But there's at least one upside to being stuck at DIA: Unlike many major airports, it has a lot more than McDonald's and Panda Express for food options, thanks to an initiative that began in 2013 aimed at bringing more local flavor to the airport.
In 2022, dozens of new construction projects were announced as the airport gets a major refresh. Some familiar Denver brands have already debuted, and even more are set to be added this year, including El Chingon, Williams & Graham, Bagel Deli, Tacos Tequila Whiskey, ChoLon and Marczyk Fine Food. A healthy-food-focused concept from the chef for the Denver Nuggets is slated to open in 2024 as well.
Want to dine and drink in style while you wait for that flight?
Here are your best options with local roots:
DIA is home to a version of one of the city's best food halls.
Denver International Airport
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. Pick up a grab-and-go cheese board and sandwiches from Culture Meat & Cheese; breakfast burritos, burgers, rotisserie chicken and more from SK Provisions; nigiri and rolls from Sushi Rama; and pizza from Vero Italian.
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; this year, 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.
Concourse B
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, and it now has four locations in the state, including the DIA outpost, which opened in 2013. 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.
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.
In 2014, Colfax Avenue staple Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs took its brand of classic Americana to DIA with a 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.
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.
