10 of My Favorite Restaurants in Golden - #8 Will Surprise You
2024 Edition
This isn’t just another haphazard list that you’ve seen a million times of the most popular places to eat in Golden. This is a carefully thought out list of restaurant recommendations from a Golden local that I find myself at again and again. All of these restaurants I would recommend to my family or a friend visiting Golden for the first time. Here is a list of my top 10 favorite restaurants as of 2024 (subject to change as I eat more yummy food in town, stay tuned for next years edition). Most of these aren’t your typical tourist trap restaurants you’d see on other restaurant lists in Golden. Some of these are on the main strip, while others are off the beaten path. Scroll through these recommendations if you actually want to find good food.
1. Buffalo Rose
Menu Item Ordered: Elk burger with their house salad
Food Review: High quality ingredients all around from the burger meat to the toppings. The flavor combinations were well paired and unique. Even the side salad I thought was better than a typical house salad. Simple, yet delicious.
Why You Should Eat Here:
As one of Golden’s oldest establishments, eating here is like going back in time. If you’re looking for high quality, American western cuisine in the heart of Golden, look no further than Buffalo Rose. They have a well rounded menu with excellent food and unique items like elk and buffalo burgers. There’s also a wide range of seating options depending on the environment you’re looking for, whether that be inside, outside or at the bar. On top of that, Buffalo Rose frequently hosts live music shows. Check out their schedule of live events online!
Website: https://buffalorosegolden.com/
2. Okinawa Sushi
Menu Item Ordered: Gyoza, Eel Avocado Roll, Playboy Roll, and Magic Roll
Food Review: Delicious sushi, comparable to Uokura which is another popular sushi restaurant in Golden. I’ve had some not so great sushi in the Denver area, given that it is a landlocked state, but Okinawa sushi did not disappoint! The fish tasted fresh and were neatly rolled. The specialty rolls in particular were well made with a pleasant flavor profile, and combinations I’ve never had before. Food presentation was also on point!
Why You Should Eat Here: Absolutely loved the vibe here. The restaurant was very clean and aesthetically pleasing. It’s a step up from casual, making it the perfect place for a date or celebratory occasion like birthdays, anniversaries, or graduation dinners. Ordering is made easy with a write in menu where you choose the sushi you’d like and then turn it in to the waiter or waitress. Sushi lovers should definitely check this place out when you’re in downtown Golden!
Website: https://okinawasushicatogo.com/
3. King of Wings
Menu Item Ordered: Alabama white wings, tangy gold wings, and the house margarita
Food Review: I was feeling bold and tried some sauces I had never heard of before and was blown away. So tasty! My only complaint was that I thought the wings were pretty small for the price, but the quality of the chicken was good.
Why You Should Eat Here: I mean, who doesn’t love chicken wings? (they do serve cauliflower wings if you don’t). This is a fun, high energy bar where friends gather to have good food and good times. Kick back with your besties at this buzzing, casual dining spot in Golden and have some of the best wings and margs in town. It’s also a great local place to watch sports if you’re into that sort of thing.
Website: https://kingofwingstaphouse.com/
4. Birriería Doña María
Menu Item Ordered: I ordered the chicken chimichanga which came with beans and rice and the super birria burrito.
Food Review: My chimichanga was amazing! They didn’t skimp on the sides either. Great portion sizes. I thought my whole plate was fresh and tasted homemade.
Why You Should Eat Here: Foodie alert! This is some of the best Mexican food I’ve had in Colorado so far. Delicious and well presented, making it even more appetizing. You should definitely add this to your list of restaurants to visit because it’s delicious, authentic Mexican food at an affordable price. It’s conveniently located right next to the Colorado Mills mall so you can easily grab lunch or dinner after a long day of shopping. Order ahead for pick-up if you don’t want to wait!
Website: https://www.birrieriadonamaria.net/lakewood/
5. The Golden Mill
Menu Item Ordered: Sushi from Sushi Sora, Nashville hot sandwich from Republik of Chicken, tacos from Tacos Al Chile, ice cream from Happy Cones
Food Review: I’ve eaten at every restaurant at this food hall (except for the BBQ) and I have to say I’ve been impressed with everything I’ve eaten. For a restaurant that is a bit of a tourist trap, I was a little skeptical during my first visit. I was pleasantly surprised and have been back many times. My favorite thing to get is either the Nashville hot chicken sandwich from Republik of Chicken or sushi from Sushi Sora.
Why You Should Eat Here: You must visit Golden’s most iconic restaurant when in town. This food hall has options for everyone and plenty of seating upstairs and downstairs. Not to mention the atmosphere here is 10/10. They also have a self-serve draft beer wall which attracts locals and visitors alike. Nothing beats drinking a beer at the Golden Mill on a summer evening overlooking Clear Creek against the stunning backdrop of South Table Mountain.
Website:https://www.thegoldenmill.com/
6. Bonfire Burritos
Menu Item Ordered: I think I’ve had all of them at this point, and my favorite has to be the Jackalope!
Food Review: This is probably one of the most popular breakfast restaurants in Golden. I’ve been here so many times it’s a little ridiculous. All of their burritos are so yummy, with the perfect ratio of ingredients - fresh eggs, crispy hashbrowns, and whichever meat or veggie option you choose. The only downside is that they are pretty expensive in my opinion.
Why You Should Eat Here: This is an absolute must if you’re in the Golden area for breakfast or brunch. The music is always bumpin’ and the staff are so energetic and friendly - it’s the best way to start the day. You’ll leave feeling full and ready to conquer the day. It’s also a great post-hike spot if you’ve been up all morning and worked up an appetite. There’s plenty of outdoor seating and is dog friendly.
Website: https://bonfireburritos.com/
7. Blue Pan Pizza
Menu Item Ordered: Brooklyn Bridge pizza and the 3-1-3 pizza
Food Review: Best pizza in Golden and Denver I’ve had so far. I’m very particular on the sauce to cheese ratio (some places barely put any sauce on…) but Blue Pan nailed it! Excellent Detroit style pizza. I particularly loved the ricotta swirls on the Brooklyn Bridge specialty pizza.
Why You Should Eat Here: Who doesn’t love good pizza? You should eat here because you know you will be served quality pizza every single time. It’s the absolute worst when I order from a new pizza place and receive mediocre pizza and am stuck with a whole pie to finish…but that’s not the case here! Blue Pan has very friendly staff and a great selection of pizzas to choose from. Dine in or place an order to go.
Website: https://bluepandenver.com/
8. Las Palmas
Menu Item Ordered: Sausage breakfast burrito
Food Review: I absolutely love the breakfast burritos I’ve had here. These burritos have a more authentic Mexican flavor with more spices compared to Bonfire Burritos. We walked in and placed our order at the counter and the food was out in less than 10 minutes.
Why You Should Eat Here: So, if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to Bonfire Burritos that is just as good, this is it! Burritos are only $5.45 if you order between 7:00am-9:00am. You can’t beat a deal like that. There’s also usually not a long wait like there is at Bonfire, so if you want a quick, cheap, breakfast that’s delicious, check out Las Palmas.
Website: https://www.taquerialaspalmas1.com/
9. Thai Gold
Menu Item Ordered: Thai Basil Rice
Food Review: I’ve ordered the Thai basil rice with chicken every single time. It’s that good. Also the serving portions are HUGE so I always get a second meal out of it, which is an added bonus. Very flavorful with the perfect amount of spice.
Why You Should Eat Here: Tasty food in a quaint, neighborhood atmosphere. I took my family here when they were in town and they loved it too. It’s a great sit down place to catch up with friends and family. Has a quiet, home-y feel inside making it a great place for conversation.
Website: https://thaigoldrestaurant.com/
10. Sherpa House
Menu Item Ordered: Sherpa House Sampler
Food Review: This was my first time trying Nepalese cuisine so I don’t have much to compare it to. I thoroughly enjoyed the spice combinations and unique dishes offered with the sampler platter, which I’m glad I ordered so I could try a variety of different menu items. None of the dishes were that spicy, but they were very flavorful.
Why You Should Eat Here: Experience a taste of Sherpa culture inside their authentically decorated restaurant. Beautiful setting with well maintained outdoor seating. Super friendly staff and a warm atmosphere. Sit outside in the summer months if you can, you won’t regret it!
Website: https://sherpa.house/
