Dinner Food Tour in RiNo Denver

Experience a Taste of Denver’s RiNo District with a Food Tour

If you’re looking for more than just another sightseeing walk, this Dinner Food Tour in Denver’s RiNo district offers a perfect blend of delicious food, colorful street art, and local stories. For $99 per person, you’ll spend about three hours exploring a compact 2-mile route that takes you through some of the neighborhood’s best culinary spots. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this tour is designed for those who love discovering authentic flavors and vibrant cityscapes without feeling rushed.

What makes this tour stand out is the chance to sample a variety of well-curated dishes — from pozole and tacos to wood-fired pizza and sweet pastries — all while soaking up Denver’s lively arts scene. We particularly appreciate the flexibility to customize what we eat, and the chance to pass by some of RiNo’s striking murals makes the walk visually engaging. The tour ends in a buzzing nightlife area, perfect for continuing your evening.

A small potential drawback is that some stops, like Pit Fiend BBQ and Stem Ciders, are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, which shifts the itinerary to include Corsica Wine Bar instead—a different but equally enjoyable experience. The tour’s limited size (a maximum of six travelers) also means it’s best suited for those who prefer a more intimate, personalized experience.

This tour is ideal for food lovers who enjoy tasting multiple cuisines, art enthusiasts eager to see Denver’s street murals, and travelers wanting a relaxed but rich introduction to RiNo. If you value knowledgeable guides and authentic bites, this will likely be a highlight of your Denver trip.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Flavors: The tour offers a diverse range of dishes, including pozole, tacos, pizza, and pastries, highlighting Denver’s culinary diversity.
• Vibrant Art & Neighborhood Culture: Passing by RiNo’s murals provides a colorful backdrop and context for Denver’s creative scene.
• Flexible Dining Choices: Guests can customize their menu selections at many stops, adding a personal touch.
• Small Group Atmosphere: With a maximum of six travelers, you get a personalized experience and opportunities for more interaction.
• Skilled Guide: Jeremy, or the current guide, is praised for being knowledgeable, personable, and flexible.
• End with Nightlife: The tour concludes in Denver’s lively nightlife spots, making it easy to extend your evening.

A Deep Dive into the Denver RiNo Food & Art Experience

When we first signed up for the Dinner Food Tour in RiNo, we anticipated a nice walk with good food, but what we got was so much more. Denver’s RiNo district is known for its striking murals and vibrant street scene, and this tour makes sure you see both the art and the eats that define the neighborhood.

Starting Point: La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal

Our journey begins at La Diabla, a modest but delightful spot specializing in pozole, a traditional Mexican soup, and flavorful stewed tacos. The guide explained that this restaurant offers an authentic taste of regional cuisine, and we could tell by the rich aroma that the dishes would be satisfying. We sampled pozole with its tender hominy and hearty pork, and a couple of tacos with stewed fillings, all served in warm corn tortillas. The drinks included expertly mixed margaritas and mezcal cocktails, which added a fun, spirited flavor to the start of our evening.

This stop sets a relaxed tone, allowing us to appreciate the neighborhood’s culinary roots. It’s worth noting that this restaurant is an unassuming gem, often overlooked but offering authentic flavors. We loved the way the guide shared stories about Denver’s culinary influences while the murals outside set a colorful backdrop.

Second Stop: Pit Fiend BBQ (weather permitting)

Next, we headed to Pit Fiend Barbecue for some classic smoked brisket. The tender, smoky meat was a highlight—juicy, flavorful, and cooked just right. Depending on group size, we might have sampled other cuts like ribs or chicken, but the brisket alone made this stop worthwhile. To wash it down, we enjoyed a local beer from Our Mutual Friend Brewery, a nice touch that added a local flavor.

However, a heads-up: Pit Fiend BBQ is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so if you’re booking on those days, expect the itinerary to switch to Corsica Wine Bar. For those days, the wine bar offers a variety of tapas like grilled broccoli rabe, Bastien meatballs, and rigatoni Bolognese, giving a different but equally delightful taste of Denver.

Third Stop: Stem Ciders or Corsica Wine Bar

On days when Stem Ciders is open, we enjoyed sharing a couple of their small plates—sour mushrooms and bison poutine—which proved to be surprisingly tasty. The cider flight was also a treat, showcasing some of Colorado’s best cider varieties. One guest noted that the cider tasting “helped us understand local flavors better,” and that the plates complemented the drinks perfectly.

On days when Stem Ciders is closed, the group visits Corsica Wine Bar instead, where the emphasis is on tapas-style dishes. The variety of small plates like meatballs or pasta makes for a great communal experience, and the relaxed atmosphere is perfect for unwinding after a walk through the murals and streets.

Fifth Stop: Denver Central Market

After a bit of walking and art gazing, we reached the Denver Central Market—a foodie paradise with 11 vendors offering everything from gourmet chocolates to artisanal bread. The highlight for us was the wood-fired pizza from Vero Italian, which had a perfect crispy crust and flavorful toppings. For smaller groups, sharing a slice from Redeemer Pizza is also recommended.

The market gives an authentic vibe, with vendors busy serving locals and visitors alike. The energy here reflects Denver’s culinary scene—diverse, lively, and rooted in quality.

Final Stop: Izzio Bakery

To finish the evening, we sampled a Colorado Queen pastry from Izzio Bakery. Options included flavors like cherry, caramel, or Nutella, and each was a sweet, satisfying finish to a flavorful day. The pastry was flaky and rich, making it a lovely end to the tour.

What Travelers Say

Guests consistently praise the tour’s guides—noted for being personable, knowledgeable, and flexible. One reviewer called Jeremy “an awesome guide,” highlighting his ability to share local insights and adapt to group needs. Others appreciated the chance to explore a neighborhood that’s more than just a tourist trap, with street art and local eateries giving an authentic Denver feel.

Some reviewers mention that the food choices—especially the spicy tacos—could be a concern if you have specific dietary restrictions, like avoiding heat. It’s important to communicate this when booking, as the guide is happy to accommodate most needs.

Practical Details and What to Expect

The tour begins at 5:30 pm at La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal, and lasts roughly three hours. The small group size (up to six travelers) ensures a more personalized experience, with plenty of opportunities to chat with the guide and fellow food lovers. The walk is about two miles, so comfortable shoes are recommended, but no strenuous activity is involved.

Most stops are free of charge aside from the food and drinks you choose to purchase—alcoholic beverages are not included. The price of $99 offers excellent value when you consider the variety of tastings, the guided experience, and the insider knowledge you gain about Denver’s arts and culinary scenes.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for foodies eager to try multiple local specialties, art lovers interested in Denver’s murals, and those who enjoy small, intimate group settings. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a relaxed pace, flexible menu options, and an authentic taste of RiNo.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For anyone looking to combine culinary exploration with vibrant street art and local stories, this tour hits the mark. The guide’s friendliness and knowledge, combined with the quality of food and the colorful neighborhood, make for a memorable evening.

The flexibility to adapt to dietary restrictions and the small-group setting make it a tailored experience that feels personal rather than touristy. Ending in Denver’s lively nightlife district means you can easily extend your night with live music or a drink from one of the many bars in the area.

If you’re a traveler who appreciates authentic bites mixed with cultural sights, and you’re willing to book a month in advance, this food tour is a top choice for discovering Denver’s RiNo district.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately three hours, covering about two miles on foot, making it a relaxed but engaging experience.

What is included in the price?
The price covers all tastings—tacos, tapas, pizza slice, and a pastry—and the guided experience. Alcoholic drinks are extra and can be purchased separately.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, the tour guides are happy to accommodate most dietary needs if you notify them when booking. However, it’s good to communicate any specific restrictions, especially regarding spice.

What stops are included if Pit Fiend BBQ or Stem Ciders are closed?
On Mondays and Tuesdays, the tour switches Pit Fiend BBQ for Corsica Wine Bar, which offers different tapas. Stem Ciders is also substituted with this option on those days.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the small, relaxed nature and focus on food and art suggest it’s best suited for adults or older children interested in culinary and street art experiences.

How many people are on the tour?
The maximum group size is six travelers, ensuring a more personalized and flexible experience.

Do I need to make reservations well in advance?
Yes, this tour is often booked about 28 days ahead, so planning early is recommended if you want to secure a spot.

This food tour in Denver’s RiNo district offers a balanced mix of delicious local cuisine, vibrant street art, and engaging storytelling—an authentic way to explore this dynamic neighborhood. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, it’s a fantastic way to spend an evening discovering Denver’s creative heart.