Family Friendly Restaurants: A Stapleton Staple
Stapleton is more than just a neighborhood in Denver; it’s a vibrant community, meticulously planned and brimming with life. Once the site of Denver’s bustling airport, this area has been transformed into a thriving residential hub, complete with parks, shops, and, most importantly, a diverse and exciting culinary landscape. If you’re a resident, a visitor, or simply a food enthusiast looking for your next delicious adventure, Stapleton offers a smorgasbord of options to tantalize your taste buds. This guide will take you on a delicious journey, highlighting the best restaurants, cafes, and eateries that make Stapleton a true foodie destination. From family-friendly favorites to upscale dining experiences, Stapleton provides a culinary experience to satisfy every palate, making it a must-explore destination for anyone seeking great food.
Finding a restaurant that caters to both adults and children can be a challenge, but Stapleton offers several fantastic options perfect for family outings. These restaurants prioritize a welcoming atmosphere, kid-friendly menus, and often, outdoor seating, making them ideal for a relaxed meal with the whole crew.
One local favorite is “Park Burger.” With its casual atmosphere and focus on high-quality ingredients, Park Burger is a go-to spot for families. They offer a range of delicious burgers, from classic beef patties to creative vegetarian options, and their crispy fries are always a hit with the kids. The restaurant’s patio is spacious and inviting, perfect for enjoying a sunny afternoon meal. Their kid’s menu features smaller versions of their popular burgers and chicken tenders, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Located on Main Street, Park Burger is easily accessible and provides a convenient option for a quick and satisfying family meal. Be sure to try their signature Park Burger and their famous chocolate shake.
Another excellent choice is “Crave Real Burgers.” This spot takes burgers to a whole new level with inventive toppings and creative combinations. While the adult menu is packed with gourmet burger options, they also offer simpler choices for kids, such as mini burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. Crave Real Burgers also boasts a lively atmosphere, often buzzing with families enjoying a weekend lunch. Their sweet potato fries are a must-try, and their extensive milkshake menu is sure to delight both kids and adults. It’s located near the shopping center, making it a convenient option after a day of errands.
For a more casual dining experience, consider “North County.” While known for its tacos, North County’s relaxed setting and flavorful options make it a hit with families. They offer a variety of tacos, quesadillas, and other Mexican-inspired dishes, and their kid’s menu features smaller portions and milder flavors. The vibrant atmosphere and colorful décor add to the fun, making it a great place for a relaxed family dinner. North County is known for its fresh ingredients and authentic flavors, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Don’t forget to order their churro bites for a sweet treat to end the meal.
American Cuisine and Gastropubs: Elevated Comfort Food
When you’re craving classic American fare with a modern twist, Stapleton’s gastropubs and American restaurants are the perfect choice. These establishments focus on using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients to create innovative and satisfying dishes.
“The Berkshire” offers a sophisticated take on American comfort food. Their menu features dishes like gourmet mac and cheese, slow-cooked ribs, and perfectly seared steaks. The Berkshire’s warm and inviting atmosphere makes it ideal for a casual dinner or a special occasion. They also have an impressive cocktail list and a selection of craft beers, making it a great spot for a night out. Their weekend brunch is particularly popular, with dishes like chicken and waffles and eggs benedict.
Another notable spot is “Stanley Beer Hall,” a vibrant and spacious establishment with a huge selection of craft beers on tap. While their beer selection is impressive, their food menu is equally enticing. They offer a variety of pub fare, including burgers, sandwiches, and shareable plates. The Stanley Beer Hall is a great place to gather with friends and enjoy a relaxed evening. They often host live music and other events, adding to the lively atmosphere. Don’t miss their pretzel bites and their signature Stanley Burger.
For a more laid-back American dining experience, check out “TAG Burger Bar.” This place specializes in creative burger combinations and hand-cut fries. With a focus on fresh, local ingredients, their burgers are packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. TAG Burger Bar also offers a variety of craft beers and cocktails, making it a great spot for a casual meal with friends. They have outdoor seating available, which is perfect for enjoying a sunny day. Be sure to try their signature TAG Burger and their sweet potato fries.
Italian Restaurants: A Taste of Italy in Stapleton
For those seeking authentic Italian flavors, Stapleton offers a few exceptional Italian restaurants that transport you straight to Italy. These restaurants pride themselves on using fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques to create unforgettable dishes.
“Pizzeria Locale” offers authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven. The pizzas are made with high-quality ingredients and topped with fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and other classic Italian flavors. Pizzeria Locale is a casual and vibrant spot, perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner. They also offer a selection of Italian wines and beers, making it a complete Italian dining experience. Be sure to try their Margherita pizza and their refreshing Aperol Spritz.
While perhaps not *strictly* Italian, “Mici Handcrafted Italian” is a fantastic option for a quick and satisfying Italian-inspired meal. This counter-service spot offers a variety of fresh pasta dishes, salads, and sandwiches. Their pasta is made fresh daily, and their sauces are packed with flavor. Mici Handcrafted Italian is a great option for a casual lunch or dinner. They also offer catering services for parties and events. Don’t miss their lasagna and their creamy pesto pasta.
Mexican and Southwest Restaurants: Spicy and Flavorful
When you’re craving bold and flavorful Mexican or Southwestern cuisine, Stapleton has several excellent options that will satisfy your craving for tacos, enchiladas, and other spicy delights.
“Comida” offers a modern take on Mexican street food. Their menu features a variety of tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes, all made with fresh and high-quality ingredients. Comida’s vibrant atmosphere and creative menu make it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. They also have a great selection of margaritas and other cocktails, making it a fun and festive dining experience. Be sure to try their carnitas tacos and their spicy margarita.
As mentioned earlier, “North County” offers a broader range of Mexican-inspired dishes, including tacos, quesadillas, and salads. Their menu focuses on fresh, flavorful ingredients and authentic recipes. North County is a casual and welcoming spot, perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner. They also have a great selection of Mexican beers and tequilas, making it a complete Southwestern dining experience. Don’t miss their fish tacos and their refreshing sangria.
Asian Cuisine: Exploring the Flavors of the East
Stapleton’s Asian restaurants offer a diverse range of flavors from across the continent. From Thai curries to Japanese sushi, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
“Thai Basil” is a popular spot for authentic Thai cuisine. Their menu features a variety of classic Thai dishes, including pad thai, green curry, and massaman curry. Thai Basil is known for its fresh ingredients and flavorful sauces. Their curries are particularly popular, and their pad thai is considered one of the best in the area.
“Snooze, an A.M. Eatery” sometimes features Asian-inspired breakfast items on their specials menu, showcasing the versatility of Asian cuisine. While not strictly Asian, it’s worth checking their menu for unique breakfast offerings with an Asian twist. Snooze is known for its creative and delicious breakfast dishes, and their Asian-inspired specials are always a hit.
Cafes, Bakeries, and Coffee Shops: A Daily Dose of Delight
For a quick caffeine fix, a sweet treat, or a light meal, Stapleton’s cafes, bakeries, and coffee shops are the perfect choice. These establishments offer a cozy atmosphere and a variety of delicious options to satisfy your cravings.
“Starbucks” provides a familiar and reliable option for coffee, pastries, and light snacks. Starbucks is a great place to grab a quick coffee or a light meal on the go. They offer a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, and smoothies, as well as a selection of pastries and sandwiches.
“Casey’s Bistro & Pub” offers a wider range of café-style offerings, including sandwiches, salads, and pastries, alongside a full bar and a pub menu. Their patio seating is great for people watching while enjoying lunch.
Brunch Spots: Weekend Indulgence
Weekends in Stapleton are synonymous with brunch, and several restaurants offer delicious and decadent brunch menus. These spots are perfect for a leisurely morning with friends or family.
“Snooze, an A.M. Eatery” is a brunch institution, known for its creative and delicious breakfast dishes. Their menu features a variety of pancakes, omelets, and other breakfast classics, all made with fresh and high-quality ingredients. Snooze is a popular spot, so be prepared for a wait, but it’s well worth it. Be sure to try their pineapple upside-down pancakes and their breakfast pot pie.
“The Berkshire” (mentioned earlier) also offers a fantastic brunch menu on weekends. Their brunch menu features dishes like chicken and waffles, eggs benedict, and french toast. The Berkshire is a great place to enjoy a sophisticated brunch with friends or family. Their cocktails are also a popular choice for brunch.
Things to Consider When Choosing
When deciding where to eat in Stapleton, there are a few factors to consider. Price ranges vary, with some restaurants being more affordable and others being more upscale. Be sure to check the menu or reviews to get an idea of the price range before you go. Dietary restrictions are also important to consider. Many restaurants offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, but it’s always a good idea to check with the restaurant before you go. The atmosphere can also be a factor. Some restaurants are casual and lively, while others are more romantic and intimate. Location and parking are also important to consider, especially if you’re driving. Many restaurants offer ample parking, but it’s always a good idea to check the parking situation before you go. Finally, consider delivery options. Many restaurants offer delivery services, making it easy to enjoy their food from the comfort of your own home.
Conclusion
The Stapleton food scene is a vibrant and diverse culinary landscape, offering something for everyone. From family-friendly restaurants to upscale dining experiences, Stapleton has it all. The quality and diversity of dining experiences in Stapleton ensures that there is always something new to explore and that is why it’s one of the top destinations for food lovers. Whether you’re a Stapleton resident or just visiting, be sure to explore the incredible food scene that this community has to offer. Bon appétit! Take a culinary adventure through Stapleton today.
