Dining alone doesn’t have to be a lonely affair—especially if there’s a seat at the bar you can slide into. (Bartenders tend to make great company.) But you don’t need to sit by the beverage makers at any of these spots where solo diners are welcome and the mood is always right.
The Secret Garden: Botanic Gardens Café
Imagine sipping your latte surrounded by the lush greenery of the Denver Botanic Gardens. The café here is a solo diner’s dream. You’re not alone; you’re with nature! And hey, those plants are pretty good listeners.
Zen on Zen: Sushi Den
This sushi hotspot on Pearl Street is perfect for the contemplative soloist. Grab a seat at the sushi bar and watch the masters at work. It’s like dinner and a show, but the sushi is the star. Bonus: the chefs might just become your new best friends.
The Lone Wolf’s Den: Bar Dough
Italian cuisine meets chic in LoHi. Bar Dough’s bar area is perfect for the solo diner. A glass of Chianti, and some fresh pasta, and you’ve got yourself a party of one that feels like a celebration.
The Solitary Gourmet: Mercantile Dining & Provision
Union Station’s gem, Mercantile, offers a sophisticated yet cozy spot for the lone wolf. Their farm-to-table approach will make you feel like you’re dining right in the farmer’s field—minus the cows.
The Urban Oasis: Avanti F&B
Avanti Food & Beverage in LoHi is a modern-day food hall with a twist. It’s like the United Nations of food where you can globe-trot from one cuisine to another. The communal seating is ideal for the solo diner – you’re alone but not lonely. Plus, their indoor area is perfect for those chilly Denver days.
Tucked away in LoHi, The Bindery offers a warm and welcoming space for the individual diner. It’s like walking into a culinary storybook where each dish tells a tale. The counter seating provides a front-row seat to the kitchen’s magic, making you feel part of the action.
A Few Notable Mentions: Anywhere with Good Food and a Bar
- Uchi Denver: For sushi lovers, the bar at Uchi offers an intimate view of the sushi chefs at work – it’s almost hypnotic.
- Safta: Indulge in Israeli-inspired cuisine at the bar here and let the flavors take you on a journey.
- Tavernetta: Their Italian flair and friendly bar staff make it a must-visit for any solo diner looking for a bit of ‘la dolce vita’.