Flying standby for the last seven years means we have spent A LOT of time at airports, and some of the restaurants inside Denver airport have become a reason we choose it as a stopover (when we have a choice). Growing up in Wyoming, DIA was my main hub airport, and after living in Denver for six years, I thought I knew everything about this place. But it wasn’t until we started packing in a carry-on and flying standby with two hungry boys in tow that I truly discovered DIA isn’t just a transit hub; it’s actually a foodie destination (this is especially apparent now that I live in strip mall central, TX). Check out our take on the best restaurants at Denver International Airport.
Gone are the days when airport food meant sad sandwiches and overpriced snacks, but trust me they have those too! DIA has transformed into a culinary playground where you can enjoy everything from James Beard Award-winning chef creations to beloved local favorites. When you’re facing a long travel day with kiddos and you don’t know if you’ll be eating your next meal in Denver or your final destination, having incredible dining options can make all the difference *dreams of KC BBQ*.
Why Denver Airport Restaurant Game is So Strong
Denver International Airport has been aggressive about bringing local Denver restaurants into the airport, creating an experience that actually celebrates Colorado’s incredible food scene. Loads of local restaurants, including ChoLon, Bar Dough, and Mister Oso, as well as some beloved chains like Voodoo Doughnut and Snooze A.M. Eatery, have added outposts at Denver International Airport in recent years.
What makes DIA special is that these aren’t watered-down airport versions – many locations maintain the same quality, creativity, and hello *aesthetic* as their city counterparts, with the convenience of never having to leave the airport.
Concourse A: Community-Focused Coffee
Novo Coffee
Location: Multiple locations in Concourse A & B
Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Novo Coffee in Terminals A & B is such a local Denver gem. The quality is top-notch and they really do offer unique flavors against the green dot sugar chain. Grab a quick breakfast, sandwich, snack, with coffee/beverage options!
Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free Options: I scored a gluten-free brownie here one day that took a solo trip to 5 stars. They also offer some really fantastic herbal teas.
See more on Lounges below
Concourse B: The Heart of DIA dining
Snooze A.M. Eatery
Location: Concourse B, Mezzanine
Hours: 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM
This is it – the crown jewel of airport breakfast and honestly, the top of the best restaurants at Denver International Airport. Their pancake flights are Instagram-worthy and kid-approved. The strawberry shortcake pancake is pure magic, breakfast tacos, and fresh take on hashbrowns will put any other airport breakfast to shame.
Tip: Prepare for a long wait, but score a breakfast cocktail (airport drinking rules are different)
Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free Options: Almost all meals can be “modified” to be “gluten friendly/free” and they have dedicated protocols for celiac diners. Items come out with allergy markers so you know your meal is safe.
Elway’s Taproom & Grill
Location: Concourse B, Center Core
Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Elway’s feels like the high-end, stand-alone steakhouse version despite being in an airport. The MVP burger is a touchdown, and their steaks are surprisingly excellent for airport dining. I really haven’t tried anything that’s bad here, and I always love getting a look at the Stromboli trophy (ok, Lombardi, that’s just a joke, sports guys). Bonus for the aesthetic girlies: it’s not “sporty” at all – it’s a beautiful, low-lit moody atmosphere.
Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free Options: Classic steakhouse options with salads and grilled meats that are naturally gluten-free.
Garbanzo Fresh Mediterranean
Location: Concourse B, Center Core
Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
This is one of my favorite fast-casual spots to eat with plenty of healthy options that are very filling. The Gyro saffron rice bowls are absolutely incredible – perfectly seasoned and so satisfying whether you’re dealing with a long layover or need fuel for the next leg of your journey. Like many restaurants at the airport, they have a shortened menu compared to their outside locations, but all the essentials are there.
Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free Options: Stay away from the pitas, and then enjoy the many veggies on salads and rice bowls. Great Mediterranean options for dietary restrictions.
Modern Market Eatery
Location: Concourse B Center Core, and C28
Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Modern Market has an amazing fired pizza that was my go-to when I was working downtown. Their salads are enormous, flavorful, and actually filling – choose from Mexican-inspired, Thai coconut, or hearty steak salads, sandwiches, and soups. If you’re looking for the best restaurants at Denver International Airport, this pizza is enough to write home about.
Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free Options: Extensive gluten-free menu clearly marked, plus vegan and dairy-free, vegan, and vegitarian options.
Sunset Loop Market
Location: Concourse B62
Hours: 24 hours
This is where we always end up when we’re rushing between gates with the kids. Einstein Bros Bagels (A & C) and Sunset Loop Market (B) operate around the clock. The grab-and-go selection is impressive, and the new gates really do have such a wonderful airy feel that makes even a quick snack feel special.
Hot tip: Use the restrooms near here; they’re brand new, well-lit, and have large, clean stalls.
Novo Coffee
Location: Multiple locations in Concourse B
Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Another great Novo location for when you need that caffeine fix in Concourse B.
Concourse C: Elevated Airport Restaurants
Root Down
Location: Concourse C, Center Core
Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Root Down is globally influenced cuisine with tons vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options using locally-farmed, sustainable and organic ingredients. This is hands-down the most Instagram-worthy restaurant at DIA, with a living moss wall and vintage airplane decor.
The outpost of the local Denver spot has plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, and dishes like the bàhn mi turkey burger are comforting without feeling too heavy. Their sweet potato waffle fries are served from a dedicated gluten-free fryer.
Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free Options: Almost everything on the menu is GF and they have dedicated fryers plus extensive vegan options.
Modern Market Eatery
Location: Concourse C
Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Another location of our family favorite, perfect if you’re flying out of Concourse C.
Honorable Mentions
Voodoo Doughnut
Location: B Gates
The Portland import brings their quirky doughnuts to DIA. Perfect for a sweet treat, or something unique to bring home to the fam.
Williams & Graham
Location: Near Gate A38
A speakeasy inside an airport!? Yes. And it’s finally open! Such a fun stop on a couple’s trip.
Tivoli Brewing (Outside Airport)
Location: outside Westin Hotel
If you have time before your flight or want to meet someone who’s not traveling, Tivoli offers great local beer and food – though it requires leaving the airport entirely.
The Best DIA Airport Lounges
United Club
With 2 locations in Concourse B (one at each end), you can access United Club lounges with an annual, monthly, or day pass. I wouldn’t say it’s one of the best restaurants at Denver International Airport, but it’s a great spot for a layover if you have a pass or a long wait.
What You Get: The United Club locations at DIA are genuinely nice – comfortable seating, reliable WiFi, complimentary snacks and beverages (including alcohol), and most importantly for families, a quieter environment where kids can actually relax without getting in passengers’ way.
Centurion Lounge
Located in Concourse C, the Centurion Lounge is absolutely stunning and honestly one of my favorite lounges anywhere. The food is restaurant-quality (not typical lounge fare), the cocktails are crafted by professional bartenders, and the space itself feels more like an upscale restaurant than an airport lounge. The downside: It’s usually packed.
What You Get: Buffet choices, premium spirits, comfortable seating with mountain views, and an atmosphere that actually makes waiting for flights enjoyable. The catch? You need an American Express Platinum Card or higher for access, AND you need a seat assignment on your departing flight.
Quick Tips for Dining at DIA with Kids
Best for Families: Sunset Loop Market for quick grabs and space to play.
Best Gluten-Free Options: Root Down, Snooze, and Modern Market Eatery all offer extensive gluten-free menus.
24-Hour Options: Einstein Bros Bagels (A & C) and Sunset Loop Market (B) operate around the clock – essential for those early morning or late-night flights.
Coffee Strategy: Novo Coffee has multiple locations across concourses, so you’re never far from a caffeine fix.
The Bottom Line
These restaurants have genuinely made our travel experiences better, turning long layovers into food adventures and gate delays into opportunities to try something new.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee before boarding or settling in for a leisurely meal during a connection, these handpicked favorites represent the best of what Denver Airport has to offer families traveling standby. And when you can’t count on lounge access, having these quality dining options makes all the difference.
What’s your favorite spot to eat at Denver Airport? Share your DIA dining experiences in the comments below!
Leave a Reply