Defining “Near” and Setting Appetites
Tired of overpriced sandwiches and lukewarm coffee? Just landed at Denver International Airport (DIA) or facing a long layover? Before you resign yourself to another disappointing airport meal, know this: a culinary oasis awaits just beyond the terminal doors. Many travelers believe their dining options are limited to fast food chains or exorbitant airport restaurants near DIA, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Fortunately, Denver Airport presents a surprising array of excellent dining options a short drive away, offering a diverse range of cuisines and experiences that are far superior to the typical airport fare. From quick bites to leisurely sit-down meals and craft breweries, delicious discoveries are closer than you think. This guide will take you on a flavorful journey to discover the best eats near Denver Airport, so you can fuel up for your travels or unwind after a long flight.
Let’s start with defining “near” in the context of this article. We’re focusing on establishments within a ten to fifteen-minute drive from the Denver airport terminals. This allows you to access quality food without adding significant travel time to your journey. Keep in mind that Denver traffic can fluctuate, so always check current conditions before you head out. Speaking of getting there, you have a few options: rental car, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, or perhaps a hotel shuttle if you’re staying at an airport hotel. For selecting the restaurants, it’s crucial to highlight positive reviews, unique offerings, a diverse price range, and a wide variety of cuisines, including local favorites. With that in mind, fasten your seatbelts (or your seat tray tables!) and let’s take off on this culinary adventure.
Where to Find Delicious Food Near Denver Airport
Now for the main event – the restaurants! To help you navigate the options, we’ve divided them into categories: casual dining, full-service restaurants, and breweries, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
Casual Bites and Quick Meals
Sometimes you just need a quick and satisfying meal without the fuss. Here are a few fantastic casual options near Denver Airport.
Santiago’s Mexican Restaurant (Various Locations)
A Denver staple, Santiago’s is known for its green chile. This place offers a quick and easy fix. Their breakfast burritos are legendary, perfect for a pre-flight boost or a comforting arrival meal. The green chile adds just the right amount of heat and flavor, making it a truly memorable bite. It’s a good choice for fast service, a taste of local flavor, and overall good value. With multiple locations, there’s bound to be one close to your route.
Smashburger (Various Locations)
For a classic American burger experience, Smashburger is hard to beat. Their burgers are made with fresh, never-frozen beef, smashed on the grill for a caramelized crust and juicy interior. Try the Colorado Burger, a local favorite with Pueblo chilies, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on an egg bun. It’s a satisfying and flavorful burger that will definitely hit the spot. Smashburger is a good choice because of their quick service, satisfying meals, and overall value.
Snarf’s Sandwiches (Various Locations)
If you’re in the mood for a killer sandwich, Snarf’s is the place to go. Their toasted sandwiches are packed with high-quality ingredients and flavorful sauces. The Italian is a popular choice, with provolone cheese, salami, pepperoni, capicola, and a tangy vinaigrette. Snarf’s offers a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for grabbing on the go. Because of their unique toasted sandwiches and variety of options, Snarf’s is a great choice.
Sit-Down Restaurants for a Relaxing Meal
If you have a little more time to spare, a full-service restaurant offers a chance to relax and unwind with a delicious meal.
The Bistro at Courtyard Denver Airport
Located inside the Courtyard Denver Airport, The Bistro offers a convenient and surprisingly tasty dining experience. This is an easy choice because of the delicious food and convenient location. The menu features classic American cuisine with a modern twist, including sandwiches, salads, and entrees. Their burgers and flatbreads are consistently well-reviewed, and they offer a full bar with a selection of local beers and cocktails. The Bistro is a good option if you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere and a convenient location, especially if you’re staying at the hotel.
DiCicco’s Italian Restaurant
DiCicco’s offers a taste of Italy near the airport. This family-owned restaurant is known for its generous portions of classic Italian dishes, from pasta to pizza to seafood. Their lasagna is a standout, with layers of pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella, baked to perfection. They also have a great selection of Italian wines. If you are a fan of Italian this is a must-try. DiCicco’s is perfect for those who want to enjoy a satisfying Italian meal.
Ruby Tuesday (Various Locations)
Ruby Tuesday offers an easy choice because there are multiple locations and they’re known for their salad bar and classic American fare. Their menu is diverse, featuring steaks, seafood, pasta, and burgers, along with their signature salad bar. A good choice for a classic meal and a relaxed atmosphere, Ruby Tuesday can satisfy a variety of cravings.
Breweries and Pubs with Tasty Food
Denver is a craft beer mecca, and there are several breweries near the airport that offer both delicious brews and tasty food.
Dry Dock Brewing Company (North Dock)
Located in Aurora, a short drive from DIA, Dry Dock Brewing Company is a local favorite known for its award-winning beers. Their flagship Amber Ale is a classic choice, but they also offer a wide range of other styles, from IPAs to stouts. The food menu features pub fare like burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas, all made with high-quality ingredients. Pair the Amber Ale with their Classic Burger, made with Colorado beef, for a truly satisfying experience. Dry Dock is a good choice to enjoy some local beers.
Launch Pad Brewery
With an aviation theme and a great selection of craft beers, Launch Pad Brewery is a perfect choice for travelers. They offer a variety of styles, from light and refreshing lagers to hoppy IPAs and dark stouts. Their food menu features a range of tasty snacks and appetizers, including pretzels, flatbreads, and sliders. Try their IPA with a plate of their wings. This brewery provides a unique and memorable experience.
Cheluna Brewing Company
Located in the Stanley Marketplace, a vibrant food and retail hall, Cheluna Brewing Company offers a unique and authentic Mexican-inspired beer experience. Their beers are brewed with traditional Mexican ingredients and flavors, resulting in unique and delicious brews. Their food menu features a selection of Mexican-inspired snacks and appetizers, including tacos, quesadillas, and guacamole. Try their Horchata Cream Ale with a plate of their carne asada tacos for a true taste of Mexico. They have amazing flavors and the overall environment is great for travelers.
Ethnic Cuisine Options (For the Adventurous Palate)
If you’re looking for something a little different, here are a couple of ethnic restaurants near Denver Airport that are worth checking out.
Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant
For a truly unique and flavorful experience, Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant is a must-try. This family-owned restaurant serves authentic Ethiopian cuisine, featuring stews, curries, and vegetarian dishes served on injera, a spongy flatbread. The doro wat, a chicken stew simmered in a spicy berbere sauce, is a standout dish. Eating with your hands is encouraged, adding to the cultural experience. It is a good choice for those who want to try something different and explore new flavors.
Pho 95 (Various Locations)
Pho is a popular Vietnamese soup, and Pho 95 is the perfect place to get your fix. Their broth is rich and flavorful, and the noodles are perfectly cooked. You can customize your pho with a variety of toppings, including bean sprouts, basil, lime, and chili sauce. Pho is a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for a cold day or after a long flight. It is a good choice for a quick and affordable meal that is both healthy and delicious.
Tips for Dining Near DIA: A Smooth Culinary Journey
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable dining experience near Denver Airport, here are a few helpful tips:
- Plan Ahead: Check restaurant hours, especially for early morning or late-night flights. Many restaurants have limited hours, so planning ahead will prevent disappointment.
- Make Reservations: Reserve for popular restaurants, especially during peak travel times. This guarantees a table and avoids long wait times.
- Account for Travel Time: Factor in travel time to and from the airport. Traffic can be unpredictable, so give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.
- Utilize Restaurant Apps: Apps like Yelp and Google Maps find nearby restaurants and check reviews. This gives insights from other diners and helps find hidden gems.
- Consider Delivery Options (If Available): If available, delivery services to hotels near the airport are an option. This eliminates the need to leave the hotel and provides a convenient meal.
The Final Bite: Ditch the Airport Food and Embrace Delicious Discoveries
As you can see, there’s a world of culinary delights just a short drive from Denver International Airport. From quick and casual bites to leisurely sit-down meals and craft breweries, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Explore the restaurants mentioned in this guide and discover your own favorites. Ditch the airport food and make your next trip to Denver a memorable one, one delicious meal at a time. So, the next time you’re flying through Denver, remember that a great meal is just around the corner. Bon appétit!
