Ten Meals Under $30 in Denver
Going out to eat is my love language but in this economy?! My wallet physically cannot handle another $50-100 dinner on a weeknight just because I wanted to go to a restaurant and chat away with my friends.
If you want to enjoy the local offerings in Denver without the dreaded notifications from that budget app you downloaded but chose to ignore (maybe that’s just me), look no further. Here are 10 local establishments organized by neighborhood that will get you a good meal for under $30, and I’m not talking takeout.
RiNo
2463 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
Photo courtesy of Los Chigones on Facebook.
If you’re dining on a budget, taking advantage of happy hour is a must and this is one you won’t want to pass up. With locations in RiNo, Central Park and DTC, Los Chigones offers a happy hour menu with items for $5 or less on weekdays from 3-5:30 pm. From chips and guac, to two tacos, to a quesadilla you can munch or enjoy select cocktails for $5 or less. Enjoy a stellar marg and if you’re feeling frisky or dining with a group, they offer margarita pitchers – get that bang for your buck!
3701 N Williams St, Denver, CO 80205
Photo courtesy of Yacht Club on Facebook.
A mix of grunge and nostalgia, meet the charming Yacht Club, located on the outskirts of RiNo. Hidden behind a mysterious website is likely the only spot in Denver where you can get a daiquiri and a $7 hot dog that comes with chips. Open every day but Tuesday from 4 pm-2 am, it’s the perfect late-night snack with a craft cocktail to round it out.
2669 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
Photo courtesy of The Denver Central Market on Facebook.
Whether you’re craving pastries, pizza or prosciutto, The Denver Central Market’s got you covered. With 11 vendors, you’re sure to find something delightful and can even stop at The Curio Bar to enjoy a drink while you’re at it.
Tennyson
4150 Tennyson Street Denver, CO 80212
Photo courtesy of Bakery Four on Instagram.
Do you have a love affair with breakfast treats like I do? Good, because Bakery Four, located on Tennyson St., is the perfect spot to load up on sweet and savory treats. If the line seems daunting, don’t fear – go early, bring headphones and enjoy the aromas and I promise you, the gooey cookies, flaky croissants and to-die-for breakfast sandwiches will be worth it. Located across from César Chávez Park, enjoy your treats while picnicking with family or friends.
4401 Tennyson St. Denver, C0 80212
Photo courtesy of Parisi on Facebook.
Most foodies don’t think of Italian when they’re dining on a budget. That’s where Parisi comes in, offering delicious pasta dishes, salads, pizzas and more for under $20 per plate. My mouth is already watering thinking about their various gnocchi dishes.
Lodo
1825 Blake St #100, Denver, CO 80202
Photo courtesy of FOR[a]GED on Facebook.
If you’re trying to be financially conscious, sushi usually doesn’t hit the mark. However, don’t forget about happy hour, and at FOR[a]GED, get ½ off basically all of the sushi rolls as well as discounted appetizers Sunday-Thursday from 4-6 pm.
lohi
3326 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
Photo courtesy of Mr. Lucky’s on Instagram.
A good sandwich is a blessing, so when a friend told me about Mr. Lucky’s my life changed forever. They roast their turkey, beef and pork in-house and create meatballs and salads from scratch. Most of their half-specialty sandwiches are $6, which tends to fill me up. Opt for a whole which will be closer to $10, but I promise it’s worth it. Don’t ask questions and thank me later.
South broadway
3 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
Photo courtesy of Sputnik on Instagram.
Behold the grooviest spot on South Broadway where you can lounge in a booth or mingle at the bar while snacking on affordable bites, with a vegan-friendly menu for all to enjoy. Look no further if you want a spot to meet friends and kick off your night out without breaking the bank. Arrive early as the limited booths fill up quickly.
1229 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210
Photo courtesy of Joy Hill on Facebook.
During happy hour from 4-6 pm daily, Joy Hill will speak to your soul with $6 drinks and $10 pizzas. And it’s not just any pizza, we’re talking wood-fired, naturally leavened pizza featuring local ingredients and house-made mozzarella. With a rooftop patio, Joy Hill is the spot for an afternoon meeting or catch-up.
uptown
1475 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80218
Photo courtesy of Dos Santos on Facebook.
We all know that street tacos are the hack that won’t break the bank. Order 3 and you’re looking at a reasonably priced meal. And at Dos Santos, take advantage of Taco Tuesday with select discounted tacos and drinks and your wallet and stomach will be happy. Or, check out their happy hour all day Mondays, and Tuesday-Sunday from 3 pm-6 pm.
Abby Schirmacher
Co-founder/Editor