14 Best Food Tours In Denver

Denver’s culinary scene is as diverse and lively as its mountain views. Unlike many U.S. cities, Denver offers a unique mix of historic neighborhoods, creative districts, and innovation-driven eateries that make its food tour options stand out. Whether you’re interested in exploring the colorful RiNo Arts District, uncovering historic downtown Denver’s hidden gems, or sampling gluten-free treats, this city delivers flavor and stories in equal measure.

In this guide, you’ll find detailed descriptions of the 14 best food tours in Denver—each with their own style, focus, and special features. From small-group walking adventures and private tours to lively pub crawls and themed cannabis foodie excursions, these options are tailored to various interests and budgets. We’ve highlighted what makes each experience unique, including insider tips, real reviews, and practical travel tips, to help you decide the perfect way to taste Denver.

1. Denver RiNo Arts District Food Tour

Enjoy a delicious introduction to Denver’s RiNo Arts District with this small-group walking tour. Over approximately three hours, your guide will lead you to five award-winning restaurants, offering bites like fried chicken, sourdough pizza, and mochi donuts. This tour not only satisfies your appetite but also introduces you to the neighborhood’s industrial art scene with stories about Denver’s culinary growth.

The tour is praised for its generous tastings, which often add up to a hearty lunch. Visitors appreciate the friendly vibe and the insider tips from guides who know the local scene well. The option to upgrade for alcohol pairings adds a nice touch for those who enjoy a drink with their bites. It’s perfect for travelers who want a casual, intimate experience that combines food, art, and local stories.

Bottom line: A well-rounded, flavorful walk in a neighborhood full of creative energy, suited for food lovers wanting a taste of Denver’s innovative foodie scene.

2. Downtown Denver Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

This 3-hour downtown walking tour immerses you in Denver’s historic core, tasting classic local foods. With a focus on historic streets made famous by prospectors and miners, your guide will share stories about the Colorado Gold Rush while leading you to local favorites. Stops include Coors Field, Union Station, and other iconic landmarks, making it an ideal way to combine culinary delights with a city tour.

Guests rave about the diversity of food and the entertaining storytelling, with several mentioning how guides like Austin and Jon make the experience memorable. Sample dishes like elk cheddar jalapeño hot dogs and fried chile relleno—each bite tied to Denver’s local identity. This tour is perfect for travelers interested in history and food combined with an easy stroll through the city.

Bottom line: A fantastic option for those who want a historical context with their bites, and a taste of Denver’s authentic downtown.

3. Denver: Downtown Small-Group Food Tasting Tour

This 3-hour tour focuses on five top Denver restaurants, giving you a curated food experience along with insights into the city’s culinary scene. You’ll visit spots like Marco’s Coal Fired for Neapolitan pizza, and Kachina Cantina for flavorful Mexican dishes, all in the heart of downtown. The tour also includes visits to Coors Field and Dairy Block, blending sports and local flavor.

Guests appreciate how the guide combines food tastings with local history and city landmarks, making it a comprehensive experience. The small-group format ensures a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for talking with your fellow foodies. The value is high, with multiple authentic samples and engaging narratives.

Bottom line: An excellent choice for those wanting a small-group, in-depth downtown experience with varied cuisine and urban sights.

4. Gluten Free Food & Brew Tours

This tour stands out as Denver’s only dedicated gluten-free food tour, led by a guide with personal experience as a celiac. Starting at the rooftop Avanti Food & Beverage, you’ll enjoy gluten-free dishes designed to impress even non-gluten-free friends. The tour includes stops at Union Station and a local food hall, showcasing Denver’s gluten-free gems.

Reviewers love the personalized attention and the careful curation of gluten-free options. At $75, the tour provides ample tastings, with the added bonus of local beer and drinks at the food hall. The tour is perfect for anyone needing gluten-free options but still craving flavorful, well-prepared food in a friendly environment.

Bottom line: For gluten-sensitive travelers, this tour offers a safe, flavorful, and fun culinary experience in Denver.

5. Downtown Denver Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

If you’re looking for a customized experience, this private tour is ideal. For around $339 per person, you get an intimate, flexible three-hour walk through downtown Denver, exploring major landmarks and hidden gems. You’ll sample local specialties and learn stories about Denver’s past, all tailored to your group’s interests.

While at a higher price point, many reviews highlight the personalized service and the depth of local knowledge. It’s suited for special occasions or travelers who want exclusivity and a private guide. The tour covers several key neighborhoods, making it a luxury experience with a focus on personalized attention.

Bottom line: A good fit for luxury travelers or groups seeking a tailored, private city food experience.

6. Mystery Puzzle Food Tour in Golden, CO

Turn lunch or dinner into an interactive treasure hunt with this puzzle-based tour. Using your smartphone, you’ll solve clues that lead to local restaurants, where your surprise dish awaits. It’s a 2-3 hour adventure that combines mystery-solving with local bites.

Highly rated for engagement and fun, this tour appeals to those who prefer an active, game-like experience. The walking distance between locations ensures you see a good part of Golden, while the surprise element keeps the experience fresh. Perfect for families or groups of friends who enjoy a little challenge with their meal.

Bottom line: For adventure-seekers who want a fun, puzzle-filled way to explore local cuisine.

7. Denver: walking Secret Food Tour

This 3-hour walking tour is designed for small groups, exploring Denver’s arts district and city center. Your guide will introduce you to local delicacies while sharing stories of Denver’s colorful past. Stops include popular eateries and landmarks like Union Station, making it an ideal combination of food and culture.

Reviewers mention the fun facts and delicious food at each stop, with particular praise for the engaging guide. It suits travelers who want a light walking tour with a focus on local flavors and city sights. The tour is limited to just two reviews but scores a perfect 5/5.

Bottom line: Excellent for those seeking a small, intimate experience tied to Denver’s art and food scenes.

8. Denver: Token and Tacos Cannabis Lover Foodie Tour

This 2-hour tour offers a unique blend of cannabis culture with tasty bites. Starting at Native Roots dispensary, you’ll learn about cannabis products, then cruise on a licensed cannabis bus to a popular taco spot, Torchy’s. The tour combines education, fun, and flavor, with smoke-friendly options throughout.

Guests enjoy the informative dispensary visit and the casual atmosphere on the bus. At $67, it’s a value-packed experience for those curious about Denver’s recreational cannabis scene paired with delicious food. It’s best suited for adults interested in cannabis and food in a relaxed setting.

Bottom line: Perfect for adventurous foodies who want a lighthearted, immersive cannabis and cuisine experience.

9. Dinner Food Tour in RiNo Denver

This 3-hour evening tour takes you through RiNo, sampling some of Denver’s best dishes at four local spots. The tour features pozole, barbecue, and Mexican street food, paired with stories about Denver’s evolving food scene. It’s relaxed and emphasizes dinner rather than lunch, making it ideal for night owls.

Reviewers praise Jeremy’s engaging narration and the variety of flavors. The moderate walking covers about two miles, with plenty of opportunity to relax and enjoy each stop. It’s perfect for travelers who want a casual, flavorful evening with local color.

Bottom line: A tasty, cultural night out in Denver’s artistic district, ideal for those who prefer dinner over lunch.

10. Downtown Denver Food Tour

With over 1,580 reviews and a perfect 5-star rating, this 3-hour walking tour is a favorite among visitors. It takes you through five top eateries, including wood-fired pizza at Marco’s and empanadas at a family-owned shop. Stops also include Coors Field and Union Station, blending food with urban landmarks.

Guests value the variety of samples and informative narration, as well as the friendly guides. It’s suitable for first-time visitors seeking an overview of Denver’s culinary highlights, especially if you want to squeeze in a lot of eating in a short time.

Bottom line: An excellent all-around choice for comprehensive downtown exploration with extensive tastings.

11. Denver: Arts District Walking Food Tour

This 3-hour tour concentrates on the colorful RiNo Arts District, pairing delicious local dishes with street art. You’ll visit award-winning restaurants and explore murals and galleries, making it perfect for art lovers who want to eat well. Stops include Los Chingones RiNo and Denver Central Market.

Reviewers note super friendly guides and great food, with a special mention of the personalized recommendations. It’s ideal for those who want a visual feast alongside their culinary one, with enough time to appreciate Denver’s creative vibe.

Bottom line: A good pick for food and art enthusiasts seeking a colorful, flavorful experience.

12. Denver Mile-High Foodie Tour by Junket

This 2-hour tour offers a quick, energetic taste of Denver’s current culinary renaissance. Starting outside Union Station, it includes stops at Machete Tequila + Tacos and Wynkoop Brewing. It emphasizes local dishes and craft beers, making it a great introductory experience.

Reviewers rate it at 3.5/5, noting it’s short and fast-paced but still enjoyable. It’s good for travelers who want a brief but flavorful snapshot of Denver’s food scene, especially those eager to sample local brews.

Bottom line: A compact, lively tour for beer and food lovers on a tight schedule.

13. Downtown Denver Pub Crawl – Food & Drinks Included!

For a night of fun and socializing, this 5-hour pub crawl includes 5-6 venues with free shots, appetizers, and exclusive discounts. Starting at Tony Tenderonis, it’s a vibrant way to experience Denver’s bar scene while sampling bar snacks and drinks.

Reviewers highlight the friendly guides and the entertainment options, making it a great choice for groups celebrating special occasions. The duration and lively atmosphere make it more about the experience than just food, perfect for those looking for nightlife in Denver.

Bottom line: Best suited for party travelers wanting a fun, social night with food and drinks included.

14. Denver’s Street Food Private Tour With A Local Guide

This private 3-hour tour offers an up-close look at Denver’s street food culture. Led by a local guide, you’ll explore iconic landmarks and hidden spots, sampling from award-winning and family-run restaurants. The focus is on authentic, often overlooked culinary experiences that showcase Denver’s diverse food scene.

Though it has no reviews yet, the tour’s customized approach and focus on local traditions make it appealing for gourmet connoisseurs and adventurous eaters wanting a tailored experience.

Bottom line: For travelers seeking a personalized, insider look at Denver’s lesser-known culinary treasures.

How to Choose Your Food Tour in Denver

Picking the right food tour depends on your interests, budget, and schedule. If you want a rundown of downtown’s best eateries, the Downtown Denver Food Tour with its 1,580 reviews is an excellent choice. For art and food combined, the Denver Arts District Walking Food Tour offers a colorful blend.

Travelers with specific dietary needs, like gluten-free options, will appreciate the Gluten Free Food & Brew Tours. For those interested in a more exclusive experience, the Private Downtown Tour provides personalized attention. Budget-conscious travelers or those eager for a shorter experience may enjoy the Mile-High Foodie Tour, while groups celebrating special occasions might prefer the Pub Crawl.

Consider booking early for popular tours, especially in peak seasons. Think about your dietary preferences, preferred neighborhoods, and whether you want a guided or private experience—these details will help you select the perfect culinary adventure.

Final Thoughts

Denver offers a wide array of food tours that cater to history buffs, art lovers, gluten-sensitive travelers, and nightlife enthusiasts. Choices like the RiNo Arts District Food Tour or the Downtown Food Tour provide a deep dive into urban flavors and sights, while specialized options like the Gluten Free Tour or Cannabis & Tacos Tour serve niche interests with flair.

For first-time visitors, the comprehensive city tours are ideal, while seasoned travelers might prefer private or themed experiences. No matter which tour you choose, booking ahead ensures you’ll secure a spot in Denver’s lively food scene. Now, all that’s left is to pick your favorite, and start tasting your way through the Mile High City.