These 15 Old Restaurants In Denver Have Stood The Test Of Time
×
R. Phillips
Author
In a world where countless fashionable food spots erupt on the scene like New Kids On The Block then fizzle out just as quickly, you’ve got to hand it to these mouthwatering Mile High landmarks for still going strong. From burger joints to supper clubs, these iconic eateries are some of the oldest restaurants in Denver and are serving up everything from hearty American classics to high-quality Chinese cuisine. Pick a number, any number, because you can’t go wrong with any of these time-honored traditions!
It doesn't get more iconic than Sam's No. 3, which has been slinging diner delights all day to Denverites for nearly 90 years! Opened by "Mr. Sam" Armatas in 1927, and now operated by his son and grandsons, Sam's No. 3 can satisfy your every craving with their bomber breakfast options, Mexican and Greek inspired fare, All-American classics, and of course, their notorious Colorado green chili to smother EVERYTHING in! (There are three locations in Downtown Denver, Aurora, and Glendale.)
Advertisement
Advertisement
Pete's Kitchen is another phenomenal family-owned operation that's been a Mile High staple for over 50 years! Known especially for their killer breakfast, late night eats, and low prices, Pete's Kitchen is a prime spot to grab some grub after a night out on East Colfax and is even open 24/7. (Check out Pete's Restaurants five additional locations in the metro area, including Pete's Central One and Pete's Satire Lounge, and become part of a deep-rooted Denver tradition.)
There's no denying that Denver has undergone drastic changes in recent years, and the Cherry Creek neighborhood is no exception. But there's one thing that certainly hasn't changed, and that's the Cherry Cricket, where they've "been slinging burgers, brews and good times since 1945." You can always count on this nostalgic neighborhood favorite for fantastic food because at the Cherry Cricket "delicious never goes out of style."
My Brother's Bar is the oldest watering hole in Denver that's still in operation and was once the preferred hangout of Neal Cassady, the Beat crew, and other notoriously nefarious lushes. This laid-back neighborhood haunt is still a popular spot for burgers and beers and barflies, so get on down there and make yourself a regular. (There's no website or sign out front, but you can find them in LoDo at 2376 15th Street.)
Advertisement
"The Grandaddy of LoDo" (aka Wazee Lounge & Supper Club) has been a Mile High landmark since 1974 and continues to wow locals and visitors alike with its classic 1930's Art Deco style and what has been dubbed "the best pizza in the civilized world." Rumor has it that Jack Kerouac, Danny Glover, Jack Nicholson, and President Barack Obama have all haunted the hallowed halls of this time honored Denver tradition, so isn't it about time you joined the club?
Speaking of old timers, you can't have a list of iconic Mile High restaurants without The Buckhorn Exchange, Denver's original steakhouse which has been serving up Old West cuisine since 1893. The fact that this legendary landmark has been in operation for 123 years is all the proof you need to make this marvelous meat-filled manor your next date night adventure.
Advertisement
This one-of-a-kind hole-in-the-wall steak house (read: diner) has been in the biz for more than 50 years and promises Denverites the best bang for their buck. Where else in the Mile High City can you get a sizzling steak, baked potato, garden salad, Texas toast, and cold drink for under $15!? If you find another, please let me know! (Note: This joint is CASH ONLY.)
Related Stories
The Oldest Restaurant In Denver Has A Truly Incredible History
These 9 Longest-Standing Restaurants In Denver Have Served Mouthwatering Meals For Decades
The Story Behind This Historic Restaurant Near Denver Is Beyond Fascinating
Imperial Chinese on South Broadway has been "a cornerstone in the Denver community" for nearly 30 years and is serving up authentic, high-quality Chinese cuisine that will tantalize your taste buds. With top-notch food, an elevated atmosphere, and excellent service, Imperial Chinese is a deliciously rich dining experience!
This family-owned and operated spot on South Broadway was established in the 1930s and revamped in the 1960s to become one of the oldest, most authentic home-style Mexican restaurants in Denver. Blue Bonnet is a Mile High treasure that promises award-winning house margaritas, fantastic eats made from scratch, and an expansive outdoor patio where you can drink and lounge and munch for hours.
Advertisement
Since 1984, Sushi Den has been on the cutting edge of sushi and Japanese cuisine not only in Denver, but also throughout the United States. Founder and "heart and soul" of the operation, Chef Toshi, is dedicated to creating scrumptiously innovative, aesthetically pleasing Japanese dishes that are a feast for all five senses.
The Avenue Grill was established in 1988 and has been a neighborhood mainstay Uptown ever since. Widely praised for its vintage bar, award-winning martinis, and supper-club-style steaks and ambiance, the Avenue should be right up your alley!
Advertisement
New Saigon Restaurant on South Federal has been providing Denverites with quite possibly the best Vietnamese food in the city for almost 30 years. Have you tried their traditional tasty delights!? They've sure got this guy a-grinnin'!
Nestled in North Denver's Little Italy is the city's oldest Italian restaurant, founded in 1921 by Mike and Maggie Aiello. You can put your money on Patsy's Inn for old-school charm, traditional marina-soaked homemade pastas, and other mouthwatering Italian family favorites.
Since 1983, Racines has been making the Mile High City a better place with their breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch, and late night eats. And the crispy creamy goat cheese tots (seen here) have been known to be habit forming.
Advertisement
Mickey's Top Sirloin at 70th and Broadway has been in the Broncucia family for nearly 50 years and can still be found at the same location where their father opened the original eatery decades ago. They now boast a new and improved building but continue to serve the Italian, Mexican, and American specialties on which they were founded.
You should probably just start at the top of the list and work your way down until you’ve tried them all! Afterward, for more Mile High City staples, try out these 10 Mom & Pop Restaurants In Denver That Serve Home Cooked Meals To Die For.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.