A local’s guide to Colorado restaurants, breweries and coffee shops at Denver International Airport

Sure, you can hit up a Dunkin Donuts, a Starbucks or a McDonald’s at Denver International Airport — and sometimes it’s traveling that gives us license to be bad like that — but a better option is to try some of Denver’s homegrown food and beverages from local businesses.

While these restaurants, coffee shops and breweries don’t actually own or run their airport branches — that is done by large concessionaires — many of them do take an active role in maintaining the quality and consistency of their offerings. Here’s a rundown of where to go.

CONCOURSE A

Breckenridge Brewery

This brewery was founded in the little ski town of the same name way back in 1990. The airport location serves the company’s beer and offers a full bar. Near gate A71. More info.

Dazbog Coffee

This chain was founded in Denver in 1992. Located near Gate A48. More info.

Denver Central Market

Similar to its location in the River North Art District, Denver Central Market at the airport offers upscale grab-and-go items in food hall fashion. There’s a breakfast spot, meats and cheeses, Sushi Rama and Vero Italian, with pizza and pasta. Located near Gate A48. More info.

Denver Chophouse

This longtime eatery and pub near Coors Field was started by the Colorado family that also created the Rock Bottom and Old Chicago chains. The DIA spot is focused on steaks, burgers and the like. Located near the train escalators. More info.

Mercantile Dining & Provision

An outlet of longtime Denver chef Alex Seidel’s Union Station staple. Breakfast, sandwiches and restaurant-quality dinners. Located near the escalators to the train. More info.

Novo Coffee

Small, upscale Denver coffee chain and roasting company founded in 2002. Located near the escalators to the train. More info.

Snarf’s Sandwiches

The much-loved sandwich chain was started in Boulder in 1996 by Jimmy “Snarf” Seidel and now has many locations throughout Colorado, Missouri and Texas. Near Gate A73. More info.

CONCOURSE B

Elway’s

Former Hall-of-Fame Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway started his own steakhouse back in 2004, and the DIA location has been around since 2013, serving steaks, seafood, salads and more. Located near the escalators to the train. More info.

Etai’s Bakery Cafe

One of several artisan bakery concepts begun by Denver’s Baron family, Etai’s serves up hot and cold sandwiches and paninis. There is also a full bar. Near Gate B23. More info.

Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli

Heidi’s began in the early ’90s in Denver’s Highland Square and later expanded to multiple locations. It serves sandwiches, wraps, salads and smoothies. Near Gate B87. More info.

Modern Market

Originally founded in Boulder, this chain of healthy eateries serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner and includes gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. Near the train escalators. More info.

New Belgium Brewing

Known for its ubiquitous Fat Tire, New Belgium is one of Colorado’s first craft breweries. Its DIA operation serves plenty of New Belgium beers, along with breakfast burritos, sandwiches, burgers, salads and some beer-infused items. Near Gate B30. More info.

Salt & Grinder

This New Jersey-style deli from renowned Denver restaurateur Frank Bonanno serves breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Located near the train escalators. More info.

Smashburger & Bar

Although Smashburger is now a national chain, it was founded in Denver with a single location. The menu consists of gourmet burgers, chicken sandwiches and veggie burgers, plus craft beer. Near Gate B44. More info.

Snooze: An A.M. Eatery

Wildly popular Colorado-founded breakfast spot with multiple locations around the country. The DIA outlet serves all day. Located near the train escalators. More info.

Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs

It doesn’t get more “small business” than Steve’s, which operates out of a stand on East Colfax Avenue. Gourmet hot dogs and local craft beers. Near Gate B24. More info.

CONCOURSE C

Dazbog Coffee

This chain was founded in Denver in 1992. Located near Gate C47. More info.

Great Divide Brewing

One of Denver’s first craft breweries, Great Divide serves its wide variety of award-winning beers, along with breakfast, lunch and dinner classics Near Gate C32. More info.

La Casita

A true Denver original, La Casita was founded by the family of the late longtime local politician Paul Sandoval. While it specializes in tamales, you’ll also find burritos, green chili, quesadillas and other Mexican food. Located near the train escalators. More info.

Little Man Ice Cream

One of Denver’s favorite locally-owned ice cream shops, Little Man offers its signature sweet treats, as well as boozy shakes (including one called the Illuminati Shake, which is an ode to the conspiracy theories surrounding the airport). Near Gate C27. More info.

Modern Market

Originally founded in Boulder, this chain of healthy eateries serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner and includes gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options. Near the train escalators. More info.

Root Down

Justin Cucci’s eclectic farm-to-table restaurant is a must-stop for many frequent travelers through DIA, and a longtime staple at the airport. Serving upscale seasonal dishes, with a full bar. Located near the escalators to the train. More info.

Smashburger & Bar

Although Smashburger is now a national chain, it was founded in Denver with a single location. The menu consists of gourmet burgers, chicken sandwiches and veggie burgers, plus craft beer. Near gate C51. More info.

Superfruit Republic

A Denver-based fast-casual chain primarily serving acai bowls as well as juices and grab-and-go items. Near the escalators to the train. More info.

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