Fall officially begins on September 22, and as sweater weather rolls in and the leaves start to turn, pumpkin spice takes over Denver menus in every form imaginable. So of course we’ve scoured this year’s seasonal offerings so you can get your gourd on.
Let’s set the mood. First, find your favorite flannel, cue up It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, and read on to see where you can find everything pumpkin from pumpkin spice lattes (PSL), pumpkin beers, pumpkin cocktails, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin pizzas, pumpkin pies, pumpkin ravioli, pumpkin soup, and so much more.
Pumpkin Spiced Lattes
There’s nothing like cozying up in your cardigan on a crisp fall morning with a pumpkin spice latte. These Denver cafes are offering a variety of pumpkin-flavored coffees and teas, from the classic PSL to pumpkin chais and beyond.
Coffee Sarap
Denver’s first Filipino-inspired coffee shop, Coffee Sarap, dropped its fall menu earlier this month, and it’s fit for even the biggest autumn-ophile. The lineup, available through November 2, includes so many pumpkin-themed goodies, you’ll have to go back numerous times.
Think Pumpkin Cheesecake Presko (cold brew topped with pumpkin cheesecake cold foam); Kbasa Latte (pumpkin pie syrup, milk, and espresso); Kalabasa Dreams (the aforementioned Kbasa latte topped with pumpkin cheesecake cold foam); Cinderella Latte (white chocolate, pumpkin pie syrup, milk, and espresso); Pumpkin Chai (pumpkin pie syrup, oolong tea, and mestiza, which is a Filipino-style horchata), and Pumpkin Mestiza (mestiza sweetened with “pumpkin pie goodness”). The cafe is also selling pumpkin hand pies, whoopie pies, and scones. 3460 Larimer St., Denver, coffeesarap.com
Olive & Finch
Olive & Finch and its sister cafe Little Finch launched fall drink menus at the beginning of September. Options range from a classic pumpkin spiced latte garnished with a ribbon of caramel, a dusting of cinnamon and a cloud of whipped cream; to the fan-favorite Toasted Pumpkin Shaken Espresso made with toasted marshmallow and topped with a layer of silky pumpkin spice sweet cream. Pair your drink of choice with a pumpkin cheesecake hand pie for the perfect seasonal experience.Various locations, oliveandfinch.com
Ziggi’s Coffee
Longmont-based coffee chain Ziggi’s has released its seasonal fall menu, which includes a Pumpkin Pie Latte made with espresso, spice-filled pumpkin flavor, and milk. Also on the menu, an absolutely gluttonous OMG! (Oh My Gourd) Dirty Soda made with Pepsi, pumpkin, and vanilla creamer, and finished within a pumpkin drizzle. Pair it with a slice of pumpkin chocolate chip bread or gluten-free pumpkin bread. Various locations, ziggiscoffee.com
Hearth
This homegrown Denver bakery and cafe known for its incredible sourdough loaves and laminated pastries is offering a spiced pumpkin latte through fall at all three locations. Pro-tip, bring in your own personal cup and get 50-cents off your coffee purchase. Or, opt-in to Hearth’s jar program, which allows patrons to purchase a reusable jar for $1 and get 50-cents off every time they bring one back to reuse. 2500 Lawrence St. Unit 200, Denver; 1300 E. 17th Ave., Denver; and 3617 W. 32nd Ave., Denver; hearthdenver.com
Lilac Coffee
The bright lavender A-frame coffee house on Colfax Avenue has two pumpkin drinks available this season. Choose from a classic pumpkin spice latte made with espresso, Hollander pumpkin spice syrup, milk, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a pumpkin cream iced coffee made with a decadent pumpkin cream layered on top of a chocolatey iced coffee. 4736 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, lilaccoffee.com
Green Bus Cafe
The 1970s-themed Green Bus Cafe made its brick-and-mortar debut this June, and now offers two seasonal specials to fulfill every pumpkin cravings. First up, a classic pumpkin spice latte, made with real pumpkin, warming spices, and a double shot of espresso. There’s also the Pumpgona, a Dalgona-style pumpkin latte, whipped to perfection and layered over milk and espresso. 1426 E. 22nd Ave., Denver, greenbuscafe.com
Pumpkin Cocktails
Pumpkin, spice, and everything nice, plus a splash of booze. Fall fanatics can raise a glass to these pumpkin-enhanced cocktails.
The Devil’s Drink
Scheduled to open its new location on Platte Street by the end of September, this fittingly Gothic underground speakeasy will be offering a pumpkin spice espresso martini dubbed the Basic Witch upon opening. Head over with your coven and grab some themed espresso martinis, and there’s a lineup of at least 15 to choose from, plus additional specialty cocktails. 1553 Platte St., Denver, thedevilsdrinkbar.com
The Monkey Bar at Welton Room
The Monkey Bar at Welton Room is shaking up a pumpkin spice espresso martini throughout the fall. With its warm spice notes and rich espresso base, it’s the perfect sip for crisp evenings and cozy autumn nights. 2590 Welton St., Denver, weltonroom.com
Adrift Tiki Bar
During Adrift’s Nightmare in Paradise Halloween takeover, taking place September 30 to November 1, the restaurant becomes a Halloween fanatic’s dream with spooky decor, creepy cocktails, a pumpkin carving contest on October 23 from 7 to 9 p.m., and more. Throughout the haunted month, patrons can snag the Trick-or-Chi Chi, which is essentially a pumpkin spice Chi Chi made with Guyanese rum, amaro, coconut, acidified pineapple, and pumpkin spice. 218 S. Broadway, Denver, adriftbar.com
Happy Camper
The LoHi restaurant known for its pizza, booze, and high vibes recently launched a fall drink menu, which includes a Pumpkin Spiced Espresso Martini and New Belgium’s Atomic Pumpkin Ale. Sit around one of the firepits and sip on these seasonal specials. 3211 N. Pecos St., Denver, happycamper.pizza/denver
STK Steakhouse
For a limited time, sip on fall-inspired cocktails at STK like the Pumpkin Bourbon Smash with Woodford Reserve and real pumpkin puree. There’s also the Pumpkin Spice Martini shaken with espresso and RumChata. 1550 Market St., Denver, stksteakhouse.com
Kona Grill
Kona Grill has a lineup of fun autumn cocktails like the Pumpkin Spice Margarita, crafted with Calirosa Rosa Blanco tequila, real pumpkin purée, and warming pumpkin spice. Or, go for the Pumpkin Mocha Martini with espresso, RumChata and crème de cacao. The menu is available now for a limited time. 3000 E. 1st Ave., #184 Cherry Creek Mall, Denver, konagrill.com
Fortissimo Dueling Pianos
Head over to Fortissimo and get swept away by the spellbinding sounds of dueling pianos with a pumpkin spice bevvy in hand. Denver’s only dueling piano bar has teased that pumpkin spice drinks will be coming to its menu in October, though they haven’t officially announced the menu yet. Keep an eye on its Instagram @fortissimodenver for more details. 891 14th St., Denver, fortissimoduelingpianos.com
Pumpkin Beers
Coffee isn’t the only kind of brew getting the gourd treatment this season. These breweries around town are offering all types of pumpkin beers.
4 Noses Brewing Co.
Brewed with real pumpkin and a carefully balanced blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and clove, 4 Noses’ Pump Action Imperial Pumpkin Ale delivers rich spice character on top of a smooth, malty base. Essentially a pumpkin pie in a glass, Pump Action has become a fall tradition for craft beer fans across the state. Available in cans and on draft for a limited time. 8855 W. 116th Cir. #4, Broomfield, 4nosesbrewing.com
Denver Beer Company
Available now through November at all of Denver Beer Co.’s locations, Hey! Pumpkin is a flavorful fall ale made with real pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and spices. With a gorgeous copper hue and autumnal aroma, this brew transports pub goers straight to a pumpkin patch. Various locations, denverbeerco.com
River North Brewery
Starting September 20, River North’s Pumpkin Spice Bucket of Bolts will be available on draft and in bottles at both of its taproom locations. The fragrant barleywine is brewed with pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla, and cloves. The brewery will also be tapping a few other draft-only pumpkin spice beers like the Pumpkin Spice Latte and Hello Darkness, an Imperial Porter. 6021 Washington St., Denver and 3400 Blake St., Denver, rivernorthbrewery.com
Our Mutual Friend Brewing Co.
Head here for the Vanilla Pumpkin Porter, which rings in at 8.8% ABV, and is brewed with pumpkin, pumpkin spices, and demerara sugar. The seasonal staple will be available just in time for the brewery’s annual Gratitude party on October 4. 2810 Larimer St., Denver, buyomfbeer.com
Holidaily Brewing Co.
This Golden-based brewery drifts into the change of seasons with the Patchy Waters Pumpkin Ale, which is made with organic pumpkin and a blend of fall spices. The 100-percent gluten-free brew is Holiday’s most popular and requested seasonal beer, so get it while you can. 801 Brickyard Cir., Golden, holidailybrewing.com
Pumpkin Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
These restaurants around Denver are finding creative ways to incorporate pumpkin into every meal of the day. So get hungry and taste fall on the plate.
Snooze
Available at all Snooze locations, the Denver-based breakfast chain whipped up decadent fall treats in the form of Pumpkin Pecan Pie Pancakes with vanilla cream cheese filling and topped with caramel, a drizzle of sweet cream, and candied pecans. Pair it with the Pumpkin Latte, made with house-made pumpkin simple syrup and two shots of espresso. Various locations, snoozeeatery.com
Rosenberg’s Bagels & Delicatessen
All through October, stop by any of Rosenberg’s locations for its limited edition pumpkin spice bagels. Try it with regular cream cheese or spring for something sweeter like nutella spread. 725 E. 26th Ave., Denver; 2501 Dallas St., Aurora; and 942 S. Monaco Pkwy, Denver; rosenbergsbagels.com
Chef Zorba’s
Through September, this Congress Park classic is offering a pumpkin-packed breakfast with its Pumpkin Roll Pancakes – drizzled with cream cheese cinnamon icing in between the cakes and adorned with pumpkin spice sprinkles. Round out the meal with a Pumpkin Spiked Coffee, also available not spiked. 2626 E. 12th Ave., Denver, chefzorbas.com
The Original
Located inside The Rally Hotel in McGregor Square, this beloved brunch spot serves a stack of three buttermilk pumpkin pancakes with cream cheese frosting all through the month of October. Wash it down with the Drunken Pumpkin Brew made with RumChata, Borghetti espresso liqueur, cold brew, pumpkin spice syrup, and whipped cream. 1600 20th St., Denver, theogdenver.com
Cozobi Fonda Fina
This dish highlights a different part of the pumpkin, the seeds. The Michelin Bib Gourmand Cozobi, helmed by acclaimed chef Johnny Curiel, is offering Hongos Al Ajillo, where pumpkin seeds serve as the base of Mole Verde Pipian, a vibrant, herbaceous Mexican sauce. The plate is balanced with roasted mushrooms, a drizzle of olive oil, and zippy lemon white rice. 909 Walnut St. Suite 100, Boulder, cozobifondafina.com
Redeemer Pizza
Throughout fall, Redeemer is featuring a seasonal pie dressed with pumpkin cream, grande mozzarella, delicata squash, ricotta, chili honey, fried rosemary, aged gouda, and sausage. That’s right, a pumpkin pizza. 2705 Larimer St., Denver, redeemerpizza.com
Safta
Located in The Source Hotel, chef Alon Shaya’s Michelin-recommended Safta will be serving Mujadara Stuffed Pumpkin with whipped feta during Sukkot, the Jewish holiday taking place October 6 to 13 this year. 3330 Brighton Blvd. #201, Denver, eatwithsafta.com
STK Steakhouse
As part of the annual Welcome Back, Pumpkin! special, STK steakhouse offers Pumpkin Ravioli with Lobster in sage butter and champagne confit mushrooms, as well as a Maple-Roasted Acorn Pumpkin glazed with honey Dijon and brown butter. Finish the meal with the limited time Pumpkin Cheesecake with bourbon whipped cream. 1550 Market St., Denver, stksteakhouse.com
Kona Grill
For its special fall pumpkin menu, Kona Grill in the Cherry Creek Mall is offering a velvety Pumpkin Bisque topped with seared shrimp and pepitas. Round out the meal with dessert, which includes a Pumpkin Pie with honeycomb crumbs and cinnamon whipped cream. The menu is available now for a limited time. 3000 E. 1st Ave., #184 Cherry Creek Mall, Denver, konagrill.com
Pumpkin Desserts
No pumpkin roundup is complete without at least one pie. But while the classic fall offering is a must, it only represents a small slice of all the gourd-geous desserts being dished out.
Legacy Pie Co.
Known as having some of the best pie across the Front Range, Legacy Pie Co. has been helmed by the same family for four generations. The pumpkin pie becomes available starting November 1, and potentially earlier. The pie shop will be posting a vote on its Instagram at the beginning of October for fans to select one Thanksgiving item to hit the shops early. If pumpkin wins this vote it will be available starting October 17. 4000 Tennyson St. Suite 100, Denver and 300 E Alameda Ave, Unit A, Denver, legacypie.co
Little Man Ice Cream
The beloved scoop shop has officially released the fall menu, which includes a Vegan Pumpkin Chai ice cream. This new, dairy-free offering combines creamy, rich pumpkin with warm chai spices, making it basically autumn wrapped in a cone. Various locations, littlemanicecream.com
D Bar Restaurant
Patrons that peruse D Bar’s pastry case will find a number of different pumpkin flavored treats. The fan favorite pumpkin cheesecake is back this season, featuring swirls of pumpkin and vanilla cheesecake with a biscotti cookie crust, crumble, and chantilly crème. There’s also a pumpkin loaf, pumpkin cream cheese muffin, and pumpkin cream cheese macaron, along with a pumpkin pie latte and chai. 7302 E. 29th Ave., Denver, dbardenver.com
Next Level Veggie Grill
Through October, this vegan joint is offering several fall-inspired shakes and desserts. Starting off with the pumpkin spice shake, the sweet treat features housemade organic coconut or soy soft serve that’s hand-spun with organic pumpkin and spices and topped with whipped cream and cinnamon. There’s also a pumpkin spice mini bundt cake, drizzled with cinnamon-spiced icing and topped with chopped walnuts.
But, wait, there’s more coming September 26 when Next Level Veggie Grill adds the Dirty Jack-O-Lantern Shake to the menu. The treat comprises vegan ice cream, pumpkin puree, and house-made gluten-free chocolate cookies, all topped with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, cookie crumbles, and sour gummy worms. 1605 E. Evans Ave., Denver, nextlevelvg.com
The Salty
The Salty first debuted on Tennyson Street last September, bringing its signature brioche doughnuts to the Mile High City. This fall, the dessert joint offers a pumpkin roll layered with pumpkin cheesecake and a slice of The Salty’s housemade classic pumpkin roll, all wrapped in brioche and tossed in pumpkin spice sugar. Plus, in honor of National Coffee Day from September 29 to 30, the store will offer a Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu Latte that’s made with real pumpkin, espresso, milk of choice, and a mascarpone whipped cream dusted with cocoa powder. 3985 Tennyson St. Suite 100, Denver, saltydonut.com
Voodoo Doughnut
This iconic doughnut shop has announced two new seasonal creations, right on time for spooky season. The Pumpkin Spice Latte doughnut comes filled with pumpkin spice fluff, dipped in bold Magic Roast espresso frosting, topped with a swirl of caramel frosting and a dollop of handcrafted pumpkin spice whip. Then the Pumpkin Buttermilk Bar transforms the brand’s classic buttermilk bar into a pumpkin-shaped treat with delicately crisp edges, a soft cake center, and a perfectly balanced sweet-and-spiced pumpkin flavor. Guests can indulge in these seasonal treats through November 3 at participating locations. Various locations, voodoodoughnut.com
Leven Deli
Leven is bringing a deli favorite back this fall with Pumpkin Whoopie Pie, a fluffy and light pumpkin cake filled with marshmallow and vanilla crème. This handheld treat is pure nostalgia in pumpkin form, and only available for a limited time. 123 W. 12th Ave., Denver, eatleven.com
Apple Blossom
This downtown restaurant located inside Hyatt Centric has pumpkin all over its menu this fall. Starting with the Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal, this dish doubles as dessert and breakfast. This cozy bowl of steel cut oats is simmered in fresh pumpkin and topped with candied walnuts for a sweet crunch.
Next up is the Pumpkin Bread Pudding, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of rich caramel. Finally, the Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll gets baked to perfection and slathered in a rich layer of brown-butter cream cheese icing. 822 18th St., Denver, appleblossomdtdenver.com
