October 7, 2014
Sure, brown bagging your lunch may be economical, but let’s face it—microwaving last night’s dinner leftovers while sitting in the office break room can get pretty boring. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to indulge in delicious lunch fare. Denver Restaurant Week may be over, but you can still enjoy these local hot spots any day of the week!
Whether you’re new to Denver or just tired of your stale lunch routine, we’ve rounded up six of the tastiest local lunch haunts you can check out to shake things up:
If you love modern American, head to 1515 Restaurant.
From braised kurobuta pork with truffle polenta to a locally-sourced late summer salad, 1515 Restaurant serves innovative, seasonal American cuisine. Located in Denver’s hip Lower Downtown district, 1515 Restaurant is quickly becoming the new go-to spot for lunchtime meetings.
If you’re searching for a classic BBQ meal, check out Russell’s Smokehouse.
Chef Frank Bonanno mans the pits at Russell’s Smokehouse, serving up simple fare with homey sides. We recommend the pulled pork sandwich, hickory smoked brisket, or shrimp and goat cheese grits, all served with homemade BBQ sauce. Be sure to save room for dessert—you won’t want to miss out on the locally-made pies.
If you want something different, stop by Mataam Fez Moroccan Restaurant.
This Colorado institution has been bringing a taste of Morocco to Denver diners since the 1970s. Check out the restaurant’s famous bastilla appetizer—a popular pastry filled with almonds, chicken, and spices—while dining on traditional tagines and enjoying a glass of refreshing mint tea.
If you want a taste of France, visit Olive & Finch.
Inspired by the markets and cafés sprinkling the French countryside, Olive & Finch is redefining Denver’s handcrafted, artisanal food scene with its marketplace of fresh pastries, tartines (open-faced sandwiches), and salads. All items on the menu are made from organic and locally-grown produce, along with all-natural, sustainable meats and dairy.
If you want to visit Denver’s most popular neighborhood bistro, go to P17.
P17 is Denver’s new favorite neighborhood bistro, serving simple meals in a modest setting. Gather with friends or coworkers over a warming bowl of soup, mussels and frites, or a hearty Colorado lamb burger served with Manchego cheese on brioche. Don’t miss P17’s famous “BALT,” featuring bacon, avocado, Boston lettuce, tomato confit and mustard aioli.
If you’re craving a taste from south of the border, don’t miss Paxia Denver.
Paxia, meaning “peace” in the Aztec language, uses authentic recipes passed down for generations to deliver delicious, traditional Mexican fare. The lunch menu features some of our favorites, including ceviche, tamales, and the famous “mile high” salad. Feeling particularly hungry? Indulge in one of the hearty burritos that can be smothered in fresh guacamole and salsa.
With choices like these, there’s no excuse for dreading the contents of your lunchbox. Treat your tastebuds and take advantage of the Mile High City’s thriving food scene. Bon appétite, Denver!
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