The Delicious Denver Food Tour: One of the Best Food Experiences in LoDo

If you’re looking for an unforgettable culinary adventure in the Mile High City, the Delicious Denver Food Tours are a must-try. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, these tours take you through the vibrant streets of Lower Downtown (LoDo), where you’ll enjoy delicious food tastings at some of Denver’s top eateries. Each stop offers a unique dining experience, showcasing the best local food and flavors that have put Denver on the map as a foodie destination.

Taking the Delicious Denver Food Tour in July 2024 was an unforgettable experience. Our guide, Julia, was phenomenal – you could tell she genuinely loved sharing Denver’s rich culinary history. She kicked off the tour with a fascinating overview of how Denver’s food scene has evolved, especially after marijuana was legalized in 2012, which coincided with a significant population boom. The influx of people brought new energy and diversity to the city’s cuisine, transforming Denver into a food lover’s paradise.

Red brick building with a sign that says "Pizzeria Napoletana."

We started our tour at Marco’s Pizza, where we were treated to a glass of limoncello made with Mile High Spirits Vodka, California Meyer lemons, and sugar. Marco’s is the only Certified VPN (Verace Pizzeria Napoletana) in the Denver Metro area, a distinction that reflects the owners’ dedication after spending nine months in Italy perfecting their craft.

The Margherita pizza we sampled had a true taste of Naples, made with 00 flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and buffalo mozzarella cheese. As we enjoyed our pizza, Julia shared intriguing stories about the history of the LoDo area and its ties to the California Gold Rush.

Our next stop was Lazo Empanada, where we savored authentic Argentinian empanadas filled with savory Colorado beef, raisins, and chimichurri sauce. The empanadas were baked, not fried, giving them a perfectly flaky crust. Those of us who opted for the drink package enjoyed a glass of Argentinian Malbec from Mendoza, a perfect pairing with the rich flavors of the empanadas.

Arepa and dipping sauce in a small metal serving dish with a glass of red wine.

We then made our way to The Cherry Cricket, a Denver institution, where we sampled their R&C Pork Green Chili with a tortilla. This dish is a quintessential Colorado comfort food, and it did not disappoint.

Bowl of chili and a piece of tortilla on a white plate.

Afterward, we strolled to Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies and, as Julia humorously pointed out, the site of the cheapest beer at any MLB stadium – thanks, Coors!

Our next stop was Kachina Cantina, where Southwestern and Mexican flavors come together beautifully. We enjoyed fry bread topped with beef, along with a refreshing Margarita for those who chose the drink option. By this point, I was grateful for the walking aspect of the tour, helping to burn off some of the delicious calories we’d consumed.

Piece of fry bread topped with beef and served with a lime wedge.

Finally, we arrived at Denver’s historic Union Station, where we indulged in a sweet treat at Ultreia – a traditional Portuguese custard tart called Pastel de Nata. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with amazing food, fascinating history, and great company.

Small pastry sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Why Take a Denver Food Tour?

One of the hardest parts about visiting a new city is deciding where to eat. With hundreds of restaurants to choose from, it’s easy to end up at a chain restaurant when what you really want is a memorable local experience.

That’s one of the reasons I enjoy taking food tours whenever I travel. Instead of spending hours reading reviews, you get to sample dishes from several locally owned restaurants while learning about the city’s history and culture along the way. By the end of the tour, you’ll not only have enjoyed a great meal, but you’ll also have a list of restaurants worth returning to during the rest of your stay.

Additional benefits include:

Meeting New People: Food tours are a fantastic way to connect with fellow food lovers. You’ll meet people from all walks of life who share your passion for great food and interesting stories.
Discovering Hidden Gems: Whether you’re a local or a visitor, food tours introduce you to restaurants and eateries you might not have found on your own.
Discovering the City’s History: Along with delicious bites, you’ll gain valuable insights into the city’s history, architecture, and culture, enriching your experience on multiple levels.
Supporting Local Businesses: By participating in a food tour, you’re supporting local restaurants and small businesses, helping to sustain the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
Trying Something New: Food tours often feature a variety of cuisines and dishes, giving you the opportunity to expand your palate and try new flavors.

Margarita in a small glass rimmed with salt.

What Food Is Denver Famous For?

Denver may be known for its craft breweries, but the city’s food scene has become just as impressive. Visitors will find everything from award-winning pizza and authentic Mexican cuisine to elevated comfort food and creative farm-to-table restaurants.

Some of the foods Denver is known for include:

Colorado green chile
Breakfast burritos
Bison and elk dishes
Craft beer
Locally roasted coffee
Modern Southwestern cuisine
Authentic Mexican food

While no single tour can cover everything Denver has to offer, taking a food tour is an excellent introduction to the city’s culinary scene and can help you decide where you’d like to return for another meal.

Ready to Embark on Your Own Culinary Adventure?

Visit several locally owned restaurants in Denver’s historic LoDo neighborhood without spending hours deciding where to eat.
It is a three-hour walking adventure that covers about 1.5 miles through some of Denver’s most historic and flavorful neighborhoods.
Sample a variety of dishes while learning about the city’s history, architecture, and culinary scene.
Wear comfortable shoes and arrive hungry – the tastings add up to a satisfying meal.
If you have dietary restrictions, be sure to mention them when making your reservation.

Tips for Enjoying a Denver Food Tour

To make the most of your experience, keep these tips in mind:

Skip breakfast or eat something light before the tour.
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Bring a bottle of water.
Don’t make dinner reservations immediately afterward- all of the bites and nibbles add up!
Let the tour company know ahead of time if you have food allergies or dietary restrictions.

Discovering Denver’s LoDo Neighborhood

The Downtown Delicious Denver Food Tour takes place in LoDo (Lower Downtown), one of Denver’s oldest and most walkable neighborhoods.

Once filled with warehouses and railroad buildings, LoDo has transformed into one of the city’s premier dining destinations while preserving much of its historic character. Brick buildings, colorful murals, boutique shops, restaurants, breweries, and lively patios line the streets, making it an enjoyable area to explore even after the tour ends.

If your schedule allows, spend a little extra time wandering around Union Station, the Dairy Block, or nearby Larimer Square after your food tour. They’re all within easy walking distance and offer even more opportunities to eat, shop, or simply soak up the atmosphere.

Final Call

If you’re hungry for more food adventures beyond Denver, take a look at my San Jose, Costa Rica Food Tour for an international twist, or explore the South with my guides to Food Tours in Pensacola, Florida and What To Eat in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Each one has its own local flavor and foodie finds worth the trip.

Denver’s food scene is one worth savoring – one bite at a time. Be sure to share this guide with your fellow foodies, pin it for later, and let me know in the comments which stop you’d try first!