BenefitsPRO Broker Expo: 10 places to eat and drink in Denver

Not sure where to go for lunch or grab a drink in Denver? We have some suggestions…

1. If you can’t decide what food you are in the mood for, then Avanti, located in the LoHi neighborhood, is the perfect place to start. Described as a food collective, Avanti has seven restaurant concepts ranging from pizza to pho. If you’re thirsty while you decide, you can pick from 20 draft beers, cocktails, and wine.

2. While sushi doesn’t seem like something you should eat in a landlocked state, Sushi Den might just prove you wrong. It is regarded as one of the premier sushi and Japanese restaurants in the U.S. for 38 years. They have everything from the classic Cali roll to their own speciality rolls. While you wait for your delicious fish, you can enjoy their renowned Sake.

3. If there is one thing you can always find in Colorado, it’s a good brewery. Originally created from a love for baseball, Blue Moon Brewing’s Belgian White was first brewed out of Sandlot Brewery. Now located in the neighborhood of RiNo, you can enjoy an original Blue Moon or try any of their other 20+ beers on tap.

4. Inspired by Chef Troy Guard’s experience growing up in San Diego, Los Chingones is categorized as “badass” Mexican. The menu offers plenty of choices, from street tacos and queso, to signature margaritas and tequila flights. If you are feeling sassy, spicy, or just hungry, Los Chingones is definitely worth checking out.

5. Coined as a “neighborhood Italian bistro”, Shells and Sauce offers authentic Italian food in the heart of Congress Park, Denver. Their extensive wine list can be paired with any of their meals, including delicious Carbonara or their stuffed shells duo. Looking for something lighter? Feel free to browse their salad and pizza menu!

6. Located in Downtown Denver atop Le Meridien, 54thirty is Denver’s highest open-air rooftop bar, with a gorgeous view of the mountains. While the rooftop is open year-round, the menu changes with the seasons. When you're tired from a long day at BenefitsPRO’s Broker Expo, 54thirty is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy a seasonal drink with a view.

7. Said to be Denver’s most historic eating and drinking establishment, Buckhorn Exchange serves as a time capsule for the Wild West with memorabilia that is more than 105 years old. The steakhouse lives up to its name with meat ranging from beef, buffalo, elk and lamb. But don’t worry, if you are dying to try some Rocky Mountain Oysters, they have those too.

8. With an unobstructed view of Downtown Denver, El Five is a fantastic spot to enjoy a drink and appetizers. The menu pays homage to the Mediterranean with small plates to share including paella. You can find flavors from Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East in each dish while also enjoying a drink on the open-air patio.

9. Sam Armatas, an immigrant from Lefkada Greece, opened the first location of Sam’s in Downtown Denver. Now, on its third iteration, Sam’s No. 3, also known as Denver’s best diner, is located right across the street from its original location. The menu includes classic diner burgers and the best greasy breakfast one could ask for.

10. Blackbelly is home to some of the best breakfast burritos in Denver. Led by Michelin Young Culinary Professional, Kelly Kawachi and the award-winning Blackbelly team, their breakfast burritos contain a classic Colorado twist: hatch green chiles. If you’re not in the mood for breakfast burritos, Blackbelly also focuses on housemade charcuterie, salami, and deli meats.