Aurora Colorado Food Scene

Known for much of its history as a suburb of Denver, Aurora, Colorado has developed its own distinct and vibrant local food culture. While chains and fast casual restaurants can be found along major commercial corridors, a scrumptious array of international flavors and homegrown eateries can be discovered across this diverse community.

Along East Colfax Avenue, a taste of Ethiopia arrives in the form of mesir wat stew and spicy cubed meats at Ras Dashen Ethiopian Cuisine. Aurora’s sizeable Mexican population is represented by mom and pop spots like La Cueva serving classic tacos and tamales. Vietnamese pho, banh mi, and cups of chè can be found along South Havana Street at eateries like Phở Hà Nội.

The local Aurora and refugee communities have heavily influenced the food scene. Taste Somali flavors like sambusa pastries at homegrown restaurant Ukaada. Himalayan and Nepali dumplings, curries and noodle dishes are the specialty at Sherpa House Restaurant. For Chinese dim sum and Hong Kong classics, Star Kitchen feeds the craving.

Sweet treats also punctuate the landscape. Old-fashioned charm meets creative new flavors at ice cream shop Sweet Cow. Pie addicts can get their fill of fruit, custard and nut pies at Enchanted Cakes and Treats. Aurora’s first coco doughnut purveyor, Glazed and Confuzed, delights customers with flavors like PB&J and Green Chile Pistachio.

Microbreweries are multiplying, with Dry Dock Brewing Company, Launch Pad Brewery and Peak View Brewing offering local craft beers and inviting tap rooms. The Stanley Marketplace has brought artisan food retailers and restaurants under one repurposed industrial roof.

For a city once known for chain dining along the highway, Aurora has developed an eclectic blend of cuisines that beautifully reflects its diversity. Food truly brings this community together.