From Local Eats to Global Treats: Best Denver Airport Restaurants for 2025
Restaurants at airports aren't always known for their excellence. Still, Denver airport restaurants have shattered that tired stereotype with a culinary lineup as impressive as the city's stunning mountain views. Whether you have a long layover or are just passing through, these Denver airport restaurants will change everything you thought you knew about airport dining.
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- Delicious Denver Airport food in Concorde A
- Where to Get Denver Airport food in Concorde B
- The Best Denver Airport food in Concorde C
- Restaurants Coming Soon to Denver Airport
Delicious Denver Airport food in Concorde A
If you thought airport dining was limited to bland, forgettable meals, Concourse A at Denver International Airport is about to change your perspective. Just like the rising popularity of online cooking classes and in-person cooking classes has transformed home culinary experiences, these airport restaurants have revolutionized travel dining.
Mercantile Dining & Provision
Tucked away in Concourse A, Mercantile Dining & Provision proves that airport dining can be so much more than just a quick bite.
Originally established at Union Station in 2014 and helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Alex Seidel, Mercantile's airport location is one of the best Denver airport restaurants for fresh, handcrafted dishes prepared in an on-site commissary kitchen.
The menu is a delightful mix of Colorado-inspired and classic dishes like the Colorado Quinoa Salad with farm greens and the classic club with River Bear bacon, turkey and chipotle aioli.
Elway’s Taproom & Grill
Elway’s Taproom & Grill brings a taste of classic steakhouse dining to Denver International Airport. Founded by legendary Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway, it’s decked out in sports memorabilia and feels like a destination restaurant despite being in an airport.
The menu might be compact but it's carefully curated. Signature smash burgers headline the selection, with the MVP burger being a firm favorite. Steak lovers familiar with Denver Airport restaurants will appreciate classic options like the tender filet mignon and the mouthwatering short ribs "off the bone".
If you’re looking for something a bit different, the restaurant offers a few Mexican-inspired starters, including delicious steak tacos that are perfect for sharing.
Snarf’s Sandwiches
If you’re craving a sandwich so good you’ll want to “snarf” it down immediately, head to Snarf’s Sandwiches at DIA. This Boulder-born favorite is known for its delicious oven-toasted sandwiches with fresh-baked bread and generous layers of high-quality toppings.
The menu offers everything from classics like the turkey and Swiss sub to Italian sandwiches piled high with salami, pepperoni, capicola, mortadella and provolone. It’s really one of the top Denver Airport restaurants for sandwiches.
Denver Chophouse
Denver Chophouse has a charming interior that transports you to a 1940s pub — think exposed brick, warm wood tones and a gleaming brass bar that feels like a step back in time.
The menu brings classic steakhouse fare to Denver Airport food in Concorde A. You’ve got satisfying entrees like filet mignon, sirloin steak, grilled chicken and bison burgers, as well as a variety of salads and appetizers to enjoy. Standout dishes include the New Orleans BBQ shrimp, with a gentle heat that lingers pleasantly and the tenderloin tips and mushrooms, served in a rich, savory sauce.
Mesa Verde Bar & Grill
Located on the mezzanine level of DIA, Mesa Verde Bar & Grill offers a delicious mix of fresh, wholesome and local flavors with a diverse menu that caters to everyone. It’s one of the best Denver airport restaurants for Mexican favorites like tacos, burritos and nachos or American classics like burgers and salads.
Some must-try dishes include the blackened catfish tacos, which come with perfectly fried catfish and the Colorado burger; a hearty option topped with bacon, double patties, chilies and cheese. To complement the food, Mesa Verde offers a full bar, including a tequila bar, making it a great place to relax before your flight.
Where to Get Denver Airport food in Concorde B
Denver Airport food in Concorde B is incredible. From casual eateries perfect for grabbing a snack to lively spots that are ideal for bachelor parties and birthday celebrations, there’s something here for everyone.
Mizu Sushi-Izakaya
Denver’s beloved LoHi sushi spot, Mizu Izakaya, now offers a taste of expertly crafted Japanese cuisine to Denver Airport food in Concorde B. Led by Macau-born owner Hong Jian Lee, Mizu brings traditional flavors and creative dishes to the airport dining scene.
It’s one of the most impressive Denver airport restaurants for sushi, offering an impressive array of rolls that go far beyond the basics. The shrimp tempura roll and Hotate roll are particularly noteworthy but adventurous eaters should also try the hamachi jalapeño dish or the melt-in-your-mouth pork belly buns.
If you’re just looking to unwind before a flight, the bar program is impressive, featuring sake, wine, Japanese spirits and creative cocktails that can help pass the time between connections.
Aviano Coffee
Aviano Coffee is one of the top Denver airport restaurants for weary travelers seeking a quality caffeine fix. This local Denver coffee shop, founded in 2006, brings the city's renowned third-wave coffee culture right to DIA. What sets Aviano apart is its commitment to exceptional coffee. Using premium coffee beans, they craft perfectly balanced drinks that are neither too sweet nor too bitter.
The coffee menu features rich, perfectly balanced brews, from classic options to specialty drinks like the vanilla latte. With plenty of seating and charging stations, Aviano Coffee is a welcoming space to relax before your flight.
Snooze
Hit the snooze button on those longer-than-expected layovers in DIA with a stop at Snooze. Known for its creative and mouthwatering breakfast options, Snooze is one of those Denver airport restaurants that offer an eclectic dining experience. With a full-service kitchen and plenty of brunch cocktails on the menu, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy a delicious meal.
For those exploring Denver Airport food in Concourse B, signature dishes include the pineapple upside-down pancakes and the smashed avocado benedict for a savory twist. Other great options include the Italian omelet with goat cheese, the hearty Snooze breakfast burrito and the classic ham benedict.
Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs
With the original Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs on East Colfax now closed, the airport location has become the go-to spot for fans of this iconic eatery. Conveniently situated in Concourse B, this restaurant serves up a delicious menu of loaded hot dogs, burgers, breakfast sandwiches and more.
The hot dogs, delivered straight from New Jersey, come with a variety of mouthwatering toppings. Whether you prefer a classic Chicago-style dog piled high with fresh peppers, celery salt and a crisp dill pickle or something unique like the Denver Dog — a hot dog-burrito hybrid featuring bacon and burrito-style fillings — there’s something for everyone.
To round it all off, Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs boasts a full bar with 10 craft beers on tap. Overall, it’s one of the best Denver airport restaurants for team building.
The Best Denver Airport food in Concorde C
For some of the best Denver airport restaurants, head to Concorde C to discover a variety of delicious options.
Root Down
Known for its globally inspired cuisine and focus on fresh, sustainable ingredients, Root Down offers a menu packed with vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan options. This airport spot is perfect for a quick meal or a relaxing sit-down experience before your flight.
Popular dishes include gluten-free pancakes topped with strawberry rhubarb jam and granola, as well as quick bites like the hummus lunch box complete with cucumbers, tomatoes, crackers, dates, olives and veggie hummus.
Tamales by La Casita
When it comes to Denver Airport food in Concorde C, Tamales by La Casita is a dream come true for travelers craving authentic Colorado-style Mexican cuisine. While famous for its tamales, the menu goes far beyond that single dish, offering everything from breakfast to dinner.
But what really sets La Casita apart is its build-your-own approach where you can create bowls, burritos, tacos or taco salads to suit your taste. The breakfast burrito is particularly notable, packed with generous fillings and accompanied by an outstanding hot salsa that elevates the entire meal.
Great Divide Brewing
Denver airport restaurants don’t get more exciting than Great Divide Brewing. This spot is a tap house and kitchen that offers a selection of thirteen different brews on tap. Every beer comes in 4, 10 and 16-ounce pours, allowing you to create your own tasting flight or enjoy a full-sized drink.
The food menu is equally impressive, offering options for every time of day. You can try the crispy fish and hand-cut chips, barbacoa tacos, the grilled salmon sandwich or the hearty breakfast sandwich. For lighter fare, there are healthy options like a blackened salmon salad and fresh fruit.
If you're exploring Denver Airport food in Concourse C, this is a must-try spot for both craft beer lovers and foodies.
ChoLon Modern Asian
ChoLon Modern Asian isn't just another one of many Denver airport restaurants — it's a destination for food lovers seeking an extraordinary culinary experience.
With a masterful blend of Southeast Asian flavors and contemporary cooking techniques, the menu is an exploration of fusion cuisine that elevates Denver Airport food in Concorde C.
One of the most unique offerings is the Kaya toast, a dish that comes with crispy bread, sweet coconut and an incredible "egg cloud" — a whipped egg with savory soy and white pepper that's both rich and light. It's a perfect example of the restaurant's innovative approach to traditional flavors. It’s one of the best Denver Airport restaurants for impromptu date nights, too.
Marczyk Fine Foods
Known for its high-quality, locally sourced offerings, Marczyk Fine Foods is one of the most beloved Denver airport restaurants. It serves a variety of deli sides, soups, fresh produce and baked goods. You'll also find an eclectic selection of sauces, dressings and dry goods, many of which are unique or hard to find elsewhere.
For a quick bite, try their Rockpile roast beef sandwich, packed with roast beef, arugula and mild horseradish dressing, all on chewy sourdough bread.
Restaurants Coming Soon to Denver Airport
As DIA continues to grow, travelers will soon have even more food options to choose from. These are just some of the few Denver airport restaurants coming to the scene in 2024/2025.
Uncle
Uncle, a popular local ramen shop, is set to open in Concourse A near gate A27 in January 2025. Known for its locations in LoHi and Washington Park, Uncle offers a variety of flavorful ramen dishes, including spicy chicken ramen, chili pork ramen, Chashu ramen, duck ramen and veggie ramen.
The Bindery
The Bindery is set to open soon at DIA, in Terminal A. This popular restaurant is known for its diverse and interesting menu, offering great food and drinks in a welcoming atmosphere. One dish you’ll want to try is their famous blueberry lemon waffles — let’s hope they make it at the airport location!
Williams & Graham
Also coming to Concourse A is the iconic speakeasy Williams & Graham. This unique spot aims to feel like an airport lounge without the exclusivity and will make DIA one of the only airports in the U.S. to offer a speakeasy experience. While the cocktail menu will change only twice a year, unlike the downtown location that rotates more frequently, it will feature a "greatest hits" selection of drinks from the past 11 years.
Beyond the Terminal
Denver airport restaurants have earned a reputation for offering some of the best food in the nation. Whether you have a long layover or are just passing through, you don't need to go through security to enjoy the best of the Mile High City.
There’s a wide variety of solid food options, drinks, snacks, pastries and caffeine to satisfy every craving. And if you're in a rush, there are plenty of grab-and-go options so you can pick up a quick snack or drink and be on your way. These Denver airport restaurants rival the best indoor activities in Denver for entertainment and flavor and should definitely be on your list of must-try spots in the city.
For even more fun Denver ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
