Downtown Denver Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Exploring Denver through Food and History: A Look at the Downtown Denver Walking Food Tour

If you’re considering a way to get to know Denver beyond its postcard images of mountains and cityscapes, a food-focused walking tour might just be the ticket. This 3-hour journey through Denver’s historic neighborhoods promises a tasty mix of local dishes, fascinating stories, and a chance to see the city’s colorful past and vibrant present. While we haven’t taken the tour ourselves, the overwhelmingly positive reviews and detailed itinerary suggest this experience hits the sweet spot for food lovers and history buffs alike.

What we especially appreciate about this tour is the way it combines delicious bites with storytelling—your guide shares tidbits about Denver’s gold rush days and colorful characters while you sample dishes that pay homage to the city’s diverse culinary scene. Plus, the stops at iconic landmarks like Union Station and the Oxford Hotel add a layer of local charm. The one possible consideration? With a price of $99 per person, it’s a decent investment, but the quality of food, sights, and storytelling makes it feel like a worthwhile value for many.

This tour is particularly suited for travelers who enjoy authentic experiences that blend food, history, and walking. If you want to explore Denver’s neighborhoods with your taste buds and learn stories that bring the city’s past alive, this tour is a very good choice.

Key Points

• Combines local food tasting with insights into Denver’s history and neighborhoods.
• Led by knowledgeable guides who make the experience engaging.
• Offers a variety of food, from smoked sausage to Vietnamese ice cream.
• Visits iconic sites like Union Station and the Oxford Hotel.
• Suitable for most travelers, with options for dietary needs.
• Priced at $99, offering a solid value for a 3-hour guided experience.

What the Tour Offers: A Detailed Breakdown

The Downtown Denver Walking Food Tour offers an excellent way to combine culinary exploration with a touch of city history. You’ll start in the lively Ballpark District, home to the Colorado Rockies, where the energy of baseball fans and local drinkers alike sets the tone. Your first stop includes a visit to a building constructed in 1889 by Madam Jennie Rogers—once Denver’s classiest bordello—now a fascinating glimpse into Denver’s colorful past. This snapshot of the city’s more provocative side gets a nod early on, setting a tone of uncovering stories behind the sights.

Next, you’ll head to Coors Field, an emblem of Denver’s sporting culture. While the tour doesn’t include attending a game, the stadium’s impressive architecture and mountain views from some seats reinforce Denver’s unique blend of urban and outdoor appeal.

From there, you’ll walk over to Union Station, the historic centerpiece of the city’s transportation hub. This area is a hub of activity, with nearly 100 restaurants, shops, galleries, and bars. Its history dates back to 1858, when prospects hit the area during the Colorado Gold Rush. The station’s transformation into a vibrant space again makes it a perfect stop for both history and modern Denver vibes.

Dairy Block is your next stop—a former dairy site turned micro-district. What was once Windsor Dairy now hosts a variety of shops, restaurants, and a boutique hotel. It’s a snapshot of Denver’s ongoing urban renewal and how old buildings can find new life. Just 10 minutes here, but enough to soak in the lively atmosphere.

Union Station’s interior is a masterclass in adaptive reuse. Restored in 2014, it now functions as a cultural hub. You might find yourself grabbing a coffee or admiring the architecture, making this stop both practical and inspiring.

Your visit to The Oxford Hotel, Denver’s oldest surviving hotel, offers a taste of the city’s Victorian elegance. Opened in 1891, it was built for travelers passing through Union Station and later restored into a boutique hotel. Its history speaks to Denver’s growth and sophistication.

Rockmount Ranch Wear, started in 1946, offers a look at Denver’s Western wear heritage. Known for pioneering snaps on Western shirts and bolo ties, the company’s items are in the Smithsonian and other museums. It’s a nice touch that you get to see a piece of American Western style intertwined with the city’s story.

Throughout the tour, you’ll sample local bites such as Colorado elk smoked sausage, fried chile relleno, and pork green chili. Each dish is carefully chosen to reflect Denver’s culinary diversity and history. The food portions are generous, and reviewers often mention how filling and flavorful the samples are—some even suggest offering smaller bites for those who prefer a lighter experience.

Your guide will also introduce you to Denver’s modern food scene, sharing stories and tidbits that add context to each stop. The inclusion of secret dishes, along with a Chinese five-spice donut and Vietnamese iced coffee ice cream, highlights Denver’s ethnically diverse palate.

Authentic Food, Not Just a Tour

Many reviews praise the quality and variety of the food. For instance, one guest loved the elk cheddar jalapeño hot dog, describing it as a favorite, while others appreciated the fried chile relleno and fig beignets. It’s clear that the tour doesn’t just focus on quantity but aims for memorable, well-crafted bites.

Guides like Austin and Jon are repeatedly described as personable, knowledgeable, and engaging. They bring Denver’s stories to life, weaving local history with the food stops. Several reviewers mention that these guides made the tour personal and fun, with one saying, “Jon was a GREAT tour guide. Felt like we got a good history of Metro Denver.”

The tour’s pace is manageable, with roughly 10-minute stops at some historic sites and about an hour in the Ballpark District, followed by the food tastings. Since it’s a walking tour, comfortable shoes are recommended. Also, with most of the stops being outdoors or in accessible public spaces, the experience is flexible and suitable for most mobility levels.

The Value and Practicalities

At $99 per person, the tour offers a good deal considering the length—around three hours—and the variety of food and sights included. When you consider the cost of multiple meals at local restaurants, the guided insight, and the exclusive access to historic sites, it’s a practical way to maximize your time and exposure.

The tour is bookable on a mobile ticket platform, requiring just a reservation made about 40 days in advance on average—so planning ahead is wise, especially in peak tourist seasons. The tour starts at Billy’s Gourmet Hot Dogs and ends at ChoLon, a central location perfect for grabbing a meal afterward or exploring more of downtown Denver.

Note that hotel pick-up and drop-off aren’t included, but the starting point is near public transportation, making it easy to reach. Gratuities are not included, so if you enjoy your guide’s storytelling, a tip is appreciated but not mandatory.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This walking food tour is ideal for travelers who want more than just a meal—a blend of local history, community vibe, and authentic bites. It suits those who enjoy discovering neighborhoods on foot and are curious about Denver’s colorful past. Foodies will relish the variety, from hearty chili to sweet donuts, while history buffs will appreciate the stories behind the sites.

It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers with a sense of adventure and good walking shoes. Since dietary needs are mentioned, it’s worth checking in advance if you have specific restrictions, but the tour seems flexible enough to accommodate most.

Final Thoughts

In our view, the Downtown Denver Walking Food Tour offers a well-rounded experience—combining delicious local specialties with intriguing Denver stories. The knowledgeable guides, central locations, and diverse food options make it a rewarding way to explore downtown Denver in just a few hours. While the price isn’t the cheapest, the depth of experience, the engaging storytelling, and the high-quality food make it a worthwhile investment.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to get a feel for the city or a seasoned Denverite looking to rediscover your hometown’s flavors and stories, this tour provides a fun, authentic, and tasty slice of Denver life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately three hours, giving you plenty of time for multiple stops and food tastings without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Billy’s Gourmet Hot Dogs at 2445 Larimer St and concludes at ChoLon on 1555 Blake St, both centrally located downtown.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour’s pace and duration are family-friendly. However, it’s best to check dietary needs and mobility beforehand.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is typically booked about 40 days ahead on average, as it’s popular and limited to private groups.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
You’re encouraged to ask prior to booking to see if your needs can be accommodated. The tour offers a variety of foods, and guide flexibility can help.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers guided storytelling, all food tastings listed, and access to historic sites. It does not include gratuities or hotel transportation.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is there public transportation nearby?
Yes, the starting point is near public transit options, making it easy to access without a car.

In all, this tour offers a balanced mix of tasty bites, engaging stories, and local sights. It’s a highly recommended way to spend a few hours embracing the flavors and history of Denver’s downtown.