Hey there! My name is Jack Ramsey, and I am a University of Colorado Boulder graduate with a journalism degree and a minor in film studies. As much as I enjoy writing and watching movies, I also appreciate good food and cheap eats.
But not just good food—food that even a college student such as myself can afford and also that means something to me from growing up. With seven years of experience in the food and service industry, I have worked in and eaten at a variety of restaurants, and I used my insider knowledge to offer you this guide to the best and most affordable food in the Denver metro area.
To create this guide, I sampled a variety of food styles in and around Denver and evaluated them based on quality, price and atmosphere. There is no pizza, though; for that, check out Olivia Gryson’s guide to pizza in the city. Now, let’s get tasty!
The Cherry Cricket (Cherry Creek Location)
First up is the legendary Cherry Cricket, home to one of the widest assortments of burger toppings I have ever laid my eyes on. Its big, beautiful neon sign drew me in like a moth to a flame; I just couldn’t resist. The interior is reminiscent of a dive bar, and the atmosphere is exactly what I would expect when looking for the best burger in town. The inside was filled with booths, milkshakes and Denver memorabilia, as well as an aquarium above the hotline.
I sat in a booth in the corner and ordered a Sam Adams and the Vera Cruz burger, with bacon jalapeno jam, crispy onion straws and chipotle aioli, and then topped off the evening with a Samoa cookie shake. You could feel the history of Denver while inside. The writing and signatures on the walls, booths, and tile floors evoked a classic diner atmosphere, complete with red Coke cups and tall milkshake glasses.
Much to my dismay, there were no actual cherry-flavored crickets for me to put on my burger, which was half the reason I wanted to try this place, but who knows, maybe one day.
The Cherry Cricket, 2641 East 2nd Avenue, Denver. HOURS: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Learn more at cherrycricket.com.
Venalonzo’s Tacos
Located just off of I-25 in Centennial, Venalonzo’s Tacos is kind of off of the beaten path. The restaurant doesn’t advertise itself, nor does it have to, because its food is that good and only a select few know about it.
This is the only Mexican restaurant on the list and with good reason. It is a small restaurant with a large chalkboard advertising its extensive menu, which includes street tacos, burritos and birriadillas. I had never even heard of a birriadilla before visiting this place, but I thank my lucky stars every day that I was introduced to it. It’s a legendary combination of two Mexican cuisine powerhouses, birria and quesadilla; drown it in consommé, and you have got one hell of a combo.
The inside is colorful and offers a wide variety of beverage options, including some of the largest beer bottles I have ever seen. Furthermore, the patio is large, and there is ample seating throughout the restaurant. The service was friendly, and the food arrived quickly and hot off the grill. It was extremely delicious, and the price was reasonable for the quality of the food.
I had no complaints, except for the fact they didn’t like my suggestion of a burribirriadilla (AKA a burrito, birria and quesadilla combo); that didn’t go over quite as well as I would have hoped, but nonetheless, a great spot.
Venalonzo’s Tacos, 6830 South Yosemite Street, Centennial. HOURS: Monday to Thursday: 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Learn more at venalonzostacos.com.
Pete’s Kitchen
Pete’s Kitchen had been recommended to me by numerous peers, so I decided to check it out. Greek cuisine is one of my favorites, and Pete’s Kitchen, located just off Colfax, provides the ideal breakfast, lunch and dinner. The combinations of Greek and American cuisine were delicious, and I wish I had time to try them all.
I ordered the Greek cheesesteak with gyro instead of ribeye, grilled onions, bell peppers, and white American cheese. It was a delicious combination of flavors, stuffed into a hoagie roll and served with fries and tzatziki on the side.
The diner-style atmosphere made for an enjoyable experience. The price was slightly higher than some of the other places I had visited, but it was all well worth it in the end. The only thing left to do is find an excuse to go back and try the breakfast!
Pete’s Kitchen, 1962 East Colfax Avenue, Denver. HOURS: Monday to Thursday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday: Open 24 hours. Sundays: 12 a.m. to 9 p.m. Learn more at www.petesrestaurants.com/petes-kitchen.
Jerusalem Restaurant
This was my top pick for this guide, and it was not even close. I am a huge fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, and this did not disappoint. Jerusalem Restaurant is a small establishment with two patios and a low ceiling near the University of Denver campus off Evans. The kitchen right behind its counter was full of pastries, and the atmosphere was fantastic. I went for some late-night food and was ecstatic with the entire experience.
The food, atmosphere, music, service and simple love for good food were clear the entire time I was there; there wasn’t anything I could critique if I wanted to. The prices were unbelievable, and I would have paid much more (even double!) for what I had.
I started with the baklava, hummus, and falafel, all of which were delicious, but I needed to make sure I tried the entree and saved enough room to try everything. The lamb shank with rice and baba ganoush was recommended, and I literally do not know how to describe it—the meat just fell off the bone and was perfectly tender, complementing the tangy baba ganoush and saffron curry rice.
Overall, it was an incredible experience, and I will definitely return; with so many delicious options to try, I may not have enough days in the year to sample all its offerings.
Jerusalem Restaurant, 1890 East Evans Avenue, Denver. HOURS: 8:00am – 3:00am Everyday
Learn more at jerusalemrestaurant.com.
My Brother’s Bar
The final stop on my food adventure was recommended to me by a coworker who has eaten all over the country and swears there is no better burger in Colorado than the one at My Brother’s Bar, so I had to try it for myself. My Brother’s Bar, Denver’s oldest bar, celebrated its 150th anniversary last year and has been a legend in the game for countless years. The building, which still had what appeared to be the original cash register, evoked history.
I ordered a beer, cheeseburger and fries and was pleasantly surprised to find that I got everything I asked for and more. In addition to my meal, I received a box that opened on two sides and contained condiments like relish, banana peppers, onions and pickles. Though I just went in for a burger, I got a truly unique dining experience.
It was a delicious meal, or, as Jules Winnfield from “Pulp Fiction” would say, “a tasty burger.” Though it’s close to the best burger I have ever had, I don’t know if I can give it the crown just yet. However, if I go back and try it again, I might change my mind, but overall it was a fantastic experience with an even better burger.
My Brother’s Bar, 2376 15th Street, Denver. HOURS: Monday to Saturday: 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Sunday: Closed. Learn more at www.mybrothersbar.com.
Thank you for reading through my recommendations for the best food joints in Denver, and I apologize if this article made your mouth water uncontrollably. I hope this guide evokes nostalgia for a childhood destination or inspires you to try something new. Bon appétit!
