Best Denver Airport Breakfast Spots by Concourse
Denver International Airport has seriously stepped up its breakfast game.
Whether you’re catching an early morning flight or have a layover that spans the breakfast hours, DIA offers an impressive array of dining options that go far beyond typical airport fare.
I’ve eaten many a breakfast here and know where to find the good stuff.
For each concourse, I’ll break down my top picks for the best sit-down breakfast spot, the best grab-and-go option, and the best healthy choice—so no matter what your travel style or dietary preferences, you’ll know exactly where to head.
And remember – it’s easy to hop between concourses if you want to check out a restaurant in another terminal.
Concourse A: Local Flavors Meet Convenience
Best Sit-Down Breakfast: Mercantile Dining & Provision
Location: Center Core, Concourse A
Hours: Daily, 5:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
James Beard Award-winning chef Alex Seidel’s airport outpost brings Union Station-quality dining to DIA. This upscale spot serves Colorado-inspired breakfast dishes made in an on-site commissary kitchen. Highlights include the Colorado Quinoa Salad with farm greens and their signature breakfast sandwiches with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant emphasizes fresh, handcrafted dishes that showcase Colorado’s culinary scene.
Best Grab-and-Go: The Bagel Deli
Location: Concourse A, near A38
Hours: Daily, 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.
This three-generation family business brings authentic deli fare perfect for travelers on the go. Their fresh bagels come in multiple varieties (plain, everything, pumpernickel, blueberry, cinnamon raisin, onion, sesame, poppyseed) and can be topped with cream cheese, lox, or made into hearty breakfast sandwiches. The Bagel Deli Burrito ($10.50) and Egg & Meat options ($9.80) provide substantial grab-and-go breakfast choices, while their mini bagels offer lighter options starting at $4.05.
Best Healthy Option: D Bar
Location: Concourse A, near A38
Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
This underrated gem offers creative, health-conscious breakfast options that go beyond typical airport fare. Their standout “Dressed Avocado” ($13.80) features sliced avocado, olive oil, cracked pepper, maldon salt, and fresh herbs over simple salad greens. The Avocado Toast ($10.40) comes with toasted sourdough, avocado, tomato, and feta with a “super crunchies” add-egg option. For lighter fare, try the Simple Salad (half $10.35, full $16.10) with mixed greens and red onions, or the Honey Yogurt Parfait ($13.80) with lemon curd, honey, almond granola, and white chocolate crunchy pearls.
Honorable Mention: Maria Empanada
Location: Near Gate A24
Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m
Lorena Cantarovici’s South American empanada specialist offers a unique breakfast option that’s perfect for travelers wanting something different. These handheld pastries filled with various breakfast ingredients are ideal for eating on the go and provide a taste of authentic South American flavors that you won’t find at typical airport chains.
Concourse B: Creative Brunch Paradise
Best Sit-Down Breakfast: Snooze A.M. Eatery
Location: Mezzanine Level, Center Core
Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
The crown jewel of airport breakfast experiences, Snooze revolutionizes airport dining with creative morning fare. Their signature pineapple upside-down pancakes are legendary, while the smashed avocado benedict offers a savory twist on the classic. Other standouts include the Italian omelet with goat cheese, hearty breakfast burritos, and boozy brunch cocktails. Expect a wait – just like at their popular Denver locations.
Best Grab-and-Go: Novo Coffee
Location: Multiple locations in Concourse B
Hours: Daily, 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.
This local Denver coffee shop excels at grab-and-go breakfast with their signature Bonfire Breakfast Burritos that are perfect for travelers on the move. Choose from the Chupacabra (eggs, hash browns, chorizo, sausage, bacon, chipotle crema, cheddar cheese, cotija cheese and green chili), classic Bacon burrito, Green Chili Veggie option, or the vegan Bon-Asaurus.
Pair your burrito with their excellent coffee offerings including nitro cold brew, matcha lattes, or their signature Novo Delight. Their all-day burritos like Barbacoa and Bean & Cheese provide hearty options anytime.
Best Healthy Option: Etai’s
Location: Near Gate B23
Hours: Daily, 5:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Etai’s serves breakfast all day, and you can grab anything from a paleo bowl to a smothered burrito.
It also has an adjoining grab-and-go market for when you’re really in a rush.
Honorable Mention: Voodoo Doughnut
Location: Concourse B
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Perfect for travelers with a serious sweet tooth, this Portland-based doughnut shop brings its quirky, over-the-top creations to DIA. With unique flavors and eye-catching designs, Voodoo Doughnut offers an indulgent breakfast treat that’s part meal, part dessert. Look for their signature bright-blue alien statue that plays into DIA’s famous conspiracy theories.
Concourse C: International Flavors & Local Favorites
Best Sit-Down Breakfast: Root Down
Location: Near Gate C62
Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
A DIA veteran that’s been serving elevated breakfast for over a decade, Root Down maintains its commitment to sustainable practices and locally sourced ingredients. The menu features creative breakfast dishes with a focus on natural, organic options. The restaurant’s retro-fitted 1960s design creates a unique atmosphere that makes air travel feel luxurious again.
Best Grab-and-Go: Tamales by La Casita
Location: Concourse C
Hours: Daily, 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.
This authentic Mexican spot is perfect for travelers who want something more exciting than typical airport breakfast fare. While famous for tamales, La Casita’s build-your-own approach lets you create breakfast bowls, burritos, tacos, or taco salads to suit your taste. Their breakfast burrito is particularly notable—packed with generous fillings and accompanied by outstanding hot salsa that elevates the entire meal. It’s substantial enough to keep you satisfied during a long flight while being easy to eat on the go.
Best Healthy Option: ChoLon Modern Asian
Location: Near Gate C62
Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Chef Lon Symensma’s modern Asian eatery offers unique breakfast options that blend Southeast Asian flavors with contemporary techniques. The standout Kaya toast features crispy bread, sweet coconut, and an incredible “egg cloud” – a whipped egg with savory soy and white pepper. Build-your-own bowls with tofu and fresh vegetables provide healthy options with international flair.
Honorable Mention: Bar Dough
Location: Concourse C
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
This popular Denver pizza and cocktail spot brings their acclaimed dough-focused menu to the airport. While known for their pizzas, Bar Dough offers creative breakfast options that showcase their signature dough expertise. It’s a great spot for travelers who want something more substantial and unique than typical airport breakfast fare, with the bonus of excellent cocktails if you’re looking to start your vacation early.
Special Mentions: 24-Hour & Coffee Options
24-Hour Dining:
- Einstein Bros Bagels (Concourses A & C): Perfect for early morning flights or late arrivals, serving fresh bagels, coffee, and breakfast sandwiches around the clock.
Premium Coffee Spots:
- Novo Coffee (Multiple locations in Concourse B, 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.): Local Denver coffee roaster featuring nitro cold brew, matcha lattes, and specialty drinks like the Novo Delight
- Aviano Coffee (Multiple locations, 5:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.): Local Denver coffee shop bringing third-wave coffee culture to DIA
- Dazbog Coffee (Multiple locations, 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.): Colorado-based coffee chain with locations throughout the airport
- Caribou Coffee (Multiple locations, 4 a.m. – 9 p.m.): Reliable coffee chain with early opening hours
Pro Tips for Airport Breakfast Success
- Arrive Early: Popular spots like Snooze often have waits, especially during peak travel times
- Check Hours: While many spots open early, hours can vary by day and season
- Consider Your Gate: Choose restaurants near your departure gate to minimize walking with luggage
- Grab-and-Go Strategy: For tight connections, stick to marketplace-style vendors and coffee shops
- Local Focus: Denver’s airport excels at showcasing local culinary talent – try the Colorado-born concepts for a true taste of the city
Denver International Airport proves that airport dining doesn’t have to be an afterthought. With local favorites, creative breakfast concepts, and healthy options spread across all three concourses, you’re guaranteed to find something delicious no matter where your gate is located.
