Combining grand turn-of-the-century architecture with a vibrant social scene, LoDo (Lower Downtown) is one of the most appealing neighborhoods in Denver. Whether you’re exploring LoDo while looking for an apartment, or are just in search of a great meal, it’s impossible not to be charmed by the neighborhood’s fun, fashionable vibe.
Drinking and dining at some of the best LoDo restaurants and bars is a smart way to delve into the diverse local landscape. Options range from sports bars within earshot of Coors Field, to contemporary fine-dining restaurants in beautifully restored historic venues. Every cuisine is represented somewhere in LoDo, so there’s no shortage of eateries to suit every appetite. Of course, they all have one thing in common – bar menus starring dozens upon dozens of Colorado craft beers!
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5 Best Restaurants in LoDo, Denver
For[a]ged
Address: 1825 Blake Street, Suite 100, Denver, CO 80202
Cost: $$
Restaurant Overview:
This modern, special, occasion-worthy LoDo restaurant is helmed by Chef Duy Pham, one of Denver’s most celebrated chefs. Its striking, two-story venue at the Denver Milk Market puts For[a]ged amid one of the liveliest spots in LoDo. They serve lunch, dinner, and raw bar menus izakaya-style, in the manner of casual Japanese sake bars where food is shared by the table. Along with a strong leaning toward this Japanese culinary tradition, the chef takes cues from American and French cuisines, creating a unique array of dishes to showcase immaculate ingredients. Consider signature steaks, shared plates of gyoza, or steam buns stuffed with chicken, pork belly, steak, or soft-shell crab.
What to Eat:
Sushi aficionados should book ahead for For[a]ged’s omakase experience. The multi-course meal is selected and custom-prepared by the chef.
Rhein Haus Denver
Address: 1415 Market Street, Denver, CO 80202
Cost: $
Restaurant Overview:
“Bocce, bier and brats” are the three signatures of Rhein Haus Denver. This LoDo restaurant specializes in house-made sausages and pretzels, plus draft beers from local Colorado and niche German breweries. Play bocce while enjoying a pre-meal drink or two, then grab a table and order from the daily dinner or weekend brunch menus. Groups might share a charcuterie plate with three types of sausage. The various brats on a bun with tempting toppings are always best-sellers. Embrace the best of German cuisine, Colorado-style, with an entree of pork schnitzel, beef goulash, or currywurst and frites.
What to Eat:
Share a giant house-baked pretzel with an array of dipping sauces that include obatzda (Bavarian cheese spread), honey mustard, and cheddar fondue.
Kachina Cantina
Address: 1890 Wazee Street, Denver, CO 80202
Cost: $$
Restaurant Overview:
Another top LoDo restaurant at the Milk Market is Kachina Cantina. Their inviting venue is bright and colorful, with bold murals and tons of natural light. The Four Corners region as well as Baja, Mexico inspires its modern cantina cuisine. A few standouts on the all-day menu include calabacitas enchiladas and an adobada pork chop, served bone-in with mole negro, bacon plantanos, and arroz rojo. Vegetarian items include a cauliflower al pastor and vegetarian pozole rojo.
Don’t forget the drinks! Kachina Cantina specializes in agave-sweetened margaritas. Order a top-shelf margarita by the glass or pitcher, or consider the mango habanero, blood orange, or jalapeno cucumber versions.
What to Eat:
If it’s Taco Tuesday (or any day), order one of seven tacos, available a la carte or as a plate with rice and refrito beans. Choose corn or flour tortillas or fry bread filled with chicken, carnitas, carne asada, shrimp al pastor, wagyu brisket, crispy cauliflower, or pescado.
Three Saints Revival
Address: 1801 Wewatta Street, Denver, CO 80202
Cost: $$
Restaurant Overview:
Three Saints Revival is built around the concept of the “holy trinity” of wine, tapas, and spirit, and takes culinary inspiration from the Mediterranean. Its jewel-toned decor also evokes the sunshine and sea, making this an exceptionally inviting space.
Take a delicious trip around the region via small plates and tapas, from Israeli schug with flatbread to Spanish patatas bravas with aioli. Enjoy a taste of Greece with a plate of octopus and potato puree and the flavors of Morocco in every bite of slow-cooked lamb.
On weekends, Three Saints Revival serves brunch with many of its all-day options, plus sandwiches and breakfast fare. How about a manchego egg sandwich or a fresh house-baked scone?
What to Eat:
Tapas emphasize sharing and sociable dining, so go for custom shared plates of cheeses or charcuterie.
Terminal Bar
Address: 1701 Wynkoop Street, Union Station, Denver, CO 80202
Cost: $
Restaurant Overview:
Terminal Bar is a notable LoDo restaurant thanks to its location inside a major LoDo landmark – the historic ticketing office of Denver Union Station. The restored space showcases turn-of-the-century furnishings and fixtures that nod to Denver’s railroad heritage.
Terminal Bar is a popular spot for drinks, with an extensive collection of mostly-Colorado draft beers and locally distilled spirits. Its food menu is excellent as well and designed to go perfectly with those drinks and the nostalgic setting. Expect all-American comfort-food classics, like Buffalo wings, cheeseburgers, and house-made soups and salads.
What to Eat:
Terminal Bar’s shareable chili cheese fries are a major upgrade from average bar fare, with house-made Angus red chili, hatch chile cheese sauce, and avocado crema.
Find Your Dream Apartment in Denver
If you want to explore more of LoDo’s excellent dining and social scene, it might be time to start apartment hunting in Denver. Reach out to AptAmigo to get started on your search. One of our local apartment experts will help you find the best accommodations and the best deals to suit all your desires.
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