• The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection - The food tour kicks off at one of Denver’s most historic landmarks — the Brown Palace Hotel. Since its opening in 1892, this iconic venue has welcomed presidents, musicians, and travelers for over a century. Its magnificent atrium, intricate ironwork, and stained glass skylight offer a glimpse into Denver’s opulent past, when elegance and ambition were the hallmarks of the city’s growth.

Before venturing into downtown, guests enjoy a seasonal housemade pastry from the hotel’s award-winning pastry chef. Each creation — from buttery croissants to fruit-filled danishes or delicate tarts — is crafted in-house and showcases the season’s finest ingredients. It’s a sophisticated yet inviting start, a sweet bite paired with a touch of history. As the guide shares tales of the hotel’s famous guests and hidden tunnels, guests will experience the care and craftsmanship that distinguished Denver long before the modern food scene emerged.

• 16th Street Mall - After gathering at the Brown Palace, the tour proceeds to the 16th Street Mall — Denver’s main downtown thoroughfare and the heart of the food tour. This mile-long pedestrian street runs through the city center, lined with restaurants, cafés, and food halls that highlight Denver’s burgeoning culinary scene. What began in the 1980s as a retail hub has transformed into a blend of historic landmarks and contemporary eateries offering everything from tacos and pizza to sushi and craft cocktails.

Here, locals grab lunch between meetings while visitors explore the city’s flavors in one convenient walk. Food trucks and pop-ups often line the blocks, and patio seating fills with people enjoying Colorado’s 300 days of sunshine. As the tour progresses down the mall, the guide will point out long-standing Denver favorites and newer spots redefining downtown dining. It’s the perfect place to experience the city’s energy — casual, creative, and full of local pride.

• Lazo Empanadas 16th Mall - Store #2 - The next stop is Lazo Empanadas, a local favorite bringing the flavors of Argentina to downtown Denver. Here, guests sample their chorizo and egg breakfast empanada — a golden, hand-crimped pastry filled with savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and just enough spice to awaken the palate. Baked, not fried, it’s warm and flaky with a hint of smokiness from the chorizo and richness from the dough.

As guests take their first bite, the guide shares how empanadas became a staple of Argentine street food — easy to hold, quick to eat, and endlessly adaptable. Lazo’s recipes are rooted in family tradition, but with a Colorado twist, using local ingredients and bold flavors. It’s comfort food with craftsmanship behind it, a perfect mid-tour bite that bridges South American roots and Denver’s love of global cuisine. Grab a napkin, because this one tends to disappear fast.

• Appaloosa Grill - The third stop is Appaloosa Grill for a bowl that embodies Colorado: rich, slow-simmered bison chili. Lean, deeply flavored bison is cooked slowly with roasted chiles, tomatoes, warm spices, and a touch of cocoa for depth, then finished with sharp cheddar, green onion, and a dab of cooling crema. It’s hearty without being heavy, the kind of comfort that sparks conversation around the table. The guide shares how bison transitioned from frontier staple to modern Rocky Mountain favorite while guests sip water or a local beverage and soak in the lively atmosphere. Discussions revolve around texture, heat, and balance, and what distinguishes game meats from beef. By the last bite, guests will understand why Denver chefs choose bison for bold flavor and a sense of place—an edible snapshot of the city’s high-plains soul. Paired with a crumb of cornbread for scooping (or gluten-free on request), this stop is equal parts tasting and story—fuel for the short walk to the next bite on the tour!
• Daniels and Fisher Tower - The next stop is one of Denver’s most iconic landmarks — the Daniels & Fisher Clock Tower. Built in 1911 as part of the grand Daniels & Fisher department store, it was once the tallest building west of the Mississippi and a proud symbol of Denver’s growth. Modeled after St. Mark’s Campanile in Venice, its four glowing clock faces have watched over the 16th Street Mall for more than a century.

This stop is not for a bite, but for a taste of history. The guide shares how this elegant tower survived the demolition of the original store in the 1970s and became a cornerstone of downtown’s revival. Today, it houses offices and event spaces with panoramic views, and its bells still chime through the city. Standing beneath it, guests can feel the rhythm of Denver’s past and present blending together — a fitting intermission between food stops on the walk through the city’s evolving flavors and stories.

• Larimer Square - The next stop is Larimer Square — Denver’s most historic block and one of its liveliest dining destinations. Established in the 1860s, this was the city’s first main street and remains one of the best-preserved glimpses into Denver’s past. The Victorian storefronts seen today once housed saloons and trading posts serving gold rush pioneers; now they’re home to some of the city’s top restaurants and cocktail bars.

As the tour proceeds under the canopy of twinkling string lights, the guide shares how Larimer Square was saved from demolition in the 1960s and transformed into a model for urban preservation. The result is a street that blends old and new — classic brick facades paired with modern menus featuring Colorado ingredients and global influences. It’s a reminder that Denver’s food scene, like the city itself, is built on reinvention, turning its history into something fresh, flavorful, and very much alive.

• Dragonfly Noodle - The food tour concludes at Dragonfly Noodle, a vibrant Asian eatery that combines traditional techniques with bold, modern flavors. Here, guests taste their hoisin duck bao — soft, pillowy steamed buns filled with tender shredded duck, sweet-savory hoisin sauce, crisp cucumber, and a sprinkle of scallions. Each bite is rich yet balanced, the perfect mix of texture and flavor to wrap up the day’s tastings.

The guide shares how Dragonfly Noodle draws inspiration from the street food stalls of Southeast Asia while highlighting Denver’s growing love for global cuisine. The restaurant’s open kitchen and playful energy make it a local favorite, and the bao itself captures what the tour is all about: craft, culture, and a bit of adventure. As guests gather for the final bite, surrounded by the buzz of downtown, it’s clear this stop — and this city — are all about connection through food.

• Seasonal Pastries at a Historic Denver Hotel
• Chorizo and Egg Empanada from a Local Shop
• Colorado Bison Chili with Black Beans and White Cheddar
• Hoisin Roasted Duck Bao from a James-Beard Nominee

• Tour Guide Gratuities
• Alcoholic beverages

Denver’s 16th Street Mall is a lively center of culture, history, and culinary experiences that has enchanted visitors since its inception in 1982. Designed by the renowned architect I.M. Pei, this mile-long pedestrian walkway was created to be the vibrant core of downtown Denver.

Following a multi-year, multi-million-dollar renovation, the 16th Street Mall is more dazzling than ever. There’s no better time to explore this downtown gem.

Join a guided walking food tour to enjoy the finest local cuisine the mall offers, uncover hidden treasures, and learn about the intriguing history of this iconic Denver landmark. Let this tour transform your visit into an unforgettable taste of the city!

• Not recommended for travelers with dietary restrictions (dairy-free, vegan, gluten free)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.