My Big Question is an ongoing segment exploring various topics and answering your curious questions.

Hello one, hello all, and welcome to another week of My Big Question. My previous questions have been a bit serious, so I wanted to do something a little more fun this week and out of the question comfort zone. That way, y’all can know to send me any question you have, even if it’s not about school or life.

This week’s big question: Where can I find the best food in Denver?

Since I understand that this question is subjective, I am going to try and cover all bases when it comes to food: food near DU, food downtown and food from different cultures and cuisines. 

I have not eaten at every place around DU or in Denver, nor at every one of the places I mention. However, I love food and have made an effort to try and eat at a lot of different places throughout the year and a half I’ve been here. The places I go back to again and again are definitely going to be the places first on my list. 

I’m going to organize them by category, so here is the unofficial table of contents for this article: restaurants around DU, restaurants on Pearl Street and restaurants on 16th Street in Downtown Denver. I will also link a couple of recipes down at the bottom for those who want to make their own best food!

Restaurants around DU: 

• Tacos El Metate: A staff favorite here at the Clarion, Tacos El Metate is a wise choice for the hungry college student. Located at 2060 S. University Blvd., their location is just a short walk from any dorm or apartment around DU. With no menu item over about $10, and a Tuesday night 10% student discount, there’s nowhere better! Check out their menu here.

Author favorite: Carnitas and asada street-style tacos with onions, cilantro and lime.

• Banh Mi Station: A little joint just down the street, Banh Mi Station only has about six tables inside, but they serve amazing food! Located at 2439 S. University Blvd, they are known for their banh mi sandwiches and rice bowls. While they don’t have a website, you can order through DoorDash or eat in-store. Check out their menu here.

Author favorite: Lemongrass grilled beef banh mi with a Thai iced tea.

• Jelly DU Cafe: Already a campus favorite for breakfast and brunch, Jelly Cafe on Evans Avenue serves up some of the best donut bites, biscuits and benedicts to boot. However, they are on my list for their highly underrated lunch options. Located at 1700 E. Evans Avenue, with a nice little selection of salads and sandwiches that you can pair with anything from the breakfast menu, don’t underestimate Jelly for lunch. Check out their lunch menu here.

Author favorite: Reuben sandwich with iced tea.

Restaurants on Pearl Street: 

• Bird: An interestingly named restaurant self-described as “American comfort food,” Bird really shows up and shows out when it comes to delicious and extravagant dishes. Located at 1529 S. Pearl Street, they offer a happy hour menu from 3-6pm daily with moderately priced food, $10-12 per dish, that will leave you feeling full and happy. Check out their happy hour menu here.

Author favorite: Pretzel bites, fried chicken sliders and, from the regular menu, tomato bisque bowl.

• Kaos Pizzeria: Located at 1439 S. Pearl Street, this primarily pizza and pasta joint has fresh ingredients that you can taste in every bite. They have indoor seating as well as a quaint outdoor patio with which you can enjoy your wood-fired pizza and drink from their extensive list. Owned by the same restauranteur as Bird, it’s no surprise that both of these restaurants made my list! Check out their menu here.

Author favorite: Bruschetta, capocollo pizza or pesto cream pasta.

• Sweet Cow Ice Cream: With a rotating menu of creative flavors, Sweet Cow Ice Cream is a staple in the Denver area and at our on-campus events. Located at 1882 S. Pearl Street, this is a perfect place to go after an afternoon of shopping or studying, or at the end of a nice dinner somewhere along Pearl Street. Keep up with their varying flavors here.

Author favorite: Ozo Coffee and Strawberry.

Restaurants on 16th Street:

• 5280 Burger Bar: This funky little place has its own companion ice cream store next door. That combined with their deluxe burgers and homemade fries make 5280 Burger Bar to beat. Located at 500 16th Street Mall Suite 160, it’s conveniently tucked into a little corner for when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the mall. Check out their menu here.

Author recommendation: 5280 and Queso Fundido Burger.

• Lazo Empanadas: For more of a quick snack, head down the way to Lazo Empanadas. They offer a wide selection of baked savory and sweet empanadas with sauces to dip them in. Located at 303 16th Street Mall, for a cheap price, they make a great small lunch! Check out their menu here.

Author favorite: Spicy ground beef with chimichurri sauce.

• Yard House: While a little more pricey, the Yard House has a great atmosphere for watching the game and hanging out with friends. Located as part of the Sheraton Downtown Denver hotel at 1555 Court Place, they have everything from tacos to burgers to pizza to steak. Check out their menu here.

Author favorite: Chicken lettuce wraps, Korean chili garlic and bbq wings and parm truffle fries.

Recipes:

Want to try your hand at cooking? Here are some easy recipes any college student can whip up!

• Pizza Grilled Cheese: Need I say more? Find the recipe here. 
• Poor Man’s Burrito Bowl: Easy, cheap and delicious, for the college student who wants Chipotle but can’t afford it. Find the recipe here.
• Biscuits and Sausage Gravy: A little more complicated, but a delicious breakfast when you get tired of the dining hall. Find the recipe here.

I hope these recommendations were helpful and encourage you to get out into Denver more to try the amazing food the city has to offer! If you have any restaurants you think I should try, please send them to me (my email is below). Until next time, happy eating!

Next week’s big question: How do I handle housing at DU?

Got a big question? Email it to me! Jacqueline.Michel@du.edu