Broncos preseason is upon us, which means one thing is for sure — you’re going to get hungry. Hungry for touchdowns, hungry for wins, and hungry for all the delicious game-day eats that come with the season.
Fortunately, if you’re looking for a restaurant near Mile High Stadium, Denver does not disappoint. The area surrounding Empower Field at Mile High is packed with flavor. This guide explores a variety of cuisines that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
No matter who’s in your crew — kids, coworkers, or diehard fans — bookmark this list of top restaurants near Mile High Stadium so no one ends up hangry and we can leave the unsportsmanlike conduct to the pros.
Explore this guide, segmented by cuisine type and featuring addresses, hours, walking (or driving) distance, and why each one’s worth a visit. Whether you’re in the mood for Mexican, American, pizza, or a more upscale cuisine experience, you’ll find something that hits the spot before kickoff or after the big game.
Let’s eat!
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Best Mexican Restaurants Near Mile High Stadium
Los Mesones
3643 W. Colfax Ave.
- Walking distance to Empower Field: 21 minutes
- Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
- Price per person: $12-14
- Reservation policy: First come, first served
This homestyle Mexican neighborhood favorite serves up classic dishes with rich, homemade flavors. The green chile is legendary and can smother everything from burritos to enchiladas in the best way. Of course, if you’re not looking to get too spicy, there’s always the option to order it on the side. It’s casual, affordable, and great for a quick bite before the game. If you’re in a hurry, you can even grab some grub to-go while you walk 21 minutes over to Mile High Stadium.
La Cocina de Pilar
1920 Federal Blvd.
- Walking distance to Empower Field: 3 minutes
- Hours: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
- Price per person: $7-27
- Reservation policy: First come, first served
For no-fuss Mexican, try this delicious restaurant, located just a stone’s throw from Mile High Stadium (or a 3-minute walk). Some menu items, including the Memelas, Tlacoyo, and Sope, will run you around $7, while most items sit around the $15 range. For larger meals, you can expect to pay around $27 on the high end. The food is authentic and delicious, and the portions are well worth it.
Chili Verde
2311 Federal Blvd.
- Walking distance to Empower Field: 9 minutes
- Hours: 4-9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday
- Price per person: $13-20
- Reservation policy: Reservations are available through Google AI
If you’re looking for dinner near Empower Field (or even brunch or lunch), the mouth-watering culinary experience that is Chili Verde is a great sit-down option. Equipped with a full bar, Chili Verde is a one-stop shop for tailgating fun before a game. They are also home to a variety of accolades and awards that underscore their tasty food options. Among their top-rated dishes are the pozole and crepes. Others rave about the happy hour menu, which you can enjoy Monday through Friday from 4 to 5 p.m. and which features delicious coconut margaritas complete with a toasted coconut rim, tequila blanco, and coconut cream.
Best American Restaurants and Sports Bars
Federal Bar & Grill
2544 Federal Blvd.
- Walking distance to Empower Field: 14 minutes
- Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday through Saturday, and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. The kitchen closes 1 hour before the bar closes.
- Price per person: $10-20
- Reservation policy: First come, first served
Just north of the stadium, Federal Bar & Grill is the ultimate game-day destination. With 20+ beers on tap, juicy burgers, loaded nachos, and TVs on every wall, it’s a go-to for fans. It gets packed on game days, so plan ahead if you’re cutting it close.
Original Brooklyn’s
2644 W. Colfax
- Walking distance to Empower Field: 2 minutes
- Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
- Price per person: $10-17
- Reservation policy: Call 303-572-3999 for reservations
A Mile High favorite for a reason, Original Brooklyn’s does everything well, especially Cajun. Cajun wings, burgers, pizza — you name it, they have it. This restaurant is ideal for gathering before kickoff thanks to its large outdoor patios, complete with string lights and a solid roster of beers on tap and cocktails. This place gets busy before and after events at Empower Field, so call and make a reservation if you’re heading this way.
Best Pizza Near Empower Field
Sexy Pizza — Jefferson Park
2460 Eliot St.
- Walking distance to Empower Field: 10 minutes
- Hours: 11 a.m.-12 a.m. daily
- Price per person: $10-30
- Reservation policy: First come, first served
Sexy Pizza isn’t just a catchy name — it’s a pizzeria with a serious dedication to community impact. Closest to Mile High is its Jefferson Park location, where Sexy Pizza serves both by-the-slice and hand-tossed pies made from scratch using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Each pizza has its own personality, like the comforting “Midwestern” with beef and giardiniera, or the Mediterranean-inspired “Safer,” topped with feta and garlic. Plus, many pies benefit local nonprofits through the restaurant’s PhilanthroPIE program. Grab a slice and support causes like homelessness advocacy and youth empowerment, all while enjoying some of the best pizza near Mile High.
Brooklyn’s Finest Pizza
825 16th St. Mall
- Walking distance to Empower Field: 38 minutes
- Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday through Saturday
- Price per person: $10-31
- Reservation policy: First come, first served
While their specialty is New York-style pizza, Brooklyn’s Finest also offers delicious bar bites, including loaded fries, mozzarella sticks, fried pickles, and other unique items such as potato knishes and meatball sriracha pinwheels. While a little further from the action, this is a great place to stop if you want to avoid the game-day crowds, but still be close enough to the action to pop over if last-minute tickets become available.
Best Vegan and Vegetarian Spots
Vital Root
3915 Tennyson St.
- Walking distance to Empower Field: 57 minutes or 8 minutes driving
- Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily
- Price per person: $10-18
- Reservation policy: First come, first served
Located in the hip Berkeley neighborhood, Vital Root is fast-casual vegetarian at its best. The Bahn Mi tacos will convert even the most skeptical carnivore. It’s a great option if you want something lighter before heading into the game. While there aren’t many vegetarian options within a comfortable walking distance of the stadium, this one is just an 8-minute drive away. You can still reach Mile High Stadium on foot, but it’ll take just under an hour.
City O’ City
206 E. 13th Ave.
- Walking distance to Empower Field: 46 minutes or 9 minutes driving
- Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
- Price per person: $11-25
- Reservation policy: Reservations are available through Toast Tables
While a bit more of a walk, restaurants in downtown Denver still aren’t too far from the stadium. City O’ City is one of Denver’s go-to vegetarian hotspots. With a laid-back, artsy atmosphere, this progressive Denver restaurant has a full craft-beer and cocktail bar, ideal for a large meal or quick bites. The lattes are delicious, and if you’re in the mood for an adult beverage, the Ube Colada comes highly recommended, with cachaca, pineapple, banana liquor, ube, and lime.
Best Upscale Dining Near Empower Field
Wildflower
3638 Navajo St.
- Walking distance to Empower Field: 45 minutes or 5 minutes driving
- Hours: 4:30-10 p.m. daily, Monday through Saturday
- Price per person: $75-100
- Reservation policy: Reservations are available through OpenTable
The menu at Wildflower celebrates predominantly Italian cuisine while blending a rustic Rocky Mountain vibe with Mediterranean. The menu changes frequently and is seasonal, as it draws from locally sourced ingredients to create plant-forward dishes, exquisite cocktails, and natural wines. The atmosphere is stunning, and it is a must-try place if you’re looking for a fine dining dinner near Empower Field.
Tavernetta
1889 16th St. Mall
- Walking distance to Empower Field: 34 minutes
- Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 3-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Price per person: $30-100
- Reservation policy: Reservations are available through OpenTable
For elevated Italian close to the stadium, Tavernetta offers handmade pasta, wood-fired branzino, and warm service in a stylish setting. Start with the focaccia and finish with an amaro flight or espresso if you’re heading back for a night game.
Touchdown on Hunger
Whether you’re craving spicy enchiladas, a cheesy New York-style slice, or an artfully plated seasonal dish, the restaurants surrounding Empower Field offer something for every appetite and occasion. From quick bites before kickoff to late-night celebrations after a big win, these restaurants deliver far more than stadium food.
So, next time you’re headed to a Broncos game or just looking for dinner near Empower Field, skip the parking lot hot dogs and make a meal out of it.
Denver’s dining scene is ready for you to dig in.