There’s a reason why Lakewood’s dining scene outshines its mountain views, and it has less to do with altitude than Colorado’s appetite for innovation. Nothing quite beats the feeling of walking into a restaurant where the air smells like sizzling hatch chiles and no one will judge you for staring at the menu like a kid in a candy shop. Fortunately, Lakewood has plenty of options to choose from, whether you’re craving smoky Texas-style brisket or delicate rainbow trout with foraged mushrooms.
Here are our favourites.
The Bardo Coffee House
$ | (720) 446-1959 | WEBSITE
The warm wooden door at this Lakewood coffee house feels like a portal into a cozy sanctuary, only instead of a bustling café on the other side, there’s an array of gleaming espresso machines and a counter filled with treats like double baked blueberry almond croissants, chorizo burritos, and vegan options. The matcha latte is the real standout here.
Not to be mistaken for the overly sweet or bitter versions elsewhere, theirs is perfectly balanced—creamy yet light, and earthy without being too grassy.
Wingstop
$ | (303) 238-9464 | WEBSITE
As you pull into Wingstop’s ample parking lot and catch the scent of frying chicken, a Pavlovian response kicks in. It sits on West Colfax in Lakewood, with a clean, welcoming storefront and a counter bustling with crispy wings, juicy chicken sandwiches, and sauce-drenched tenders. Get the Garlic Parmesan wings if they’re available. The Buffalo sauce, next in line, makes the chicken sandwich meal an excellent choice. So pick up one of those too.
MARK SUSHI
$ | (720) 403-1294 | WEBSITE
The sushi selection at MARK SUSHI ranges from a fresh, vibrant mango avocado salad to a perfectly balanced salmon bento box. But it’s the sushi rolls at this Japanese spot inside the Lakewood mall that’s put it on the map, for good reason. Crafted with precision and care, they’re full of high-quality ingredients presented with beautiful artistry. Their location near the mall entrance is also excellent.
Casa Bonita
$$ | (303) 232-5115 | WEBSITE
We’ve made repeat pilgrimages, driving all the way across town, to this sprawling Lakewood landmark for their cliff divers—we love the dramatic leaps and colorful costumes. But you should also get involved in the puppet shows and tarot card readings. Perching at one of Casa Bonita’s many family-sized tables like the main character of some Colorado-based adventure story, is an excellent way to spend an evening.
Little Caesars Pizza
$ | (720) 974-2620 | WEBSITE
At Little Caesars Pizza—a standout branch on South Sheridan—you should get the pretzel with cheese sauce pizza. It’s hot and fresh thanks to the made-to-order preparation, and has that perfect chewy-crispy crust from the pretzel dough. Savory notes from the cheese sauce are combined with the signature pizza seasoning, a sprinkle of herbs, and just enough salt for balance. You can also count on consistent quality even close to closing time.
Firehouse Subs Belmar
$ | (303) 934-1552 | WEBSITE
Firehouse Subs Belmar is exposure therapy for anyone who deems choosing a sandwich to be ‘very tricky’. We too have paced back and forth in front of the tempting lineup of subs, from the hearty Hook and Ladder to the savory Firehouse Meatball, and, because this sub shop loves to test us, a selection of spicy condiments for sale. But direct yourself towards the Turkey Bacon Ranch number that proves a classic sub deserves its time in the lunchtime spotlight.
Nutrition Kingdom
$ | (303) 862-9470 | WEBSITE
From the moment this compact, vibrant Lakewood spot opens each morning, there’s a steady stream of health-conscious customers. Don’t be deterred though—Nutrition Kingdom is designed for quick service so the line moves efficiently. There’s a clear focus on nutritious, protein-packed options, and the red velvet protein waffles and açaí bowls have a satisfying, fresh, and energizing quality. Make sure to grab a protein donut for later.
The meal replacement shakes topped with fresh fruit and mini chips taste revitalizing when sipped post-workout.
Roots and Leaves: Peak Kava
$ | (720) 512-3169 | WEBSITE
Peak Kava is all about the three Ss: sober, social, and safe. Traditional bar-goers may as well walk away because there isn’t a drop of alcohol in sight, and really it’s the kava-based drinks that get this welcoming Lakewood spot going. The vibe stays consistently relaxed but you can expect amped-up entertainment options like trivia nights, karaoke sessions, energetic EDM DJ sets, and totally irresistible themed parties.
Friendly staff like GM Bobby, Kavatender Emerson, and Taylor keep the atmosphere cheerful with attentive service, making it a great place to try something different and have fun without the usual bar chaos. Happy hour runs daily from 5pm to 7pm and again from 10pm to midnight.
Tamales Moreno
$ | (303) 936-5757 | WEBSITE
Tamales Moreno is a bustling, welcoming Lakewood neighbourhood spot with the aroma of fresh masa and slow-cooked chili wafting out the door, and a counter of tamales ranging from perfectly steamed green ones, to hearty, meat-filled red ones. Locals swing by, mid-errand run, for a breakfast burrito and a spicy, perfectly seasoned green chili, and while the specials rotate daily, you’re playing it safe with whatever you order here.
Dutch Bros Coffee
$ | (877) 899-2767 | WEBSITE
Dutch Bros Coffee is a compact walk-up window on Lakewood’s busy corner serving brilliantly tasty and brilliantly inexpensive coffee drinks. For a few bucks you can grab a Golden Eagle Freeze, watch it get blended with that signature soft top, before inevitably sipping it far too quickly and caffeinating yourself in the best way possible. If you want something stronger, the Annihilator costs a little more and the coffee blend is packed full of nutty flavor.
Cicis Pizza
$ | (720) 779-2424 | WEBSITE
At Cicis Pizza, go hungry and try everything. Inside the kid-friendly restaurant with its arcade and game room, the smell of fresh pizza drifts from the buffet area, over the tables lined with plates and napkins. The standout highlight is the all-you-can-eat buffet, loaded with pizza, salad, pasta, soup, breadsticks, and desserts for around $10. The custom pizzas with toppings are also a hit, especially the cheese pizza that kids love.
The friendly staff and good service make the experience welcoming, particularly when manager Kiara is on hand to make customers feel valued. The fun atmosphere remains the main draw, even if some visits reveal a minimal selection or occasional stale items. Overall, it’s a place where families and friends can enjoy a variety of foods and games in a clean, convenient setting.
Full House Bar
$ | (720) 485-4494 | WEBSITE
We would happily order from the menu of this Lakewood spot with our eyes closed. From the thick, massive burger with charred edges and a pink center, to the crispy fried mushrooms and onion rings, and the flavorful French dip—we love it all. Our perfect order is the popular hamburger—no fancy sauces, just true American flavor—and a cold beer to wash it down. They also serve a spicy burrito and a tasty chicken salad for those wanting something different.
The atmosphere is casual and dive-like, making it perfect for grabbing dinner, catching up with friends, or joining in on trivia nights. The service, especially from Jestina, is friendly and lively, adding to the welcoming, family-like environment. It’s all great food at an honest price in a relaxed, no-pretentious setting.
Arby’s
$ | (303) 233-0447 | WEBSITE
Arby’s makes most other fast-food joints look like amateurs having a mess around with a microwave. Excellent service and spotlessly clean interiors aside, there’s a classic American counter that deserves your attention. The best things are the crispy cheese sticks and roast beef stuffed into a soft, fresh bun, and the tangy lemonade. You get a choice of sandwiches and the super roast beef and fair-priced combos are best.
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
$ | (303) 209-4183 | WEBSITE
The folks behind Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers have perfected the art of fast-food chicken in Lakewood. The counter is a “just give me the usual” kind of place. They’ve got those crispy chicken fingers, the signature Cane’s sauce, and that unique sweet tea that hits the spot every time. It’s a golden, crunchy situation, with tender chicken inside and that tangy sauce on the side. Other chains could never.
The Meltdown
$$ | (303) 988-2762 | WEBSITE
Whenever we’re in Lakewood, the chicken fried steak and eggs from The Meltdown, a cozy family-friendly spot, calls to us like a morning alarm. A plate of the crispy, savory steak is the kind of hearty breakfast that could easily be shared—but why share when you can save some hash browns for later? That should be your game plan at The Meltdown.
El Aguascalientes Mexican Restaurant
$$ | (720) 328-2667 | WEBSITE
Authentic Mexican cuisine is the greatest thing ever, as evidenced by the huge breakfast burritos, amazing birria tacos, and everything else from El Aguascalientes. This spacious and clean restaurant in Lakewood is a great place for a breakfast burrito first thing, fish tacos at lunchtime, or live music on Fridays. Things are consistently good, but pay attention to the fantastic main entrees.
The Barrel Room Sports Bar and Grill
$ | (303) 810-0054 | WEBSITE
The only thing you can count on The Barrel Room having is a crowd. Showing up to this popular Lakewood spot during game time and expecting to find an empty table is delusional. So arrive early, or later in the evening and take whatever seat is available—everything’s great anyway. Like the crispy cheese curds, juicy elk burgers, and perfectly grilled bison patties.
Wheelz
$ | (303) 781-9408 | WEBSITE
Crowds gather inside this Lakewood favorite from the early evening, with friends and regulars happily waiting at the wooden tables for one of the famous bacon-wrapped shrimp. But in a tasty plot twist, they aren’t the only highlight here. Instead, try the lamb & beef gyros, Philly cheese steak sandwich, and tacos on Tuesdays with fresh vegetarian options. A plate of highly-recommended wings for your game-watching snack is a must, too.