Food has a special way of bringing people together. In Denver, some of the most incredible dining experiences are shaped by women whose passion, skill and resilience have transformed the city’s culinary scene.
This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating their contributions and inviting you to savor the flavors these chefs bring to the table. Here are seven exceptional women-owned restaurants to enjoy—this month and beyond.
Annette
Where: 2501 Dallas St., Aurora
When: Tuesday – Sunday 4:30 p.m. – 9 p.m., Closed Monday
The Lowdown: Inspired by her Great Aunt Netsie, Chef Caroline Glover founded Annette in 2016. While Netsie didn’t teach Caroline the art of cooking, she instilled in her the importance of having a strong, unwavering opinion. This lesson has guided Chef Glover through her journey in the restaurant industry. Named one of Food & Wine Magazine’s 10 Best New Chefs in America in 2019, Chef Glover has created an extraordinary dining experience built on three core principles: “To serve diners as though they’re guests in my home. To craft a place where people can share food and stories that stay with them. To prepare ‘scratch-to-table’ and wood-fired fare that honors food producers, nourishes eaters, and embodies craftsmanship, creativity and rustic simplicity.”
Her mission is reflected in every dish on Annette’s menu. From orecchiette and mussels on toast to skate cheek bouillabaisse and a fresh take on steak frites, each item reflects Chef Glover’s dedication to flavor and quality. Explore its cocktail menu for the perfect pairing to complete your meal.
READ: Caroline Glover’s New Cocktail Bar Offers an Escape From the Everyday at Traveling Mercies
The Bindery
Where: 1817 Central St., Denver
When: Tuesday – Saturday 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Closed Monday
The Lowdown: Chef Linda Hampsten Fox is the visionary behind The Bindery. Inspired by her mother, Chef Fox’s culinary journey began in her childhood kitchen and led her to apprenticeships in Switzerland, Italy and France. These formative experiences sparked her deep passion for Mediterranean cuisine and diverse food cultures, shaping The Bindery into the intimate neighborhood gem it is today—an eatery devoted to balance, where artisanal foods are crafted with the utmost care.
The Bindery boasts an expansive yet thoughtfully curated menu. Indulge in dishes like branzino, wild boar and beef burger, cacao nib-crusted short rib and more. Save room for a nightcap, like a sticky date mezcal cake, and dive into its impressive espresso martini menu.
Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina
Where: 1294 S Broadway, Denver; 5495 W 20th Ave., Edgewater
When: Denver: Tuesday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Closed Monday; Edgewater: Tuesday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Closed Monday
The Lowdown: Chef Silvia Andaya is committed to taking guests on a genuine culinary journey, offering an authentic oasis of flavors straight from south of the border. Inspired by La Adelita, the story of a young woman in the Mexican Revolution who became a soldadera—cooking for soldiers and caring for the wounded—Adelita embodies the strength and resilience of the woman warrior archetype. Chef Andaya dedicates the Adelita name to her mother, whose influence inspired her to share traditional family recipes.
Adelita’s menu is expansive, yet the quality remains top-tier. From tamales, sopes and molcajete variations to pozole and an extensive agave and tequila selection, it’s a place that leaves you already planning your next visit.
Cattivella
Where: 10195 E 29th Dr., #110, Denver
When: Monday – Thursday 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Friday – Saturday 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., Closed Sunday
The Lowdown: Chef Elise Wiggins is no stranger to exceptional food. With decades of experience, she continually infuses new and fresh ideas into Cattivella’s kitchen, drawing inspiration from her annual pilgrimage to Italy, where she collaborates with Italian chefs to master traditional and innovative techniques. The exhibition kitchen is the star of the show, featuring a wood-burning pizza oven, grill, pasta table and butcher’s corner, creating a true dining experience.
The menu offers fresh takes on traditional dishes, such as sgagliozze with whipped sheep cheese, agrodolce and Fresno peppers; calamari fritti with chili aioli and grilled lemon; classic charbroiled oysters and rabbit gnocchi. Every dish reflects Chef Elise’s commitment to exceptional flavors and her passion for bridging classic Italian techniques with modern twists.
Honey Elixir Bar
Where: 2636 Walnut St., #104, Denver
When: Tuesday – Wednesday 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., Thursday – Friday 4 p.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. – 11 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. – 8 p.m., Closed Monday
The Lowdown: With over 20 years in the bar and restaurant industry, Jocasta Hanson’s true passion lies in psychology and mental wellness. As a neurodivergent creator with heightened sensory awareness, she embraces her “superpowers” to deeply understand how environments affect the mind and body. Enter Honey Elixir Bar—a space designed for a fully immersive, sensory-driven experience.
Here, every drink is crafted with intention and care. House-made elixirs feature raw honey for its natural health benefits, depth of flavor, and rich texture. Sip on Dark Dayz, a bold blend of berry, licorice root, cherry and Lemurian quartz, or find comfort in the Medicine Ball, infused with elderberry, ashwagandha, yerba mate, rose and other botanicals. Whatever you choose, be sure to pair it with a small plate for the perfect balance of flavor and nourishment.
Restaurant Olivia
Where: 290 S Downing St., Denver
When: Tuesday – Sunday 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Closed Monday
The Lowdown: Co-owner Heather Morrison has spent over 30 years in the restaurant industry, leaving a lasting impact on Denver’s dining scene. She has played a role in some of the city’s most iconic establishments, including The Fourth Story, Barolo Grill and Mizuna. In 2020, she teamed up with Chef Ty Leon and beverage expert Austin Carson to open Restaurant Olivia. Since day one, she has been the heart of Olivia’s hospitality—though her most cherished title is Olivia’s mom.
Restaurant Olivia is a pasta-focused restaurant that feels like home. Inspired by classic Italian cuisine with a fresh perspective, it brings new flavors and recipes to life. Opt for the tasting menu or wine pairing experience, or curate your meal from a selection of small plates, entrées and signature pasta offerings. From triangoli and tagliatelle to agnolotti and beyond—every bite is a treat.
Lucy’s Burger Bar
Where: 4018 Tennyson St., Denver
When: Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m, Sunday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
The Lowdown: Michelle “Meesh” McGlone spent most of her life as a touring aerialist based in Denver, but as she entered her 40s, she sought a slower-paced life that reconnected her to her Minnesota roots. Her vision? To bring 1,000 square feet of Minnesota to Denver—and she did just that. Welcome to Lucy’s Burger Bar, home of the Juicy Lucy, a burger style unique to South Minneapolis. Two thin patties encase American cheese, sealing in the edges to create a melty, gooey flavor explosion—so legendary, it even comes with its own eating instructions.
Beyond the Juicy Lucy, Lucy’s offers a stellar menu of creative burger and drink options, with something for everyone—even the less daring or cleaner eaters.
[give_form id="772002"]