Get Your Shades Out Cause Here Are The Coolest Restaurants in Denver

Trying to find a restaurant that fits the type of vibe you are looking for can be tricky, especially with so many options out there. In Denver, Colorado you have your fair share of restaurants vying for your patronage, but sometimes when you want to head out on the town with your favorite people, you want something different then your regular go-to’s. Luckily we’re here to help and have come up with a list of the coolest restaurants in Denver, not too dissimilar to The Trendiest Themed Restaurants in Denver That You Need to Visit, which may be the ones you’ve been looking for. So sit back, relax, and read on about these restaurants. 

Who knows? You may just find your new go-to :)

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1. Linger

It’s an old mortuary turned restaurant- how sick is that?

📍 2030 W 30th Ave | Denver | ediblebeats.com

Ever heard of Buffalo Bill Cody? Well Linger has some history with him as it was once an old mortuary that housed his body back in 1917. But don’t worry, there’s no more bodies here as it was completely cleaned and renovated in order to turn into the hip and lively restaurant it’s known as today. Complete with a poppin’ rooftop bar, you’ll love this uniquely cool restaurant that has some fun nods back to its roots all throughout. 

Their menu is extensive and full of variety, you’ll be able to find dishes from Asia, America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and more. Don’t be afraid to try something that you haven’t before because Linger is sure to make your first time trying anything one to remember. They serve brunch, lunch, dinner, happy hour drinks, and dessert so you know you’re good to eat at any time of the day here at Linger.

“Great vibes, food, and cocktails. We sat upstairs where there is a couple bars and full menu availability. Great views. Food was wonderful and the Dosa, def don't miss it!” -Yelp Review

2. Corinne Denver

A warm and laid-back vibe awaits you at the Le Méridien hotel

📍 1455 California St | Denver | corinnedenver.com

Corinne Denver is located in the Le Méridien hotel and already from the moment you step inside you’ll see why this is number two on our list as the atmosphere is one to beat. Offering a modern-chic look, this restaurant is perfect for a date with the girlies or with your partner. Their pleasantly presented food is made with locally sourced fine fresh ingredients so you can eat every bite knowing you’re only getting the best quality in Denver.

They have a lot of different menus to look at, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner desserts, happy hour drinks, Christmas, and New Year’s dinner (yup you can enjoy Corinne Denver’s delicious food on the holidays too). With dishes like Homemade Biscuits, Chicken Sausage Sandwich, Point Judith Calamari, Flat Iron Frites, Braised Wagyu, and Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie with an oreo crust, you know you’re gonna eat good.

“The ambience is moody and dark to table feeling. It's an elevated restaurant with a small menu. The oysters and calamari were delicious. The fried cauliflower was the best I've ever had! Our server was friendly and tentative.” -Yelp Review

3. El Five

Dine out while overlooking the city skyline of Denver itself!

📍 2930 Umatilla St Unit #500 | Denver | ediblebeats.com

There’s not a lot of skyline restaurants in Denver that give off the cool vibes like El Five does. El Five from Edible Beats is the place to go for tapas and delicious Spanish and Easter Medierattian dishes. Mixing creative ideas and exquisite flavors, you’ll find yourselves all nodding in agreement with how good the food reflects the interiors of the restaurant. This penthouse is located right next to Hirshorn Park and other great places to explore in Denver proper.

El Five has dinner, desserts, happy hour drinks, and a couple special menus with exclusive ever-changing items year round- how exciting! Their fall and winter menu consist of favorites like Patatas Bravas, European Sea Bass, Short Rib Hornazo, and more.

“Hands down my favorite restaurant in Denver! The tapas and paella are phenomenal- the garlic dip tapa was demolished instantly and the seafood paella is a MUST. The ambiance is super cool, with warm and dimly light atmosphere and the best view of the denver skyline.” -Yelp Review

4. Guard and Grace

Steakhouse meets modern-ambience mixed with classy-casual vibes

📍 1801 California St | Denver | guardandgrace.com

We can’t not add a steakhouse on the list today and we’re specially adding this steakhouse because it takes the traditional steakhouse and turns it on its head as it’s made to be a modern haven with a unique feel. We’re of course talking about Guard and Grace, the “Michelin Star recommended restaurant created by Chef/Owner Troy Guard” which has one other location in Houston, Texas so Denver is in good company.

The chefs behind the scenes are taking their culinary expertise to each and every plate served at Guard and Grace. Presented well, you’ll find the exact vibe you’ve been looking for at this award-winning steakhouse. Enjoy things from their Seafood Bar like the Half Lobster and Crispy Tuna Sushi, appetizers like Oak Grilled Octopus and A5 Wagyu Tartare, and of course their oak fired signature steaks.

“Great dinner!

We tried the flight and shared a few sides and an appetizer.

Loved the steak, we added a scallop and it paired perfectly!

Great service and Ambiance. Bilingual employees which I love to see.” - Yelp Review

5. The Hampton Social - Denver

Hang out with your favorite people while sippin’ on drinks and eating seafood!

📍 2501 16th St | Denver | thehamptonsocial.com

The Hampton Social - Denver is giving you a place to be, well, social! They want everyone to feel welcome, from Mile City natives and vacationers alike. Their restaurant is all about bringing those desperately missed summer-beach vibes no matter the time of the year as they offer creative beach-themed cocktails and seafood as their main commodity. Share their Parmesan Truffle Fries and Roasted Brussel Sprouts while you enjoy your friends and family’s company. Oh and before we forget to mention there’s live music too so you’re always in for a good time here. 

“Wow beautiful restaurant. Service was amazing. Food and drinks on point.

We had a wonderful time. Just remember this is not a cheap place to eat. We split a lobster roll and tuna tartar we did have 5 Don Julio Rita's and the bill was 175.00 before tip.” -Yelp Review

6. Buckhorn Exchange

If you’re a fan of the Old West then you and your family will love it here!

📍 1000 Osage St | Denver | buckhorn.com

For those who find a certain calling with the Old West then you might be interested in the Buckhorn Exchange which is one of Denver’s most popular destinations for interesting decor- (the picture above really does not do this place justice enough as this is just one section of the restaurant/museum hybrid), and hearty meats. 

Yes it may be on the nose that this restaurant specializes in meats from the general vibe alone but they do it well as they serve Prime Grade beef, buffalo, elk, lamb, and number of other foods like rattlesnake and alligator tail- yep you can find it all here at Buffalo Exchange!

“Steaks are delicious. As a historical building I've been wanting to go here for years. Our server was knowledgeable on the menu and what to recommend. The ambiance is so fun with stuffed animals and old.” -Yelp Review

7. Revival Denver Public House

A restaurant for our people who love warm tones, leather seats, and a big bar!

📍 630 E 17th Ave | Denver | revival-denver.com

So far, the Revival Denver Public House has by far the coziest most welcoming interior on the list, with its warm tones and colorful patterns you can expect this to be a restaurant to come back to when you head home after your first visit. Located in the Uptown Neighborhood, Revival has got all your favorite American comfort foods hot and ready to be served. They've got Shrimp and Grits, Cornbread Salad, Fried Chicken Waffles, Crab Cake BLT, and a number of craft cocktails, whiskey, bourbon, beer, and more from their well-stocked bar.

“The food, service, and ambiance was amazing! I definitely recommend a visit to this spot if you are in downtown Denver. Get the fried pickles as an appetizer and the stuffed pork chops!! 10/10!” -Yelp Review

8. The Pig & The Sprout

A hardworking team manages to create one of the coolest restaurants in Denver!

📍 1900 Chestnut Pl | Denver | pigandsprout.com

The Pig & The Sprout works hard to bring you the best dining experience in Denver. They want to make your next brunch, lunch, or dinner something you’ll want more of. Located in a rustic-chic bi-level space with not just one but multiple bars, you’ll be able to get a refreshing drink with any of the plates on their menu. Their food is cooked to perfection and it’s a mix of both American favorites and Denver originals. Look forward to digging into their Brisket Poutine, Vegan Brussel Sprouts, Grilled Cheeses, tacos, and more. Plenty to love about The Pig & The Spout.

“Delicious brunch food. Worked for the vegans and the carnivores in our group and that is usually pretty hard to accomplish in one location. Friendly staff, good coffee, yummy food. The avocado quinoa bowl was so good. Ask for a side of their green chile sauce for your eggs!” -Yelp Review

9. Forest Room 5

Looking for some greenery and good vibes? Look no further!

📍 2532 15th St | Denver | facebook.com/Forest-Room

We’re in Colorado and you know what that means: outdoor firepits, animal taxidermy, forest themes and pictures, ambient lighting, and stellar vibes. At the Forest Room 5 you’ll be treated to plenty of great drinks from their bar, live music from Denver natives, and the occasional flea market with pop up art! This is definitely more of a bar than a restaurant but that’s not to say they don’t serve up tasty food, in fact they have dinner options and brunch on Sundays!

“Fun place for cocktails inside or outside! Literally...there's tree stumps and a tepee to sit in! Busy on weekends (expected). I'll return next time I'm in Denver!” -Yelp Review

10. The Denver Central Market

A variety of food vendors to pursue through and find some new favorites!

📍 2669 Larimer St | Denver | denvercentralmarket.com

You’ve heard of Food Halls before, but you haven’t heard of the Denver Central Market which is the food hall of the Mile High City. You walk in and are immediately greeted with eleven, yes eleven, different food vendors. Right now in the market are the following:

• Izzio Bakery which serves flakey pastries, breads, and cookie dough.
• Lunchboxx which makes “lunch boxes” for all ages, things like Cheeseburgers and Rice Bowls makes an appearance.
• Vero is all about Italian favorites like wood fired pizzas, sandwiches, and pastas.
• Tammen’s Fish is all about fresh flavorful fish and other seafood! It’s in the name afterall.
• Green Seed gives a boost with freshly squeezed fruit and veggie juices.
• Temper is a Chocolate and Confections vendor with emphasis on French-style bonbons and other sweet treats.
• Curio is a bar that also has a few flavorful dishes.
• And finally we have High Point Creamery which sells you ice cream 365 of the year, no matter how cold it gets. All of these places make up an array of the coolest restaurants in Denver.

“Love this place. The food was amazing ( we tried a couple of the vendors). The atmosphere is definitely artsy hipster good. We even sat outside. All the vendors were great.” -Yelp Review

And there you have it! Those are some of the coolest restaurants in Denver, all offering you a different vibe, you’ll have to visit them all to find your new favorite.