Denver Downtown 16th Street Food Tour

Discover Denver’s vibrant 16th Street Mall through a 2.5-hour guided food tour priced at $69 per person. This highly-rated experience, with a perfect 5.0 out of 5 from 15 reviews, offers a flavorful way to explore downtown Denver’s culture, history, and culinary scene. The tour begins at The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa and ends at Dragonfly Noodle, covering iconic locations and tastings at local favorites. The small group size of up to 15 people ensures an intimate experience, and the mobile ticket makes booking straightforward.

This tour is an excellent choice for those interested in a combination of delicious bites, city stories, and a walk through Denver’s landmark streets. It’s especially suited for travelers wanting a light lunch, a relaxed pace, and an insider’s view of the city’s historic and modern highlights. The $69 price point includes all food tastings and the guiding expertise, with no additional charges for admission at the stops. Note that alcoholic beverages and gratuities are not included.

Key Points

• Affordable and comprehensive: The tour costs $69 and includes four tastings that serve as a light lunch.
• Historic and culinary highlights: Stops feature iconic locations like the Brown Palace Hotel and Larimer Square.
• Expert local guides: The guide provides engaging stories and insights about Denver’s history and food scene.
• Taste at renowned venues: Enjoy house-made ricotta at Osteria Marco, hoisin duck bao at Dragonfly Noodle, and Argentinian empanadas at Lazo Empanadas.
• Convenient start and end points: Begins at the Brown Palace Hotel and concludes at Dragonfly Noodle on the 16th Street Mall.
• Perfect for leisurely city explorers: The tour balances history, food, and city views in a relaxed pace suitable for most travelers.

Exploring Denver’s 16th Street Mall and Its Historic Charm

The 16th Street Mall is Denver’s lively downtown corridor, designed by I.M. Pei in 1982 as the city’s central promenade. After a recent multi-million-dollar renovation, it now shines brighter than ever, offering a blend of shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. This guided food tour takes you along this mile-long stretch, revealing its hidden gems and fascinating past.

The tour provides a narrative of Denver’s growth, including stories about landmarks like The Brown Palace Hotel, which opened in 1892. The guide shares details about the hotel’s history of hosting presidents and celebrities, adding a layer of local lore to the experience. The walk through the mall is both informative and scenic, with plenty of opportunities for photo stops.

Starting at The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa

Your journey begins at The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, a historic Denver landmark and architectural marvel. Opened in 1892, this hotel is notable for its classical design and history of hosting notable guests, including presidents and even The Beatles. The guide offers insights into its significance, setting a elegant tone for the tour.

While admission to the hotel is free, the appeal lies in appreciating the building’s architecture and listening to stories about its storied past. The hotel’s location at 321 17th St makes it a convenient starting point, and the tour then moves onto the first tasting spot.

Tasting Bison Chili at Appaloosa Grill

Next, the tour stops at Appaloosa Grill, a longstanding fixture along the 16th Street Mall. This venue offers a taste of Denver’s Wild West heritage with a yummy bison chili. The 20-minute tasting session allows visitors to savor this local specialty while learning about the region’s cowboy history.

The Appaloosa Grill is recognized for its familiar yet elevated menu, with admission included in the tour price. Guests appreciate the friendly atmosphere and the chance to learn about traditional Western flavors, making this stop a highlight for many.

Discovering Local Stories on 16th Street Mall

The 16th Street Mall is the heart of downtown Denver, featuring restaurants, shops, and public art. The guide meets the group at one of four tasting locations, sharing stories about the street’s redevelopment and cultural significance.

During this segment, guests learn how the mall was designed to be the city’s vibrant core, and how recent renovations have restored its prominence. The 30-minute stop combines casual strolling with engaging narration, making it a lively and educational part of the tour.

Exploring Larimer Square’s Historic Blocks

The tour then ventures to Larimer Square, Denver’s most historic block. This area boasts incredible restaurants, bars, and boutiques, with a history dating back to the late 19th century. The guide discusses its evolution from a gold rush commercial hub to a culinary and nightlife hotspot.

Here, guests enjoy a delicious tasting at an award-winning restaurant run by a prominent Denver chef. The 15-minute stop offers both history insights and a chance to enjoy local flavors in a lively atmosphere.

Sampling House-Made Ricotta at Osteria Marco

Next, the tour visits Osteria Marco, a cozy Italian osteria known for fresh, house-made ricotta paired with berry mostarda. Run by a renowned local chef, this 20-minute tasting spot emphasizes authentic Italian flavors crafted with local ingredients.

The venue’s intimate setting and house specialties make it a favorite among visitors. The guide highlights how Osteria Marco combines tradition with Denver’s local produce, providing a genuine taste of Italy in the heart of Denver.

Enjoying Hoisin Duck Bao at Dragonfly Noodle

The final food stop is at Dragonfly Noodle, a celebrated Taiwanese restaurant owned by a James Beard award semi-finalist. Here, guests sample hoisin duck bao, a flavorful steamed bun filled with succulent duck and savory sauce.

This 20-minute tasting offers a culinary finale that showcases authentic Taiwanese cuisine and chef-driven creativity. The location at 1350 16th St Mall is a perfect spot to conclude the tour, with great atmosphere and friendly service.

Tasting Argentinian Empanadas at Lazo Empanadas

The tour wraps up at Lazo Empanadas, a family-owned restaurant acclaimed for Argentinian-style empanadas. Known as the best new restaurant in Denver, Lazo offers award-winning snacks that reflect family tradition and authentic flavors.

Guests learn about the family’s background and taste a delicious empanada as a fitting conclusion. The 20-minute stop provides a satisfying end to the culinary journey, with a chance to purchase more if desired.

Practical Information and Tour Logistics

The tour departs at 10:30 am from The Brown Palace Hotel and concludes at Dragonfly Noodle. The meeting point is easy to find, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed and close proximity to public transportation.

The group size of up to 15 ensures an intimate experience, and the mobile ticket feature simplifies booking. The 2 hour 30 minute schedule balances food sampling and city walking, making it a relaxed yet engaging outing.

How This Tour Differentiates Itself from Others

Unlike many food tours, this experience emphasizes both culinary tastings and Denver’s historic landmarks. The stops at notable venues like The Brown Palace and Larimer Square add cultural depth, while the local chef-driven restaurants highlight authentic regional flavors.

The inclusion of four sizable tastings effectively creates a light lunch, and the guided narration enriches the experience with stories and historical context. The small group size enhances interaction, making it ideal for those wanting a personalized tour.

The Sum Up: A Flavorful Walk Through Denver’s Downtown

The Denver Downtown 16th Street Food Tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the city’s culinary scene and historic sites. With delicious tastings, insider stories, and visits to iconic landmarks, it appeals to those who want an authentic taste of Denver in a relaxed setting.

The $69 price covers all food tastings and guiding services, making it good value for a comprehensive city experience. The tour’s perfect 5-star rating reflects its popularity and quality, especially for food lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

While it doesn’t include alcoholic beverages or gratuities, the delicious bites and interesting stories more than compensate. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy walking, local cuisine, and learning about city history—a true flavor-filled way to explore Denver’s heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
The tour focuses on specific bites, such as bison chili, ricotta, and duck bao, which are not vegetarian. For vegetarian options, it’s best to contact the provider directly.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including all tastings and walking.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa and ends at Dragonfly Noodle on the 16th Street Mall.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate; specific age restrictions are not listed.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Less notice results in no refund.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
While not explicitly stated, the tour involves walking along a redeveloped street, so it’s advisable to check accessibility if needed.

Are gratuities included?
No, gratuities for the guide are not included and are at your discretion.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen and a hat—the tour is outdoors and in sunny weather.

Is alcohol served during the tour?
Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price.

Is it possible to customize the tour?
The tour is a set itinerary; customization options are not detailed in the provided data.