Dining in Denver is something everyone can enjoy, no matter if you have a disability, need a special menu, or require a little help.
After all, the city has long been a haven for disability rights ever since activists in the 1970s protested the lack of accessibility in public transportation. Those actions made Denver the first city in the nation to offer a full fleet of wheelchair-accessible buses. Now the Mile High boasts accessible infrastructure, a thorough Accessible Travel Program, and a number of accessible attractions.
But the goal to make the city accessible didn’t stop there. Several restaurants have gone out of the way to design dining experiences to meet a wide range of accommodation needs. As someone who personally is disabled due to chronic illness, I know all too well that no two accessibility needs are alike.
While I may require a place to sit while I wait for a table (chronic fatigue makes it hard to stand for long periods of time) and a kitchen that can accommodate my dietary restrictions, others may need wide walkways to navigate around a restaurant in a wheelchair with dignity, a menu available in Braille, or a quiet atmosphere that won’t overwhelm sensory sensitivity.
With my own needs and those others may face in mind, these 10 restaurants shine in their dedication to providing a safe place and tasty food for all.
Brewability
When Tiffany Fixter opened the first restaurant iteration that would later become Brewability in 2016, she did so with a purpose. The plan included thoughtful wheelchair accommodations, accessible seating, a sensory corner for those who get overstimulated, weighted and adaptive silverware, Braille menus, sign language, and more.
Not only does this brewery and pizzeria in Englewood offer a wide range of accessibility features, but it also employs staff members with developmental disabilities who understand first-hand the importance of inclusivity. Come by for local beer, affordable appetizers, pizza, and sweet treats. 3445 S. Broadway, Englewood, brew-ability.com
Casa Bonita
This newly-restored Mexican eatertainment restaurant in Lakewood is known for a larger-than-life dining experience, which includes everything from puppet shows to mariachi bands to an arcade. The best part is, all of the property’s attractions are accessible to those with mobility issues, except for Black Bart’s cave, which weaves a narrow and uneven path through a “spooky” mine.
It’s worth noting that navigating through the restaurant does involve some uphill stretches with carpet that may pose an extra challenge to wheelchair users. Casa Bonita recommends you reach out to discuss how it can help accommodate you and make the visit something to remember. 6715 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood, casabonitadenver.com
Jack’s Bar and Grill
At Jack’s Bar and Grill in Arvada, inclusivity is a guiding principle rather than an afterthought. The casual restaurant hires people with developmental disabilities and pays them a fair wage, also welcoming diners with accessibility needs such as mobility issues, dietary restrictions, and neurodiversity. Jack’s serves breakfast on the weekends and a full menu during the week, featuring sandwiches, tacos, and classic American fare. 8565 Five Parks Dr., #100, Arvada, jacksatfiveparks.com
Bonnie Brae Ice Cream
Since 1968 Bonnie Brae Ice Cream has remained a Denver mainstay. The shop offers 120 different ice cream flavors (triple death chocolate and amaretto peach are best-sellers), 36 sherbets and sorbets, and 12 different vegan ice cream flavors. As an ice cream shop that caters to diners with a number of different dietary needs, Bonnie Brae makes sweet treats accessible to those with disabilities that require adhering to a strict diet. 799 S. University Blvd., Denver, bonniebraeicecream.com
DIRT Coffee
DIRT Coffee, with locations in downtown Denver and Littleton, hires and supports neurodivergent individuals through training programs that empower them to learn skills essential to maintaining employment. That also means that the business deeply understands the needs of differently-abled people, the most fundamental step toward true inclusivity. You’ll find a full menu of classic coffee drinks at these cafes, as well as quick and easy food items like burritos and paninis. 1785 Quebec St., Denver; 5767 S. Rapp St., Littleton, dirtcoffee.org
Saverina
Restaurants are required by law to be ADA-compliant, so it’s no great accomplishment to offer a wheelchair-accessible entrance. The true test of wheelchair accessibility comes through features like wide pathways throughout the dining space, accessible restrooms, and sturdy railings of appropriate heights alongside ramps, all of which are offered by Saverina. With all these touches, this inclusive restaurant in Belleview Station allows everyone to enjoy chef Christian Graves’ modern Italian fare. 6985 E. Chenango Ave., Denver, saverinadenver.com
Trellis Wine Bar
It can be difficult for neurodivergent people with sensory issues to feel at ease out in public. But Trellis Wine Bar in Park Hill caters to those looking for a quiet, low-key atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for those seeking an inclusive taste of Denver nightlife. The bar serves wine sourced from small producers, along with small, shareable plates and charcuterie boards. 2868 Fairfax St., Denver, trelliswinebar.com
Hop Alley
Guess what, Hop Alley is fully wheelchair accessible from the parking and entrance to the spacious dining room itself and the restrooms. That’s why the RiNo restaurant gets positive reviews from those with mobility-related disabilities.
Not only is chef Tommy Lee’s modern Chinese restaurant inclusive, but the food wins hearts too. Think bone marrow fried rice, New York strip steak with Sichuan-style mashed potatoes, and scallion pancake rolls with duck. The restaurant also caters to people with different dietary restrictions, offering full vegan, pescatarian, vegetarian, and gluten-free menus. 3500 Larimer St., Denver, hopalleydenver.com
Linger
Rooftop bars often feel off-limits for those who are disabled due to mobility issues. Luckily at Linger in LoHi an elevator takes guests up to a fully wheelchair-accessible rooftop so people of different abilities can enjoy the views of the city. The staff is also well-versed in accommodating dietary restrictions, with a menu that represents culinary traditions around the globe. That means you’ll find everything from Korean chicken to lamb kofta and masala dosa on the menu. 2030 W. 30th Ave., Denver, ediblebeats.com
Watercourse
For those who are disabled due to certain chronic illnesses, having a restaurant take dietary restrictions seriously can be a matter of life and death. Watercourse is one of the best restaurants in Denver for diners with dietary accommodation needs, thanks to its fully plant-based menu and flexibility when it comes to making adjustments to dishes. Favorite menu items include the Philly cheesesteak, bolognese, cauliflower wings, and more. 837 E. 17th Ave., Denver, watercoursefoods.com
