Bites, Backstreets and Ballparks: A Three-Hour Walking Taste of Downtown Denver

DENVER FOOD TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Bites, Backstreets and Ballparks: A Three-Hour Walking Taste of Downtown Denver

A guided, three-hour walking tour through downtown Denver that pairs five award‑winning tastings with local history and visits to Union Station, the Dairy Block and Coors Field.

Bites, Backstreets and Ballparks: A Three-Hour Walking Taste of Downtown Denver.

Duration
3 hours
Location
Denver
Operator
Delicious Denver Food Tours
Category
Food Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Embark on a compact, three-hour walking food tour of downtown Denver that stitches together five tastings from award-winning local kitchens — from AVPN-certified Neapolitan pizza and house-made empanadas to Colorado green chili and a James Beard chef’s pastry — while a local guide narrates the city’s wild-west past and leads you past landmarks like Union Station and Coors Field.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE CLASSICS

Neapolitan Pizza and Colorado Green Chili

Taste wood‑fired, AVPN‑certified Neapolitan pizza and an award‑winning, from‑scratch Colorado green chili at longtime local establishments that define Denver’s savory side.

THE ROUTE

From Ballpark to Union Station

A walking route takes you through LoDo and the Ballpark neighborhood past sites such as McGregor Square, Coors Field and the Dairy Block before finishing in the historic Union Station.

THE STORIES

Wild‑West History Served with Your Tastings

Between stops a local guide weaves tales of Denver’s secret tunnels, notorious bordellos and frontier legends, adding historical texture to each bite.

What the day feels like

What the tour feels like

This signature downtown walk moves at a leisurely pace over roughly three hours, stopping for five seated tastings at locally owned, award‑winning restaurants while a guide provides local history and points out landmarks; the route ties together the Ballpark, LoDo and Union Station with light walking between each tasting.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this tour suits — and who should consider alternatives.

1
Active urban walkersWell suited — the tour covers just under one mile of light walking spread over three hours with seated tastings and regular stops.
2
History and food enthusiastsIdeal — the itinerary pairs award‑winning local dishes with narrated history of Denver’s LoDo and Ballpark neighborhoods.
3
Guests with limited mobilityNot ideal if you cannot manage light walking; the route requires walking just under a mile though tastings are seated indoors with restroom access at each stop.
4
Families with young childrenMixed fit — while tastings are seated and restrooms are available, participants must be able to complete the light walking segments over three hours.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Duration

The tour runs for approximately 3 hours.

Meeting point

Meet inside Marco’s Coal Fired Pizzeria — Ballpark location at 2129 Larimer St., Denver, CO 80205.

What to expect while walking

Expect light, leisurely walking totaling just under one mile broken up by seated tastings; restrooms are available at all five tasting locations.

Food & dietary needs

The tour includes five tastings and the operator can accommodate a wide range of dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten‑free, dairy‑free, pescatarian and specific no‑meat options) when notified at booking.

Parking & logistics

There are paid parking options near the meeting point; the lot adjacent to Marco’s is free only while dining inside the restaurant and may result in towing if used for the entire tour. The tour ends at Union Station (1701 Wynkoop St.), a 12‑minute walk from the start.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Where does the tour meet?

The tour meets inside Marco’s Coal Fired Pizzeria – Ballpark location at 2129 Larimer St. Guides will be inside the restaurant wearing orange “Delicious Denver Food Tours” buttons.

Where should I park?

There are a number of paid parking lots near the meeting point; the parking lot adjacent to Marco’s Coal Fired is free only for guests while inside the restaurant and you may be towed if you leave a car there for the duration of the tour.

Is transportation provided between stops?

No — all tours are walking food/drink tours; guests meet at the departure point and walk between stops.

How much food is served?

The tour includes five tastings at award‑winning, locally owned restaurants and typically makes up a satisfying lunch for most guests.

Where does this tour end?

The tour ends with dessert inside Union Station at 1701 Wynkoop St.; this is approximately a 12‑minute walk from the starting point.

What areas of town will I see?

You will walk through and learn about Lower Downtown (LoDo), the Ballpark neighborhood and Union Station.

How much walking is involved?

The Downtown Food Tour covers just under one mile of light and leisurely walking, broken up over the three hours, with all tastings seated indoors.

What dietary restrictions can be accommodated?

The operator can accommodate vegetarian, gluten‑free, dairy‑free, vegan, pescatarian and specific no‑meat options; include any allergies or restrictions when booking because substitutions are pre‑ordered and cannot be made at the last minute.