Try These 5 Best Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants in Denver
Denver has a vibrant and diverse dining scene, with many hidden gems to discover. The top five best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Denver offer a range of delicious and unique dining experiences, from authentic Mexican cuisine at El Taco de Mexico to Caribbean-inspired dishes at Bang Up to the Elephant! Tocabe offers a modern take on Native American cuisine, while Pete’s Kitchen serves up classic diner fare with Greek specialties. Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen is a must-visit for gastropub lovers, with an extensive beer list and creative dishes.
What sets these restaurants apart is their commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and their dedication to providing friendly and attentive service. Each restaurant has a unique atmosphere, from the cozy and retro interior of Pete’s Kitchen to the colorful and eclectic decor of Bang Up to the Elephant!.
1. Tocabe – Tocabe, one of the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Denver, is a Native American eatery that serves traditional dishes with a modern twist. The restaurant is known for its fry bread and bison ribs, which are some of the best in the city. The food is fresh, flavorful, and affordable, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
2. El Taco de Mexico – El Taco de Mexico, one of the most popular hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Denver, is a no-frills Mexican restaurant that serves some of the best tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. The restaurant has been around for over 30 years and is known for its authentic flavors, friendly staff, and affordable prices.
3. Pete’s Kitchen – Pete’s Kitchen, among the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Denver, is a classic 24-hour diner that serves up delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes. The restaurant is known for its Greek specialties, such as gyros and spanakopita, as well as its hearty American breakfast options. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous, making it a popular spot among locals and late-night diners.
4. Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen – Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen, another of the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Denver, is a gastropub that serves up creative and delicious pub fare. The restaurant is known for its extensive beer list and unique dishes, such as poutine and house-made sausages. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, making it a great spot for a casual night out with friends.
5. Bang Up to the Elephant! – Bang Up to the Elephant!, amid the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Denver, is a tropical-themed restaurant that serves Caribbean-inspired dishes and drinks. The menu includes items such as jerk chicken, plantains, and rum punch, and the atmosphere is lively and colorful. The restaurant is known for its fun vibe and tasty food, making it a popular spot for brunch or a night out.
Each of these hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Denver is considered a top spot because they offer delicious food, affordable prices, and a unique dining experience. They are also popular among locals and visitors, which is a testament to their quality and appeal.
5 Best Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants in Denver
Tocabe
Address: 3536 W 44th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:30am-8:30pm, Sun 10:30am-7pm
Phone Number: (720) 524-8282
Tocabe, amid the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Denver, is a Native American restaurant that offers traditional dishes with a modern twist. The interior is rustic and cozy, with warm lighting, wooden tables, and indigenous artwork on the walls. The restaurant’s name, Tocabe, means “blue” in the Osage language and represents the Blue Sky People, which is a symbol of hope and prosperity in Native American culture.
One of the signature dishes at Tocabe is the fry bread, which is a traditional Native American bread that is deep-fried until crispy. Tocabe’s fry bread is made with locally sourced ingredients and served with a variety of toppings, including bison ribs, grilled chicken, and green chili stew.
What makes Tocabe unique is its focus on Native American cuisine, which is not commonly found in most restaurants. They source their ingredients from local Native American producers and aim to showcase the culture and flavors of indigenous communities.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Bison Ribs: Slow-cooked bison ribs with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, served with coleslaw and fry bread.
▣ Grilled Chicken Noodle Soup: A hearty chicken noodle soup made with fresh vegetables and tender grilled chicken.
▣ Osage Hominy Stew: A traditional Osage stew made with hominy, green chilies, and tender beef, served with fry bread.
▣ Indian Taco: Fry bread topped with ground beef, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sour cream.
▣ Three Sisters Salad: A refreshing salad made with roasted corn, black beans, and squash, topped with a lime cilantro dressing.
The service at Tocabe is friendly and welcoming. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. The restaurant is fast-casual, meaning customers order at the counter and food is brought to the table.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the bison ribs and they were so tender and flavorful! The fry bread was crispy and delicious. I also tried the Indian taco, which was a unique twist on a classic dish. The service was great too!”
“The Osage hominy stew was incredible! The beef was so tender and the green chilies added a nice kick. The fry bread was the perfect complement. Can’t wait to come back!”
“I loved the Three Sisters Salad! The dressing was light and refreshing, and the combination of roasted corn and black beans was delicious. The service was quick and friendly.”
In summary, Tocabe is a must-visit restaurant in Denver for anyone looking to try unique and delicious Native American cuisine. The fry bread and bison ribs are some of the best in the city, and the friendly service and cozy atmosphere make for a memorable dining experience. They can definitely be counted among the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Denver.
El Taco de Mexico
Address: 714 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-6pm, Closed on Sundays
Phone Number: (303) 623-3926
El Taco de Mexico, another of the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Denver, is a no-frills Mexican restaurant that has been serving up authentic Mexican cuisine for over 30 years. The interior is simple and cozy, with brightly colored walls and traditional Mexican artwork. The restaurant’s signature dish is their tacos, which are made with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors.
One unique aspect of El Taco de Mexico is their commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. They make their own salsa, guacamole, and tortillas in-house, and the meat is cooked to order. They also offer a wide range of vegetarian options, including their famous chile relleno burrito.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Tacos: Soft corn tortillas filled with your choice of meat (such as carne asada, al pastor, or chorizo) and topped with onions and cilantro.
▣ Chile Relleno Burrito: A large flour tortilla filled with a chile relleno, beans, rice, and cheese.
▣ Tamales: Homemade tamales filled with your choice of meat or cheese and topped with red or green chile sauce.
▣ Carne Asada: Grilled steak marinated in El Taco de Mexico’s secret spices and served with rice, beans, and tortillas.
▣ Enchiladas: Corn tortillas filled with chicken or cheese and topped with red or green chile sauce, cheese, and sour cream.
The service at El Taco de Mexico is friendly and efficient. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. The restaurant is fast-casual, meaning customers order at the counter and food is brought to the table.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the carne asada and it was so flavorful and tender! The rice and beans were the perfect complement. The salsa was also amazing. I can’t wait to come back!”
“The chile relleno burrito was so good! The chile relleno was perfectly cooked and the beans and rice were delicious. The service was quick and friendly.”
“The tacos were amazing! I tried the al pastor and the chorizo, and both were so flavorful. The tortillas were also homemade and delicious. I highly recommend this place!”
In summary, El Taco de Mexico is a must-visit restaurant in Denver for anyone looking for authentic Mexican cuisine. The tacos and chile relleno burrito are some of the best in the city, and the friendly service and cozy atmosphere make for a memorable dining experience. They have earned the rank of the top 5 hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Denver.
Pete’s Kitchen
Address: 1962 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
Phone Number: (303) 321-3139
Pete’s Kitchen, among the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Denver, is a classic 24-hour diner that has been a staple in the Denver dining scene for over 50 years. The interior is cozy and retro, with vinyl booths and vintage signage. The restaurant’s signature dish is their Greek specialties, including gyros, spanakopita, and Greek salads.
One unique aspect of Pete’s Kitchen is its commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. They source their produce from local farmers and use only the best meats and cheeses in their dishes. They also offer a wide range of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Gyros: Grilled strips of beef and lamb served in a warm pita with onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce.
▣ Spanakopita: A savory pastry filled with spinach, feta cheese, and herbs, served with a Greek salad.
▣ Pancakes: Buttermilk pancakes served with butter and maple syrup.
▣ Omelettes: Made with three eggs and served with hash browns and toast, with a variety of fillings to choose from.
▣ Chicken Fried Steak: Tender steak breaded and fried, served with gravy, mashed potatoes, and green beans.
The service at Pete’s Kitchen is friendly and efficient. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. The restaurant is a diner-style, meaning customers are seated at booths or the counter and have access to coffee and other beverages.
Customer Reviews:
“The gyros were amazing! The meat was so tender and flavorful, and the tzatziki sauce was the perfect complement. The Greek salad was also delicious. The service was quick and friendly.”
“I had the chicken fried steak and it was so good! The steak was perfectly cooked and the mashed potatoes were creamy and delicious. The staff was also friendly and attentive. I’ll definitely be back!”
“The pancakes were some of the best I’ve had! They were light and fluffy and the butter and syrup were the perfect addition. The service was also great. Highly recommend!”
In summary, Pete’s Kitchen is a must-visit restaurant in Denver for anyone looking for classic diner fare and Greek specialties. The gyros and spanakopita are some of the best in the city, and the friendly service and cozy atmosphere make for a memorable dining experience. They deserve to be ranked among the top 5 hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Denver.
Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen
Address: 1317 14th St, Denver, CO 80202
Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-9pm
Phone Number: (303) 595-4255
Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen, one of the most popular hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Denver, is a trendy gastropub located in the heart of Denver. The interior is cozy and rustic, with exposed brick walls and wooden tables. The restaurant’s signature dish is their poutine, which is made with hand-cut fries, cheese curds, and gravy, and topped with a variety of creative and delicious toppings.
One unique aspect of Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen is their commitment to sustainability and locally sourced ingredients. They partner with local farmers and producers to offer fresh and seasonal ingredients in their dishes. They also have an extensive beer list, with over 50 rotating taps of craft beer and cider.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Poutine: Hand-cut fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, with toppings such as duck confit, green chili pork, or fried chicken skins.
▣ House-made Sausages: A variety of house-made sausages, including lamb merguez, boudin blanc, and duck and foie gras, served with house-made pickles and mustards.
▣ Fried Chicken Sandwich: A crispy fried chicken breast served on a brioche bun with spicy mayo, pickles, and slaw.
▣ Brussels Sprouts: Roasted brussels sprouts tossed with bacon, shallots, and balsamic vinegar.
▣ Fish and Chips: Beer-battered cod served with hand-cut fries, tartar sauce, and lemon.
The service at Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen is friendly and knowledgeable. The staff is well-versed in the beer list and happy to make recommendations. The restaurant is casual, with counter service for lunch and table service for dinner.
Customer Reviews:
“The poutine was out of this world! I tried the duck confit and it was so flavorful and tender. The beer selection was also impressive. Highly recommend!”
“The house-made sausages were amazing! I tried the lamb merguez and it was perfectly spiced. The pickles and mustards were a great addition. The service was also great.”
“The fried chicken sandwich was one of the best I’ve had! The chicken was so crispy and juicy, and the slaw and pickles were the perfect complement. The Brussels sprouts were also delicious. Can’t wait to come back!”
In summary, Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen is a must-visit restaurant in Denver for anyone looking for creative and delicious gastropub fare. The poutine and house-made sausages are some of the best in the city, and the extensive beer list and cozy atmosphere make for a memorable dining experience. They stand out among the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Denver.
Bang Up to the Elephant!
Address: 1310 Pearl St, Denver, CO 80203
Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat-Sun 9am-10pm
Phone Number: (303) 792-4949
Bang Up to the Elephant!, one of the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Denver, is a Caribbean-inspired restaurant located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Denver. The interior is colorful and eclectic, with tropical wallpaper and bright accents. The restaurant’s signature dish is their jerk chicken, which is marinated in a blend of spices and served with rice and beans.
One unique aspect of Bang Up to the Elephant! is its commitment to sustainability and using locally sourced ingredients. They source their produce from local farmers and use sustainable practices in their operations. They also have a focus on plant-based options, with a variety of vegetarian and vegan options available.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Jerk Chicken: Chicken marinated in a blend of spices and grilled to perfection, served with rice and beans and plantains.
▣ Vegan Curry: A creamy coconut curry with chickpeas, cauliflower, and potatoes, served with rice and beans.
▣ Cuban Sandwich: A classic Cuban sandwich with roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, served with plantain chips.
▣ Fried Plantains: Sweet and savory plantains fried to perfection, served with a tangy dipping sauce.
▣ Avocado Toast: Toasted bread topped with avocado, tomato, radish, and a poached egg or tofu scramble.
The service at Bang Up to the Elephant! is friendly and attentive. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. The restaurant is a casual, counter-service style, with table service for dinner.
Customer Reviews:
“The jerk chicken was amazing! The spices were perfectly balanced and the chicken was so juicy. The plantains were also delicious. The service was great and the atmosphere was so fun!”
“The vegan curry was one of the best I’ve had! The flavors were so rich and the vegetables were perfectly cooked. The avocado toast was also amazing. Highly recommend this place!”
“The Cuban sandwich was so good! The pork was tender and flavorful, and the plantain chips were the perfect addition. The service was quick and friendly. Can’t wait to come back!”
In summary, Bang Up to the Elephant! is a must-visit restaurant in Denver for anyone looking for Caribbean-inspired cuisine and plant-based options. The jerk chicken and vegan curry are some of the best in the city, and the friendly service and eclectic atmosphere make for a memorable dining experience. They rank amid the top 5 hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Denver for good reasons.
Overall, these five best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Denver are a testament to the city’s diverse culinary landscape and the passion of its chefs and staff. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these restaurants are worth seeking out for a memorable dining experience.
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