Denver, Colorado, a city brimming with vibrant culture, stunning mountain views, and a thriving local scene, also boasts a fantastic food landscape that won't empty your wallet. From historic taverns to modern culinary gems, Denver offers a smorgasbord of budget-friendly dishes that are big on flavor and local character. We've dug deep into local favorites and customer reviews to bring you a list of 10 must-try meals, all for under $10, that will satisfy your cravings and introduce you to the authentic taste of the Mile High City.

1. Classic Hot Dog from The Roast Grill

• Restaurant: The Roast Grill

• Description: A perfectly grilled hot dog, served plain or with mustard, chili, and onions. No ketchup allowed!

• Why It’s a Must-Try: The Roast Grill is a Raleigh legend, famous for its no-frills approach to hot dogs since 1940. Yelp reviewers consistently highlight the “crispy, perfectly charred dogs” and the “old-school diner atmosphere.” One reviewer called it a “true Raleigh experience” with “the best chili.” It's a taste of history and a truly unique hot dog joint.

• Price: ~$3 per hot dog (prices for chili/onions may be extra)

• Location: 7 S West St, Raleigh, NC 27603

2. Cheese Slice from Trophy Pizza

• Restaurant: Trophy Pizza

• Description: A generous slice of classic New York-style cheese pizza with a crispy crust.

• Why It’s a Must-Try: While Trophy Brewing is known for its beers, their pizza arm, Trophy Pizza, serves up some of the best slices in town. Yelp reviewers frequently praise the “great crust” and “perfect sauce-to-cheese ratio.” Many consider it a “go-to for a quick, delicious lunch.” It's a solid, satisfying slice that stands on its own.

• Price: ~$4.50

• Location: 656 Maywood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603

3. Street Taco from La Calle Taqueria y Carniceria

• Restaurant: La Calle Taqueria y Carniceria

• Description: Authentic street tacos with your choice of flavorful meats like al pastor or cochinita pibil, topped with onions and cilantro on a warm corn tortilla.

• Why It’s a Must-Try: La Calle is a hidden gem for truly authentic Mexican street food in Denver. Yelp and Reddit reviewers rave about the “tender, flavorful meat” and “authentic taste.” One reviewer on Reddit stated, "This is THE place I recommend for somebody looking for good, authentic tacos in town." It's a flavorful and quick bite that transports you straight to Mexico City.

• Price: ~$3.50 per taco

• Location: 1565 W Alameda Ave, Denver, CO 80223

4. Plain Arepa from Quiero Arepas

• Restaurant: Quiero Arepas

• Description: A perfectly grilled corn-based flatbread (arepa), crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, ready for your choice of fillings (or enjoy plain).

• Why It’s a Must-Try: Quiero Arepas has built a strong reputation for serving some of Denver's best Venezuelan arepas. Yelp and Reddit reviewers consistently praise the “deliciously crisp exterior” and “flavorful dough.” The plain arepa itself is a testament to their quality, perfect as a simple snack or a base for more elaborate fillings, all while being a great value.

• Price: $5.00

• Location: Multiple locations, including Avanti Food & Beverage (3200 Pecos St, Denver, CO 80211)

5. Cup of Pork Green Chili from Sam's No. 3

• Restaurant: Sam's No. 3

• Description: A savory cup of Sam's famous Kickin' Pork Green Chili, packed with flavor and a satisfying kick.

• Why It’s a Must-Try: Sam's No. 3 is a quintessential Denver diner, renowned for its massive menu and especially its green chili, even featured on Food Network's *Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives*. Their website boasts it as “Denver's Best Bowl of Chili.” While larger dishes can be pricey, a cup offers a budget-friendly way to experience this local legend. One Reddit reviewer noted, "The chili comes in a small tiny coffee style cup for $6 lol," making it a perfect under-$10 option.

• Price: ~$6 (for a cup)

• Location: Multiple locations in Denver (e.g., 1500 Curtis St, Denver, CO 80202)

6. Steerburger (Hamburger) from My Brother's Bar

• Restaurant: My Brother's Bar

• Description: A classic hamburger patty served on a bun, with optional simple toppings. This historic bar is known for its unpretentious charm.

• Why It’s a Must-Try: My Brother's Bar is Denver's oldest continuously operating bar, steeped in history and beloved for its straightforward, delicious food. Their "Steerburger" is a testament to timeless quality. Their menu lists the hamburger at an accessible price. Reddit users frequently refer to it as a “grease spoon burger” (in a good way) and praise its “vibes” and consistent taste.

• Price: $9.95

• Location: 2376 15th St, Denver, CO 80202

7. Drip Coffee from Kaladi Coffee Roasters

• Restaurant: Kaladi Coffee Roasters

• Description: A freshly brewed cup of their air-roasted, ethically sourced coffee.

• Why It’s a Must-Try: Kaladi Coffee Roasters is a long-standing Denver institution, known for their unique air-roasting process that produces a clean, flavorful cup. Their website highlights their commitment to quality and precise roasting. While Yelp reviews often delve into the technicalities of their beans, the consensus among locals is that Kaladi consistently delivers a high-quality, unpretentious cup of coffee, perfect for a quick pick-me-up.

• Price: ~$3.50 (for a regular drip coffee)

• Location: 1730 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210

8. Croissant from Wooden Spoon Cafe & Bakery

• Restaurant: Wooden Spoon Cafe & Bakery

• Description: A classic, flaky, buttery croissant, baked fresh daily.

• Why It’s a Must-Try: Wooden Spoon Cafe & Bakery is a beloved neighborhood spot known for its delicious pastries and commitment to fresh baking. Yelp reviewers consistently praise their “amazing smells” and “delicious pastries.” A reviewer specifically mentioned a “blueberry cream cheese pastry ($5.75)” being delightful, indicating that a plain croissant would easily fall within the under-$10 budget, offering a taste of their highly-regarded baked goods.

• Price: ~$4-$5

• Location: 2418 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211

9. Falafel Sandwich from Jerusalem Restaurant

• Restaurant: Jerusalem Restaurant

• Description: Fried chickpea patties, lettuce, tomato, and onions with tzatziki or tahini sauce, wrapped inside warm pita bread.

• Why It’s a Must-Try: Jerusalem Restaurant has been a long-standing favorite in Denver for Middle Eastern cuisine, especially for late-night cravings. Their menu clearly lists the Falafel Sandwich at an excellent price. Yelp reviewers praise the “hard crust and tender center” of their falafel and its consistent quality, making it a reliable and delicious choice.

• Price: $7.95

• Location: 1890 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80210

10. Pork Belly Bao from MAKfam

• Restaurant: MAKfam

• Description: A fluffy milk bun filled with tender, shredded pork belly, scallions, pickled radish, hoisin sauce, and sesame seeds.

• Why It’s a Must-Try: MAKfam is a critically acclaimed local spot known for its innovative Asian fusion, especially its fantastic bao buns. Dining Out Denver highlights the “24hr Pork Belly Bao” as a favorite, noting its “fluffy milk bun” and delicious ingredients. Reddit reviewers also praise it as having "fantastic bao" with "shredded, so no all fat bites." It's a gourmet bite at a very affordable price.

• Price: $5.50 per bao

• Location: 39 W 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80223

Denver's dynamic food scene proves that incredible flavors don't have to come with a hefty price tag, especially when you seek out its amazing local establishments. From historic hot dogs and classic burgers to authentic arepas and gourmet bao buns, these ten dishes under $10 offer a fantastic way to explore the city's diverse and locally-driven culinary landscape. So, whether you're a long-time resident or just passing through, make sure to savor these delicious and affordable bites that showcase Denver's unique charm!

Price Comparison Table

Dish	Restaurant	Price (Approx.)	Location
Classic Hot Dog	The Roast Grill	$3	7 S West St, Raleigh, NC 27603
Cheese Slice	Trophy Pizza	$4.50	656 Maywood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
Street Taco	La Calle Taqueria y Carniceria	$3.50	1565 W Alameda Ave, Denver, CO 80223
Plain Arepa	Quiero Arepas	$5.00	Multiple locations (e.g., Avanti Food & Beverage, 3200 Pecos St, Denver, CO 80211)
Cup of Pork Green Chili	Sam's No. 3	$6	Multiple locations in Denver (e.g., 1500 Curtis St, Denver, CO 80202)
Steerburger (Hamburger)	My Brother's Bar	$9.95	2376 15th St, Denver, CO 80202
Drip Coffee	Kaladi Coffee Roasters	$3.50	1730 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210
Croissant	Wooden Spoon Cafe & Bakery	$4-$5	2418 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
Falafel Sandwich	Jerusalem Restaurant	$7.95	1890 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80210
Pork Belly Bao	MAKfam	$5.50	39 W 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80223