What is in season in Denver. and what to order when the market changes.
Spring
- Colorado lamb: March to May is the spring lamb season from Western Slope and San Luis Valley ranches; Front Range fine-dining kitchens run lamb shoulder and rack courses.
- Morel mushrooms: Late April through May the foraged morels arrive from the foothills west of Denver; small kitchens like Fruition and Mercantile run them on pasta and toast.
- Asparagus and rhubarb: Front Range farms produce asparagus from late April; rhubarb fills bakery cases at Rebel Bread and Long's Daughters Pie Shop in May.
Summer
- Olathe sweet corn: Late July to early September the Olathe corn from the Uncompahgre Valley arrives at Denver markets; mexican-style elote on Federal Boulevard.
- Palisade peaches: Mid-August through mid-September the Palisade peach harvest comes off the Grand Valley orchards; pie season at Long's Daughters and Denver Pie Company.
- Rocky Mountain trout: Summer is the trout-stream high season above 7,000 feet; Mercantile and Bistro Vendome run pan-seared trout courses through the months.
Autumn
- Pueblo green chile: Late August through October the Pueblo Mirasol green chile harvest fills Denver kitchens; roasting drums set up on Federal Boulevard and at farmers markets.
- Western Slope apples and pears: September through November the Cedaredge and Paonia orchards send apples and pears to Denver markets; pie crusts at Rebel Bread and Reunion.
- Bison and elk: Hunting season in October-November sends Colorado-raised bison and game-ranch elk to Denver butcher counters; The Buckhorn Exchange runs both year-round.
Winter
- Root vegetables and squashes: Western Slope storage crops fill markets through January: butternut, kabocha, parsnips, beets and potatoes anchor winter menus at Fruition and Mercantile.
- Citrus from sister markets: January and February are restaurant-week season in Denver; citrus from California and Texas runs through cocktail bars and brunch counters across the city.
- Ramen and pho: Winter pushes the city onto South Pearl's OTOTO and Federal Boulevard pho counters; hot bowls of broth become Denver's defining cold-weather plates.
Seasonal in Denver, FAQ
When is the best time to eat in Denver?
Peak food season in Denver is year-round.
What time do people eat in Denver?
Local dining hours: lunch around 12:30, dinner from 19:30.
How does tipping work in Denver?
service is typically included; small extra is welcome but not expected.
What is the one dish to try in Denver?
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Denver rewards trust.