Discover Your New Favorite Spot With These Hip Colorado Restaurants

Can’t decide between something rural and metropolitan for your next getaway? In Denver, Colorado, you don’t have to. Known for its beautiful landscape and up and coming city life, this city can scratch every itch. If you’re looking for a healthy dose of adrenaline, take a hot air balloon to your zipline excursion. And while you’re at it, get your fill of culture with its emerging art scene. 

With Denver’s open, liberal vibe, you can expect a melting pot, not only in its demographic but its cuisine. More and more, new spots are opening up, and we’re here to show you what they’re all about. Want to try the food that’s all the rage? We’re here to guide you. Whether you’re looking for brunch, dinner, or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, there’s something for you. Keep reading to find your new favorite restaurant. 

With so many choices at your disposal, it can be hard to settle on one spot. Fortunately, you don’t have to! GiftYa cards are meant for experimenting--consider it your all-access pass. Once you have one of your own, use your card at one of our many partnered restaurants in search of your next go-to. Know someone who loves to try new things as much as you do? Take them along. As we all know, food is always better when it’s shared. Get yours today!

1. Mercantile Dining And Provision

Creativity And Wholesome Ingredients Go Hand In Hand At This Hip Eatery

1701 Wynkoop St I Lodo I mercantiledenver.com

Opened by renowned chef, Alex Seidel, this Denver restaurant is all about beauty, creativity, and, most importantly, transparency. At Mercantile, farm to table certainly lives up to its name, seeing as all produce and protein comes from Seidel’s own farm, Fruition. 

Mercantile’s food isn’t only innovative and artistic, but pure. In a world where anything qualifies as “natural flavors,” this trendy place is a breath of fresh air--even the honey is farm-raised! 

Open for lunch and dinner, there are so many choices. Looking for something you know you’ll like? Sandwiches are always the way to go. We recommend going for the short rib or Provisions (basically a make-your-own) for this classic lunch option. If you feel like channeling your inner Anthony Bourdain, the locals love the Crispy Pig’s Ears. 

And, of course, no meal is complete without dessert. Any customer who eats at mercantile raves about the Chocolate Pot de Créme: milk chocolate mousse with caramel, cardamom, topped with a French macaron. Gives a whole new meaning to “death by chocolate,” don’t you think?

Something unique about this food haven is that it doubles as a market! So, if you want to take a taste home (and not just for leftovers), check it out!

“Mercantile Dining and Provision has become one of my favorite restaurants in Denver. During the COVID shutdowns, I tried this spot for the 1st time through a friend’s recommendation, and I was instantly hooked. The Braised Short Rib Sandwich and the Maple Leaf Farm’s Duck Breast, and Acquerello Mushroom Risotto were phenomenal, and the portion size was reasonable for the value. The Milk Chocolate Crème was also a great shot. Try it, and you won’t be disappointed.” -Yelp Review  

Purchase a GiftYa card for Mercantile Dining and Provision.

2. Postino Wine Cafe

Get Your After-Work Happy Hour Fix At This Sleek Spot

145 N Broadway I Southwest I postinowinecafe.com

Whether you’re a Denver local looking for the perfect after-work wind-down or need a place to rest your feet after a long day of exploring, this hip wine bar is the place to be. Postino provides an atmosphere that gives an upscale vibe that’s still approachable. If you’re a wine novice, no need to worry. There are plenty of classics for you to choose from. Pinot Noir, anyone?

For sustenance, Postino offers a snack-heavy menu. So if you’re in the mood for a little something to go with that glass of wine, here’s your chance. If you’ve never been, the Bruschetta Plate is a great place to start. With your choice of any four, you’ll get a full overview of everything this spot has to offer. Some of our favorites are the Burrata-Bacon and the Fig with Prosciutto and Mascarpone. Is Bruscetta not quite your thing? Order the Cheese Board or one of their many paninis!

Postino Wine Bar is currently open for socially-distanced dine-in, takeout, and delivery.

“Tried the Bruschetta Plate and was super impressed! The takeout was flawlessly prepared. I love that the bruschetta is not only beautifully plated but practically pre-sliced for ease of sharing. There are a number of sweet and savory options to choose from, which makes for a balanced range of flavors to enjoy--we loved the ones we got: ricotta, dates, pistachio/smoked salmon, pesto, capers/tomatoes, arugula, bacon, burrata/brie, fig jam, apple. Simple but well-curated combos!- Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Postino Wine Bar.

3. Guard And Grace

Don’t Just Have Dinner--Have An Experience At This Upscale Steak House

1801 California St I Northwest I guardandgrace.com

If there were one word to describe this Denver restaurant, it would be decadent. With this concept in mind, chef and creator, Troy Guard wanted to take an upscale American experience and elevate it. 

With this hip spot residing on the 56th floor of the Brookfield building, stellar views are part of the deal. But of course, ambiance is nothing without delicious food--something you don’t need to worry about with this steakhouse. The menu has everyone one might expect at a similar establishment--the classic wedge salad, mac and cheese, and many different cuts of steak. 

That said, everything seems to have a little something oomph to it. The mac and cheese is laced with truffles, one of the cut options is wagyu beef, and there are plenty of seafood options from crabcakes to sashimi. The menu is seasonal and is subject to change. But rest assured that ensures the freshest ingredients for a most delectable meal. 

Guard and Grace just reopened for dine-in service this week with all precautions taken, both for its staff and patrons.

“From top to bottom, this place was perfect. The bartender knew the wine list and made amazing recommendations, the burrata was heavenly, the lobster salad was everything. The gnocchi was the best gnocchi I’d ever had. And, we didn’t even have any steak. Will be back for the filet flight soon. Tomorrow?” -Yelp Review 

4. El Five 

Eat Some Small Plates While Taking In The Denver Skyline 

2930 Umatilla St I Northwest I  elfivedenver.com

Are you the type of person who can never seem to decide at restaurants? If so, then consider tapas bars your dream come true. Enter El Five. Here, you don’t have to choose one entree unless you want to. And even so, that’s not the norm. 

The thing about this restaurant--it’s not your typical Spanish tapas bar. Taking small plates as its baseline, El Five gives them a Mediterranian spin inspired by many regions. 

Not sure what that looks like? We’ve got you. Order the Harissa Eggplant Fries with the Lamb Shawarma Lamb Ribs and  Crispy Cauliflower Yufka. If you’re looking for something more substantial, there’s always the delicious Paella. 

Did you know El Five is also open for brunch? You do now. For something sweet, we recommend the Moroccan Pancakes. For a quintessential Mediterranean breakfast, the Shakshuka is a must. 

“As a foodie and self-proclaimed chef, I have to say this just might be the best restaurant in Denver. Coming from Miami, I have found it difficult to find well-seasoned food here in Colorado. That is not the case with El Five. I’ve only dined with them for brunch, and I’m excited to try their dinner menu once they reopen! I’ve tried every plate on their brunch menu, and I can say with certainty, you won’t be disappointed.” -Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for El Five.

Whether you’re visiting the area for the first time or have been cooped up with nowhere to go--try one of these hip spots! While these restaurants are just a small list, there is so much food to try. And for once, there’s time to do it. Even if you decide to carry out, supporting these spots will help them stay open for when you’re ready to go out and hit the town. But for now, get dressed up to go to the dinner table. Then, allow these delicious eateries to make your night.