Lunching at Civic Center EATS takes place in the heart of Denver every Wednesday and Thursday from spring through fall. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., local food trucks line the gardens of Civic Center Park, each serving its latest food selections. This weekly gathering celebrates the city’s food scene while supporting local businesses and vendors. The atmosphere is laid-back, with a rotating lineup of trucks offering everything from local street eats to sweet treats. Adding to the charm, live entertainment can be discovered here, making an afternoon lunch anything but ordinary.
Part of the magic of Civic Center EATS is its setting. The historic Civic Center Park offers spaces to relax, enjoy a fresh lunch, and take in the scenery. The Greek Amphitheater steps sit just a few feet away, providing an elevated view into the cityscape. Nearby, the Sea Lion Fountain is an interesting piece of public art, making it epic for a lunch view or photo op.
Naturally, we explored the event and sampled the variety of options that established this summer season. If you think you’ve missed your chance, don’t worry, as Civic Center EATS runs through August 28 and returns for the fall season from September 10 to October 16. Schedules can shift, so it’s always smart to double-check the Civic Center EATS website for the latest operating days and vendor lineups. The experience is more than just a lunch break as it is a midweek celebration of Denver’s local food scene in one of its most scenic public spaces. Here are a couple of our recommendations from our visit:
The Wandering Potato
The Lowdown: We recommend the Ohana Potato – a full-sized baked potato cooked to perfection, dressed with a special sauce, and loaded with toppings like melted cheese, fresh scallions and most importantly, thick slices of spam. It’s the kind of lunch that fills the belly and warms the soul, with portions generous enough to share. The Wandering Potato keeps things exciting with pop-up appearances, so follow it online to catch its next stop. And when it rolls into Civic Center EATS, make sure you track them down because you won’t want to miss this hearty, fan favorite.
Super Smash Burgers
The Lowdown: You simply cannot go wrong with a well-made burger, and Super Smash Burgers proves it. This food truck makes a statement with a variety of ways to dress your burger, making it a fun experience. We recommend The Bacon Smash Burger, stacked with thick-cut bacon, white onion, pickles, melty cheese, and their signature sauce. Every bite hits that balance of savory and satisfying. It’s no wonder this truck draws a steady line of hungry visitors – once you catch that aroma, you’ll understand exactly why.
Berliner Haus
The Lowdown: At Berliner Haus, a great meal is guaranteed to keep you full for hours. Specializing in German street food, their crown jewel is the Döner sandwich. The wich is stacked high with authentic German beef and lamb kebab, paired with a fresh salad mix all tucked into a soft pide bread. The flavors are comforting and authentic. Don’t wait too long to order as these sandwiches are a hot commodity and often sell out fast. When you find Berliner Haus at Civic Center EATS, make sure to pay a visit.
Pozzetti Gelato
The Lowdown: No summer trip to the park feels complete without ending on a sweet note. At Pozzetti Gelato, dessert becomes an experience worth discovering. We recommend The Bubble Waffle – paired with your choice of two scoops of gelato and two toppings. We go for Nutella and Lemon Cheesecake gelato, complete with sprinkles and chocolate chips. When lunching at Civic Center Park this season, make Pozzetti your final stop.
Of course, this is all but a taste of the variety of trucks that are offered on site. There are options for sushi, tacos, coffee and beyond. Get in touch with your bestie and make it a lunch date at Center Civic EATS this summer.
Civic Center EATS takes place from now until fall every Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. It is located at Civic Center Park located at 101 14th Ave., Denver. Future event dates are August 27-28 and September 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25; October 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16.
See you there, Denver.