Denver Mile-High Foodie Tour by Junket

Experience the Denver Mile-High Foodie Tour by Junket offers a flavorful glimpse into Denver’s evolving culinary landscape. For just $64.50, you’ll spend around two hours exploring several local eateries, tasting regional specialties, and learning about the city’s cultural backdrop. This tour is designed for those eager to uncover Denver’s food scene beyond its famous steak and potatoes reputation, with stops that showcase a mix of Mexican, Asian, and local craft brews.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is the mix of diverse cuisines and the expert guidance that makes each stop both educational and delicious. But there’s a catch; some reviewers feel the number of stops can be a bit limited considering the ticket price. Still, if you’re after a compact, well-curated experience with tasty bites and interesting stories, this tour could be a good fit—especially for travelers with a moderate physical fitness level who enjoy walking and sampling in a group.

Key Points

• Authentic Food Experiences: The tour offers a variety of regional dishes, from Mexican tacos to Asian street food, giving a well-rounded taste of Denver’s culinary diversity.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Rachel are praised for their friendly attitude and local expertise, adding value through historical and cultural insights.
• Limited Stops but Quality Bites: Some wish for more stops, but the quality of food and the depth of info provided compensate for the limited number.
• Affordable and Convenient: At $64.50, it’s a reasonably priced way to explore Denver’s food scene in just a couple of hours with a small group.
• Focus on Authenticity: The tour emphasizes genuine local flavors over touristy clichés, making it more meaningful.
• Accessible for Most: Meeting at a central location and being a walkable route makes it accessible for most travelers, with some physical activity involved.

Exploring the Denver Mile-High Foodie Tour: A Detailed Look

Starting Point at Union Station

The tour kicks off outside Denver’s iconic Union Station, by the fountains. This location is perfect for a central meeting point, especially if you arrive by public transportation. The small group size, capped at 10 travelers, helps keep the experience intimate and personalized. From here, your guide, likely someone like Rachel based on reviews, will set the tone with friendly introductions and a brief overview of Denver’s food scene and history.

The first stop is a short walk to 1701 Wynkoop Street, a lively area filled with historic charm and modern buzz. This initial contact is more than just a warm-up; it’s a chance to get your bearings and start talking about what makes Denver’s culinary journey unique.

Machete Tequila + Tacos: Mexican Flavors in the Heart of Denver

Next, you’ll visit Machete Tequila + Tacos, a spot described as one of Denver’s “most fun hotspots.” Here, you’ll sample authentic Mexican dishes, with options ranging from classic tacos to more adventurous choices recommended by your guide. We love that this stop combines fun vibes with flavorful, well-prepared food.

One reviewer notes that the food quality was “fantastic,” and the guide is great at pointing out great choices on the menu. The inclusion of tequila and other beverages isn’t part of the tour, but it’s often a good idea to pair your bites with some local brews or a cocktail if you choose to extend your experience.

Zoe Ma Ma: Asian Street Food

The third stop takes you into Zoe Ma Ma, renowned for its Asian street food. Expect potstickers, Pork Belly Bao, and Braised Beef Noodle Soup—all known for their bold flavors and authenticity. This spot is a favorite for those craving Asian comfort food, and the guide’s commentary adds context about the dishes’ origins.

One review highlights how the experience of tasting these dishes was both “unique” and satisfying, emphasizing the quality and authenticity of the food. The guide’s insights about the dishes’ background deepen the tasting experience, making it more than just a snack stop.

Wynkoop Brewing Company: A Denver Legend

The next stop is Wynkoop Brewing Company, an hotel often called a “Denver Legend.” Here, the focus shifts slightly to locally brewed beers paired with more bites. This spot is not only about the taste but also about understanding Denver’s craft beer culture, which has gained international recognition.

This brewery has historical significance, and your guide will share stories about its origins and its role in Denver’s brewing scene. Reviewers mention that the history and culture shared by the guide add a layer of richness to this part of the tour.

Milkbox Ice Creamery: Sweet Ending

Finally, the tour wraps up at Milkbox Ice Creamery, with a delicious ice cream or similar sweet treat. This is a well-loved ending point, giving everyone a chance to relax and reflect on the flavors experienced throughout the tour.

One reviewer notes that “the food quality was fantastic and the coffee was superb,” underscoring the emphasis on good local products. The sweet finale offers a perfect opportunity for photos, chatting about the day, and savoring one last taste of Denver.

What to Expect and Consider

Duration & Group Size: Lasting roughly two hours, the tour keeps a good pace, with each stop lasting around 24 minutes. The small group size means more personalized attention and easier interaction with the guide, which enhances the educational aspect of the tour.

Price & Value: At $64.50 per person, the tour offers a decent value—especially considering the curated food samples and the knowledgeable guiding. Yet, some guests have expressed that the number of stops might feel limited, with one review noting only two food stops in their previous experience, whereas others visited five or more in similar tours. The quality of food and storytelling, however, seem to make up for this.

Accessibility & Physical Activity: The route involves walking between stops, mostly through downtown Denver, which isn’t overly strenuous but does require moderate physical activity. Travelers should be comfortable on their feet and able to walk for short stretches.

Inclusions & Extras: The tour includes pre-selected food samples, a professional guide, and a focus on Denver’s culture and history. Alcoholic beverages are not included, so if you’re interested in sampling local brews, you’ll need to purchase those separately at Wynkoop Brewing.

Booking & Cancellation: With an average booking window of about 33 days in advance and a flexible cancellation policy—free up to 24 hours before—you can plan with confidence. Tour confirmation is provided within 48 hours, and the group size remains small, ensuring a more tailored experience.

Authenticity and Authentic Food Experiences

We love that this tour emphasizes genuine local flavors rather than touristy gimmicks. The stops are carefully chosen to reflect Denver’s evolving culinary identity, from Mexican street food to Asian favorites, and classic Colorado craft beers. The guide’s insights about the city’s history and how these foods fit into Denver’s cultural fabric add a richer dimension to the tasting adventure.

However, some reviews suggest that the tour could be more extensive—more stops, more variety. But the focus on quality, authentic dishes, and engaging storytelling seems to outweigh the limited number of sampling points for many guests.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for curious food lovers who want a quick but meaningful introduction to Denver’s culinary scene. It suits those who appreciate stories behind the food and enjoy walking around a city with a small, friendly group. It’s also suitable for travelers with moderate physical activity levels, given the walking involved.

However, if you’re after a longer or more extensive food tour with many stops, this might not fully satisfy your appetite for variety. Also, if you’re seeking an alcohol-inclusive experience, you’ll need to plan separately.

Final Thoughts

The Denver Mile-High Foodie Tour by Junket offers a compact, well-guided taste of the city’s diverse culinary offerings. While some might wish for more stops or a broader sampling, the quality of the food, the friendliness of the guides, and the insights into Denver’s culture make it a worthwhile option for many travelers. It strikes a good balance between affordability and authenticity, making it an appealing choice for those eager to explore Denver beyond its scenic parks and mountain views.

If you’re someone who values delicious local dishes paired with engaging storytelling, this tour delivers in spades. It’s an ideal way to spend a couple of hours in downtown Denver, discovering hidden culinary gems and learning about the city’s vibrant food scene.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or those with food allergies?
The tour features specific food samples at each stop, mainly local specialties. While the provided information doesn’t specify options for vegetarians or allergies, it’s best to contact the tour provider directly for tailored requests.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately two hours long, with each of the five stops lasting about 24 minutes.

Are alcoholic beverages included?
No, the tour does not include alcohol. However, it features local brews at Wynkoop Brewing Company, which you can purchase separately.

What’s the meeting point?
The tour begins outside Denver’s Union Station at 1701 Wynkoop Street, a central and easily accessible location.

Is transportation provided between stops?
No, there’s no transportation included. The stops are within walking distance, making this a scenic and active way to explore downtown Denver.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, with full refunds available. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

In summary, the Denver Mile-High Foodie Tour offers a tasty, insightful, and reasonably priced glance into Denver’s culinary scene. It’s best suited for curious travelers wanting authentic bites, good stories, and a small-group experience. While it’s not the longest or most extensive food tour available, its focus on quality and local flavor makes it a solid choice for a quick culinary adventure in the city.