7 Themed Eateries That Make Dining in Colorado an Experience

Coloradans love a theme. Whether it’s a cryonics-themed town festival or anything Wild West-adjacent, locals here don’t need much convincing to commit. And thankfully for the food-obsessed among us, that all-in energy extends to the culinary scene.

For many restaurateurs, the motif begins with the menu. Colorado’s abundance of fresh produce and culinary traditions means there are tons of angles to choose from: you’ll find menus shaped around local honey, Mexican classics, or international street food, just to name a few. But eating out in Colorado isn’t just about the flavors. It’s also about the experience—and the right setting can make a good meal taste that much better.

In Denver, you can dine in the former halls of Olinger Mortuary, now cleverly rebranded as Linger Eatuary: make sure to keep an eye out for funereal artifacts and equipment, which have been repurposed as decor! In Colorado Springs, head to the aptly named Airplane Restaurant and order a steak and salad to your window seat; the eatery resides in the belly of a grounded Boeing KC-97 tanker. Prefer a little mountain air? Ride the Cog Railway up 14,000 feet and grab a truly unique treat at Pikes Peak Summit House, a restaurant so dedicated to its signature high-altitude donuts that the entire bakery was built around its 1,500-pound fryer.

If you love both good food and a great theme, these immersive Colorado experiences should be high on your list. Here are seven of the state’s must-visit gems.