10 Foods That Prove Denver Is More Than Just Craft Beer

What food is Denver known for? We sure know how to eat well in the Mile High City, and we've been doing so since the pioneers roasted buffalo and potatoes over their campfires along the South Platte River. The origin of these iconic Denver foods can probably be traced back to the old frontier days, while others came onto the scene in more recent years. When it comes to Mile High cuisine, one thing's for sure—we love our meat and potatoes, especially when combined with hatch green chiles of nearly any variety. Check out 10 foods below that the city has become known for.

1. Green Chile

Slathered, sipped, smothered, or by the spoonful, we can't get enough green chile in the Mile High City. This famous Denver cuisine is available all over town, and it's all excellent. This stick, stew-like sauce is typically made with roasted green chiles, flour, and tender cuts of pork or beef to help thicken it up and create a hearty, savory flavor. We could eat it for every meal of the day.

2. Smothered Burritos

For breakfast, lunch, dinner, and maybe even dessert, we'll eat smothered burritos any time, anywhere. It takes the classic Mexican food up a notch by covering it in gooey Monterrey or pepper jack cheese, enchilada sauce, chili verde, or other warm, delectable sauces. You may even find similar chunks of meat on top, like those in green chile. It's heavenly.

3. Street Tacos

Obviously, there's a trend here, and it's no secret Denverites love Mexican-inspired fare, especially authentic street tacos that can be found on just about any city block, street corner, or parking lot in town. We really love Kike's Red Tacos in LoHi and La Calle Taqueria y Carnitas on W Alameda Avenue.

4. Meats

Whether it's a juicy T-bone steak from The Fort Restaurant, a bison burger from Cherry Cricket, or a turkey hot dog from Henry's Hot Dogs, we heart our meats here in the Mile High City. We love to experiment with different types of meat and cook it in all sorts of ways, including deep-fried, grilled, broiled—you name it.

5. Rocky Mountain Oysters

Undoubtedly one of Denver's most iconic dishes and infamous rites of passage is the Colorado delicacy otherwise known as the Rocky Mountain Oyster. Denver restaurants are known to have this dish on the menu, and you should give it a try! Just keep in mind that the oysters aren't really oysters—they're actually deep-fried bull testicles. Don't knock 'em till you taste 'em.

6. Cheeseburgers

According to the monument at 2776 N. Speer Boulevard, the cheeseburger was invented in Denver in 1935, and we've most certainly kept that beloved culinary tradition alive. Pick a meat, put a lot of things on it, add some condiments and sides, and you're in Mile High heaven. You can find a good quality cheeseburger just about anywhere in Denver, from casual dives to upscale eateries.

7. Green Chile Cheese Fries

Pro Tip: A burger should always be accompanied by a side of green chile cheese fries, swimming in all sorts of meaty, melty, spicy goodness. Even if you're not a cheese fry fan, smother it all with spicy, savory chile sauce, and you might just be converted.

8. Veggies

Not all Denverites are raging carnivores, and we've got plenty of restaurants around town creating innovative vegetarian and vegan dishes, fit to be Mile High icons for the new millennium. Of course, you don't want to miss out on the fun of a comfort meal. So places like City O' City are perfect—the restaurant has incredible vegetarian curry and poutine fries.

9. Denver Omelet

No one really knows the origin of this popular Denver breakfast item, but it's known for its firmer texture and caramelized flavor. And you can find it on almost any diner menu in town. It's typically made with ham, onion, green or red bell pepper, and cheddar cheese. If you're a savory breakfast person, you'll absolutely love this flavor combo.

10. Cinnamon Rolls

The Butcher Block Cafe has been wowing us with its legendary homemade traditional cinnamon rolls for decades. After all, it does advertise homemade cinnamon rolls on the side of its building. And don't miss the Denver Biscuit Company's newer bacon-topped biscuit creation, which cannot be beat. Eat 'em all!

Hopefully, this list of iconic Denver foods stimulated your appetite! If you've never tried these delicious meals, head out on a food-themed Colorado road trip to try them all. You'll also want to swing by these 10 unique restaurants in Denver that are unforgettable.