Denver Munchies: Where to Satisfy Your Snack Cravings in the Mile High

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 mishmash of ingredients and deep-fried goodness. Here are the most unique food combinations I’ve come across to satisfy your Denver munchies 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.

 

A post shared by Janel Trujillo (@janel.charmaine) on Oct 1, 2017 at 10:01am PDT

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.

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A post shared by the eating two | KWT (@theatingtwo) on Jun 30, 2019 at 5:21pm PDT

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.

 

A post shared by Steuben’s Uptown (@steubens_uptown) on Jan 24, 2018 at 10:10am PST

Steubie Snacks – Steuben’s

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.

 

A post shared by Denver Food Influencer + Eater (@onetastytrip) on Feb 4, 2018 at 3:57pm PST

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).

 

A post shared by 🍦Ice Cream (@icecream) on Feb 19, 2018 at 1:37pm PST

Pop Tart Ice Cream Sandwiches – Ice Cream Riot (RIP)

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.

When the Denver Munchies Hit… They Hit Hard

Whether you’re on a Rocky Mountain high or just really, really into late-night eats, Denver doesn’t disappoint. This city serves up stoner food that’s more than just munchies—it’s a culinary treasure hunt of flavor bombs and fever dreams, one drippy taco and deep-fried oddity at a time.

And the best part? You don’t need to be high to appreciate it (though let’s be honest, it helps). So next time you’re cruising Colfax or posted up in RiNo with the munchies creeping in, remember: Denver’s food scene is lit, and you’ve got the perfect edible itinerary.

• 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.