8 Most Affordable Restaurants in Denver

It is important to consider how to save while dining out, as well as how to manage your expenses, in order to have enjoyable experiences without breaking the bank. Before you go out, it is important that you thoroughly research the prices and availability of restaurants in your area, which will allow you to find the best deals and avoid getting stuck with a bill that will be difficult to manage. 

Timing can play an important role when it comes to saving money on dining out. Some establishments will offer early bird specials, which are great for those who want to enjoy their favorite dishes at a lower price.

Whether you are a full time resident of Denver or just visiting the city, you can find plenty of high quality restaurants that offer extensive options without having to pay an arm and a leg. 

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Most Affordable Restaurants in Denver

From Mexican, to Italian, to Native American, and more, here is a variety of the most affordable restaurants to choose from in Denver!

1. Tocabe

The go to spot for traditional Native American cuisine

📍  8181 E Arapahoe Rd C | Greenwood Village | tocabe.com

Located in Greenwood Village and Berkeley, Tocabe is a local American Indian restaurant that serves a variety of customizable food items, such as grain bowls and fry breads. Its signature dishes are often topped with a variety of ingredients, such as red quinoa, wild rice, and wheatberries. One of the most popular combos is the Fancy, which features a combination of chili beans and bison, cheddar, and hominy salsa.

Currently, Tocabe is the only place in Metro Denver that serves Native American cuisine. 

The menu features a variety of options that are designed to accommodate different taste preferences, and the restaurant's staff members are passionate about making the best possible food. 

“This was a great spot to check out on my vacation in Colorado. Heard some good things about this place and went to check it out. Inside has plenty of seating and tables. The staff was kind and helpful and the atmosphere was busy but relaxing. I would love to have another visit back here again!” - Yelp Review

2. Jovanina’s Broken Italian

A fresh take on modern Italian cuisine

📍 1520 Blake St | Denver | jovanina.com

Through a Colorado-based perspective, Jovanina's Italian Kitchen brings a modern take on traditional Italian cuisine to Denver's Lower Downtown district. Its dinner menu features a variety of dishes that are made with local ingredients and are designed to be shared. Some of the menu's staples include steak and seafood dishes, as well as handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza.

The diverse beverage program features house-made and traditional drinks, as well barrel-aged spirits, seasonal liqueurs, and more. In the restaurant's subterranean lounge, Sotto Voce, guests can enjoy carted drinks, local beer, and an extensive wine list.

“Had a great dinner here! Service was so welcoming and warm. We started with the grilled oysters which were delicious. The house made focaccia was also nice and fluffy. The mussel pasta was good as well. Really warm and cozy ambiance.” - Yelp Review

3. Culinary Dropout 

A lively scene with top notch food and drinks

📍 4141 E 9th Ave | Denver | culinarydropout.com

At Culinary Dropout Denver, you can celebrate with a party that's unlike anything else. A private dining room, as well as a patio and lounge, are available for various seating arrangements. Everything about the establishment is memorable, from the extensive selection of beer and wine to various other spirits.

The Culinary Dropout offers a variety of classic dishes that are made to order, and some of the crowd favorites include the famous fried chicken with honey sauce and 36-hour pork ribs. Wash down your meal with a house-made cocktail or an ice-cold beer when you’re finished and enjoy live music and games for entertainment!

“We've dined at Culinary Dropout in Arizona, so we have a few menu items we love, including the pretzel bites - so good! And I love that they are served with a candle under the cheese so it stays warm. I went with the crispy shrimp caesar salad. This was so good, and the perfect size for lunch. I left feeling perfectly full. Our server was wonderful - I didn't catch his name but he was so friendly and checked in on us frequently. Another great experience at Culinary Dropout!” - Yelp Review

4. Mac and Cheezary

Calling the Mac and Cheese Lovers

📍 3895 Wadsworth Blvd | Wheat Ridge | macncheezary.com

Mac Cheezary is certainly for the mac and cheese enthusiasts, with 10 different combinations that will satisfy your craving. There are also customizable bowls that you can create with your own unique toppings.

The creamy and delicious Mac and Cheese will leave you feeling satisfied and forget about your diet. Mac Cheezary uses only the finest ingredients, and it's managed to impress even the harshest critics out there. Come visit the restaurant for a delicious affordable meal and indulge in your craving!

“My friend took me here for some really good mac & cheese. They have a lot of options. I told the Mac pizza and my friend chose the Colorado special. Both are very good at a reasonable price. Simple seating. The restaurant was clean and staff was nice. Come here for the mac & cheese and you won't be disappointed.”- Yelp Review

5. Lucky Noodles

Charming Thai cuisine in the heart of Denver

📍 1201 E Colfax Ave Ste 102 | Denver | luckynoodlesthaidenver.com

Inspired by the food she grew up with in Bangkok, restaurant owner Kamolrat Limpapath opened the popular Lucky Noodles restaurant in East Colfax in 2020. Despite the outbreak of the pandemic, she was still able to keep her business running smoothly.

The community has responded to Limpapath's welcoming message and her selection of Thai dishes, which include tom yum soup, khao soi and other noodle dishes, all made with ingredients sourced from Thailand. 

Yuuuum!!! My goodness, this is delicious Thai food. I was with a big group, and I don't remember everything I tried, but it was all phenomenal. Quick service too!”- Yelp Review

6. Sam’s No. 3

So many menu options to choose from you’ll just need to come back again!

📍 1500 Curtis St | Denver | samsno3.com 

Sam's No. 3, which has been serving up some of the best Greek diner food in Denver since 1927, is known for its many offerings including a variety of Mexican dishes and a huge selection of hamburgers. 

Despite its extensive menu and the numerous dairy and gluten-free choices, this isn't the place for people looking to lose weight. You'll find plenty of these options on the regular menu, such as a burrito that features mac and cheese, tater tots, and chorizo! Although Sam's No. 3 may look like an average establishment, it's actually one of the best places for quality food and affordability in Denver. 

“This place was really good, and definitely worth the wait. They initially quoted us 45 minutes but it turned out to only be about 25. Our server was really attentive and made sure the coffee cup stayed full. My omelette was tasty and so was the has browns cooked crispy. I tried some of my Hubs' pancakes and thought they had a sweet, cake like taste.” - Yelp Review

7. Maria Empanada

A delightful Bueno Aires cafe 

📍 1298 S Broadway | Denver | mariaempanda.com

Maria Empanada is located on South Broadway, and it serves up a variety of delicious and comforting empanadas, which are made from scratch and are usually ready to eat at any time of the day. There are also gluten-free and vegetarian options available, and each flavor of the empanada has its own unique shape.

The best way to enhance your experience is to add one or more sauces, such as Argentina chimichurri. In addition, there's a coffee and espresso bar, along with an extensive desert menu.With the empanadas coming out of a basket, Maria Empanadas is a neighborhood favorite that serves up a variety of delicious and comforting dishes at great value.

“such a great vibe in here; plenty of seating, modern decor, and nice natural lighting. the perfect place for a first date or for remote workers looking for a peaceful place to chill outside of home. the empanadas are rich and flavorful, with lots of veggie options. there's also coffee, tea, alcohol, and amazing cookies/dessert. quick service. Love.” - Yelp Review

8. The Cherry Cricket 

A popular burger joint iconic to Denver

📍 2641 E 2nd Ave | Denver | cherrycricket.com

Located in the heart of Cherry Creek North, the Cherry Cricket is a welcoming place where locals can gather for a drink and a good meal. For decades, this establishment has been the neighborhood's unofficial watering hole, serving up a combination of Mexican food and pub dishes.

The menu at the Cherry Cricket has plenty of options, but one of its most popular dishes is the bison burger, which has been voted among the best burgers in Denver. This dish comes with a variety of toppings, such as BBQ sauce, cheese, bacon, and onions. 

“This is such a fun place to come and chat with friends. The drinks and food are very affordable especially for a place like cherry creek. It gives diner, dive bar energy. They have screens for all the sports and darts in the back. We got the mac and cheese and the frings. The frings are a must get and the perfect side.” - Yelp Review

You Can Never Go Wrong When You Choose One of These Top Affordable Restaurants in Denver

Eating out doesn’t always have to be a major expense when you choose wisely! Fortunately, Denver offers a wide variety of restaurants that offer delectable and unique cuisines. Which restaurant on this list was your favorite?