If you’re craving a culinary adventure that skips the chains and dives headfirst into local flavor, look no further than Applewood in Lakewood, CO. Nestled just west of Denver, this charming neighborhood punches well above its weight when it comes to dining. From artisan coffee and scratch bakeries to family-run restaurants and inventive food trucks, Applewood serves up a food scene that’s both welcoming and quietly impressive.
Breakfast and Brunch Hotspots
Start your morning along Youngfield Street, where Applewood’s most beloved breakfast nooks gather.
- Blue Sky Café (14403 W Colfax Ave): A locals-favorite brunch spot, Blue Sky Café dishes up everything from fluffy buttermilk pancakes to inventive breakfast burritos. Their farm-fresh eggs and in-house green chili make for a hearty Colorado-style meal. Weekend mornings can get busy, but the cinnamon rolls and bottomless coffee are well worth the wait. Expect breakfast in the $10-$15 range.
- Applewood Village Coffee (2021 Youngfield St): This cozy, independently owned café is famous for its barista-made drinks and locally sourced pastries. Grab a seat on the patio and enjoy a cortado with a freshly baked scone—or treat yourself to their rotating lineup of breakfast sandwiches. It's the kind of place where staff greet regulars by name, and every cappuccino has the perfectly foamed hearts.
Lunch Gems and Hidden Delights
For lunch, Applewood offers up a surprising range of options, from quick bites to leisurely midday escapes.
- Abrusci’s Fire & Vine (2200 Youngfield St): Right at the core of Applewood, this Italian eatery brings wood-fired pizza and handcrafted pasta to the neighborhood. The lunch menu shines with their signature “Abrusci’s Pie,” crispy calamari, and generous salads. Dining al fresco on their patio during sunny Colorado afternoons is a must. Most entrées run $15–$25, and their gluten-free menu is among the best in the city.
- Nomad Taqueria + Beer Garden (18485 W Colfax Ave): Tucked near the base of the foothills, Nomad’s vibrant taco menu, creative cocktails, and local craft beers draw an energetic lunch crowd. Try the carnitas tacos or the green chili cheese fries, and don’t miss their weekend brunch. Prices hover between $9–$18, making it a fun and affordable stop.
- La Patisserie Française Bakery (1370 Independence St): Just a skip from Applewood, this French bakery is an open secret among Applewood residents. Their buttery croissants, éclairs, and baguette sandwiches make for a perfect midday treat or picnic takeout. Expect to spend about $5–$10, depending on your willpower at the pastry case.
Dinner Destinations and Date Night Spots
When the sun sets and appetites grow, Applewood’s dinner scene fires up with serious flavor and personality.
- Simms Steakhouse (11911 W 6th Ave): Overlooking the city skyline, Simms is a special-occasion classic. Their aged steaks, hearty sides (don’t skip the lobster mashed potatoes!), and impressive wine list make it THE go-to for birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations. Entrees range from $25–$50, but the unforgettable views and old-school service elevate every meal.
- Moose Hill Cantina (11911 W Colfax Ave): Warm, lively, and never stuffy, Moose Hill has been serving up Colorado-style Mexican for decades. The green chili plates and giant margaritas are essentials, while the friendly staff and retro vibe make it a community anchor. Dinner here typically runs $12–$20.
- Table Mountain Inn & Grill (1310 Washington Ave, Golden): Just a few minutes from Applewood, you’ll also find memorable southwestern-inspired cuisine. Think chipotle-grilled salmon, sizzling fajitas, and agave-glazed prime rib served in a rustic but elegant setting. It’s a Golden stop, but many Applewood locals make it part of their regular rotation.
Coffee Shops and Sweet Treats
Applewood’s indie food spirit carries into its dessert and coffee scene.
- Stylus & Crate (6985 W 38th Ave): Technically just outside the official neighborhood lines, this minimalist café is a hit with the Applewood crowd. Think expertly brewed pour-overs, outside-the-box espresso drinks, and an assortment of house-made waffles. The vibe is laid-back, perfect for catching up on work or winding down the day.
- Bonnie Brae Ice Cream (7930 W Alameda Ave): Voted one of Denver’s best ice creameries, this beloved parlor is worth the short drive. Indulge in handcrafted scoops like their signature Rocky Road or the ultra-creamy Salted Oreo. Perfect for summer evenings or anytime you need a little nostalgia.
Applewood Food Trucks and Local Traditions
Applewood isn’t just about restaurants with four walls. During warm months, the intersection of Youngfield and 20th Ave often hosts a rotating roster of local food trucks and pop-ups. Residents know to watch for Taco Tuesday events, BBQ trucks with smoked brisket, and seasonal favorites like kettle corn and farm-fresh corn on the cob.
Community events, such as the Applewood Arts & Crafts Fair, reliably feature locally made jerky, homemade jams, and the kind of cookies that get devoured before you’re out of the parking lot.
Neighborhood Staples and Grocery Finds
For those who'd rather cook than dine out, Applewood offers some top-tier stops at the local King Soopers and Natural Grocers at Applewood Village Shopping Center. Their specialty cheese selections, organic produce, and ready-to-eat deli fare mean you can take the flavor of Applewood home with you.
Why Applewood’s Food Scene Shines
What sets Applewood apart isn’t just its variety—it’s the honest, welcoming food culture. Here, you’ll meet chefs who remember your favorite order, servers who pour your coffee with a smile, and bakers who leave handwritten notes inside pastry boxes. From family-run classics to ambitious newcomers, Applewood’s dining scene makes everyone feel like a neighbor.
If you’re mapping out your Lakewood food crawl, save room for Applewood. It’s a neighborhood that’s easy to drive past but impossible to forget once you taste what’s simmering behind each storefront and food truck window.