Healthy Food Guide: Denver Airport's Best Choices for Travelers

Denver International Airport (DIA), the largest airport in the United States by land size and the fifth busiest in the country, serving some 64 million passengers each year, is a hub for United and Frontier airlines and a focus city for Southwest Airlines. DIA is often referred to as DEN. While it might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Denver International Airport, the food scene here is surprisingly vibrant and diverse. From fast food chains to upscale restaurants, there's something for every taste and budget.

Healthy Options at DEN

For those looking for healthy options, DIA has you covered. Several restaurants offer a variety of salads, sandwiches, and other healthy meals. For example, Freshens, a nationally recognized health-focused, fast-casual restaurant, is located on Concourse A. Freshens offers food inspired by fresh ingredients and is best known for their blended smoothies and frozen yogurt. Another healthy option is Root Down, a longtime LoHi hot spot, which offers a variety of dishes made with organic, local ingredients. Root Down also offers a wide selection of Colorado beers and seasonal cocktails. Superfruit Republic keeps the health-conscious happy with açai bowls, salads, and loaded toasts.

Vegan Options

While it can be challenging to find fully vegan meals at airports, DIA offers a variety of options for plant-based eaters. For example, Voodoo Doughnut, a wildly popular Portland, Oregon, export, offers over 25 vegan doughnut options. Mesa Verde, a Mexican restaurant on Concourse A, also offers a few vegan options. Check the ingredient lists to be sure.

Local Favorites

DIA is committed to local operators, and this year will see the opening of a slew of Denver favorites. Look for modern taco joint Mister Oso, Italian kitchen Bar Dough, upscale Asian spot ChoLon, and gourmet market Marczyk Fine Foods in Concourse C as well as contemporary American kitchen The Bindery, hip ramen shop Uncle, and Maria Empanada in Concourse A.

Terminal by Terminal

Jeppesen Terminal

The Jeppesen Terminal is home to a variety of restaurants and cafes, including Boulder Beer Tap House, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Subway, and multiple coffee outlets. Best bets in this concourse are Mercantile Dining Provision (center core), featuring the New American cuisine of James Beard Award-winning chef Alex Seidel; the scaled-down satellite of RiNo food hall Denver Central Market (A48), which houses four vendors under one roof ⎻ Vero Italian, SK Provisions, Culture Meat & Cheese, and Sushi-Rama; and Tacos Tequila Whiskey (A18), whose name says it all. Still more local, independent establishments include Breckenridge Brewery (A71), Elways Taproom & Grill (A18), and Snarfs Sandwiches (A73); note that, at the time of this writing, Brothers BBQ is temporarily closed due to construction, but it'll reopen once the work is completed.

Concourse A

Concourse A is home to a variety of restaurants and cafes, including Freshens, a health-focused, fast-casual restaurant; Mesa Verde, a Mexican restaurant; and Root Down, a longtime LoHi hot spot.

Concourse B

Concourse B is home to a variety of restaurants and cafes, including Voodoo Doughnut, a wildly popular Portland, Oregon, export; Snooze, a regional breakfast-and-brunch juggernaut; New Belgium Brewing, a Fort Collins icon; Steves Snappin Dogs, a Denver hot dog joint; and Salt Grinder, a Jersey-inspired deli.

Concourse C

Concourse C is home to a variety of restaurants and cafes, including Mister Oso, a modern taco joint; Bar Dough, an Italian kitchen; ChoLon, an upscale Asian spot; Marczyk Fine Foods, a gourmet market; The Bindery, a contemporary American kitchen; Uncle, a hip ramen shop; Maria Empanada, a South American restaurant; Little Man Ice Cream, a local ice cream shop; Dazbog Coffee, a local roaster; and Great Divide Brewing, a craft beer pioneer.

Other Options

In addition to the restaurants listed above, DIA also offers a variety of grab-and-go options, including Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Panda Express, Caribou Coffee, and Wetzels Pretzels. There are also several coffee shops located throughout the airport, including Peets Coffee & Tea, Gloria Jeans Coffees, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

Tips for Eating at DIA

Here are a few tips for eating at DIA⁚

• Arrive early. DIA is a busy airport, so it's a good idea to arrive early to give yourself plenty of time to find a place to eat.
• Check the airport website for a list of restaurants and their hours of operation.
• Be prepared to wait. Some restaurants can get very busy, especially during peak travel times.
• Consider pre-ordering your food. Many restaurants offer online ordering, which can save you time.

Conclusion

DIA offers a surprisingly diverse and delicious food scene. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, you're sure to find something to satisfy your cravings. So next time you're flying through DIA, be sure to check out the food options and enjoy a delicious meal before your flight.