Chris Marhevka
Audio By Carbonatix
Denver International Airport is among the busiest travel hubs in the world, and it has dining options aplenty to satisfy the hungry masses — and we’re not just talking about McDonald’s and Chik-fil-A.
Earlier this year, Food & Wine‘s 2025 Global Tastemakers Awards named DIA among the country’s top ten airports for food and drink thanks in large part to its focus on bringing in locally-born brands that show off the city’s culinary chops.
In recent months, spots like ChoLon Modern Asian, the Bindery, Maria Empanada and even the speakeasy-style cocktail bar Williams & Graham have debuted airport locations.
If you’re traveling this holiday season, skip the fast food and try one of these locally born airport food options instead:
Concourse A
Mercantile Dining & Provision
Concourse A, Center Core
Daily, 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur Alex Seidel opened Mercantile’s original location at Union Station in downtown Denver in 2014; a decade later, he brought a version of it to the airport. Unlike many airport vendors, Mercantile preps its food in an on-site commissary kitchen, which means the fare here is some of the freshest available. It also offers both grab-and-go options and plenty of tables, including a fifteen-seat chef’s counter.
Uncle
Concourse A, near gate A24
Daily, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Chef Tommy Lee, who also owns Hop Alley, brought his ramen joints to DIA in July.
Maria Empanada
Concourse A, near gate A24
Daily, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Also among the July airport openings was this locally grown empanada brand that has perfected the Argentine staple.
The Bindery
Concourse A, near gate 24
Grab & Go: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.; restaurant: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Chef Linda Hampsted Fox has brought the globally-inspired flavors of her LoHi restaurant to the airport with both full-service and grab-and-go options.
Tocabe: An American Indian Eatery
Concourse A, near gate A38
Daily, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Get a taste of Native American cuisine at this spot known for its fry bread tacos and customizable bowls.
D Bar
Concourse A, near gate A38
Daily, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
From sweet treats like baked goods and milkshakes to savory comfort foods, D Bar has a little something for everyone.
The Bagel Deli
Concourse A, near gate A38
Daily, 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.
A Denver staple since 1967, the Bagel Deli is a classic favorite for New York-style bagels, lox, sandwiches loaded with deli meats and more.
Williams & Graham
Concourse A, near gate A38
Daily, 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
The original Williams & Graham in the Highland neighborhood has long been one of the city’s best watering holes. Now, you can get the same bookstore-fronted speakeasy-style experience at DIA — starting as early as 7 a.m.
Denver Central Market
Concourse A, gate 48
Daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Denver has fully embraced food halls as part of its culinary culture, and in 2018, one of the best in town took four of its concepts to the airport in a mini version of RiNo’s Denver Central Market.
Snooze dishes out brunch fare at DIA.
Denver International Airport
Concourse B
Aviano Coffee
Concourse B, near gate B12
Daily, 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
This artisanal Denver coffee shop, originally founded in 2006 by Douglas and Saadia Naiman, is bringing high-quality third-wave coffee to DIA. Known for expert sourcing and quality ingredients, Aviano is a dependable hub for travelers to recharge with an assortment of coffees and teas, or to fuel up with a variety of pastries, snacks, salads, sandwiches and wraps.
El Chingon Bistro
Concourse B, near gate B12
Daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Venture to Mexico City by way of El Chingon Bistro, a community staple founded in 2010 by Gloria Nunez and her grandson, David Lopez. Over the years, the original El Chingon has transformed and relocated several times, but the mission of bringing the timeless beauty of Mexico City’s culinary artistry has endured. Jet-setters can enjoy a breakfast menu of burritos, tortas and more from 6 to 10:30 a.m., or choose from the all-day menu selection like the cilantro lime salad, pozole verde or the specialty ceviche.
Mizu Sushi-Izakaya
Concourse B, near gate B12
Daily, 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Denver’s popular LoHi sushi spot is now bringing Macau-born owner Hong Jian Lee’s time-honored mastery of Japanese cuisine to new heights. Pick from various sushi rolls or enjoy them all with a combo order. Round out the meal with a seaweed salad or edamame, and be sure to check out the impressive bar program, with offerings such as sake, wine, beers, Japanese spirits and more than enough playful cocktails to pass the time while waiting for takeoff.
Elway’s
Concourse B, Center Core
Daily, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Legendary Broncos quarterback John Elway put his name behind this steakhouse concept in the mid-2000s, adding the DIA outpost in 2013 as well as an Elway’s Taproom & Grill that debuted in May 2024 in Concourse A. If you don’t want to splurge on a full steak dinner, the restaurant has plenty of other options, from soups and salads to burgers. Pair your meal with a glass of wine for a little taste of luxury in the middle of what could be chaotic travel.
Snooze
Concourse B, Center Core, Mezzanine Level
Daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The original locally born DIA restaurant, Root Down, got some competition in the airport brunch game with the June 2021 opening of Snooze, the popular breakfast brand founded in Denver in 2006. Known for its eggs Benedict duos, boozy brunch drinks and decadent pineapple upside-down pancakes, DIA’s newest eatery is highly likely to have a wait…just like the original downtown location.
Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs
Concourse B, gate 24
Daily, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
While the OG Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs on East Colfax closed last year, you can still get a taste at DIA. Dig into the menu of loaded hot dogs, burgers and breakfast sandwiches. The hot dogs themselves are delivered directly from New Jersey; topping options include slaw, chili and cheese, or have your dog done up in classic Chicago style. Steve’s has a full bar, so you can pair your hot dog fix with a Bloody Mary, mimosa or Steve’s Snappin’ Ale, made especially for the restaurant by local brewery Bull & Bush.
Root Down has been an airport favorite for a decade.
James Florio Photography
Concourse C
Root Down
Concourse C, Center Core
Daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Restaurateur Justin Cucci’s Edible Beats group includes some of Denver’s most popular and unique dining options, from former mortuary Linger to rooftop retreat El Five. The original Root Down opened in the Highland neighborhood in 2009 and remains a favorite for brunch and dinner – which explains why, when it debuted at the airport in 2013, it quickly became a go-to destination in its own right. The globally inspired cuisine includes gluten-free and vegan options, and the veggie burger is a must no matter your dietary preferences.
Great Divide Brewing
Concourse C, gate 32
Daily, 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Did you spot a yeti at DIA? Then you found Great Divide. The tap house and kitchen has all-day food options along with thirteen of the brewery’s offerings on tap, from the popular Yeti Imperial Stout to a strawberry rhubarb sour ale and its Whitewater hard seltzer.
Little Man Ice Cream
Concourse C, near gate C27
Daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
It’s rare not to see a line outside the giant milk can in LoHi, where Little Man has been serving up popular ice cream flavors like salted Oreo since 2008. The milk can didn’t make the trek to DIA, but you can get Little Man’s iconic ice cream in cups, cones, sundaes, milkshakes and more when you need a little sugar boost before boarding.
Tamales by La Casita
Concourse C, Center Core
Daily, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
La Casita has long served some of the best tamales in Denver, so having access to the fare from this family-owned favorite at the airport is a big win – especially for anyone who wants a Colorado-style green chile fix. It also offers burritos, quesadillas, tacos, tostadas, huevos rancheros and more, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Bar Dough
Concourse C, Near Gate C54
Daily, 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Last November, the Culinary Creative group debuted three of its concepts in Concourse C, including Bar Dough, which is serving gourmet pizza and other Italian staples.
Mister Oso
Concourse C, Near Gate C54
Daily, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Another Culinary Creative spot, the DIA Mister Oso menu includes quick-serve smoked-meat tacos and ceviches plus a to-go lineup and cocktails, including margs and frozen drinks.
Aviano Coffee
Concourse C, Near Gate C54
Daily, 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Culinary Creative operates two Aviano locations in Cherry Creek, and now it has two outposts inside the airport, too – on Concourses B and C.
ChoLon Modern Asian
Concourse C, near gate C62
Daily, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Chef Lon Symensma’s ChoLon is a downtown favorite for its signature French onion soup dumplings and more. Now, you can get a taste before or after catching a flight.
Marczyk Fine Foods
Concourse C, near gate C62
Daily, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
This beloved local grocer debuted its DIA location in April, offering a selection of gourmet deli items and artisan goods.
We’re thankful for you. Are you thankful for us?
We feel thankful for our staff and for the privilege of fulfilling our mission to be an unparalleled source of information and insight in Denver. We’re aiming to raise $50,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to this community.
Help us continue giving back to Denver.
