Denver, Colorado, is a city with a unique culinary identity, boasting a range of iconic dishes that are often overlooked by those outside its borders. These dishes tell a story of the city's history, cultural influences, and a love for innovative food creations. Prepare to embark on a delicious journey through the Mile High City's most renowned plates, from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
A Culinary Journey Through Denver's Iconic Dishes
Denver's food scene is a treasure trove of unique and mouthwatering creations, many of which have become beloved by locals and travelers alike. While some dishes are instantly recognizable, others remain hidden gems, known only to those who have spent time in this vibrant city. Let's uncover these culinary treasures and explore why they deserve a place on your Denver dining itinerary.
Denver Omelet: A Whimsical Tale
The Denver Omelet, a breakfast staple, is perhaps the most iconic dish associated with the city. With its simple yet delicious combination of eggs, cheese, diced ham, green peppers, onions, and mushrooms, it's a favorite on diner menus. But the origin story of this omelet is a fascinating mystery. Some believe it was invented by a resourceful pioneer woman who tried to disguise the taste of rotten eggs with cheese and veggies, a tale supported by a downtown plaque. However, historians argue that green peppers were unlikely to be available then, and no amount of masking could hide the smell of spoiled eggs.
The most plausible theory suggests an influence from Chinese cuisine, specifically the dish Egg Foo Young, which combines eggs, ham, and chopped protein with greens. During the Gold Rush and Colorado Silver Boom, Chinese migrants found work in the railroad and mining industries, bringing their culinary traditions with them. Over time, Egg Foo Young may have evolved into the Denver Omelet we know today.
Rocky Mountain Oysters: A Historical Delicacy
Rocky Mountain Oysters might surprise newcomers to Denver, but this classic dish has an intriguing history. Far from the typical oysters, these are deep-fried bull testicles! While the idea of consuming animal genitalia may seem bizarre, it's a practice that dates back to ancient Rome, where it was believed to reduce waste and even cure ailments, enhancing virility.
Rocky Mountain Oysters, also known as prairie oysters, cowboy caviar, and more, have become a signature Denver dish. Though not a common menu item, they can be found at restaurants like The Fort and Buckhorn Exchange, which specialize in novelty Colorado fare. NPR's Luke Runyon described them as "surprisingly juicy," with the bison tasting like chicken and the beef offering a unique flavor between liver and gizzard.
Mountain Pie: Colorado's Unique Pizza Style
Colorado may not be renowned for its pizza, but it has its own distinct style. Beau Jo's, a pizzeria founded by Chip Bair in the mountain town of Idaho Springs, is credited with creating the mountain pie. With a honey-sweetened dough, hand-rolled crust, and a requirement to drizzle honey on the pizza, Colorado-style pizza is a unique experience. Beau Jo's has trademarked the term "Colorado-style pizza," and their restaurants, including the Denver outpost, offer the true mountain pie experience.
Green Chile: A Spicy Staple
Green chile is a signature dish in both New Mexico and Colorado, but the two states' versions have subtle differences. Colorado's green chile uses bold Pueblo chiles, which are thicker-skinned and spicier, ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 SHU. The dish typically includes Pueblo green chiles, pork, chicken broth, flour, tomatoes, oil, aromatics, and salt. It can be eaten as a soup or stew, but it's also a popular dipping sauce for sandwiches and breakfast burritos.
Mexican Hamburger: A Unique Denver Creation
With a significant Latino population, Denver is home to a variety of Mexican and Central/South American foods. One unique Denver dish is the Mexican hamburger, a grilled hamburger patty wrapped in a large tortilla, spread with refried beans, and smothered in green chile and cheese. Accompaniments include lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole.
The origin of the Mexican hamburger is disputed, but most stories lead back to Joe's Buffet. One popular belief is that a waitress named Linda invented the dish, which later appeared on the menu at Chubby's, a Denver landmark since 1967. Westword columnist Gustavo Arellano described the Mexican hamburger as "brilliant" due to its simplicity and the effortless mixing of traditions.
Fried Tacos: A Denver Specialty
Mexico City Restaurant and Lounge, one of Colorado's best Mexican restaurants, is known for its fried tacos. These tacos are built with a white corn tortilla, stuffed with cheese and protein (chicken, steak, shrimp, carnitas, beef, or beans), and finished with lettuce and tomatoes before being deep-fried. The third-generation owner, Bob Muniz, credits his uncle and grandfather, Willie Garcia, with creating this quintessential Denver dish.
Sugar Steak: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Bastien's Restaurant, a family-owned steakhouse since 1958, is famous for its sugar steak. This unique preparation involves a rub made from sugar and undisclosed spices, applied to rare or medium-rare steaks, especially ribeyes and New York strips. The sugars in the rub melt on the grill, creating a caramelized crust with the help of the steak's fat. The result is a mouthwatering, scientifically-backed combination of sweet and savory.
Fool's Gold Loaf: Elvis' Favorite Sandwich
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, had a legendary appetite, and one of his favorite indulgences was the Fool's Gold Loaf. This massive sandwich, created at the now-closed Colorado Mine Company in Glendale, Denver, consists of an entire loaf of bread, a pound of bacon, margarine, peanut butter, and Dickinson's blueberry jelly. A teenage cook, Nick Andurlakis, suggested this sandwich to Elvis, who loved it so much he flew his private jet to Denver for his daughter Lisa Marie's birthday to get the real deal. Andurlakis later opened Nick's Cafe, where the Fool's Gold Loaf was a menu item, but the restaurant closed in 2022. Today, you can find Elvis-inspired sandwiches and other delicacies on menus around Denver, or you can make this iconic loaf at home.
These iconic Denver dishes showcase the city's culinary creativity and its ability to blend diverse cultural influences. From the humble Denver Omelet to the adventurous Rocky Mountain Oysters, each dish tells a story and offers a unique taste experience. So, the next time you're in Denver, be sure to indulge in these culinary treasures and explore the rich food culture of the Mile High City.
