Welcome to Denver! The Mile High City is known for its vibrant culture, friendly nature and enthusiasm for all things outdoors. But it is also a notoriously friendly place for startups, entrepreneurs and successful professionals. Over the course of nearly 120 years, the Daniels College of Business has become a cornerstone of the community. A network of 15,000 local alumni and countless corporate partners means we know a few good spots for food, drink and entertainment around town. Here’s a list featuring some of our favorites.
Mustard’s Last Stand
2081 S. University Blvd.
The unassuming brown and yellow building with the picnic tables out front has been serving up Chicago style hot dogs, polish sausages, burgers, Italian beef, homemade fries and more since 1978. Vegetarians will be more than satisfied by the veggie dogs and burgers, tofu Reubens and veggie chili. If you ask nicely, you can even get your dog topped with Chicago bright green relish.
La Belle Rosette
2423 S. University Blvd.
Every college town has at least one treasured coffee shop dedicated to keeping the community comfortable and well-caffeinated. La Belle Rosette offers a variety of coffee drinks, lemonade on tap, baked goods, breakfast burritos, paninis and more. All that comes with a welcoming side of local art and easy jazz music.
The *original* Chipotle
1644 E. Evans Ave.
Back before Chipotle was a national chain pumping guacamole and queso into households across the country, it was a modest burrito shop by the University of Denver. Pose for a picture by the commemorative plaque before placing your familiar favorite order.
Jerusalem Café
1890 E. Evans Ave.
This small but mighty corner restaurant has been introducing Denverites to the world of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine for 46 years. The late-night hotspot has a menu full of traditional recipes handed down through generations, including baba ghanouj, fattoush, tabbouleh, stuffed grape leaves and more.
Bonnie Brae Ice Cream
799 S. University Blvd.
It’s impossible to miss the red and white striped awnings and lit-up statement sign of Bonnie Brae Ice Cream. The retro-looking shop opened in 1986, but the homemade ice cream—with daily-made flavors like lemon custard, chocolate almond croissant and blueberry pinot chip—is worth standing in line for.
Blue Bonnet
457 S. Broadway
Denver is home to more than 300 Mexican restaurants, but few have been around as long as the Blue Bonnet. Originally opened in the 1930s as an American cafe by a family from Texas, it was one of the first restaurants in Denver to obtain a liquor license after Prohibition. The Mobell family bought it in 1968 and kept the name—after the state flower of Texas. Today DU alumnus Gary Mobell (BA 1977, MT 1985) and his sister serve up their brand of TexMex cuisine.
The Buckhorn Exchange
1000 Osage St.
Denver’s oldest restaurant (est. 1893) is a bite out of the Old West, with a meaty menu of steak, bison, elk, ostrich, rattlesnake and, its specialty, Rocky Mountain oysters. A National Historic Landmark, the Exchange was founded by Henry H. “Shorty Scout” Zietz—who was lifelong friends with Buffalo Bill Cody and Chief Sitting Bull—and is known for its extensive collection of memorabilia and taxidermy. Visitors over the years included silver barons, railroad workers, Native American chiefs, celebrities and five American presidents, from Teddy Roosevelt to Ronald Reagan.
Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club
1330 27th St.
In the 1920s, the Five Points neighborhood was frequented by jazz legends like Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald. An evening at Nocturne brings you back to that bygone era, with a menu and atmosphere inspired by jazz clubs of the past. Owned by alumna and adjunct professor Nicole Mattson (BSBA 2002, MBA 2012) and her husband Scott, Nocturne draws top performers from across Colorado and beyond, including frequent appearances by DU faculty, student, and alumni musicians.
The city is yours to explore, and we’re here when you’re ready to take the next step in your career. Visit the Daniels College of Business to learn more about our offerings, including quick-hitting professional development workshops, low-commitment graduate certificates, full-fledged bachelor’s programs, renowned MBA programs, specialized master’s degrees, and even an executive PhD. We can’t wait to welcome you to campus!
