. Most people, myself included, were getting items to go. The food is something I have yet to try but it looks interesting!
Highlands Ranch
I'm a macaron connoisseur, we can blame it on my 16th birthday trip to Paris or my fairly successful attempts at making them, but basically, I'm judgy. So, I didn't have the highest expectations of Honey B's but was I WRONG. These things were as good, if not better (scandalous), as Ladurée. Plus, the box is adorable they come in, and you can take classes!
This spot is similar to Panera, but you feel more at home and less chain-y. I especially like to stop in during the holiday season where the shelves are brimming with baked goods. They also do a good breakfast.
A fast-casual Denver chain, Mici, is just good when you need to meet a girlfriend and vent about your love life...you know what I mean? They do great pasta, but the gelato is truly where it is at. I would highly recommend placing an order, grabbing it to-go, taking it home and watching a movie with a bottle of TJ's two-buck-chuck.
Arvada
I found this place when I was making my masterlist of restaurants I wanted to try when I first moved here, then I read an article about it and then, finally, I visited. And it doesn't disappoint. First of all, it's in a really pretty spot and it does look like a chalet. And second of all, the pastry case is MASSIVE. They pretty much have everything you could ever want. I tried a cookies & cream brownie and it was perfectly moist and crisp at the same time...maybe not the best description. But I 10/10 recommend.
This is one of my go-to coffee shops on the west side of Denver. It's in a cute old house with outdoor seating and for some reason it gives me the feeling it could be in Stars Hollow (where are my Gilmore Girls fans at). I think it is the perfect spot on a crisp fall morning to grab a chai, breakfast burrito and sit out on the patio with a good book. Too cold? Sit inside where the wooden floors creak and you can curl up next to a window.
One night I was headed to the airport for a late flight and I parked at the Arvada RTD parking garage but wanted to try a new restaurant and not pay airport prices so I stopped into Lloyd's. It's a good classic sandwich shop with some actual atmosphere if you end up eating in.
My friend and I tried to go to this brewery/restaurant one Friday night and it turned out they were celebrating an anniversary that was insane so we ended up at a chain. But a few Sundays ago I took my parents because the brewery is known for IPAs and my mother is an IPA lover/snob (
give her a follow). I wasn't expecting to like the food as much as I did. I snacked on the Carnivore Nachos, house-made chips and shredded chicken with all the normal fixins.
Back when I was going through the
most stressful week of my life, as I've decided to call the week I spent in Denver
buying a car, searching for an apartment I could afford, buying furniture for aforementioned apartment, being incredibly sick with a cold, going to my first five days of work and being incredibly stressed out in general, my fam visited Rheinlander. This bakery on Arvada's high street transports you to a German bakery back in the 1400s — but with modern technology. The cookies are delicious, and that apple strudel is to-die-for. Go during the holiday season for the most festive feels you'll ever get.
Debz had flown in, and we met at Schoolhouse because it was between us. I had no idea what to expect and let me tell you, they go hard on the school theme. But it's fun. I had the chicken and waffle skewers, which turned out to be like corn dogs but 1000 percent better?
One of my favorite Denver-area restaurants, Steuben's does not disappoint. It's basically up-scale diner food, but it's done so right. Their Nashville hot chicken was just as good — if not better (sorry Nashville) than
what I had this summer. Plus, they do breakfast all day and have homemade Choco Tacos. There is one in uptown Denver, I haven't been, but I love that the one in Arvada is in an old diner that they renovated to make it look straight out of the '70s.
The best friend and I love a cereal restaurant, so when we saw that downtown Arvada was home to one, we immediately put it down to visit — and it doesn't disappoint. They have so many different options, I like to go with a pre-created concoction but you can make your own, and they do some pretty crazy milkshakes.
Golden
If you love an intimate food hall, this one is for you. It's right off the main street in Downtown Littleton and while it's the smallest food hall in the Denver-area, it's one of my favorites. I have only been once but I tried two restaurants and I would go back in a heart beat.
Fringe Pizza makes the classic neapolitan-style pizza with their own homemade crusts. It's a very easy pizza to end up eating the whole thing...as we did. Also,
Thai Kun (a favorite of mine in
Austin) now has a Colorado outpost here! Their beef panang curry has so much flavor and depending on the day may make you cry.
Centennial/Lone Tree
I'm a cookie lover, they are my second favorite dessert (second only to ice cream) and Crumbl does cookies well. The aesthetics are amazing and the cookies come out warm. The frosted animal cookie was buttery perfection.
This sports bar invited me to dine for free and I said yes (of course) because I love a good sports bar. And this one doesn't disappoint. It's massive yet intimate at the same time. The night I was there my roommate and I were seated in the more billiards-style room and we had no idea trivia was going on on the other side of the restaurant until my roommate went to the restroom. For a sports bar to be quiet can be a nice thing. They also have about 8,000 tvs so if you want to watch "the game" they will have it. I highly recommend the boozy milkshakes and the loaded tater tots.
Morrison
This is a cute spot on the main Morrison drag. I love it because it's one of the closest breakfast restaurants near my apartment and it's a great place to take people who don't have mountains where they're from. The drive to the place is almost magic. They do have a parking lot, but I've gone during the week at 9am and gotten the last spot, so be prepared to park on the street. They serve up all the classic breakfasts, including a delicious biscuit dish smothered in gravy. If you're visiting Morrison in the afternoon and want a sweet treat, you can walk up to their ice cream window.
