As a downtown Denver real estate broker, I spend most of my time in LoDo and the Central Business District. Clients always ask where I eat the best food in Downtown Denver after showings, so here are my personal favorites for the best food in Downtown Denver.
Best Places to Eat in Downtown Denver (2026 Local Guide)
If you want the real local spots in Downtown Denver — not just the tourist list — this is it. These are the restaurants I personally recommend to clients, friends, and anyone staying in the neighborhood. From green chile to Wagyu steaks, here’s where to eat in 2026.
I’ve also included the closest loft and condo buildings for each location (perfect if you live downtown or are considering buying nearby).
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Best Mexican Restaurants in Downtown Denver
1. La Loma
Price: 3/5
When people ask about the top Denver Mexican restaurants, La Loma is always my first recommendation. It’s one of the best restaurants downtown Denver for green chile and fajitas, especially if you’re dining near the Brown Palace area.
Directly across from the iconic The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, this is the Mexican restaurant in Denver.
My Order:
• La Loma Special or Chicken Fajitas
• Smothered in green chile (don’t leave without trying it)
• Cadillac Margarita
• Pacifico on tap
Best salsa in town. Period.
After dinner, walk across the street for a cocktail and cigar at Churchill Bar — one of the few cigar bars left in the city.
Closest Condos/Lofts:
• Bayly Lofts Condos
• 1891 Curtis Street Residences (Ritz Carlton) | 1891 Curtis Street Residences
• One Lincoln Park | One Lincoln Park
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Best Mexican Restaurants in Downtown Denver
2. D’Corazon
Price: 2/5
Best hidden gem downtown. No flashy sign (The sign on this post was years before it was taken
down)— easy to miss if you’re not local.
My Order:
• Chicken Enchiladas Plate
Food comes out in 5–10 minutes. They close for about a month around December/January to visit family in Mexico. Eddie (the owner) is usually at the bar — ask for a butter mint on the way out.
Closest Condos/Lofts:
• Palace Lofts | Palace Lofts
• Larimer Place | Larimer Place
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Best Steakhouse in Downtown Denver
3. Urban Farmer Denver
Price: 4/5
Killer happy hour starting at 4:00 PM.
My Order:
• New York Steak Tasting
• Add 5 oz Westholme Wagyu
• Jalapeño Au Gratin
• Black Truffle Mac & Cheese
• Chophouse Corn
• Mile High Carrot Cake
• Caymus Cabernet by the glass
Closest Condos/Lofts:
• Titanium Lofts Condos
• The Coloradan
• Frankin Lofts
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Best Steakhouse/Seafood Restaurant in Downtown Denver
4. Ocean Prime Denver
Price: 5/5
No longer open for lunch (post-pandemic), but still a top-tier dinner spot.
My Order:
• 8 oz Filet with Maytag Blue Cheese Crust
• Add a Lobster Tail
• Jalapeño Au Gratin
• Black Truffle Mac & Cheese
• Chophouse Corn
• Berries & Bubbles cocktail
Closest Condos/Lofts:
• The Spire | The Spire
• Brooks Tower | Brooks Tower
• Writer Square Condos | Writer Square Condos
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Best Steakhouse in Downtown Denver
5. The Capital Grille
Price: 4/5
Across from Ocean Prime and open for lunch.
Pro Move:
Wagyu & Wine for $35 in the lounge — perfect client lunch.
My Order:
• Wagyu Blue Cheese & Black Truffle Burger
• Fries (don’t bother upgrading)
• Orin Swift Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon
Closest Condos/Lofts:
• Palace Lofts | Palace Lofts
• Four Seasons Residences | Four Seasons Residences
• Larimer Place | Larimer Place
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Best Brunch Vibes Restaurant in Downtown Denver
6. Sam’s No. 3
Price: 1/5
Huge menu. Lively brunch crowd.
My Order:
• Breakfast Burrito (smothered in green chile)
• 20 oz Mimosa (light on the OJ)
Hammer Bar in the back is great for watching the game. It gets busy — expect a wait. Talk to Keven and Anthony at the bar.
Closest Condos/Lofts:
• Barclay Towers | Barclay Towers
• Brooks Tower | Brooks Tower
• Neusteters Lofts | Neusteters Lofts
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Best Authentic Taco Restaurant in Downtown Denver
7. Mexico City Restaurant & Lounge
Price: 1/5
Been around 65 years. Old-school Denver.
My Order:
• Fried Tacos Combo
Some of the best tacos in the city.
Closest Condos/Lofts:
• ZI Lofts and Townhomes
• Arapahoe Street Lofts and Condos | Arapahoe Street Lofts
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Best Burger Restaurant in Downtown Denver
8. Cherry Cricket
Price: 2/5
Classic Denver burger joint.
My Order:
• Little Cricket Burger
• Smoked Cheddar
• Half tots / Half fries
• Side of ranch
Pro tip: Tell manager Caesar Shane sent you — you might get a cocktail on the house.
Closest Condos/Lofts (Downtown Location):
• The Coloradan | Coloradan
• McGregor Square Residential Condos
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Best Dog Friendly Brunch Restaurant in Downtown Denver
9. The Lobby
Price: 2/5
Awesome brunch patio. Dog-friendly.
My Order:
• Morning Doobie
• Add breakfast sausage
• Extra green chile
• Bottomless mimosas
They also showcase local art for sale inside.
Closest Condos/Lofts:
• Arapahoe Street Lofts and Condos | Arapahoe Street Lofts
• Isbell Lofts and Condos | Isbell Lofts
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Best Italian Restaurant in Downtown Denver
10. Osteria Marco
Price: 3/5
In Larimer Square (chatgpt://generic-entity?number=24) (downstairs location). Old-school historic downtown vibes.
My Order:
• Hand-tossed Pizza
• Chopped Salad
• Italian wine selection (excellent)
Open for lunch — great client meeting spot.
Closest Condos/Lofts:
• Four Seasons Residences | Four Seasons Residences
• Larimer Place | Larimer Place
• Palace Lofts | Palace Lofts
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Best Seafood Restaurant in Downtown Denver
Bonus: Water Grill
Price: 4/5
I’ve been going since the original in Downtown Los Angeles — before Denver had one.
Start With: Bread & butter (excellent)
My Favorites:
• Atlantic Cod Fish Tacos
• Wild-Caught Pacific Halibut (seasonal, typically mid-March through early November)
Closest Condos/Lofts:
• The Coloradan | Coloradan
• Windsor Condos | Windsor Condos
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Why This Matters If You Live Downtown
One of the biggest perks of owning a loft or condo in Downtown Denver is walkability. Whether you’re in The Spire, The Coloradan, Brooks Tower, or Four Seasons Residences, you’re steps from some of the best food in the city.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Downtown Denver and want to live within walking distance of these spots, reach out. I specialize in downtown lofts and high-rises — and I know where to eat after closing.