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Downtown Denver's Best Lunch Spots

Posted on May 23, 2024   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Peyton Garcia

Peyton Garcia

A bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen from Dragonfly Noodle

A bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen from Dragonfly Noodle — YUM. (Peyton Garcia / City Cast Denver)

City Cast

Downtown’s Lunch Scene is Back and Better Than Ever

00:00:00

A brand new pizza shop is in town to fill the pie-sized hole left in our hearts by the now-shuttered Sofia’s, a Roman-style pizza parlor that doled out thick-crusted cheesy pies and creamy cups of soft serve ice cream on 16th Street Mall. (After only four brief but delicious months, Sofia’s shuttered without a peep last August.)

Now, Eat’Ya Pizza is here, not only to satisfy our Roman-style pizza cravings, but it’s located — wait for it — in the former Sofia’s space at 1530 16th Street. Dreams do come true! Eat your heart out 🫶🍕

I’ll be spending my lunch break there for the foreseeable future, but if you’re looking for lunchtime inspo, check out my other picks for downtown Denver lunch dining 👇

1490 16th Street

Quick and delicious, bakery-style. Order the croque madame danish, plus something from the specialty coffee and tea menu. (Bonus beverage: don’t skip the flavored Italian sodas!)

2148 Larimer Street

An eclectic menu of “gourmet hot dogs.” Go a little early or a little late to avoid the lunch rush lines. The standby order: An elk jalapeño cheddar dog with Biker Jim’s classic toppings. A more adventurous alternative: The jack-a-lope dog with The Conspiracy toppings.

1350 16th Street

For a midday indulgence. I like the Tonkotsu Ramen (don’t forget to add an egg) with a Thai iced tea. This order is best followed up with a power nap. For something “lighter,” get the roast duck bao bun.

Going As a Group?

There’s something for everyone at Milk Market — lobster rolls, poke bowls, hot fried chicken — oh my! Have time for a real decision-making challenge? Browse the dozens of rotating food trucks at Civic Center EATS on Wednesday and Thursdays.

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