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Top Spots To Grab A Drink In The Denver Airport

Rock Bottom(credit: CBS)

Whether visitors are trapped due to a layover or in a rush to grab something edible, it is a challenge to find decent dining at an airport. Grabbing a drink and bite to eat can get a person through the tough airport times. Thankfully, Denver International Airport offers some amazing restaurants that help weary travelers forget that they are in an airport. DIA lounges and eateries are well worth the tram ride from one terminal to another.

Root Down
C Gates, Center Core
(303) 342-6959
www.rootdowndenver.com

Root Down has cuisine influenced by culinary traditions from around the world with a "field-to-fork mentality." According to frequent traveler Jesssica Wohler, "Root Down is awesome with lots of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options along with delicious meats." No matter the time of day, this place serves up amazing cocktails such as a Coconut Fizz, a Jalapeno Cocktail and even its famous Don Draper drink. The fast and friendly staff serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner items including raw foods, sandwiches, appetizers, soups, salads and desserts. Root Down has a serene and inviting atmosphere that mixes well with its cocktails, wine, beer and sake. The staff actually asks how long you have to dine before handing you the menu. Another added perk is that Root Down has different menu options depending on cook time needed for each dish. Once you are back in Denver after your trip, be sure to check out its flagship location in the Highlands neighborhood.

Denver ChopHouse
A Gates, A Gates, Center Core
(303) 342-6902
www.denverchophouse.com

Terminal A has limited choices and thankfully, the Denver ChopHouse offers a place to kick back in an atmosphere that has a full bar and fine dining. This venue has delicious wine offerings, hand-crafted beers and quality cocktails, including a mean martini. This establishment features not only a pleasant ambiance complete with white linens, but it also has a full bar that includes a variety of home-brewed beers on tap and quick service to make it easy to catch a flight. The DIA Denver ChopHouse is a wonderful alternative for those travelers who don't get the chance to visit the main restaurant downtown.

Elway's
B Gates, Center Core
(303) 342-7777
www.elways.com

New to DIA, Elway's is the chance to grab a drink and a steak in between flights. Relax with fellow travelers in the dining room or hang out with the bartenders for a little extra special attention. Not only does this spot have amazingly fresh food, it also has a full bar to escape the busy airport atmosphere. Along with a Super Bowl Trophy, diners are greeted by the attentive and professional wait staff. All meals of the day are offered including a variety of breakfasts to mouthwatering steaks and perfectly seasoned burgers.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
C Gates, Near Gate C32
(303) 342-6667
www.rockbottom.com/denver-international-airport

Colorado has become the epicenter for microbrews and the name Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery is known as one of the best. Travelers can make the most of that layover with fun and attentive bartenders who will take the pain out of waiting. The food and the drinks come in good-sized portions such as 16-ounce ales and hearty-sized burgers and salads. Along with the huge variety of beers to try, diners get the chance to enjoy signature dishes such as the chicken mac 'n cheese. Beer connoisseurs will forget they are in an airport as they chat with the friendly bartenders and taste the variety of beer flights. The fast and friendly staff will cater to the needs of the traveler whether they are in a hurry or there to kill time.

Lefty's Front Range Grille
C Gates, Near Gate C48
(303) 342-7179
www.flydenver.com

Lefty's Front Range Grill is well known around Concourse C as a fun place to enjoy cocktails while hanging out with friends or meeting new ones. It offers delicious sandwiches, burgers and entrees along with full bar service. The fun and friendly bar staff will take good care of the tired traveler with a variety of ales on tap and a full bar. Visitors to Lefty's rave about its BBQ pork sandwiches, patty melts and impressive breakfasts. Sports fans will get their chance to catch up on their favorite teams while enjoying much-needed snacks and drinks.

Related: Top Bars At Denver International Airport

Colleen Bement is a freelance writer covering all things Denver. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
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