Arvada has turned into one of the Denver metro’s most interesting little food hubs, especially around Olde Town. Breweries, chef‑driven spots, and creative fast‑casual concepts make it easy to stay close to home.
These five relatively new or newly buzz‑worthy restaurants are a great snapshot.
1. School House Kitchen and Libations
Set in a converted historic school building in Olde Town, School House is part restaurant, part massive whiskey bar, part history lesson. The decor leans into the theme—chalkboards, lockers, and schoolhouse touches—but the food and drink are serious.
The menu is elevated comfort food: burgers, mac and cheese, fried chicken, wings, sandwiches, and hearty salads. The real draw for many is the bar program, with an enormous whiskey selection and fun cocktails. Great for groups and casual nights out.
2. Denver Beer Co. – Olde Town Arvada
More brewery than restaurant, but the Olde Town location has become a staple for locals. The space is airy and industrial with a big patio that’s perfect in good weather.
Food is usually via onsite or rotating food trucks/pop‑ups—tacos, burgers, barbecue, and other street‑food staples that change throughout the week. The beer is consistently solid: IPAs, lagers, seasonal sours, and creative specials.
3. Smokin’ Fins
Smokin’ Fins brings a surf‑and‑turf, seafood‑meets‑smokehouse concept to Arvada in a modern, comfortable space that works for both happy hour and family dinners.
The menu covers sushi rolls, poke bowls, fish tacos, grilled and blackened fish, plus ribs, burgers, and steaks. Expect things like lobster‑stuffed avocado, shrimp street tacos, and creative rolls alongside classic fried seafood platters.
4. The Bluegrass Coffee & Bourbon Lounge
With locations including Olde Town, The Bluegrass cleverly blends coffee shop, bar, and casual eatery into one. Mornings feel like a true cafe; evenings, more like a cozy bourbon bar.
Coffee and espresso drinks in the morning give way to bourbon flights, cocktails, and craft beer later in the day. Food runs from bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries to pizzas, panini, and bar snacks. It’s one of those all‑day “third place” spots.
5. Teocalli Cocina
Teocalli brings a modern, fresh Mexican concept to Arvada with a bright interior and a focus on high‑quality ingredients.
You’ll find tacos on house‑made tortillas, creative salsas, quesadillas, bowls, and shareable starters like queso, guac, and street‑style corn. Margaritas and agave‑focused cocktails are a big part of the draw, and there are usually vegetarian and gluten‑free options clearly marked.
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