15 Trendiest Themed Restaurants in Denver That You Need to Visit

Theme restaurants aren’t just a gimmick for tourists – they’re a memorable way to have an adventure with your friends or family! 

Whether you’re just passing through Denver to hit up the area’s amazing hiking trails and ski resorts or you call the Mile High City home, these themed restaurants practically guarantee an incredible night out.  

While not every restaurant on this list lies in the bustling heart of downtown Denver, each of these restaurants is located in the Denver Metropolitan Area, so the next time you and a few friends are in the area -- swing by one of these locations for an unforgettable experience.  

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1.  Aquarium Restaurant 

Dine Amongst the Sea Life as You Enjoy a Delicious Meal

Purchase an Aquarium Restaurant gift card

700 Water St | Denver | aquariumrestaurants.com

You can find Aquarium Restaurant located in Downtown Aquarium in Denver. This can be a fun experience for the whole family, start with a trip to the aquarium, visit the exhibits, then continue to dine amongst the sea life at their restaurant. This is a once in a lifetime dining experience, but the memories will last forever. 

On their menu you can find a variety of seafood specialties, steaks, chicken, salads, pasta dishes, and a number of delicious desserts. You will be seated next to their 50,000 gallon centerpiece aquarium that includes 100 species of tropical fish from the Carribean Sea, Hawaii, South Pacific, and Indian Ocean. This lounge comes with both a delicious meal and lively entertainment. 

“Great way to finish a trip to the aquarium. Stopped to have a drink and we found they had a great happy hour. The food was great! And the drinks were simply lovely. I would definitely recommend this place again and again.” - Yelp Review 

Purchase an Aquarium Restaurant gift card

2.  Casa Bonita

Lush Mexican Restaurant Featuring a Massive 30-foot Waterfall

6715 W Colfax Ave | Lakewood | casabonitadenver.com

Have you ever eaten beside a waterfall? Now’s your chance. Casa Bonita is a lush, Mexican restaurant known for its tropical decorations and stunning waterfall. Along with its gorgeous architecture and interior design, Casa Bonita also features thrilling stage shows and live music. 

As for the food, you’ll find a wide array of savory Mexican dishes like the Enchilada and Taco Platter and Casa Chilada Platter. Want to try a little bit of everything? Try the All-You-Can-Eat Deluxe Dinner featuring a crispy taco, two enchiladas, and numerous sides. 

“I've been coming here my whole life as it is a Colorado tradition and honestly it is nice to see something frozen in time. It is odd, it is quirky and definitely one of a kind. Go in with a child's eye for the interesting oddities and you will have a great time.” - Yelp Review 

3. The Crypt

Top-Rated Horror Themed Dive Bar in Northeast Denver

1618 E. 17th Ave | Northeast | thecryptdenver.com

Think Halloween is the most wonderful time of the year? If you love spooky movies, metal music, and glowing decor, then The Crypt will be your jam. With screams pumping through the speakers (and projected on the screen by the bar), you can be certain that a night out at the Crypt is a scary good time.

If the blacklight and movies aren’t enough to draw you in, take a look at The Crypt’s menu. With carnivore friendly options like the fan favorite Crypt Burger as well as scrumptious vegan fare like Cauliflower Pakora, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

4. Happy Camper

All The Fun of the Great Outdoors… Minus the Mosquitos

3211 N Pecos St  | Highland | happycamper.pizza

Bonfires and camp chairs and fresh air, oh my! Happy Camper is THE place to be for outdoors-themed fun – fitting for Denver, right? With vegan-friendly and gluten free options, everyone will find something they like.

Keep in mind that after 7pm Monday-Friday and after 2pm Saturday-Sunday the restaurant is 21+ and anyone entering must show a valid photo ID. People with kiddos have a 2 hour window to wrap up and get off the premises (so 9pm and 4pm respectively).

“Open air and retro theme. Very comfortable surroundings! Someone there loves mirror balls. Good selection of local craft beers and ales. The pizza is top shelf. Cooked just like we'd asked.” – Yelp Review

5. Linger

Old Mortuary Turned Restaurant With a Variety of Cuisine 

2030 W 30th Ave | Denver | lingerdenver.com

Linger is an old mortuary that has been renovated and turned into a bustling, lively restaurant complete with a rooftop bar. As a funeral home, they were once responsible for housing the body of Buffalo Bill Cody in 1917. Since then, they have taken their history for what it is and, with pride,  incorporated it into the theme of the restaurant -- death everything. Here you will find water served from formaldehyde bottles and more, but we won’t spoil the surprises. 

Their menu is a trip around the world -- all in one restaurant. On their dinner menu you will find cuisine from Asia, the Americas and Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and a section of steamed bao buns. You can also visit this location for lighter lunch options like salads and noodles and brunch fit with tamales, burritos, sliders, churro french toast, and more. This dining experience is like no other!

“During my visit to Denver we stopped in this little spot. Morgue turned restaurant. Was not disappointed at all. Drinks were good and all the food was amazing.. I really liked the set up and all the lights.” - Yelp Review 

6. The Preservery 

Serving Delectable Meals With a Commitment to the Community

3040 Blake St #101 | Denver | thepreservery.com

The Preservary is located inside a restored warehouse and showcases a number of contemporary artworks. In the restaurant they offer food, music, and a community atmosphere as well as an event space. Their website features a blog that includes their commitment to community, good food, and sharing their wisdom with others. 

In the restaurant, you can find a case filled with baked goods such as pumpkin pie, salted chocolate chip cookies, and sesame siren cookies made with tahini, white chocolate chips, and dried apricots. Their regular menu features a little bit of everything from starters to sandwiches and burgers to soup and salad and brunch! They also offer a special get a meal, give a meal where they give one plate to someone in need, or you can purchase ‘straight up’ which goes directly to someone in need. This restaurant offers good food and a commitment to bettering their community. 

“Everything and I do mean everything is special here. It was one of those mind blowing experiences. Came on a quiet Thursday night and were lucky enough to have beautiful live music as well. Nice volume, chill tone, perfect vibe.” - Yelp Review 

7. Gaetano’s 

Traditional Italian Dishes Served Just as You Would Want Them

3760 Tejon St | Denver | gaetanositalian.com

Founded by a mob family, this iconic restaurant serves classic Italian dishes and craft made cocktails. Their menu contains everything you would expect from a traditional Italian restaurant right down to the garlic bread itself. You can find pizza, pasta, seafood, proteins, a variety of delicious starters, and classic desserts. 

If you are in the mood for a traditional Italian meal to satisfy your cravings, give Gaetano’s a try and find everything you would want right on your plate. 

“I was visiting Denver with a friend and we decided to go to Gaetano's and it was AMAZING. It was some of the best Italian food I've had and our service was amazing. Thank you to Amber for being such a great server.” - Yelp Review 

Purchase a GiftYa for Gaetano’s

8. Adrift 

Hip Tiki Bar With Craft Made Cocktails and Delicious Eats 

218 S Broadway | Denver | adriftbar.com

Adrift is a Polynesian tiki bar complete with craft cocktails and food made from scratch. They work with and serve fresh, exotic ingredients with the goal of transporting guests to a tropical vacation -- everything you would expect during an island getaway. 

Their cocktail menu includes everything you would expect to find in a tropical paradise from house-made limoncello with guava syrup to daiquiris and a variety of pineapple flavored drinks! Their limited menu features small plates -- volcano fries, edamame hummus, and tempura shrimp. Pair one of these delicious starters with a craft made cocktail and the night begins at this fun tiki bar. 

“Adrift embodies the tiki theme and hosts a well-manicured bar/restaurant.  Grab a drink up at the bar, have a more cozy meal at one of their booths or grab a bite on one of their outdoor patio tables in the back.” - Yelp Review 

9. Crawling Crab

Charming Seafood Restaurant Boasting Hip, Nautical Digs

781 S Federal Blvd, Suite A | Southwest | thecrawlingcrab.us

You don’t have to fly all the way to Maryland to enjoy some delicious seafood. At the Crawling Crab, you can order fresh and savory seafood right in your neighborhood. Located in Southwest Denver, the Crawling Crab offers a relaxed dining room filled with fun, nautical decorations. Coming with friends? We recommend ordering one of their fried appetizers like the calamari or oysters. For the main meal, you get to pick your main seafood dish, choose a sauce, and add any sides to complete the meal. Yum!  

“Not only is this place BOMB as hell! They were very nice and helpful on the phone when I asked questions. I had their crab legs and they were affordable, seasoned very well, delicious and filling! I have been craving to go back ever since, I just hate that it's so far away!” - Yelp Review

10. Buckhorn Exchange

Rustic Steakhouse Featuring Stunning Museum Pieces

1000 Osage St | Lincoln Park, Southwest | buckhornexchange.com

Designated Denver’s original steakhouse, the Buckhorn Exchange is one of the city’s top destinations for hearty, sizzling steaks. Not only that, but it also offers serious historical value. Since 1893, this National Historic Landmark and Western Museum has been a hot spot among locals for its fascinating decor and delicious food. Prime grade beef, buffalo, elk, lamb, and other entrees are just a few items you can find on the menu. Feeling adventurous? Buckhorn Exchange also offers exotic appetizers like rattlesnake and alligator tail.  

“The restaurant has been in continuous operation since 1893. The artifacts on the walls pay tribute to the last three decades. You'll spend as much time looking at the museum pieces as you will having dinner.” - Yelp Review

11.  Ship Tavern

Nautical Themed Vintage Pub + Dining Room Serving Amrican Fare

321 17th St | The Brown Palace Hotel and Bar Autograph Collection | brownpalace.com

Prepare to raise anchor! Located inside The Brown Palace Hotel and Bar, Ship Tavern is any landlubber’s sea-inspired dream. Enjoy tasty American fare like burgers, steak, seafood, and sandwiches chased down with craft cocktails or dessert.

The oldest restaurant in the hotel, Ship’s Tavern first opened shop in 1934 when prohibition ended. Take in the authentic decor while you dine – include a full mast and crow’s nest, a ship clock, Jamaican rum barrels, and a collection of model ships direct from Cape Cod.

“This place is very cool old school with a nautical theme. They have a good food selection...something for everyone. I recommend the baked Camembert cheese and the French onion soup. ” – Yelp Review

12. Convergence Station - Meow Wolf

Interactive Art from 110 Local Denver Artists

1338 1st St | Auraria | meowwolf.com

Immersive and maximalist by design, Meow Wolf has been bringing art audience-driven experiences to Denver since 2008. The kid-friendly exhibit is Meow Wolf’s 3rd permanent installation in the Denver area.

And within Convergence Station, you’ll find HELLOFOOD – tasty locally sourced food and brews that benefit the community they came out of. Tacos, rice bowls, salad, sandwiches, dessert – it all gets good reviews.

13. Williams & Graham

Fun Speakeasy That Will Take You to a Different Decade

3160 Tejon St | Northwest, Highland | williamsandgraham.com

While the current decade has felt like anything but the roaring ’20s, you can still transport yourself back a century to the height of the speakeasy era at Williams & Graham. Over the years, this popular speakeasy has earned impressive distinctions like Top 23 Secret Bars in the World by Thrillest and Best Cocktail Bar - Reacher’s Choice by Westworld Best of Denver. 

Located in Northwest Denver, Williams & Graham offers over 60 classic cocktails along with an innovative menu. Williams & Graham is pretty popular, so we recommend making a reservation in advance to ensure you get a spot inside at your desired time. 

“I love the feel of walking into a speakeasy and this definitely did not disappoint! We did not order food since we just came from dinner, but the food menu looked good. The drinks though...Phenomenal.” - Yelp Review

14. The Plimoth 

New Age American Food Served in a Rustic Venue

2335 E 28th Ave | Denver | theplimoth.com

The chefs at The Plimoth love food, they are constantly evolving and expanding upon their menu which features fresh, seasonal ingredients. On their menu, you will find hip, new age American food that has influences rooted in French cuisine. The chefs both take a traditional approach to food and incorporate modern techniques as well as plating styles. 

At the restaurant, you can find rustic decor featuring reclaimed wood counters. They are currently serving a limited menu of starters, mains, and sweets -- each with their own unique style. They offer a little something for everyone in their main dish section complete with a fish, filet, chicken, and vegetable option for each dietary need. Finish off your meal with a warm apple crostata and enjoy your experience at The Plimoth.

“I think this has to be one of my favorite restaurants in town. Located in the city park neighborhood the atmosphere is unique and as if you're walking into a friends house for dinner.” - Yelp Review 

15. Forest Room 5 

Dinner and Drinks in a Wilderness Themed Bar 

2532 15th St | Denver | facebook.com/Forest-Room-5

Forest Room 5 is a trendy bar complete with outdoor firepits, rustic decor, animal taxidermy, and a flowing creek! This is an adventure for the books and is better served as a spot for those who enjoy nightlife. However, this place is more than a bar -- they are known for live music, the occasional pop up art gallery featuring local Denver artists, and flea markets. 

Stop in for great conversation over drinks with friends and enjoy a tasting of their menu. Stop in for dinner or Sunday brunch. Their full bar offers delicious drinks and made to order cocktails. You can’t beat the atmosphere at Forest Room 5.

“Truly one of my favourite bars in Denver. Great bartenders, service, and atmosphere. Campfire X is the drink that introduced me to the world of Mezcal.” - Yelp Review 

That’s it for the best themed restaurants in Denver!

Themed restaurants are popular for both their exciting experiences and delicious foods. Many people come to these locations looking for a new adventure and a change of pace. You will find all of this and more with a craft-made cocktail and fresh dinner.