As the weather gets colder, it’s no surprise when diners start craving their favorite comfort dishes. Whether you find comfort in reminiscing on your childhood favorites, such as meatloaf, grilled cheese, or homemade lasagna or your taste buds are craving beef bourguignon or spicy Peking duck noodle soup — these Denver restaurants will come in clutch this winter when you want to skip the dishes.
Meatloaf from Steuben’s Uptown
Where? 523 East 17th Avenue
Steuben’s is known for serving up the great American regional classics. When you’re craving comfort food, you can’t go wrong at this locally-owned, independent restaurant. The menu kicks off with appetizers such as gravy cheese fries, crab cakes, and fried pickles before diners make their way to the cozy selection of soups, such as clam chowder, pork green chile stew, and the classic tomato soup. For many, meatloaf is a childhood favorite and Steuben’s serves their entree with mashed potatoes, gravy, broccoli, mushrooms, and shallots. Not a meatloaf fan? No problem, other comfort-food classics on the menu include chicken and waffles, pot roast, fish and chips, and even the hearty Joe’s Breakfast with 2 eggs any style, crispy smashed potatoes, breakfast meat, and your choice of toast. You’ll also find burgers, sandwiches, and even a Maine lobster roll with fries on the menu.
PRO Tip: Want something extra decadent on a chilly winter day in Denver? Order the Monte Cristo with ham, house-smoked turkey, Swiss and American cheese, powdered sugar and a side of Steuben’s raspberry preserves for a salty and sweet combo.
Shrimp and Grits from Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
Where? 1650 Wewatta Street #104
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar is situated across from Union Station in Downtown Denver. The restaurant serves up scratch-made and responsibly sourced Southern food for brunch, lunch, and dinner services. Come see what Southern hospitality is all about and enjoy the warm, welcoming atmosphere while you indulge in your favorite comfort dish. The Tupelo shrimp and grits are gluten-free and crafted using sustainable wild-caught white gulf shrimp, chorizo pork sausage, peperonata, creole sauce, scallions, and heirloom grits with goat cheese. Not in the mood for seafood? Try the banana pudding creme brûlée chicken and waffles or the southern chicken BLT.
PRO Tip: As far as appetizers, it’s hard to go wrong at Tupelo Honey. Try an order of the famous fried green tomatoes or dig into the cast iron pimento cheese dip served with seasoned tortilla chips.
Beef Bourguignon from La Merise French Bistro
Where? 2700 East 3rd Avenue North
La Merise is a Parisian-inspired bistro located in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood. If your idea of a comfort meal is synonymous with French dishes and an extensive wine list, you’re in luck! The beef bourguignon is made with all-natural beef that’s been braised in red wine and veal demi-glace with vegetables, mushrooms, bacon lardons, and herbs. Naturally, you’ll enjoy a side of mashed potatoes to complete the hearty dish. Other menu items that inspire comfort during the winter months are the steak frites, the pork medallions, and the chicken croquettes served with organic brown rice pilaf, chef’s vegetables, and a fresh dill cream sauce.
PRO Tip: On Sunday nights, enjoy half-priced bottles of wine and during the warmer months, make sure to come back to La Merise to enjoy the relaxing ambiance of their garden patio.
Homemade Lasagna from Shells and Sauce
Where? 2600 East 12th Avenue
Shells and Sauce is serving authentic Italian American food in the heart of Congress Park. Enjoy a taste of the Old Country in a cozy neighborhood restaurant setting. The menu also features an extensive wine list and plenty of delicious desserts to cap off your evening. Start your flavor journey off with an order of the truffle mac and cheese or the roasted garlic cheese curds. Italian favorite entrees include homemade lasagna with ground beef, Italian sausage, baked parmesan, mozzarella, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce and shrimp scampi with mushrooms, baby tomatoes, and asparagus in a lemon white wine butter sauce.
PRO Tip: Not in the mood for pasta? Shells and Sauce offers a selection of Roman-style pizza, as well as gluten-free options. Try the classic pepperoni or the Margherita with fresh garlic oil.
Green Chile Bison Burger from Appaloosa Grill
Where? 535 16th Street Mall #110
Appaloosa Grill, also known as “The Horse,” is an American/World traditional restaurant and live music venue on Denver’s 16th Street Mall. The grill proudly serves fresh, high-quality, and all-natural proteins and uses organic produce whenever possible. Everything is made from scratch — even the ketchup! Shareable menu favorites include the baked goat cheese, the spicy seared ahi, and the bison bone marrow served with port wine grapes and garlic crostini. The green chile bison burger uses Rock River Ranch bison, fire-roasted green chilies, caramelized onions, smoked gouda, house steak sauce, and lettuce on butter-toasted brioche.
PRO Tip: Want to skip the turf and go straight for the surf? Enjoy beer-battered Maine haddock and fries for the fish and chips or the Maine lobster roll with butter-poached lobster and clarified butter.
French Onion Soup from Corinne Denver
Where? 1455 California Street
Corinne Denver cuts through the complicated and gets straight to the honest and effortless simplicity of good, comforting food. When the weather gets cool and you start craving something warm and comforting, you can’t go wrong with the French onion soup served with a baguette and gruyere. Corinne’s entrees go on to include the wild mushroom bolognese, the truffled bucatini, and the 14-ounce ribeye with black truffle butter and crispy potatoes that’s hearty enough for the coldest winter day. Pair your meal with sides such as the baked macaroni and cheese or the pommes purée and you’ll be thinking about your time at Corinne for weeks to come.
PRO Tip: Craft cocktails can perfectly complement your entrees, such as the fall spiced old fashioned with Old Forester or the Amaro Connection. You’ll also see a selection of wines of the world on the menu, from sparkling, rosé and white, to red.
Chicken & Waffles from Yardbird Table & Bar
Where? 2743 Blake Street
Yardbird is famous for its fried chicken and Southern hospitality. The menu reflects cherished family recipes and genuine warmth and you’ll find an array of your favorite comfort staples on the menu — including chicken and waffles. Order fried okra, deviled eggs, or twice-fried wings to share with the table or just get straight to the main course. The chicken and waffles are served with chilled spiced watermelon, a Vermont sharp cheddar cheese waffle, bourbon maple syrup, and a honey hot sauce. You can also find comfort in a warm bowl of shrimp and grits or an order of lobster mac and cheese with a creamy artisanal cheese sauce.
PRO Tip: Make sure to save room for desserts, such as the bacon bourbon chocolate cake or the deep-fried Oreos!
Spicy Peking Duck Noodle Soup from Bao Brewhouse
Where? 1317 14th Street
Bao Brewhouse is described as being a multi-concept restaurant, with the first floor dedicated to the tap room and walk-in seating and the second floor to the tea room — where you’ll find a more traditional dining experience with a twist. If your idea of comfort food includes a steaming order of dumplings or a piping hot bowl of noodle soup, then Bao Brewhouse should be on your dining bucket list this winter. The spicy Peking duck noodle soup is crafted using duck broth, baby bok-choy, Thai basil, yaki soba noodles, chili crisp, and 5-spice smoked duck. There are no issues subbing in rice noodles to make the dish gluten-free as well!
PRO Tip: The dim sum selection at Bao Brewhouse has all your favorites, including cheese rangoons, veggie spring rolls, and mushroom dumplings.
Southern Poutine from Sassafras American Eatery
Where? 3927 West 32nd Avenue
Denver’s Sassafras American Eatery serves the comfort foods you’re craving from a menu inspired by Southern American cooking traditions. Dishes are proudly crafted using locally sourced and organic ingredients. The Southern Poutine combines roast beef, duck fat gravy, au jus, sharp cheddar, pimento peppers, crispy cajun fries, and green onions for a robust and flavorful dish. Other comfort foods perfect for a cold winter evening include the braised pork belly, the chicken fried steak, and the jambalaya pasta with a spicy tomato ragu. You can even indulge in the chicken and andouille gumbo that will leave you feeling cozy and satisfied.
PRO Tip: Peruse the cocktail menu at Sassafras as well, which includes made-from-scratch Bloody Marys, mimosas in a range of flavors, and classics like a French 75 and a Sazerac.
Lobster Macaroni and Cheese from Mizuna
Where? 225 East 7th Avenue
Mizuna is consistently rated as one of the best dining experiences not only in Denver but in the country! If you’re looking to surprise that special someone with the perfect dining experience, Mizuna is the way to go. The menu is firmly rooted in French cooking techniques and the offering changes to reflect the bounty of each season across both land and sea. Enjoy elevated comfort classics, such as Mizuna’s Famous Lobster Macaroni and Cheese with butter-poached Maine lobster and mascarpone for an undeniably creamy and rich flavor experience, or the Cacio Pepe Risotto with black truffle and Chive & Moon Hill Dairy Farms Elkhorn cheese. Main courses include pan-seared Alaskan halibut and the decadent Centennial Farms Beef Wellington.
PRO Tip: Comfort doesn’t end on the savory side of the menu. Continue your experience at Mizuna by ordering the warm chocolate cake or the pumpkin semifreddo.
Pozole from Tarasco’s Mexican Restaurant
Where? 470 South Federal Boulevard
Tarasco’s has been serving award-winning cuisine since 2009, so it should be near the top of your culinary bucket list this winter season in Denver. Nothing warms the body and soul quite like an order of pozole on an especially cold day. Tarasco’s offers a variety of options, such as the pozole rojo with pork and hominy and the pozole verde with chicken. You can even order the pozole blanco with pork and chicken hominy, corn chips, and traditional toppings. Want something heartier? Dig into the Chile Relleno plate or order the steak enchiladas served with rice and beans.
PRO Tip: Need a pick-me-up this winter? Try the Mexican Mocha, which combines deliciously spiced Mexican chocolate and coffee.
Gwarled Cheese from The Brutal Poodle
Where? 1967 South Broadway
The Brutal Poodle is well known for providing a gastropub experience like none other. Comfort bites on the menu include the “Holla” Peña Lollipops and the Skankin’ Panko Pickles served with a spicy bleu cheese dipping sauce. The Gwarled Cheese is served on cheddar jack-crusted challah bread, with candied pork belly, tomato compote, and a mixture of cheddar, smoked gouda, and American cheese for a truly indescribably cheesy experience. You can customize your sandwich with add-ons like grilled onion, bacon, guac, green chili, or even a fried egg. The menu goes on to include chicken fingers, macaroni and cheese, and even the Beyond Brutal Burger made with a vegan plant-based patty.
PRO Tip: If your tastebuds are most comforted by the sweeter side of things, The Brutal Poodle serves Nutella bread pudding with Eskimo Bros banana foster ice cream and a Churro Waffle Sammich with dulce de leche and chocolate sauce.
Country Fried Steak Skillet from Sam’s No. 3
Where? 1500 Curtis Street
Sam’s No. 3 can satisfy a diverse range of taste buds, making it a popular option for groups and families with little ones in tow. The menu is huge and everything is delicious, so order your favorite diner fare or try the vegetarian green chili! You’ll find a selection of skillets, including the Country Fried Steak Skillet that’s smothered in sausage gravy and served with two eggs and toast. Other comforting options include breakfast burritos, pancake sandwiches, old fashioned pecan waffles, and thick sliced challah French toast. Patrons can also enjoy onion rings, buffalo wings, cheese curds, and burgers — including the green chili mexi-burger.
PRO Tip: With over 100 items on the menu, there’s always something new to try at Sam’s No. 3! Add it into your rotation this winter and enjoy your favorite comfort dishes while discovering a few new ones.
Stay Warm This Winter in Denver!
The Mile High City doesn’t disappoint when it comes to your favorite comfort foods. Whether you’re craving a grilled cheese that reminds you of your favorite childhood lunch or you’re in the mood for a Southern classic like chicken and waffles — these Denver restaurants have you covered.