Where to Eat at Denver Airport: The Complete Dining Guide
Planning to eat at Denver Airport? You’re in luck.
With over 100 dining options spread across three concourses, DEN offers everything from grab-and-go snacks to sit-down restaurants featuring local Denver favorites. There are even a handful of options that were featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives!
Here’s what makes Denver Airport special: Unlike many airports where food options are clustered in just a few areas, Denver has restaurants near nearly every gate. This means you don’t need to panic and grab the first thing you see – there will be dining options throughout your concourse, so you can walk to your gate first and see what’s nearby.
This guide covers every single restaurant, organized by concourse and gate location, plus special categories to help you find exactly what you need.
Quick Reference Guide
At a Glance
| Concourse | Restaurants | 24-Hour Options | Best Local Spots |
| A | 30 restaurants | Einstein Bros, Olive & Finch, Panda Express | Mercantile, Uncle, Maria Empanada |
| B | 42 restaurants | Sunset Loop Market | Snooze, Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs, Mizu Sushi Izakaya |
| C | 29 restaurants | Einstein Bros, Barista Bot | Root Down, ChoLon, Great Divide |
Understanding Center Core vs. Gate Locations
Center Core restaurants are located right where you exit the train and go up the escalators in each concourse. These are the restaurants everyone passes, making them the most accessible but also potentially the busiest with longer wait times.
Mezzanine Level restaurants (primarily in Concourse B) are located one level up and above the Center Core restaurants.
Gate-specific restaurants are located near particular gates, often with shorter lines but requiring a walk through the concourse.
Terminal Hopping Made Easy
Remember: Denver Airport makes it incredibly easy to travel between concourses via the free underground train system. If you see something you want in another concourse, it’s only a 5-10 minute trip away. Read my guide on terminal hopping here.
Concourse A Dining (30 Restaurants)
Primary airlines: Frontier, United (some flights), Delta, JetBlue
Center Core (Where You Exit the Train)
Most accessible but expect crowds during peak times
Ben & Jerry’s – Center Core
Hours: 9am-9pm
Vermont’s famous ice cream with creative flavors and mix-ins.
Caribou Coffee – Center Core
Hours: 4am-9pm
Coffee chain known for its cozy cabin atmosphere and specialty drinks.
Einstein Bros Bagels – Center Core
Hours: 24 hours
Fresh bagels, coffee, and breakfast sandwiches available around the clock.
Freshen’s Fresh Food Studio – Center Core
Hours: 5am-9pm
Health-focused options including smoothies, wraps, and salads.
KFC Express / Pizza Hut Express – Center Core
Hours: 6am-10pm
Combined location offering fried chicken and pizza for familiar fast food.
McDonald’s – Center Core
Hours: 5am-2am
Classic McDonald’s menu with extended hours for late-night cravings.
Mercantile Dining & Provision – Center Core
Hours: 6am-12am
James Beard award-winning chef Alex Seidel’s elevated comfort food featuring Colorado-inspired dishes.
Novo Coffee – Center Core
Hours: 4am-8pm
Denver-based coffee roaster serving locally roasted coffee and pastries.
Panda Express – Center Core
Hours: 5am-12am
American Chinese fast food with orange chicken, fried rice, and chow mein.
West Side (Gates A18-A38)
Elway’s Taproom and Grill – A18
Hours: 7am-11pm
The legendary Denver Broncos quarterback’s restaurant brings upscale American dining to the airport.
Peet’s Coffee – A18
Hours: 5am-9pm
Premium coffee chain known for dark roasts and high-quality beans.
Tacos Tequila Whiskey – A18
Hours: 6am-10pm
Mexican-inspired fare with a full bar featuring tequila and whiskey selections.
Lavazza – A32
Hours: 5am-8pm
Italian coffee company serving authentic espresso drinks and light bites.
Blue Sky Bar – A34
Hours: 7am-11pm
Full-service bar with cocktails, beer, wine, and bar food. Great for late departures.
Quiznos – A34
Hours: 6am-11pm
Toasted sub sandwiches and salads for a quick meal.
D Bar – A38
Hours: 5am-9pm
Local Denver favorite known for creative cocktails and elevated bar food.
The Bagel Deli – A38
Hours: 5am-9pm
Family-owned for three generations, serving fresh bagels, stacked sandwiches, and authentic deli fare.
Tocabe – A38
Hours: 6am-10pm
Modern interpretation of Native American cuisine featuring fry bread, bison, and indigenous ingredients.
Williams & Graham – A38
Hours: 7am-11pm
Denver’s famous speakeasy brings craft cocktails and elevated bar food to the airport.
East Side (Gates A48-A81)
Maria Empanada – A24
Hours: 6am-10pm
Argentinian empanadas perfect for grab-and-go, featuring a variety of savory and sweet fillings.
The Bindery – A24
Hours: Grab & Go: 6am-9pm; Restaurant: 8am-7pm
New American fine dining restaurant, wine market and bakery from Denver’s LoHi neighborhood.
Uncle – A24
Hours: 6am-10pm
Beloved Denver ramen shop bringing authentic bowls and Japanese-inspired dishes to the airport.
Dazbog Coffee – A48
Hours: 5am-9pm
Colorado-based coffee company serving European-style coffee and pastries.
Denver Central Market – A48
Hours: 4am-10pm
Local market concept featuring artisanal foods, sandwiches, and local products.
Olive & Finch “On the Fly” Grab & Go – A48
Hours: 24 hours
Healthy, affordable fare from chef Mary Nguyen, perfect for any time of day.
Breckenridge Brewery – A71
Hours: 7am-11pm
Colorado’s craft brewery serving award-winning beers alongside pub food.
Brothers BBQ – A71
Hours: 7am-10pm
Barbecue restaurant featuring smoked meats, ribs, and classic sides.
Snarf’s Sandwiches – A73
Hours: 6am-10pm
Denver-based sandwich shop known for hot toasted subs and fresh ingredients.
Aletitude – A81
Hours: 6am-10pm
[Restaurant description would benefit from additional research]
Mesa Verde Bar & Grill – Mezzanine
Hours: 7am-8pm
Full-service restaurant and bar with Southwestern-inspired cuisine.
Concourse B Dining (42 Restaurants)
Primary airline: United Airlines
Concourse B is the largest dining destination at Denver Airport, with 42 restaurants spread across the expansive United terminal. The concourse features everything from grab-and-go options to full-service restaurants, with many located on the mezzanine level.
Center Core & Mezzanine Level (Where You Exit the Train)
Most accessible but expect crowds during peak times. Mezzanine restaurants are one level up from the main concourse.
Aviator’s Sports Bar & Bar-B-Que – Center Core, Mezzanine
Hours: 7am-11pm
Full-service sports bar with barbecue, burgers, and multiple TV screens.
Cantina Grill – Center Core, Mezzanine
Hours: 7am-9pm
Mexican grill serving tacos, burritos, and traditional Mexican fare.
Caribou Coffee – Center Core, Mezzanine
Hours: 5am-9pm
Cozy coffee atmosphere with specialty drinks and light breakfast items.
Chick-fil-A – Center Core
Hours: 5am-9pm (Closed Sundays)
Popular chicken restaurant known for chicken sandwiches and nuggets.
City Pho – Center Core, Mezzanine
Hours: 6am-10pm
Vietnamese restaurant serving authentic pho, banh mi, and Asian specialties.
City Wok – Center Core, Mezzanine
Hours: 6am-10pm
Chinese restaurant featuring stir-fries, fried rice, and noodle dishes.
Elway’s – Center Core
Hours: 7am-11pm
John Elway’s upscale steakhouse featuring premium steaks and elevated American cuisine.
Garbanzo Fresh Mediterranean – Center Core
Hours: 6am-10pm
Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant with fresh, healthy options.
Half Moon Empanadas – Center Core
Hours: 5am-10pm
Quick and affordable empanadas with various fillings.
Jamba Juice – Mezzanine
Hours: 5am-9pm
Smoothie and juice bar with healthy fruit and vegetable blends.
Lounge 5280 – Mezzanine
Hours: 8am-10pm
Airport lounge vibes with wine, local beers, and craft cocktails.
McDonald’s – Center Core
Hours: 5am-10pm
Classic McDonald’s menu with consistent quality and familiar options.
Modern Market – Center Core
Hours: 5:30am-9:30pm
Healthy fast-casual chain focusing on fresh, real ingredients.
Novo Coffee – Center Core
Hours: 4am-8pm
Denver-based coffee roaster, perfect for early morning flights.
Pour La France! – Center Core
Hours: 6am-10pm
French-inspired cafe with pastries, coffee, and light meals.
Qdoba – Center Core, Mezzanine
Hours: 5:30am-9:30pm
Mexican fast-casual chain with burritos, bowls, and tacos.
Salt & Grinder – Center Core, Mezzanine
Hours: 5:30am-9:30pm
Gourmet sandwich shop with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Shake Shack – Center Core, Mezzanine
Hours: 7am-11pm
Premium fast-casual burgers, fries, and shakes.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery – Center Core, Mezzanine
Hours: 6am-10pm
Denver’s beloved breakfast and brunch spot famous for creative pancakes and benedicts.
Voodoo Doughnut – Center Core, Mezzanine
Hours: 5:30am-9:30pm
Portland-based doughnut shop with unique and quirky flavors.
West Side (Gates B1-B30)
Aviano Coffee – B12
Hours: 5:30am-8pm
Expertly crafted coffee drinks including cappuccinos, lattes, and specialty items featuring Askinosie Chocolate.
El Chingon – B12
Hours: 6am-8pm
Local Denver establishment serving elevated Mexican cuisine and craft cocktails.
Mizu Sushi Izakaya – B12
Hours: 9:30am-8pm
Fresh sushi and Japanese izakaya-style dishes in a modern setting.
Etai’s – B23
Hours: 5:30am-9:30am
Quick breakfast spot perfect for early morning departures.
Hotch Potch Snack Shoppe – B23
Hours: 6am-10pm
Convenience store-style shop with snacks, drinks, and grab-and-go items.
Kabod Coffee – B24
Hours: 5:30am-9pm
Local coffee roaster serving specialty coffee drinks and light bites.
Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs – B24
Hours: 6am-10pm
Denver institution serving loaded hot dogs with creative toppings and the famous Denver Dog.
New Belgium Brewing – B30
Hours: 6am-10pm
Fort Collins-based brewery known for Fat Tire and innovative craft beers.
East Side (Gates B44-B89)
Colorado Collective Marketplace – B11
Hours: 6am-9pm
Showcase of Colorado-made products, foods, and beverages.
Smashburger & Bar – B44
Hours: 5am-10pm
Denver-born burger chain known for “smashed” burgers and craft beer.
Que Bueno! Mexican Grille – B52
Hours: 5:30am-9:30pm
Mexican restaurant with fresh salsas, guacamole, and traditional dishes.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory – B52
Hours: 6am-10pm
Colorado-based chocolate company with handmade chocolates and treats.
Cru Wine Bar – B53
Hours: 6am-10pm
Wine bar with curated selection and light bites.
Half Moon Empanadas (Bike) – B60
Hours: 7am-7pm Sat, 9pm other days
Mobile empanada cart for quick grab-and-go options.
Sunset Loop Market – B62
Hours: 24 hours
Convenience market with snacks, drinks, and essentials available around the clock.
Sunset Loop Bar & Grill – B63
Hours: 6am-9pm
Full-service restaurant and bar with American cuisine.
Starbucks Coffee – B63
Hours: 5am-9pm
Popular coffee chain with consistent drinks and food options.
Starbucks Coffee – B80
Hours: 5am-3pm
Second Starbucks location for coffee convenience.
Kabod Coffee – B89
Hours: 8am-5pm
Local coffee roaster with second location in Concourse B.
Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli – B87
Hours: 7am-8pm
New York-style deli with sandwiches, bagels, and classic deli fare.
Dazbog Coffee – B45
Hours: 5am-9pm
Colorado coffee company with European-style roasts.
Starbucks Coffee – B32
Hours: 4am-9pm
Third Starbucks location, perfect for early morning departures.
Concourse C Dining (29 Restaurants)
Primary airlines: Southwest, American, Alaska, Delta
Concourse C may be the smallest in terms of restaurant count, but it packs serious culinary punch with some of the airport’s best local restaurants and craft breweries.
Center Core (Where You Exit the Train)
Most accessible but expect crowds during peak times
Dazbog Coffee – Center Core
Hours: 5am-7pm
Colorado-based European-style coffee roaster.
Einstein Bros Bagels – Center Core
Hours: 24 hours
Fresh bagels and breakfast items available around the clock.
La Casita – Center Core
Hours: 5am-9pm
Authentic Mexican restaurant founded by a Denver political family, known for breakfast burritos.
McDonald’s – Center Core
Hours: 5am-10pm
Familiar fast food with consistent quality and extended hours.
Root Down – Center Core
Hours: 6am-10pm
Farm-to-table restaurant with sustainable practices and creative dishes, a DEN veteran.
Starbucks Coffee – Center Core
Hours: 5am-11:30pm
Latest-closing Starbucks location, perfect for late-night flights.
Superfruit Republic – Center Core
Hours: 4:30am-9pm
Healthy smoothies, acai bowls, and superfood-focused menu.
Timberline Steaks & Grill – Center Core
Hours: 6am-10pm
Full-service steakhouse with premium cuts and classic sides.
Villa Pizza – Center Core
Hours: 4am-9pm
New York-style pizza available from very early morning.
West Side (Gates C24-C32)
Tapas Sky Bar – C24
Hours: 9am-5pm
Spanish-inspired tapas and cocktails with limited hours.
Auntie Anne’s Pretzels – C26
Hours: 8am-8pm
Fresh-baked pretzels with various toppings and dipping sauces.
Little Man Ice Cream – C27
Hours: 7am-6pm
Denver’s beloved ice cream shop serving artisanal flavors.
Big Bowl – C28
Hours: 8am-7:30pm
Asian cuisine including pad thai, stir-fries, and noodle dishes.
Modern Market – C28
Hours: 6am-8pm
Healthy fast-casual with fresh, real ingredients.
The Magic Pan – C28
Hours: 6am-10pm
Crepe restaurant serving both sweet and savory options.
Coors Silver Bullet Bar – C29
Hours: 7am-9pm
Sports bar featuring Coors beer and American pub food.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf – C29
Hours: 5am-9pm
California-based coffee chain with extensive tea selection.
Jamba Juice – C31
Hours: 5am-9pm
Smoothie and juice bar with healthy fruit blends.
Peet’s Coffee – C31
Hours: 5am-9pm
Premium coffee with dark roasts and quality brewing methods.
Great Divide Brewing – C32
Hours: 5am-9:30pm
One of Denver’s first craft breweries with award-winning beers and full kitchen.
East Side (Gates C46-C62)
Woody Creek Bakery & Café – C46
Hours: 5am-9pm
Artisanal bakery with fresh pastries, sandwiches, and coffee.
Barista Bot Robotic Vending – C48
Hours: 24 hours
Automated coffee and snack vending for round-the-clock convenience.
Smashburger & Bar – C51
Hours: 5am-10pm
Denver-born burger chain with craft beer selection.
Aviano Coffee – C54
Hours: 5am-9pm
Artisanal coffee drinks and light food options.
Bar Dough – C54
Hours: 6am-10:30pm
Chef Carrie Baird’s wood-fired pizza and Italian dishes with curated wine selection.
Mr. Oso by Senor Bear – C54
Hours: 6am-10pm
Latin American cuisine with smoked-meat tacos, ceviches, and craft cocktails.
ChoLon Modern Asian – C62
Hours: 6am-10pm
Chef Lon Symensma’s Southeast Asian-inspired cuisine with signature soup dumplings.
Marczyk Fine Foods – C62
Hours: 6am-10pm
Local market with curated sandwiches, salads, and full wine bar.
Teatulia – C62
Hours: 6am-10pm
Organic tea company serving specialty teas, pastries, and light meals.
Special Categories
Coffee Champions
Can’t function without caffeine? Here are the top coffee spots across all concourses:
24-Hour Coffee Access:
- Einstein Bros Bagels (A & C Center Core)
- Barista Bot Robotic Vending (C48)
Local Denver Coffee:
- Dazbog Coffee: European-style roasts at A48, B45, C Center Core
- Novo Coffee: Denver roaster at A & B Center Core (opens 4am!)
- Aviano Coffee: Artisanal drinks at B12, C54
Premium Chains:
- Starbucks: Multiple locations, latest closing at C Center Core (11:30pm)
- Peet’s Coffee: Dark roasts at A18, C31
24-Hour Lifesavers
For red-eye flights, early departures, or late arrivals:
Full 24-Hour Service:
- Einstein Bros Bagels (A & C Center Core) – Fresh bagels, coffee, breakfast sandwiches
- Olive & Finch “On the Fly” (A48) – Healthy grab-and-go from chef Mary Nguyen
- Sunset Loop Market (B62) – Convenience store with snacks and essentials
- Barista Bot Robotic Vending (C48) – Automated coffee and snacks
Near 24-Hour (Open Past or until Midnight):
- McDonald’s A Center Core (5am-2am) – Latest food service
- Panda Express A Center Core (5am-12am) – Chinese food until midnight
- Mercantile Dining & Provision A Center Core (6am-12am) – Upscale dining
Local Denver Must-Tries
Skip the chains and taste what makes Denver special:
Top 5 Local Experiences:
- Mercantile Dining & Provision (A Center Core) – James Beard award-winning chef, elevated comfort food
- Snooze (B Mezzanine) – Denver’s breakfast empire, famous for pancakes
- Uncle (A24) – Authentic ramen from beloved local shop
- Maria Empanada (A24) – Argentinian empanadas featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
- Root Down (C Center Core) – Farm-to-table pioneer, sustainable sourcing
Colorado Breweries:
- Breckenridge Brewery (A71), New Belgium (B30), Great Divide (C32)
Quick Connection Champions
Need food fast for tight connections? These spots deliver:
Under 5 Minutes:
- Any Center Core location (closest to trains where you exit and go up escalators)
- Half Moon Empanadas (B Center & B60) – Grab and go
- Villa Pizza (C Center) – Quick slices
Grab-and-Go Masters:
- Olive & Finch (A48), Sunset Loop Market (B62), Superfruit Republic (C Center)
Pro Tips for Dining at DEN
Best Times to Eat:
- Early morning (5-7am): Shorter lines, fresh breakfast
- Mid-morning (9-11am): Avoid lunch crowds
- Early afternoon (2-4pm): Quietest service
Money-Saving Tips:
- Many local restaurants offer better value than chains
- Center Core locations often have competitive pricing
- Happy hour specials at full-service bars
Terminal Hopping Strategy: The underground train makes exploring other concourses easy – allow 15-20 minutes round trip to try restaurants in different terminals.
This guide covers over 100 restaurants at Denver International Airport as of August 2025. Hours and menus may vary. For real-time updates, check individual restaurant websites or the official DEN dining directory.
