Greetings love! Happy Tuesday, and happy “back in the 410.” While I would much rather still be away, I am hoping I will get back into a routine and start to get my life back to normal. One thing that I hope gets back on track tonight – my sleep!!! I rolled into bed around 12:30-ish this morning, and was wide awake a little before 6:00 am. I turned on the coffee pot and forced myself to stay in bed a little longer. Needless to say, I am dragging right now! After wrapping up a business meeting that included a delicious Cobb salad, I thought it was the perfect time to share some of my favorite restaurants in Denver from this past weekend. I feel like I am a creature of habit with the places I tend to choose; trust me, there are not enough days to try all of the amazing spots this foodie town has to offer. A fantastic foodie town to say the least! FYI: You can check out a post I did back in September that showcases some other establishments I love too!
My Favorite Restaurants in Denver
I feel like this should be a multi-part blog post – way too many yummy places to eat in such a short amount of time! Most likely, it probably will!
Today I wanted to give you the 411 on where I dined during my quick trip to the “Mile High City.” Yes, it may be filled with a lot of avocado toast!
And, yes, it’s totally okay to be jealous right now!
Snooze an A.M. Eatery: With multiple locations in a handful of states, this breakfast & brunch spot is a crowd favorite...and very much mine too! With this location right in the heart of Denver’s Union Station, it’s the perfect post-travel spot to relax, unwind, and eat some absolutely delicious grub. Note: This place is so popular that there is a wait most days of the week. I put my name on the waitlist while waiting for my luggage (~1 hour). By the time I arrived, my “table for 1” was ready.
With a vast selection from which to choose, there is, certainly, something for everyone. Since I had been up for what seemed like FOREVER, I opted for an oat milk latte, lots of water, and ordered their “Bravocado Toast” sans red onion, add tomato & mushroom, with a side of their signature chicken sausage. Errmygooshh, I am still dreaming about it!
Dang, I have got to get better with creating my own version!
Urban Farmer: Although a steakhouse which boasts an awesome dinner menu, I only seem to eat here for lunch and, this past weekend, brunch. My Mom and I stopped in this establishment back in October, post-massages at The Brown Palace, for an early lunch. This trip, I tried it out for a post-workout brunch and, OH MY, it was drool worthy. A definite must for me to try and recreate. After debating between 2 items, I asked the waitress what she thought of the “Duck Hash,” and she said it was one of the best.
Yes, indeed…it was ONE OF THE BEST! Fingerling potatoes, a Brussels sprout slaw, and egg yolk over top of some delicious slow roasted duck, and I was one happy camper. I added some fresh avocado, and the house made applewood smoked bacon as a side. Let’s just say, the backend of my workout was complete, and I was fueled to take on the rest of my day!
Rioja: This was my 2nd time dining at this Mediterranean establishment – again, post-workout, and I was SO HAPPY that I picked the “Focaccia Avocado Toast” in lieu of what I had picked before (which was lovely). It was so needed after a kick ass class at Orangetheory Fitness! I even tried their “Fresh Bacon” which helped the restaurant win a James Beard award! For the record, it was pork belly (photo at the top of this post), and it was so damn good! It is even named one of Denver’s 25 Most Iconic Dishes. Another thing that made it melt in your mouth? The cardamom spice and curried garbanzo bean puree.
If you have not tried pork belly, you are MISSING OUT!
Root Down DIA: One thing that I cannot stand when traveling is the lack of decent airport food. With Denver being such a foodie town, it does not fail you when eating at the airport as well. From breakfast, to lunch, and dinner, their farm to table approach is the perfect way to fuel before a flight! I chose one of my staples – their “Farm to Table” Cobb Salad. I asked for no egg, no dates, add black beans & grilled chicken, with a lemon vinaigrette on the side. How gorgeous & colorful is this salad?!?!
Hope you enjoyed taking a peek at some of my favorite restaurants in Denver. Don’t worry; I plan to go back a couple more times this year, so I will be sure to update you on some of my latest finds (and maybe new menu items I try at some of my go-to places)!
If you live in the Denver area, or know/have visited the city, and have your favorites, drop me a line below! I would love to hear and put on my list!
xoxo
