Best of Denver
🦄 Most Unique Restaurants in Denver
Denver’s Chinese restaurant scene impresses with its range: handmade dumplings, sizzling Szechuan specialties, and chic spots shaking up classic recipes. The city’s best Chinese restaurants bring energy and flavor, with options ranging from casual counters perfect for quick lunches to dimly lit destinations ideal for date night or group feasts. Look for signature soup dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, and memorable small plates—plus clever cocktails and approachable comfort food.
🍜 Most Scenic Setting: Hop Alley — Industrial-cool space with artful plates and standout cocktails on Larimer.
🥟 Best for Dumpling Lovers: Dumpling Kitchen — Expertly crafted soup dumplings and wontons in chili oil.
🍲 Best Interactive Experience: Chubby Cattle Hotpot & Sushi — Customizable hot pots and conveyor belt sushi in a lively space.
🍹 Cocktail Craftsmanship: The bar features standout cocktails; don’t miss the Old Fashioned, praised as a must-try.
🥢 Shareable Plates: The menu is designed for sharing; two to four dishes per two people is the sweet spot.
📅 Reservations Recommended: Popular especially on weekends; securing a reservation ensures a seamless experience.
🌱 Vegetarian Friendly: Several highly recommended vegetarian dishes make it a great spot for plant-based diners.
🥟 Dumpling Variety: Try a mix of pork, shrimp, and vegetarian dumplings to experience the restaurant’s diverse flavors at once.
🌶 Wontons in Chili Oil: This is a standout item that locals rave about for its perfect balance of spice and flavor.
🕒 Best Timing: Visit during weekday lunch hours to avoid the busiest times and enjoy prompt service.
🚗 Parking Tips: Free street parking is usually available, but arriving early during peak times improves chances of easy parking.
🥟 Dumpling Lovers’ Choice: The vegan dumplings are highly praised and a must-try for plant-based eaters.
🌤️ Patio Seating: Outdoor picnic tables provide a charming option during warmer months for a relaxed meal.
🍜 Noodle Specials: Regular visitors recommend the Shanghai street noodles and duck noodle soup as signature dishes.
🕰️ Lunchtime Buzz: Expect the restaurant to be busiest around lunch from 11 AM to 2 PM, so earlier or later visits offer quieter dining.
🍹 Must-Try Cocktails: Their inventive cocktail menu, especially lychee martinis, is a highlight that pairs perfectly with the cuisine.
🔥 Bar Seating Spectacle: Sit at the bar to watch the wok action up close, providing an engaging dining experience.
🌿 Vegetarian Friendly: They offer flavorful vegetarian options, including standout eggplant dishes.
🚗 Parking Tips: While free lot parking is available, finding spots during busy times can be tricky; plan accordingly.
🥟 Must-Try Dumplings: The soup dumplings and pork potstickers receive rave reviews; ordering these is a local favorite.
🍜 Dandan Noodles Standout: Regulars recommend the Dandan noodles, often cited as the highlight of the menu.
🕒 Visit Off-Peak: Lunch hours, especially midweek mornings, see lower crowds for quicker seating and service.
🍻 Happy Hour Perks: Enjoy happy hour drinks and small plates to sample a variety without splurging.
🍜 Must-Try Bao Buns: The shredded pork belly bao and spicy chicken bao are fan favorites, praised for juicy fillings and balanced flavors.
🎶 Hip-Hop Atmosphere: Expect an energetic vibe with music ranging from '80s hits to hip-hop, enhancing the dining experience.
🍹 Unique Cocktails: The bar offers creative drinks like the MSGin and Baijiu-based beverages that provide a bold twist on traditional cocktails.
🕰️ Lunch is Less Busy: Lunch visits typically have no wait, while dinner can get busy; plan accordingly especially on weekends.
⏰ Midweek Break: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays; plan visits Wednesday through Sunday during lunch or dinner hours.
🌶️ Ask for Spice Level: The Szechuan dishes pack heat; request milder options if you’re spice-sensitive but don’t miss the signature tingling flavors.
🚗 Ample Parking: Plenty of free parking spots available in Belcaro Shopping Center, making quick visits easy.
🥟 Try Dumplings Early: Fresh, popular dumplings sell quickly; order them as soon as you arrive to avoid missing out.
🍜 Watch Noodle Making: Guests love watching the chefs hand-pull and cut noodles fresh daily, adding to the authentic experience.
🥟 Must-Try Dumplings: Soup dumplings and pan-fried buns are favorites; ordering a combo lets you sample both.
🍺 Beer Available: While the focus is on noodles and dumplings, they offer bottled beer, perfect to complement your meal.
🚗 Parking Tips: Plenty of free parking is usually available in the lot and nearby street spots, easing peak hour visits.
🍜 Gluten-Free Friendly: A rare find for gluten-free diners looking for delicious Chinese food in Denver.
⚡ Speedy Service: Ideal for quick lunches or fast dinners without sacrificing flavor or quality.
🥢 Solo Dining Welcome: Many locals enjoy dining alone here, thanks to efficient service and casual vibe.
♿ Fully Accessible: Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and seating make this spot convenient for all guests.
🍲 Best for Groups and Solo: The lively setup works well for both solo diners and groups, offering a fun, interactive way to enjoy hot pot.
🚗 Parking Tips: Street parking is free and paid but can be challenging to find; plan ahead or consider ride-sharing for dinner visits.
📱 Tablet Ordering: Use the interactive tablets for quick, personalized orders which keep the dining flow smooth and fun.
🍣 Sushi Train Experience: The conveyor belt sushi adds an entertaining element, but space at the counter can be tight—request a table if you prefer more room.
Dumpling Kitchen is a standout for soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) and wontons in chili oil, while Lan’s Noodles & Dumplings 兰州拉面 is beloved for hand-pulled noodles and pan-fried buns. Both offer casual, inviting atmospheres, and are highly rated for both the quality and variety of their dumpling and noodle dishes. Fortune Wok to Table also specializes in handmade dumplings and Shanghai street noodles.
Chubby Cattle Hotpot & Sushi excels for festive group outings with its interactive hotpot and sushi train. Hop Alley is another favorite for group dining, offering bold modern Chinese plates designed for sharing. Both spots recommend reservations for dinner, especially on weekends, and provide enough space and upbeat energy for special occasions or casual celebrations.
Noodles Express Inc is recommended for those craving Szechuan flavors, with fiery classics like Dan Dan noodles, Mapo tofu, and spicy cucumbers. Many dishes can be made less spicy by request. Q House also serves refined, boldly flavored plates, including inventive takes on traditional Szechuan dishes, and pairs its food with craft cocktails.
Hop Alley features a robust selection of vegetarian dishes (Lion’s Mane Mushroom, eggplant in garlic sauce), and Fortune Wok to Table also offers vegan dumplings and stir-fried vegetable plates. For gluten-free needs, Bruce’s Kitchen stands out, providing tasty classic Chinese comfort food with accommodating staff and thoroughly labeled menus.
Q House is known for its contemporary design, creative cocktails, and modern interpretations of Chinese classics—ideal for date night or a stylish dinner. MAKfam also delivers inventive plates and a fun, youthful atmosphere, with spicy noodles, bao buns, and a unique cocktail list. Both offer approachable service and signature dishes.
Chopstickers is praised for fast takeout and delivery, with favorites like Dandan noodles and soup dumplings available until later in the evening. Bruce’s Kitchen is another convenient choice, open for dinner Monday through Saturday, and offering reliable classics for pickup or delivery. Always check each spot’s latest hours before ordering.
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