Best of Denver
Best Restaurants in LoHi 🏡
LoDo is Denver’s most electric dining destination, where historic charm meets some of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants. Craving expertly aged steak, inventive sushi, or a classic brunch done right? This guide uncovers the best restaurants in LoDo Denver, spotlighting a neighborhood bursting with buzzy seafood bars, Mediterranean gems, and clubby chophouses. Expect both polished date-night spots and vibrant daytime favorites all within easy walking distance of Union Station.
🥩 Best Steakhouse Energy: STK Steakhouse — Modern chops, DJ sets, and upscale late-night atmosphere.
🍳 Best Classic Brunch: Snooze, an A.M. Eatery — Beloved for its pancake flights and playful, bustling mornings.
🍣 Best Happy Hour Sushi: Blue Sushi Sake Grill — Trendy scene with standout rolls and a long happy hour.
⏰ Visit Early or Late: Arrive before 5 PM on weekends or after 8 PM on weekdays for a quieter dining experience with quicker seating.
🍹 Try the Caipirinha: This classic Brazilian cocktail pairs perfectly with the rich meats and is a guest favorite at the bar.
🎉 Plan Special Occasions Here: The restaurant offers private dining and is popular for birthdays and anniversaries—mention your celebration when booking!
🥗 Don’t Miss the Salad Bar: The salad bar offers much more than greens, including gourmet sides and Brazilian specialties that complement the meats beautifully.
🎧 DJ Nights: The DJ turns up the energy late evenings, making STK a hotspot for nightlife alongside fine dining.
🍹 Allergy-Friendly Service: Servers like Jenny are renowned for attentiveness to allergies and custom drink orders, enhancing guest comfort.
🥂 Brunch Vibes: Sunday brunch is popular, featuring inspired drinks and a lively yet approachable atmosphere.
🚗 Parking Tips: Valet is recommended but paid street parking is usually available nearby; plan ahead on busy nights.
🥞 Try the Pancake Flight: A signature dish allowing guests to sample multiple pancake flavors, a must-order for first-timers.
🍹 Craft Cocktails Shine: The full bar offers unique and strong drinks perfect for brunch, including espresso martinis with a coffee-forward twist.
🚶♂️ Ideal for Transit Lovers: Located inside Union Station, it’s perfect for those combining breakfast with travel or exploring the area.
🌞 Outdoor Seating Available: Guests enjoy fresh air on the patio when weather permits, enhancing the retro and vibrant atmosphere.
🍣 Happy Hour Heaven: Take advantage of the long happy hour from 11 AM to 6:30 PM daily, including Sundays, for great deals on sushi and drinks.
🍶 Sake Flights: Don’t miss trying the flights of sake to complement your meal, a favorite among regulars for pairing with their rolls.
🌱 Vegan Friendly: The vegan sushi options, especially the vegan Philadelphia roll, are exceptional and highly recommended by plant-based diners.
🎵 Lively Vibe: Opt for the sushi bar seating for a more interactive experience and enjoy occasional live music enhancing the trendy atmosphere.
🍝 Must-Try Artichoke Tortelloni: This award-winning pasta dish consistently delights guests and is worth ordering more than once per visit.
🍹 Impressive Cocktail Program: The creative cocktails, such as the lions something, receive frequent praise and complement the Mediterranean menu perfectly.
☀️ Patio Dining: Request outdoor seating on pleasant days to enjoy Larimer Square's ambiance while dining.
🍽️ Early Arrival for Brunch: Weekend brunch is popular; reservations are recommended to secure a spot and experience their limited brunch options.
🔥 Cozy Fireplace Lounge: Guests love the intimate fireplace area, perfect for romantic dinners or relaxed evenings.
🍝 Must-Try Pastas: The Lamb Ragu Rigatoni and Pasta Al Forno receive rave reviews—perfect for pasta enthusiasts.
🍷 Sommelier Expertise: The sommelier offers great wine pairing advice that elevates the meal experience.
☀️ Patio Vibes: The patio is a popular spot for good weather dining, though be wary of sudden rain without cover.
🍷 Extensive Wine List: Wine lovers should explore Ocean Prime’s carefully curated selections that complement the steak and seafood menu perfectly.
🎉 Ideal for Celebrations: The private dining rooms and attentive staff make it a top pick for birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate events.
🚗 Valet Parking Recommended: Parking can be challenging, so valet service is a popular and convenient option among visitors.
🍸 Happy Hour Perks: Weekday happy hours from 4–5 PM offer great deals on drinks and small bites, perfect for a pre-dinner treat.
🍍 Ask for Pineapple: Guests love requesting fresh pineapple slices carved tableside, a traditional Brazilian treat that perfectly complements the meats.
💳 Join Club Rodizio: Club Rodizio members get early notice of special menus, busy days, and exclusive pricing—great for frequent visitors.
🍹 Try Signature Cocktails: The cocktail menu, especially the coconut lemonade and piña coladas, receives rave reviews and pair beautifully with the robust meat selections.
🕔 Best Time to Visit: Weekday dinners after 5 PM are less crowded; weekends get very busy from 5 to 8 PM, so reservations are recommended for prime times.
🦪 Oyster Shooter Hack: Regulars recommend trying an oyster shooter with your beer for a unique West Coast-style experience.
🍤 Best Happy Hour Time: Early evening happy hour from 3 to 6 PM is perfect for enjoying discounted oysters and drinks on the patio.
🌟 Patio Perks: When weather allows, patio seating offers a relaxed vibe and great people watching near Union Station.
🧾 Watch Your Bill: Be mindful of the automatic 20% gratuity charge to avoid double tipping, a common surprise for new guests.
🥩 Signature Sides Matter: The lobster mac and cheese and white cheddar hash browns are fan favorites complementing the main steaks perfectly.
🍷 Seasonal Wine Tastings: Join their special events like The Generous Pour to sample premium wines paired expertly with dishes.
🎉 Celebrations with Flair: The staff excels at personalizing birthday and anniversary experiences with champagne toasts and table decorations.
⏰ Best Time for Walk-Ins: Weekday lunch or early dinner on weekdays usually have less wait time compared to busy weekend evenings.
LoDo offers a dining scene as dynamic as Denver itself, from sleek steakhouses to spirited brunch mainstays and creative global kitchens. Bookmark this guide to navigate the best restaurants in LoDo for every occasion, and share it with coworkers, friends, or visiting family for your next downtown outing. Looking for more? Explore our restaurant directory and check out themed guides for tips on where to find the city’s best seafood or romantic dinner spots.
LoDo offers a dining scene as dynamic as Denver itself, from sleek steakhouses to spirited brunch mainstays and creative global kitchens. Bookmark this guide to navigate the best restaurants in LoDo for every occasion, and share it with coworkers, friends, or visiting family for your next downtown outing. Looking for more? Explore our restaurant directory and check out themed guides for tips on where to find the city’s best seafood or romantic dinner spots.
LoDo offers a dining scene as dynamic as Denver itself, from sleek steakhouses to spirited brunch mainstays and creative global kitchens. Bookmark this guide to navigate the best restaurants in LoDo for every occasion, and share it with coworkers, friends, or visiting family for your next downtown outing. Looking for more? Explore our restaurant directory and check out themed guides for tips on where to find the city’s best seafood or romantic dinner spots.
Top dinner picks in LoDo include STK Steakhouse for high-energy modern steakhouse fare, Ocean Prime for elevated seafood and romantic atmosphere, and Rioja for imaginative Mediterranean cuisine in a cozy Larimer Square setting. Each offers attentive service, creative menus, and a downtown location perfect for special occasions or a stylish night out.
Yes, LoDo is a brunch hotspot. Snooze, an A.M. Eatery draws crowds for inventive pancakes and upbeat mornings, with both indoor and patio seating inside Union Station. Rioja’s weekend brunch offers Mediterranean-inspired classics, while Tavernetta’s Italian-style brunch is popular for a refined weekend treat near the station.
For happy hour in LoDo, Blue Sushi Sake Grill offers extended hours daily with discounted sushi and sake flights. Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar features early evening specials on oysters and drinks, while Ocean Prime also provides weekday deals from 4–5 PM, perfect for pre-dinner gatherings in an upscale setting.
Parking in LoDo can be challenging during peak times. Many restaurants like The Capital Grille and Ocean Prime offer valet services, while others recommend nearby paid garages or street parking. Arriving via light rail to Union Station or rideshare is convenient for busy evenings or weekends.
Reservations are strongly recommended for most LoDo favorites, especially for dinner or large groups. Popular spots like Rioja, Tavernetta, and The Capital Grille often fill up during weekends and event nights. For fast-casual spots like Snooze, expect walk-in waitlists, particularly at brunch.
Several LoDo restaurants cater to vegetarian and vegan diets. Blue Sushi Sake Grill stands out for its innovative vegan sushi rolls, while Rioja and Tavernetta offer thoughtful vegetarian options among their Mediterranean and Italian menus. It’s best to mention dietary needs when reserving to ensure a tailored experience.
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