Denver Mile-High Foodie Tour by Junket

Denver Mile-High Foodie Tour by Junket: A Tasty Introduction to the City’s New Culinary Face

If you’re looking for a bite-sized way to get to know Denver beyond its famous mountains and breweries, the Mile-High Foodie Tour by Junket offers a practical, accessible introduction. For around $65, you’ll spend roughly two hours wandering through Denver’s downtown, sampling some of the city’s top cuisines, from Mexican tacos to Asian street food, and finishing with a sweet treat of ice cream. Your guide, whose knowledge shines through even in a small group, will lead you through a handful of thoughtfully chosen stops that give a taste of Denver’s evolving culinary scene.

What we love about this experience is how it combines authentic local flavors with interesting city stories. The stops at Machete Tequila + Tacos and Zoe Ma Ma, for example, showcase flavorful, well-prepared dishes that highlight Denver’s current food trends. Plus, Wynkoop Brewing offers a chance to learn about Denver’s brewing heritage while enjoying a cold local brew—something that appeals to many travelers wanting a bit of history with their bites.

A possible consideration is that the tour only includes five stops, which some might find a bit limiting compared to similar food tours in other cities. If you’re expecting a longer, more immersive food crawl, you might be a tad disappointed. Still, for those seeking a short, enjoyable taste of Denver’s culinary diversity, this tour hits the right notes.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate compact, well-curated food walks and are curious about Denver’s emerging food scene. It’s especially good for visitors who want a quick overview rather than a full-blown gastronomic marathon. If you enjoy learning a bit about local culture while tasting some tasty bites in a small group, this tour could be just right.

Key Points

• Concise and manageable: Roughly 2 hours, perfect for those with limited time.
• Diverse cuisine: From Mexican tacos to Asian street food, highlighting Denver’s eclectic culinary scene.
• Knowledgeable guide: Provides insightful commentary on city history and culture.
• Good value: Includes pre-selected food samples and a friendly group setting.
• Limited stops: Only five stops, which may feel brief compared to longer tours.
• Small group size: Maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.

Exploring the Denver Mile-High Foodie Tour in Detail

Starting Point: Union Station and the Fountains

The tour kicks off outside Denver’s iconic Union Station, a historic hub that has transformed into a bustling retail and dining complex. Standing by the fountains, you get a sense of downtown’s lively vibe. It’s an excellent starting point because it’s centrally located and easy to find, especially if you’re staying nearby or arriving via public transit.

Your guide here will set the stage, giving a quick overview of Denver’s food scene and the neighborhood’s importance. From the outset, you’ll notice how this tour aims to blend culinary sampling with cultural storytelling—a hallmark of a good city food walk.

Stop 1: Machete Tequila + Tacos

After a brief welcome, you’ll head to Machete, a lively taco spot loved for its authentic Mexican dishes. Expect to sample some classic tacos and maybe some creative twists, as the menu is described as full of both traditional and innovative options. Your guide will suggest popular choices, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations.

This stop is a highlight because the food quality is praised as delicious, and the atmosphere is vibrant. You might find that sampling local Mexican flavors in Denver, a city with a growing Hispanic community, adds a meaningful layer to your understanding of local culture. From reviews, we learn that the food here is a strong point, with some noting it as “fantastic” and “full of flavor.”

Stop 2: Zoe Ma Ma – Asian Street Food

Next, the tour shifts gears to Asian street food at Zoe Ma Ma, known for dishes like potstickers, pork belly bao, and braised beef noodle soup. This stop is particularly appreciated for its unique tastes and the chance to try dishes that aren’t typically found in standard tourist fare.

Expect warm, flavorful bites that reflect Denver’s diverse food influences. The guide’s insights into the dishes’ origins and how they fit into Denver’s multicultural fabric enrich the experience. Reviewers mention that the food was “superb,” and the tour provides a solid taste of Denver’s Asian culinary options.

Stop 3: Wynkoop Brewing Company – A Denver Legend

The third stop introduces you to Wynkoop Brewing, a brewery with a long-standing reputation in Denver. Here, you’ll sample local beers while hearing about Denver’s brewing history—a key part of the city’s identity. The guide will share stories of the brewery’s role in Denver’s craft beer boom.

Many travelers find this stop especially enjoyable because it combines beer tasting with cultural storytelling. It’s also a chance to relax and chat, making the overall experience more personal. One reviewer called Wynkoop a “Denver Legend,” emphasizing its place in local history.

Stop 4: Milkbox Ice Creamery – The Sweet Finish

The tour wraps up with dessert at Milkbox Ice Creamery. Known for their delicious, creamy ice creams, this stop provides a satisfying conclusion. You’ll enjoy a scoop or two of locally made ice cream, capping off the tour on a sweet note.

Based on reviews, this ending is well-received as a delightful treat after savory bites, and it’s a nice way to relax and chat with your fellow travelers. The small group dynamic allows for easy conversation and reflection on the afternoon’s flavors.

What the Tour Offers in Terms of Value

At $64.50, this tour provides a solid value, especially considering the pre-selected samples and the insights from a knowledgeable guide. It’s a concise experience, ideal for those who want a quick but flavorful introduction to Denver’s culinary scene.

While the tour doesn’t include alcoholic beverages or transportation, the stops are within walking distance, and the focus remains on tasting rather than drinking. The small group size ensures personal attention and a more intimate atmosphere, which many travelers appreciate.

Drawbacks and Considerations

Some reviews mention that the tour only includes five stops, which may feel brief if you’re expecting a lengthy food crawl. A couple of guests noted that their experience was “not quite what they expected,” with only two establishments visited in some cases, though this appears to be the exception rather than the rule.

Plus, the tour’s duration of about two hours means the tasting portions are small but sufficient for a light meal or snack. If you’re a bigger eater or craving a more extensive exploration, you might want to supplement this with additional dining later.

Who Should Choose This Tour?

This journey is best suited for travelers with limited time who want a quick, curated taste of Denver’s food scene. Food lovers interested in authentic local flavors, like Mexican and Asian dishes, will enjoy the variety. It also appeals to those who appreciate learning about Denver’s cultural history alongside their bites.

If you’re traveling as a couple or small group and want an intimate, relaxed experience, this small-group tour delivers. It’s less suited for anyone looking for a full-fledged culinary marathon or a highly immersive experience that covers many more stops.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long is the tour?
  The tour lasts about 2 hours, making it a manageable, quick introduction to Denver’s food scene.

• What is included in the price?
  You get professional guidance and pre-selected food samples at each stop. Alcoholic beverages and transportation are not included.

• Where does the tour start and end?
  It begins outside Union Station at 1701 Wynkoop St and ends at Milkbox Ice Creamery, both conveniently located in downtown Denver.

• Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or those with food allergies?
  The description mentions pre-selected samples but doesn’t specify dietary accommodations. It’s best to contact the provider directly if you have specific dietary needs.

• How many people will be in the group?
  The maximum group size is 10, ensuring a small, intimate experience.

• Do I need to book in advance?
  Yes, it’s recommended to book about a month early—on average, travelers book around 33 days in advance.

• Are there any age restrictions?
  While not explicitly stated, the tour involves walking and tasting small bites, so it may suit most ages. Service animals are allowed.

• Can I cancel if my plans change?
  Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour.

Final Thoughts

The Denver Mile-High Foodie Tour by Junket offers a compact, well-organized way to sample some of Denver’s best local eats, paired with engaging stories about the city’s culture. It’s especially ideal for visitors with limited time who want a tasteful overview without the commitment of an all-day food crawl.

While the stops are fewer than some might hope, the quality of food and the knowledge of guides make this experience worth considering. It’s a great way to discover authentic flavors and learn about Denver’s culinary evolution in a relaxed, intimate setting.

If you’re looking for a short, flavorful snapshot of Denver, this tour will serve you well. For those eager to explore further, it can be a perfect starting point before diving into more extensive dining adventures on your own.

In essence, the Mile-High Foodie Tour is a delightful, bite-sized way to get a sense of Denver’s evolving culinary identity—perfect for curious travelers who enjoy good food and good stories in a small group.