The Denver Botanic Gardens offers a variety of dining options within its premises and in the surrounding area. Visitors can enjoy fresh, locally-sourced meals at Offshoots Café and Hive Garden Bistro, or grab a quick snack from The Hot Dog Cart. For those willing to venture outside the gardens, nearby restaurants like Chef Zorba’s, Saucy Bombay, and Shells and Sauce provide diverse culinary experiences. These food courts and eateries cater to different tastes and budgets, ensuring a satisfying dining experience for all garden visitors.
What Are the On-Site Dining Options at Denver Botanic Gardens?
Offshoots Café
Located in the main building next to the Water-Smart Garden, Offshoots Café offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options:
- Menu Highlights:
- Breakfast pastries
- Breakfast burritos
- Sandwiches
- Salads
-
Wraps
-
Price Range:
- Breakfast items: Around $10
-
Lunch items: $10-$18
-
Features:
- Uses local ingredients when possible
- Free Wi-Fi
- 100% compostable products
-
10% discount for members
-
Hours: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily (kitchen closes at 2:30 p.m.)
Hive Garden Bistro
Situated adjacent to Monet Pool, Hive Garden Bistro offers a scenic dining experience:
- Menu Highlights:
- Burgers
- Sandwiches
- Salads
- Wood-fired pizzas
-
Seasonal fare
-
Price Range:
- Burgers and sandwiches: $14-$17.50
- Pizzas: $13-$15
-
Salads: $14-$18
-
Features:
- Large patio with shaded seating
- Free Wi-Fi
- 10% discount for members
-
Uses local ingredients
-
Hours: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. daily (kitchen closes at 2 p.m.), weather permitting
The Hot Dog Cart
For a quick bite, The Hot Dog Cart in Oak Grove offers:
- Menu Highlights:
- Hot dogs
- Vegetarian brats
- Canned beverages
-
Chips
-
Price Range: Generally under $10 for hot dogs and brats
-
Features:
- Convenient location in Oak Grove
-
Limited seating available
-
Hours: Vary, typically open during events
Where Can You Find Nearby Dining Options Outside the Gardens?
Chef Zorba’s
Located at 2626 E. 12th Ave., Denver (10-minute walk or 2-minute drive from the gardens):
- Cuisine: Greek diner
- Menu Highlights:
- Breakfast all day
- Gyros
- Dips
- Spanakopita
- Price Range: Moderate, with brunch items and platters around $10-$20
Saucy Bombay
Situated at 2616 E. Colfax Ave., Denver (less than 5 minutes by car or 17 minutes walking):
- Cuisine: Indian
- Menu Highlights:
- Build-your-own wraps
- Bowls
- Entree platters
- Price Range: Starting at $13 for build-your-own options
Shells and Sauce
Found at 2600 E. 12th Ave., Denver (9-minute walk from the gardens):
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Menu Highlights:
- Happy hour specials
- Stuffed shells
- Lasagna
- Price Range:
- Happy hour small plates: $9.95
- Dinner items: $17.95-$22
What Special Events and Dining Promotions Are Available?
Summer Concert Series
During the Summer Concert Series, both Offshoots Café and Hive Garden Bistro offer extended hours:
- Offshoots Café: Open until 9 p.m. (last order at 8:30 p.m.)
- Hive Garden Bistro: Open until 8 p.m. (last order at 7:30 p.m.)
- Pre-order picnic boxes available, including:
- Chilled entrée
- Side dishes
- Dessert
- Packed in a reusable canvas tote
Blossoms of Light
During the Blossoms of Light event:
- Special themed food and beverages available at both Offshoots Café and Hive Garden Bistro
- Extended hours apply
How Do the On-Site Dining Options Compare?
| Feature | Offshoots Café | Hive Garden Bistro | The Hot Dog Cart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Main building | Adjacent to Monet Pool | Oak Grove |
| Cuisine Type | Breakfast, sandwiches, salads | Burgers, pizzas, seasonal fare | Hot dogs, brats |
| Price Range | $10-$18 | $13-$18 | Under $10 |
| Seating | Indoor | Large patio | Limited |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes | No |
| Member Discount | 10% | 10% | N/A |
| Hours | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. daily | Varies |
By offering a range of dining options both within and near the Denver Botanic Gardens, visitors can enjoy a variety of culinary experiences to complement their garden visit. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a leisurely meal with a view, or exploring local eateries, the food court near Denver Botanic Gardens has something to satisfy every palate and budget.
References:
1. https://diningout.com/where-to-eat-when-visiting-the-denver-botanic-gardens/
2. https://www.botanicgardens.org/york-street/dining
3. https://www.botanicgardens.org/sites/default/files/file/2022-05/2022_Hive-Spring-Menu.pdf
4. https://ingoodtastedenver.com/swarm-to-the-hive-garden-bistro/
5. https://www.botanicgardens.org/food-beverages-summer-concert-series