Stoner Food City
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – the dining scene in Denver is weird (so is the dating scene). Not so much ethnically ambiguous as “creative license” likely inspired by one too many tokes, there’s fusion, but if we’re being honest, it feels like these dishes were clearly created to satisfy the munchies after weed. They have everything but the kitchen sink in a weird mishmash of ingredients and deep-fried goodness. Here are the most unique food combinations I’ve come across in the city affectionately known as Mile “High.”
Drinks With Pop Rocks – Los Chingones
A party in your mouth, while it may sound off-putting, somehow it just works, adding more depth to an already interesting flavor profile. Chef Troy Guard likes playing with sensations and one of his other restaurants, Los Chingones, always includes one cocktail option that’s also made with pop rocks, currently a Tequila, Mexican coke mix.
Deep-Fried Tacos – Mexico City
Sounding more like state fair food gone wrong than a permanent menu item, as if regular tacos weren’t satiable enough, Mexico City in downtown Denver has beef, chicken or steak tacos that are indeed deep-fried. As if that wasn’t gluttonous enough, also on order is a Mexican hamburger that sounds like McDonald’s and Taco Bell’s love child. A beef patty and beans smothered in green chili that’s served in a tortilla, viva American Mexican food.
Deep Fried Oreos with Nutella Sauce – TAG Burger Bar
One of my favorite desserts in Denver, deep fried Oreos with Nutella dipping sauce are almost surpassed by their their appetizer of Goldfish and Cheez-it mac and cheese that combine three of my favorite snack foods. Rich, cheesy and completely ridiculous, that’s just a precursor to a salad topped with Cheetos if you’re feeling “healthy.” Yeah, the entire menu at TAG Burger Bar is for the munchies.
Steubie Snacks – Steuben’s Food Service
Bite-size pieces of deep fried braised pork shoulder that are dredged in powdered sugar and served with a chili garlic aioli dipping sauce, Steuben’s signature app is a playful twist on Scooby snacks that’s completely random. I’m personally not a fan, but most people say they go down like candy.
Voodoo Donuts
Granted they’re from Portland, but Voodoo has been blowing up Instagram ever since they entered the Denver market. Nothing epitomizes stoner food quite like donuts in the shape of blunts with the tip dipped in maple frosting and red sprinkle embers to actually look like it’s ablaze. If that’s not weird enough, there’s the penis-shaped Cock-N-Balls doughnut (cream filled, of course), or the Rapper’s delight, a three pack for $4.20 (yes, really), that includes the blunt, an Old Dirty Bastard (chocolate frosting, Oreo’s™ and peanut butter), and a Marshall Mathers (M & M’s, obviously).
Pop Tart Ice Cream Sandwiches – Ice Cream Riot
Not only does Ice Cream Riot have make-your-own ice cream sandwiches with either Pop Tarts or cookies as a base, but they also have pretzel cones, and GOLDFISH flavored ice cream. Yes, it basically was invented for stoners to get their sweet and salty fill under one roof.
- Need a drink to wash those down? Check out my followup on the most ridiculous drinks in Denver.
- Looking for more inspo? Here are the most Instagrammable food and drinks in Denver.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!