Denver Airport Food: The Ultimate Guide to Dining and Drinking at DIA

Terri Marshall Avatar

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In a city filled with food halls, craft breweries and stellar views of the Rocky Mountains, it should come as no surprise that the Denver International Airport also delivers a tasty food scene. From the fine dining at Elway’s Tap Room to a loaded hot dog at Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs, you’ll find many choices for great Denver airport food. If your flights typically take off in the morning, VooDoo Doughnuts will kick off your day on a delicious note. And, of course, there’s coffee – lots of coffee. Here’s a rundown on the dining and drinking scene in Colorado’s biggest airport.

Getting Around DIA

You can’t drink or dine if you don’t know where to go, so let’s start with a rundown of the Denver International Airport (DEN). Ranked as the third-busiest airport in the country, DEN serves as the gateway to Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.

DEN features the Jeppesen Terminal with three concourses: A, B and C. A free underground train service  – the Automatic Guideway Transit System (AGTS) – runs between Jeppesen Terminal and Concourse C, stopping at Concourse A and Concourse B in between.

A moving pedestrian walkway runs between Jeppesen Terminal and Concourse A if you prefer to walk. But you’ll have to take the train to Concourse B and Concourse C.

Let’s Start with Coffee

For those early morning flights, coffee (or tea in my case) is a must. So let’s nail down the coffee shops first! Starbucks has three locations in DEN: Concourse B upper level, Concourse B, Gate 33 and Concourse C Center. Concourse A also houses Caribou Coffee and Dunkin’ Donuts in the Center Core to get your coffee fix along with Lavazza at Gate A32.

In Concourse B you’ll find Kabod Coffee (Gates B24 and B89). In Concourse C The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (C29) and Caribou Coffee (C32) are options as well as a local roaster, Dazbog Coffee (C47).

Snooze A.M. Eatery

A Denver favorite for breakfast, lunch and cocktails, Snooze A. M. Eatery has expanded to DIA and that’s a very good thing. Located on the mezzanine level of Concourse B, the menu at Snooze is packed with tastebud teasing treats. My personal favorite, the Breakfast Burrito, easily feeds two people and features a flour tortilla filled with scrambled cage-free eggs, hash browns, house black beans, cheddar & jack cheese ,topped with pico de gallo and a choice of house-made green chile or ranchero sauce.

Prefer a sweet start to your day? Try a signature flight of Pineapple Upside Down, Blueberry Danish and Sweet Potato pancakes.

VooDoo Doughnut

Denver airport food includes Portland, Oregon’s favorite doughnut shop now has an additional home in Councrese B. VooDoo Doughnut brought us the gourmet doughnut category. Known for introducing the Bacon Maple Bar, Memphis Mafia and The Cannolo. The choices have expanded to more than 50 artisan flavors including 25 vegan options.

Mercantile Dining & Provision

A Denver favorite, Mercantile Dining & Provision now has a home at the Center Core of Concourse A. Serving as an eatery, marketplace and coffee shop, Mercantile Dining & Provision elevates the farm-to-table dining experience with entrees like avocado toast, Wagyu pastrami sandwiches and roasted chicken. Sip seasonal cocktails, enjoy a beer or indulge in a glass of wine as you wait for your flight.

Denver Chophouse

A long time staple of the A Gates of DIA, the Denver Chophouse evokes the feel of a 1940s pub with its brass bar and beer tap accents. Menu favorites include filet mignon, grilled chicken and bison burgers.

Timberline Steaks & Grille

Up for trying elk medallions? You’ll find those at the C Gates, Center Core at Timberline Steaks & Grille along with ribeye steaks, hearty burgers and healthy salads.

Elway’s

Named for the local Denver Broncos football legend, John Elway, if you’re looking for a fine dining experience at Denver International Airport, Elway’s is the place to go. Located in the B Gates this classic steakhouse offers daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert menus featuring burgers, appetizers and salads. Of course, it’s hard to go wrong with a US Prime New York Strip and a stiff cocktail pre-flight.

Root Down

For health-focused cuisine, check out Root Down at the Center Core of the C Gates. Choose from a variety of globally influenced seasonal cuisine featuring locally-sourced ingredients. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

Aviator’s Sports Bar & Bar-B-Que

For travelers heading to the B Gates, you’ll find AViator’s Sports Bar & Bar-B-Que on the mezzanine level. You’ll also find wings, smoked brisket and all those delicious BBQ sides like Mac & Cheese, baked beans and deviled eggs.

Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs

Hot dogs take the stage at Steve’s Snappin Dogs but not just any hot dog. At Gate B24, Steve’s Snappin Dogs come wrapped in a tortilla and topped with chili, bacon and all manner of other delightful options. If a hot dog isn’t for you, choose from a selection of sandwiches including a smashburger or a grilled cheese.

Denver Central Market

A favorite in the Mile High City, Denver Central Market’s DIA location provides a varied selection of grab-and-go food. Choose from cheese boards, pasta,  pizza,salads, sandwiches, sushi and more. Located in Concourse A.

Fill Up on Mexican Favorites

If Mexican cuisine ranks among your favorite eats, DIA gives you a few options. Located in the center core of Concourse C, La Casita serves up margaritas, burritos and Colorado favorite – green chile. La Casista’s specialty tamales are available to go.

Situated on the mezzanine level of Concourse B,  Cantina Grill features a wide variety of made-to-order Mexican cuisine favorites including burritos, tacos and salads.

Another option, Mesa Verde Bar & Grill sits on the mezzanine level of Concourse A and serves up everything from breakfast burritos to street tacos along with a selection of small plates, salads and sandwiches. Dine in and to-go options are available.

More Eateries to Try

Modern Market (C28) provides an excellent choice of grab and go sandwiches along with salads, parfaits and desserts.

Choose from a selection of sandwiches, salads and more at the Sara Lee Sandwich Shoppe (B52). Or head to Woody Creek Bakery (C46) for breakfast, lunch and dinner combos ready to grab and go.

Situated in Concourse A, Freshëns Fresh Food Studio delivers a healthy option to your DIA dining experience. Choose from a selection of hand-crafted crepes including two breakfast crepes. Or get your nutrition from an expansive selection of smoothies.  

Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli (B87) brings a taste of New York to the Rocky Mountain state with a selection of signature sandwiches and all those deli meats necessary to build your own.

Pour La France in Concourse C features espresso drinks, fresh pastries, organic energy bars, organic teas and coffee.

Fast Food Favorites at Denver International Airport

Like all airports DIA provides plenty of fast food options for flyers on the run. Here’s a sample of your options.

  • Einstein Bros. Bagels (Concourse C Center Core)
  • Auntie Anne’s Pretzels (Near C26)
  • McDonald’s (Center Core of Concourses A, B & C)
  • Jamba Juice (Concourse B mezzanine & C32)
  • KFC Express (Concourse A, Center Core)
  • Panda Express (Concourse A, Center Core)
  • Pizza Hut Express (Center of Concourse A & B)
  • Quiznos (A 34)
  • Shake Shack (B Gates, Mezzanine)
  • Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream (Concourse A Center Core)
  • Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (B52)

Boulder Beer Tap House

Get your beer fix pre-security in the Jeppesen Terminal at Boulder Beer Tap House – Colorado’s oldest craft brewery. Sample Boulder Beer brews with entertaining names like Hazed & Infused and Buffalo Gold. On the menu you’ll find breakfast burritos, sandwiches and light bites.

More Places to Imbibe

Vinophiles will enjoy a stop at Crú Food and Wine Bar (B51) where wines are available by the bottle, glass or flight. Light bites include cheeses, individual sized gourmet pizzas and panini sandwiches.

Vino Volo (C49) features wines by the glass or flight along with locally produced artisan cheeses and other quick bites.

Tapas Sky Bar (C24) showcases a selection of wines, cocktails and Colorado craft beers paired with tapas plates.

 A full-service sports bar, Coors Silver Bullet Bar (C29) serves beer, wine and cocktails and also features a gourmet burger counter.

Clearly no one leaves Denver International Airport hungry…or thirsty! Cheers!


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