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Lunch spots in Highland

Made for those who treat their midday break as the most important meal of the day.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Pita Central image 1
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Greek restaurant

Greek restaurant offers a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with an authentic feel and phenomenal food. Outdoor and second-level seating provide stunning skyline views and a quiet, shaded environment. Owners work closely with guests, creating a mom-and-pop vibe that feels welcoming and genuine.

Food features fresh ingredients and imports like pita bread and feta cheese from Greece. Options are affordable and maintain high quality with a Mediterranean focus.

Offers fresh, healthy lunches with large portions priced around $12-14. Quick service suits those seeking a fast lunch spot with options like Avgolemono soup and baklava.

People are saying

"The pork gyro here is insanely good."

"This is a great lunch spot for fast, fresh, and affordable food."

"The food here is delicious and authentic Mediterranean."

Good to know

1

Happy hour prices are great, offering discounts on drinks and appetizers.

2

The restaurant serves generous portions, making it a good value for the price.

3

Most ingredients are imported from Greece, ensuring authentic flavors.

02
Tasty Pot image 1
Asian restaurant

Dining room centers on a cherry blossom tree with adjustable flame hot pot bowls adding interactive fun. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, suited for mid-size parties with on-point music enhancing the vibe. Cocktails stand out with creative options like Wake Up in Saigon and Melona Dream.

Food here is delicious and unique with generous servings. Service complements the meals well, making the overall experience fantastic.

Lunch specials include Chinese food and mini hotpots with very good deals. Meals come with house-made tea, often sweetened jasmine or black tea, complementing the food well.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and served in an unexpected way."

"The Chinese food here is incredible and so delicious."

"I loved their Taiwanese hotpot with honey crispy chicken."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu offers discounted items from 4-6pm daily.

2

Lunch deals provide great value with mini hotpots starting at $10.

3

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

03
Poke House Denver image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Spacious interior combines industrial vibe with calm music and occasional noise from metal chairs. Atmosphere stays welcoming yet can feel quiet or dead depending on the moment. Known for fresh poke bowls with generous toppings and reasonable prices.

Food tastes fresh and flavorful with consistently high quality ingredients. Poke bowls stand out for their freshness and great flavor.

A local spot with a casual vibe where lunch feels easy and quick. It supports working through lunch with a relaxed atmosphere and consistent food options.

People are saying

"The poke here is so fresh and packed with flavor."

"The Japanese food, especially the chicken katsu, was delicious."

"The food here is delicious and incredibly fresh."

Good to know

1

The price for a large poke bowl is $14.99.

2

Portion sizes may be smaller than expected for the price.

3

Seasonal free miso soup is offered with certain orders.

04
Berliner Haus image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers authentic German dรถner kebab with generous portions and halal-certified ingredients. Space feels casual and relaxed with plenty of seating options. Food quality stands out with imported bread and flavorful sauces matching Berlin standards.

Food features Mediterranean finger foods like dolmas, grilled halloumi, and stuffed dates. The chicken kabob offers a halal-style option with fresh, hot dishes served in generous portions.

Frequent visits show it serves as a reliable lunch spot with options that invite repeat trips. The place fits well for quick midday meals and also supports taking food home for later.

People are saying

"This dรถner kebab tastes exactly like the ones from Berlin."

"The dรถner kebab food here is killer, with savory meat and spicy sauces."

"This lunch spot's bread and kebab were excellent."

Good to know

1

Berliner Haus is the only place in Denver selling German Doner kebab.

2

All products at Berliner Haus are certified halal.

3

The Doner sandwich costs $15.

05
Dave's Hot Chicken image 1
Chicken restaurant

Order-at-counter chicken spot with crispy, spicy fried chicken and 80s rock music sets a lively, upbeat mood. Indoor seating pairs with an outdoor patio offering downtown views. Friendly staff create a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that balances energy and comfort.

Food features a tantalizing blend of spices and a perfectly crispy texture. Service is prompt, with food arriving on time and consistently rated as excellent.

Offers a quick and affordable lunch option with a welcoming atmosphere. Suitable for lunch with friends or family after work.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The staff here is really cool and friendly."

"The staff's positive attitude makes the lunch spot experience memorable."

Good to know

1

The sandwich and fries cost $9.99, considered a good deal.

2

They serve halal chicken, which is a key feature.

3

Parking can be challenging at this location.

06
Insee Noodle House image 1

Restaurant offers vintage Thai decor with intimate, cozy atmosphere that feels like dining in Thailand. It maintains a super casual vibe with authentic Thai noodle dishes and a full set of traditional seasonings. The space feels homey and inviting, featuring charming family pictures on the walls.

Food features authentic Thai street dishes served quickly, usually in less than ten minutes. Dining in offers a better experience with delicious and unique flavors that stand out in the local scene.

Lunch offers a quiet setting with no other diners around and no liquor license, making it a calm spot. Pricing could be more competitive to attract more people during lunch hours.

People are saying

"The authentic Thai noodles here are delicious and fresh."

"The food here tasted amazing and flavorful."

"This lunch spot's food is unbelievably tasty and fantastic."

Good to know

1

You order and pay via QR code at the table.

2

The beef noodle bowl costs $21, which may be considered pricey.

3

The restaurant offers gluten-free options, but some items may not be safe for celiacs.

07
Highland Tavern image 1

Large garage doors open to reveal city views and create an airy, inviting space. Multiple TVs show sports, and pool tables and arcade games add lively entertainment. The atmosphere feels local and comfortable, drawing groups and sports fans alike.

Food stands out for its exceptional quality and perfect preparation. Bar food and brunch options offer great taste beyond typical neighborhood spots.

The Cowboy Burger stands out as a solid lunch choice. The bar stays quiet at lunch, often with very few customers around.

People are saying

"This local spot has amazing bar food, especially the Bombshell sandwich."

"The food here is amazing, especially the tater tots."

"You have to try the tater tots at this lunch spot; they're the best."

Good to know

1

Highland Tavern has a happy hour with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The tavern gets busy during games for the Nuggets, Broncos, or Buffs.

3

A 5% livable wage fee is added to all food orders.

08
Maria Empanada - Riverview image 1
Argentinian restaurant

Bright, airy space with stylish design and a welcoming atmosphere featuring Latin music. Casual seating includes a dog-friendly outdoor patio with plenty of shade. Empanadas stand out as fresh, hot, and flavorful, paired well with drinks like sangria and mimosa.

Food comes out hot and delicious with fantastic flavor. Empanadas like Sierra and Mushroom keep a great Mexican style.

Lunch features a Lunch Special with 2 empanadas and a drink for $12. Empanadas come in a good size, making two enough for a meal. The spot offers a comfy vibe for a casual lunch.

People are saying

"These empanadas are so delicious and flavorful."

"I found the food to be amazing and delicious."

"The empanadas here are so tender and well-seasoned for a great lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Empanadas cost about $5 each.

2

The deal with 2 empanadas and a healthy pour of wine for about $12 is available.

3

Lunch Special includes 2 empanadas and 1 drink for $12.

09
The Small Batch Smokehouse image 1

Small, quaint space offers gentrified Caribbean barbecue vibes with laid back atmosphere and intimate setting. Music and sports on TV create a casual mood while a bar with curated beverages complements the experience.

Food features authentic flavors and excellent portions with no unnecessary extras. Dishes like jerk chicken appeal even to picky eaters.

Lunch features jerk wings and other smoked items. The spot suits casual midday meals with friends or travelers.

People are saying

"The American Food brisket here is amazing, juicy, and tender."

"The jerk chicken here is incredible and super tasty."

"This lunch spot's food is delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Oxtail special is available on Thursdays; check availability.

3

Street parking is available around 5pm on Saturdays.

10
Istanbul Cafe and Bakery image 1

Spacious coffee shop with authentic Turkish bakery offerings and ample seating including comfy lounge areas and work-friendly focus rooms. Bright, clean, and inviting atmosphere creates a cozy, quiet space suitable for relaxing or working. Outdoor dog-friendly patio adds a casual touch to the welcoming environment.

Food here is fresh and baked with care, offering a variety of flavorful options like Boreks. Staff provide samples and explain flavors, making the experience both delicious and welcoming.

Savory items stand out for lunch with tasty doner options and a wide range of desserts. Lunch offerings provide a healthy and filling choice suitable for sharing.

People are saying

"It's like a little piece of Turkey, truly authentic."

"I found the food here to be flavorful and authentic."

"This lunch spot has delicious, authentic Turkish food."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during weekend brunch.

2

Prices for breakfast items range from $8 to $15.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

11
Patzcuaro's Mexican Restaurant image 1

Small, hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with a beautiful patio featuring lights in the trees and outdoor seating. Atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, often busy and lively. Known for authentic Mexican food and top-notch margaritas.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with delicious seasoning that stays consistent. Dishes come across as incredible and enjoyable every time.

Weekday lunch specials offer great value and variety. The beef stew stands out as a hearty option, especially on cold days.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, delicious, and generously portioned."

"I found the carnitas to be amazing and crispy."

"I loved the tasty food at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers unbeatable weekday lunch specials.

2

Happy hour features nice prices on drinks and appetizers.

3

Free street parking is available outside and around the restaurant.

12
Tamales By La Casita image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with authentic New Mexican atmosphere and family-oriented vibe. Seating is limited but includes outdoor options along a bike path. Known for best tamales in town, it draws steady lines and a lively crowd.

Food features excellent New Mexican flavors with just the right spice. Portions come generous and affordable, often under $12, delivering consistent quality and great service.

Fast service and breakfast burritos smothered with green chile make it a solid choice for lunch. Parking fills up and seating can be tight during peak hours, so takeout is an option.

People are saying

"Their green chili is not too spicy and very yummy."

"The food, especially the tamales, is fantastic and flavorful."

"The tamales here are fantastic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially during lunch hours.

2

Parking is available but can be crowded during lunchtime.

3

Expect long wait times, especially on weekends.

13
My Brother's Bar image 1
Traditional American restaurant

Old-school corner bar with historic character and a gritty vibe offers a classic dive bar atmosphere. Outdoor patio features shade from umbrellas and ivy, creating a relaxed setting. Live classical music plays, and no screens are present, enhancing an authentic, no-nonsense mood.

Food here stands out for its great comfort and delicious quality. Service is attentive and meals arrive quickly.

Lunch comes out fast with great burgers on the menu. Staff stays friendly even during busy Saturday crowds, making it a solid spot for a quick downtown meal.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were the best Iโ€™ve had in a long time."

"I thought the food here was great and delicious."

"This is a great lunch spot for a top-tier burger."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, so consider using public transport.

2

During major sports events, the bar gets very busy, so arrive early.

3

Food is available until late, making it a good late-night option.

14
Lechuga's Italian Restaurant image 1

Traditional Italian restaurant with mint green walls, stained glass light covers, and wooden floors creates a cozy, old-school vibe. Atmosphere feels relaxing and homey, with touches like a payphone and gumball machine adding nostalgia. Self-service setup and simple, hearty food contribute to a casual, unpretentious experience.

Food here is consistently fantastic and delicious with every visit. The menu offers a memorable Italian dining experience that stands out in the Rockies.

Lunch offers fast service and delicious Italian dishes. The Spanoli plate stands out as a popular choice for a quick, satisfying meal.

People are saying

"The savory Italian cannolis with sausage or meatballs are the star."

"The food here is delicious and really affordable."

"This lunch spot's little devils are sausage and chilis wrapped in dough."

Good to know

1

Spaghetti night happens every Tuesday at 6 PM with a special menu.

2

Parking is available on-site, but it can be hit or miss during peak times.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is recommended for smaller purchases.

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Highland, Denver

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