Every city has its farmers markets, and they’re always fun. They’re also predictable. You go to a cool neighborhood in town, browse local produce, meat, goods, art, and more. More or less, you know what to expect—a fresh tomato is a fresh tomato no matter where you find it.
You might assume that food halls are similar to farmers markets in this regard, but they’re almost always guaranteed to be unique from location to location. That’s because each food hall has a different character, culture, and cuisine representation.
Further, there might be two food halls that specialize in Italian food, but each location is run by a collective of restaurants, or headed up by one main chef dictating the menus. Either way, no two cacio e pepe dishes will be the same.
Denver proves this true, and they have some of the most epic food hall experiences in America. We got in touch with our team of locals and Denver hotel experts in the Mile High City to find out which of these Denver food halls you should to prioritize when you’re in town.
Your Guide to Denver Food Halls
1. Denver Central Market
Right off the bat, most people will tell you that Denver Central Market, located on Larimer St., is a must-visit and it’s guaranteed to have something for everyone. Enjoy a robust bite from the charcuterie counter before indulging in some ice cream from the in-house parlor, or stop by the chocolatier. Grab fresh fish from the monger, or snag some burly steaks from the butcher.
For all those who want to just stroll and enjoy this grand food hall, grab a coffee and don’t forget to check out the retail shopping spaces as well. In 2018 Denver Central Market opened an extension at the Denver airport, which is a smaller, but markedly more travel-friendly, version that features four food options from the main site: Sushi-Rama, Vero Italian (pizza and pasta), SK Provisions (rotisserie meats and sides), and Culture Meat & Cheese.
2. Avanti Food & Beverage
The coolest part about Avanti Food & Beverage is that they offer space to restaurants who want to sample how well they’re received before officially opening shop. It’s exclusive though: they only feature seven food stalls that are continuously turning over to make way for new dining options.
On top of it all sits a rooftop bar with gorgeous views of the Mile High City along with some fresh and fun cocktails. The locals say that, while amazing, it’s one of the most consistently busy spots in town, and it can be difficult to find a spot on the weekends. Just get there early and lock down some real estate.
3. Stanley Marketplace
If you head about nine miles East of Denver, you’ll end up in Aurora, and you’ll find Stanley Marketplace. It’s a massive airplane hanger that’s been converted into a two-story food hall and marketplace that houses award-winning restaurants, fitness studios, bars, and more. In many ways, it’s set up similarly to San Diego’s Liberty Public Market.
Don’t forget to stop by one of our personal favorite Denver restaurants, Maria Empanada, or the Glazed & Confused donut shop before enjoying one of the many community events happening. The beer hall and brewery on-site are nothing to scoff at either.
4. Broadway Market
Broadway Market is owned by the founders of the aforementioned Stanley Marketplace, and features many of the same food offerings like Maria Empanada (seriously, go there). There are also a few original concepts in the market like Pizzeria Coperta (pizza counter) and Mother Tongue (Turkish kebab stand).
What most people like most about Broadway Market is that it doesn’t get as crowded as Avanti or others around town, even at night. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a low key evening with a great meal, some good cocktails, and a wonderful stroll to finish the night off.
5. Milk Market
Located in the historic Dairy Block, Denver’s Milk Market is a 16-venue food hall that offers ways to dine in or enjoy your food to-go. All the restaurant concepts, as well as the three bars and artisanal food market, are run by Colorado chef Frank Bonanno.
Bonanno’s goal with Milk Market is to draw in travelers, visitors, neighbors, and food lovers to “shop a little, drink a little, eat a little, and celebrate a lot.” And you’ll love doing it all in the heart of the Ballpark Neighborhood—catch a game at Coors Field while you’re down there.
6. Finn’s Manor
Head down to the RiNo district and hit up Finn’s Manor, which is less of an actual manor and more of an outdoor cocktail bar and food truck pod (although, that’s as good as any manor in my book). It’s an incredibly fun place to hangout, especially in the warmer months, and there are heaters in the winter to keep you warm.
You might not need the heaters with the creative way they’re slinging spirits though. In total, Finn’s Manor has 16 rotating taps and over 800 spirits to be used in any one of their fun cocktails. In addition to the food trucks, they also host live music and events for everyone to enjoy.
7. Zeppelin Station
Tucked away and off the beaten path, you’ll find Zeppelin Station right next to the 38th and Blake light rail stop. It’s the perfect place for diversity of international taste across creative Asian cuisine, bold Mexican flavors, and classic American goodness.
All the food vendors are centered around Kiss + Ride, a commuter-themed bar, that’s inspired by European rail stations serving drinks to those in transit. If you’re looking for something a bit more party-centric, head to the upstairs bar called Big Trouble for some big fun.
8. The Source
The Source is considered by most to be one of the original Denver food halls, and was started when a 19th-century foundry was renovated and reopened in 2013. Today, it stands as a market hall that combines shopping and dining.
There are high end eateries like Acor—a wood-fired cooking restaurant—and Smok—a happening BBQ joint. Complete with a rooftop bar, Woods, and a New Belgium Brewery outpost, there’s no chance you’ll be bored here.
9. Tributary
Compared to some of the other options on this list, Tributary might be considered small with it’s 3,000 square-foot space. But it’s just as mighty. It’s about 15 miles West of Denver in Golden, and features six restaurant stalls, a bar, a coffee stand, and gelato.
One of the coolest features about Tributary is that they have all day options. If you swing through in the morning, you can grab some oats, a smooth, chia bowls, and Montreal-style bagels. Consider spending a whole day here and grazing on lunchtime oysters from the raw bar, after breakfast, before chowing down on some legit pizzas to close the day.
10. Denver Union Station
If you’re taking an Amtrak in and out of Denver, you’ll get dropped off right at Union Station. It’s not your average, grimy train station though: it’s been fully refurbished to include high quality food stands, restaurants, and two bars.
Definitely add it to your tour of Denver food halls and public markets, even if you’re not taking a train. You’re covered no matter what time of day you stop by. Grab breakfast at the famous Snooze eatery (we have one in San Diego, it’s amazing), steaks (Mercantile Dining and Provision), seafood (Stoic & Genuine), and drinks at the casual Terminal Bar. If you want a dash fancier, head to the Copper Lounge upstairs.
11. Edgewater Public Market
Spread across four buildings, Edgewater Public Market has an eclectic and exciting grouping of food spots, boutique shops, and a full calendar of year-round events. This bustling market is, as they say, “where local food trucks graduate beyond the truck and where regional favorites bring their flavor.”
It’s still relatively new on the scene, but they’ve already made a name for themselves among the locals looking for a family gathering spot, a great date night out, or a place to relax and be with friends. You’ll love the open aesthetic, topped only by the quality of experience provided by the dedicated shop and restaurant owners.
There aren’t many things better than a well-designed food hall experience, and Denver sure knows how to deliver a unique and unforgettable one. Let us know which of these Denver food halls you hit up, or if we’ve left any off this list. Come back next week for our blog about Denver’s best adventures and experiences.
We’re also looking for more contributors to voice their local recommendations on the LuxLyfe Blog. Send us a DM on Instagram, we’d love to hear what you love and why you love it.
Image Credit: Broadway Market Denver Instagram