Embark on a three-hour walking food tour in downtown Denver and indulge in award-winning local cuisine. Experience authentic Neapolitan pizza, Colorado green chile, empanadas, Southwestern fusion cuisine, and a sweet treat from a James Beard award-winning chef.
Embark on a three-hour walking food tour in downtown Denver and indulge in award-winning local cuisine. Experience authentic Neapolitan pizza, Colorado green chile, empanadas, Southwestern fusion cuisine, and a sweet treat from a James Beard award-winning chef.
- Marco’s Coal Fired | Ballpark - The tour begins in true Denver fashion at Marco’s Coal Fired Pizzeria Ballpark, conveniently located near Coors Field. Marco’s is not just a local favorite; it’s Denver’s sole AVPN-certified Neapolitan pizzeria, ensuring its dough, sauce, and toppings adhere to the high standards found in Naples, Italy. The…
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Marco’s Coal Fired | Ballpark - The tour begins in true Denver fashion at Marco’s Coal Fired Pizzeria Ballpark, conveniently located near Coors Field. Marco’s is not just a local favorite; it’s Denver’s sole AVPN-certified Neapolitan pizzeria, ensuring its dough, sauce, and toppings adhere to the high standards found in Naples, Italy. The coal-fired ovens reach over 1,000 degrees, creating pizzas with a blistered crust, smoky aroma, and perfect chewiness. Despite its national acclaim, the atmosphere remains warm and inviting, with a menu that honors both Italian tradition and Colorado flair. Guests can savor signature pizzas featuring fresh mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes while discovering how a Denver pizzeria achieved Italy’s highest recognition. It’s an ideal start to a culinary adventure: fiery ovens, bold flavors, and the vibrant energy of downtown’s LoDo neighborhood setting the stage for the tour.
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Ballpark District - As the culinary journey continues through Denver, the tour passes through the Ballpark District, a neighborhood where history and modern culture blend in the shadow of Coors Field. Once filled with warehouses and railyards, the area now buzzes with craft breweries, restaurants, and lively patios bustling with fans on game days. The preserved brick facades and vibrant street art give this district its unique character. The Ballpark area is more than just baseball; it’s a hub for dining and nightlife, where locals and visitors gather long after the final pitch. On the tour, it provides a perfect backdrop: an opportunity to absorb the energy of a neighborhood that narrates Denver’s story through its architecture and food scene, linking the city’s past with its present flavor.
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Lazo Empanadas Ballpark - Store #1 - The next stop transports guests from Italy to Argentina at Lazo Empanadas, a charming local spot offering Denver’s most authentic taste of South America. Empanadas, handheld pastry pockets filled with seasoned meats, vegetables, and cheeses, are the ultimate comfort food. At Lazo, each empanada is crafted from scratch using family recipes passed down through generations. Their flaky golden crusts and bold fillings highlight Argentina’s rich flavors, from classic beef to inventive vegetarian options. Paired with chimichurri sauce and perhaps a sip of Malbec, these empanadas showcase the city’s global culinary influences while remaining casual and approachable. This stop offers guests a glimpse into Argentine culture and how these portable pies became beloved street food, all while enjoying a warm, savory bite that feels both exotic and familiar. It’s a flavorful contrast to the first stop and a perfect way to continue the tour south—both geographically and gastronomically.
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Cherry Cricket | Ballpark - The third stop is The Cherry Cricket Ballpark, the downtown branch of a Denver icon established in 1945. Renowned for its build-your-own burgers with countless topping choices, this location also offers a must-try: their award-winning green chili. In Denver, green chili is more than a condiment; it’s a cultural staple, a source of pride that appears everywhere from diners to fine dining menus. At The Cherry Cricket, the chili is rich, spicy, and deeply flavorful, smothering burgers or served on its own with a side of tortillas. This stop provides guests with a taste of a dish that defines Denver’s food identity, where timeless comfort food and local tradition unite in every bite.
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Coors Field - A visit to downtown Denver wouldn’t be complete without stopping by Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies. Opened in 1995, the stadium not only introduced Major League Baseball to Denver but also helped transform the entire neighborhood from warehouses to one of the city’s most vibrant districts. With its red-brick architecture, classic ballpark charm, and a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Coors Field is considered one of the most beautiful stadiums in the country. Even without a game, pausing here connects food and culture with the city’s love of sports. The stadium also boasts its own food legacy, from Rocky Mountain oysters to craft beer brewed right inside the park. For Denverites, Coors Field is more than a ballpark; it’s a symbol of the city’s growth and a gathering place that defines the Ballpark District. This quick stop adds history, energy, and local pride to the culinary journey.
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LoDo - The tour unfolds in LoDo—short for Lower Downtown—Denver’s oldest and most storied neighborhood. Once a frontier settlement along the South Platte River, LoDo evolved into a bustling warehouse district during the city’s railroad era. By the 1980s, the area was in decline, but historic preservation efforts transformed its brick warehouses into one of Denver’s liveliest hubs. Today, LoDo is where past and present converge: century-old architecture houses trendy restaurants, buzzing bars, craft breweries, and independent shops. The cobblestone streets and preserved facades remind visitors of Denver’s Wild West roots, while murals and modern eateries highlight its contemporary creative energy. As the tour wanders through LoDo, the backdrop itself becomes part of the experience—each stop layered with the history, culture, and culinary innovation that make this neighborhood the beating heart of downtown Denver.
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McGregor Square - Just across from Coors Field, the tour pauses in McGregor Square, one of downtown Denver’s newest gathering spaces. Opened in 2021, the square was designed as a year-round community hub, infusing fresh energy into the Ballpark District. Its open plaza hosts everything from farmers markets to watch parties on the massive 66-foot outdoor screen, and the surrounding buildings house restaurants, bars, shops, and even a luxury hotel. Named after former Rockies president Keli McGregor, the space reflects Denver’s blend of sports pride and urban renewal. For food enthusiasts, McGregor Square is a culinary playground—home to innovative eateries, craft cocktails, and quick bites that make it a natural extension of the city’s dining scene. Stopping here allows guests to soak in the buzz of downtown life, with the Rockies stadium on one side and the thriving LoDo neighborhood on the other. It’s a perfect moment on the tour to witness how Denver continues to blend history, hospitality, and community into every corner.
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Dairy Block - Next, the tour explores the Dairy Block, a micro-district in LoDo that has quickly become one of Denver’s most vibrant culinary and cultural destinations. Built on the site of the old Windsor Dairy, this revitalized block is a maze of restaurants, cocktail bars, coffee shops, boutiques, and a boutique hotel—all interconnected by its signature Alley. Murals, art installations, and twinkling lights give the space an intimate, urban feel, while the food hall inside offers everything from wood-fired pizza to modern tacos and craft cocktails. The Dairy Block embodies Denver’s creative spirit: a place where history meets reinvention, and where locals and visitors come to eat, drink, shop, and linger. On the tour, it’s an opportunity to wander through a space that feels part market, part art gallery, part neighborhood hangout—showcasing how Denver has transformed its historic roots into a hub of modern taste and style.
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Kachina Cantina - At Kachina Cantina, guests experience one of the most unique bites on the tour: their famous Native American fry bread taco. Light, puffy, and slightly crisp, the fry bread serves as both plate and tortilla, topped with fresh, flavorful ingredients like braised meats, beans, veggies, and tangy sauces. It’s a dish with deep roots across the Southwest, where fry bread has long symbolized resilience and adaptation, and here it’s reimagined with a modern, creative twist. Kachina’s bold flavors and vibrant presentation reflect Denver’s spirit of culinary fusion—honoring tradition while making it their own. The setting itself buzzes with color, art, and hospitality, making this stop not just a chance to taste something delicious, but also to learn how diverse cultures continue to shape Denver’s food identity. The fry bread taco embodies the mix of comfort, innovation, and history that makes the city’s dining scene so exciting.
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The Wynkoop - The tour wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Wynkoop Brewing Company, Denver’s very first craft brewery. Founded in 1988 by a group that included future Colorado governor John Hickenlooper, Wynkoop helped ignite the city’s now-famous craft beer movement. Located in a historic brick warehouse just across from Union Station, the brewery still serves pints that celebrate both innovation and tradition. Guests will hear the story of how a single brewpub transformed Denver’s identity into the “Napa Valley of Beer.” Wynkoop is also known for adventurous brews like Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout, capturing Denver’s playful spirit. This stop allows guests to raise a glass to the pioneers of Colorado’s craft scene while enjoying the lively atmosphere of one of downtown’s most iconic gathering spots.
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The Oxford Hotel - Stepping inside the Oxford Hotel is like stepping into a living piece of Denver’s history. Built in 1891, it’s the city’s oldest operating hotel, blending Victorian elegance with modern style. Guests on the food tour will appreciate the sense of stepping back in time—the grand lobby glows with polished wood, antique chandeliers, and stories of Denver’s early boomtown days. Just steps from Union Station, the Oxford has hosted railroad travelers, cattle barons, and even celebrities over the years, giving it an unmatched aura of old-world glamour. Today, it’s home to one of Denver’s most iconic cocktail lounges, The Cruise Room, which opened the day after Prohibition ended and still serves classic martinis under neon art-deco lights. This stop highlights the city’s mix of grit, glamour, and culinary creativity—making the Oxford a perfect pairing of history and hospitality.
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Denver Union Station - The journey concludes at Denver Union Station, the city’s grand transit hub and crown jewel of LoDo. First opened in 1881 and completely revitalized in 2014, Union Station perfectly blends historic charm with modern flair. Its soaring Beaux-Arts architecture, iconic “Travel by Train” sign, and elegant Great Hall make it one of Denver’s most photographed landmarks. But Union Station is more than a train depot; it’s a dining and cultural destination in its own right. Inside, guests find acclaimed restaurants, cozy coffee shops, cocktail bars, and even a boutique hotel, all under one stunning roof. Ending the tour here ties together Denver’s story: a city rooted in railroad history, reinvented through food, drink, and community gathering. It’s the ideal spot to linger, enjoy another bite or beverage, and soak in the energy of downtown Denver before departing with a full belly and a true taste of the city.
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Ultreia - To conclude the tour on a sweet note, the final stop is at Ultreia, the Iberian-inspired gem nestled inside Union Station. Here, guests indulge in a pastel de nata, Portugal’s iconic custard tart. Flaky, buttery pastry encases a rich, creamy filling lightly caramelized on top—a perfect balance of texture and sweetness in just a few bites. These pastries date back to 18th-century Lisbon, where monks first created them in monasteries, and they’ve since become a worldwide favorite. At Ultreia, the pastel de nata is crafted with care and served as a delicate finale to the culinary journey. It’s both indulgent and light, a dessert that lingers without overwhelming. Enjoying this treat beneath Union Station’s soaring ceilings ties together everything the tour represents: global flavors, local craftsmanship, and Denver’s vibrant dining scene. With this little taste of Portugal, the exploration of the city’s flavors concludes on a truly memorable high note.

- Colorado Pork Green Chili
- Blood Orange Tequila Braised Pork Carnitas Taco on Native American Fry Bread
- Ground Beef Empanada with Housemade Chimichurri
- Neopolitan Pizza with Bufala Mozzarella
- Portuguese Egg Custard Tart
- Colorado Pork Green Chili
- Blood Orange Tequila Braised Pork Carnitas Taco on Native American Fry Bread
- Ground Beef Empanada with Housemade Chimichurri
- Neopolitan Pizza with Bufala Mozzarella
- Portuguese Egg Custard Tart
- 3 alcoholic drink pairings (available to purchase on site for $30)
- Gratuities
- 3 alcoholic drink pairings (available to purchase on site for $30)
- Gratuities
Embark on a culinary journey through Denver with this three-hour guided gastronomic tour covering the city’s downtown. The tour includes a trip to five acclaimed Denver eateries for unique and delectable tastings.
Savour traditional Neapolitan pizza accredited by Italy’s AVPN, award-winning handmade Colorado green chile, fluffy oven-baked empanadas from…
Embark on a culinary journey through Denver with this three-hour guided gastronomic tour covering the city’s downtown. The tour includes a trip to five acclaimed Denver eateries for unique and delectable tastings.
Savour traditional Neapolitan pizza accredited by Italy’s AVPN, award-winning handmade Colorado green chile, fluffy oven-baked empanadas from a family-operated outlet, Southwestern fusion dishes at the newly established Dairy Block, and a delightful dessert crafted by a James Beard award-winning chef, found inside the iconic Union Station.*
As you take your tastebuds on an adventure, your informed gastronome guide will acquaint you with stories of Denver’s vibrant past and stunning architecture. From clandestine tunnels to world-renowned brothels, get a glimpse into Denver’s wild western legacy. The tour includes visits to historical locations such as Coors Field, McGregor Square, the Dairy Block, Denver’s oldest hotel, and the famed Union Station.
*Tasting options are subject to alterations
- Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free tastings available with advance notice
- Minimum drinking age is 21 years
- Tours run rain, show or shine! Please plan appropriately for weather
- Plan to arrive 5-10 minutes early to get checked in
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.