Denver’s vibrant food scene continues to flourish with exciting new restaurant openings and a dynamic array of food trucks offering diverse culinary experiences. Here’s a look at some of the latest additions and local favorites that are making waves in the Mile High City.
New Restaurant Openings
Madeline
Chef Quincy Cherrett, known for his work at Colt & Gray and Sushi Den, has opened his first brick-and-mortar restaurant, Madeline, at 1313 E. 6th Ave. Named after his niece, Madeline offers an “unfussy” menu focusing on seasonal ingredients and culinary craftsmanship. The intimate 1,100-square-foot space seats up to 48 guests, providing a cozy dining experience.
Heretík
James Beard semifinalist Chef Theo Adley has expanded from Lyons to Denver with the opening of Heretík in the River North Art District at 1441 26th St. The counter-service restaurant draws inspiration from Northeast Spain and Southern France, featuring curated small plates of seafood and rotisserie cooking. The menu includes a rotation of American-raised poultry and a raw bar with fresh seafood.
Tablerock
Chef Elena Vasquez, formerly of Fruition, has launched Tablerock at 1420 Larimer Street. The 60-seat restaurant emphasizes alpine-influenced Colorado cuisine, built around relationships with Front Range farms and a root cellar program developed over five years. The space offers a warm, minimalist ambiance that reflects Colorado’s natural beauty.
Food Truck Favorites
Farm to Truck
Embracing Denver’s farm-to-table ethos, Farm to Truck serves locally sourced comfort dishes from around the world. Popular items include the Colorado lamb burger topped with fried onions, goat cheese, and mint aioli, as well as a vegetarian hemp seed wrap filled with fresh local produce. Sides like pork belly and yellow curry potato salad complement the main offerings.
Mike’s Coneys
Bringing a taste of Michigan to Denver, Mike’s Coneys specializes in Flint and Detroit-style coney dogs loaded with chili, mustard, and chopped onions. Ingredients are shipped from Michigan to ensure authentic flavor. The nostalgic 1950s sign draws attention to the truck, making it a popular spot for a quick lunch or dinner.
The Ethiopian Food Truck
As Colorado’s first and only Ethiopian food truck, The Ethiopian Food Truck offers authentic dishes like chicken and beef tibs made to order. Vegetarian-friendly options include a veggie combination with red lentils, yellow split peas, spiced spinach and potatoes, and curried cabbage with carrots. The truck is a regular at Denver festivals, providing an opportunity to explore Ethiopian cuisine.
Denver’s culinary landscape is ever-evolving, with new restaurants and food trucks continually adding to the city’s rich tapestry of flavors. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a visitor, there’s always something new and delicious to discover.