Known for its rich and bold flavors — think pretzels, mustard, sauerkraut, and schnitzels — German food has grown in popularity outside of Europe. In recent years, the cuisine has carved out its own niche in Colorado. Maybe it's the state's mountainous backdrop that reminds folks of the Bavarian Alps, or Coloradans just having a big appetite for hearty, comfort food.
Either way, German dishes have found a second home in the Centennial State, and if you've ever bitten into a juicy brat while soaking in those Rocky Mountain views, you'd get why it's such a hit.
Why Colorado Loves German Food
Colorado's fondness for German food isn't just about the taste; it's deeply rooted in history. Back in the 19th and early 20th centuries, German immigrants flocked to Colorado in search of opportunities, particularly during the Gold Rush era in areas like Arvada and the South Platte River. Bringing with them their traditions, culture — and, of course, recipes — these early settlers helped to significantly influence Colorado's culinary scene.
Over the years, as these communities grew and integrated with other local groups, their food traditions became interwoven with Colorado's local culture. From beer gardens and renaissance festivals to family-owned German eateries, the legacy of these early settlers remains strong. Judging from this rich, historical tapestry, it's not wonder that Coloradans have a special place in their hearts (and stomachs) for German cuisine.
If you're craving a pretzel now after reading this (my bad), we did a deep dive to find all the best German restaurants in Colorado.
For more restaurant reviews and taste tests, please sign up for our free newsletters.
Photo credit: Halfpoint/istockphotoTop German Restaurants in Denver
If you've been to Colorado, you know the state has a thriving craft beer scene. And there's no better pairing for beer than authentic German staples such as schnitzel (a breaded and fried meat cutlet, traditionally made from pork or veal), sauerbraten (a slow-cooked pot roast, typically with a beef base, marinated in a mixture of seasonings), and potato dumplings.
At these popular German spots in Denver, the malty notes of a bock, and the crispness of a pilsner complement the rich flavors of German cuisine perfectly. And you don't have to wait for Oktoberfest to partake in authentic German food and beer. Here are some of the highest-rated German restaurants in, or near, Denver:
Rhein Haus Denver
- Address: 1415 Market St., Denver
- Hours: Monday – Thursday: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday: 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Phone: 303-731-5374
- Website: rheinhausdenver.com
Rhein Haus Denver is a sprawling German brewery known for its wide selection of beers, homemade pretzels, sausages, and more. With both indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurant also offers takeout, delivery, and games in its establishment. Featured items include the classics: sauerkraut, beef goulash, potato salad, bratwursts, soups, and even a decadent apple strudel. With nearly 3,000 (mostly glowing) reviews on Google, it's easy to see why Rhein Haus Denver has become one of the most popular spots for authentic German cuisine in the city.
Gabys German Eatery
- Address: 245 S Harlan Street, Lakewood
- Hours: Wednesday – Thursday: 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m..; Friday – Sunday: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Phone: 720-329-8188
- Website: gabysgermaneatery.com
Serving authentic German and European food, Gabys German Eatery is another popular spot in Denver for dishes like sauerbraten, goulash, dumplings, brats, pirogies, desserts, and more. "Absolutely delicious," writes one user in a Google review. "Everything is flavorful and tastes fresh, and nothing is laden down with sugar (including the lemonade and desserts). You can tell that the food is made from scratch. It’s just that good."
Helga's Haus & Bier Garden
- Address: 14197 E Exposition Ave, Aurora
- Hours: Tuesday — Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Phone: 303-344-5488
- Website: helgasdeli.com
Founded in 1989 by a mother-daughter duo, Helga's House & Bier Garden serves authentic, homemade German delicacies such as schnitzels, spaetzle, curry bratwursts, sandwiches, dumplings, soups, and more. And, of course, there is a robust selection of beers to choose from. Infused with a touch of "old world" enchantment, the restaurant hopes to transport customers to the romantic Rhine Valley of Germany, where medieval castles stand tall against scenic backdrops of quaint towns, lush vineyards, and sprawling farmland.
Prost Brewing
- Address: 2540 19th Street, Denver
- Hours: Monday — Thursday: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday: 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Phone: 303-729-1175
- Website: prostbrewing.com
A haven for beer enthusiasts, Prost Brewing captures the spirit of traditional German brew houses by employing authentic brewing methods and ingredients sourced from Germany. Offering a selection of classics like Pils, Weißbier, Kolsch, and Dunkel, Prost Brewing also has several food options such as bratwursts, pretzels, sauerkraut, and potato cakes to pair with your favorite brews. The company currently has three locations in Denver, Highlands Ranch, and Fort Collins.
Sobo 151 Bar & Grill
- Address: 151 South Broadway, Denver
- Hours: Monday — Wednesday: 3 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Thursday: 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Friday: 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
- Phone: 303-778-1560
- Website: websitesbykate.wixsite.com/sobo-151
This bustling Czech-owned sports bar nestled in the heart of South Broadway offers more than just the usual sports-watching experience. While you can certainly cheer on the Avalanche, enjoy a football match, or challenge friends to a game of pool or Pac-Man, it's the karaoke sessions that are a hit among the crowd. Sobo 151 also offers an array of traditional Czech and German dishes like chicken paprika, schnitzel, potato pancakes, and roast duck. You'll also find classic bar staples like chili, hamburgers, wings, and fries.
Bierstadt Lagerhaus
- Address: 2875 Blake St., Denver
- Hours: Monday — Thursday: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Sunday: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Phone: 720-821-1571
- Website: bierstadtlager.com
This German-style brewery specializes in traditional lagers and beers on tap using equipment sourced from Germany. Bierstadt Lagerhaus also boasts a diverse menu of modern and traditional pub foods such as Bavarian pretzels, currywursts, schnitzel, wings, and more. Guests can enjoy a lively ambiance with live music, as well as a dedicated game floor featuring items like giant Connect 4, Jenga, and Mario Kart.
Related: Not Just in Germany: Great American Beer Gardens for Celebrating Oktoberfest
Photo credit: Juanmonino/istockphotoGerman Cuisine Beyond Denver
Beyond the vibrant culinary hub of Denver, other towns and cities in Colorado also offer a rich German restaurant scene that is both authentic and varied. Dotted with cozy eateries and beer halls reminiscent of Bavarian charm, these establishments serve a smorgasbord of German classics. Whether it's a family-owned spot in a quaint mountain town or a beer garden in a suburban hotspot, Colorado's love affair with German cuisine extends far beyond Denver's city limits. Here are some of the best German restaurants located outside of Denver:
Edelweiss German Restaurant
- Address: 34 E. Romana Ave, Colorado Springs
- Hours: Sunday — Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Phone: 719-633-2220
- Website: edelweissrest.com
This quaint, family-owned restaurant has been a local favorite for more than 50 years. Located in Colorado Springs, Edelweiss serves classics such as jägerschnitzel (sautéed pork medallions served in a mushroom sauce with house spätzle and vegetables), rahmschnitzel (breaded boneless pork cutlet served with a mushroom cream sauce), bratwursts, schnitzels, beers, desserts, and more.
Bohemian Biergarten
- Address: 2017 13th Street, Boulder
- Hours: Wednesday and Thursday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Phone: 720-328-8328
- Website: bohemianbiergarten.com
Designed to mimic the rustic, communal spirit of traditional European beer gardens, this Boulder hotspot offers an immersive experience with an expansive beer selection offering both locally crafted brews and European imports on tap and draft. But it's not just about the beer — the biergarten pairs these frothy bad boys with all the favorite classics: hearty sausages, schnitzels, salads, soups, fish and chips, pretzels, and more. Pro tip: Give "haus specialty," the Honey Bite, a try. The "wild cider and Paulaner hefeweizen topped with honey," is probably one of the best beers I've ever had.
Uwe's German Restaurant
- Address: 31 Iowa Ave, Colorado Springs
- Hours: Tuesday — Saturday: 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Phone: 719-475-1611
- Website: uwesgermanrestaurant.com
Drawing patrons from not just the Pikes Peak region but also Denver and beyond, Uwe's German Restaurant in Colorado Springs has been serving authentic German cuisine for 34 years. Known for its cozy family ambiance and authentic German staples at friendly prices, some of its standout dishes include: jagerschnitzel, sauerbraten, and goulash, paired with sides such as potato dumplings, red cabbage and beet salads, sandwiches, and handcrafted spaetzle.
Note: The restaurant will be closed beginning Aug. 20 through Sept. 6, and will reopen on Sept. 7.
Lauer-Krauts
- Address: 26 S 6th Ave, Brighton
- Hours: Tuesday — Saturday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Phone: 303-654-9700
- Website: lauer-krauts.com
This family-owned restaurant tucked away in Brighton serves "fresh homemade krautburgers at affordable prices." Krautburgers are German-Russian pastries filled with meat, cabbage, and onion. The restaurant also serves soups, including chicken noodle and chili, as well as a variety of desserts such as carrot cake, "sinnamon" rolls (spelled incorrectly on purpose because they're so sinfully good, according to the eatery), and German chocolate brownies.
Rosi's Little Bavarian Restaurant
- Address: 141 W 6th St, Glenwood Springs
- Hours: Monday — Sunday (closed on Tuesdays): 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Phone: 970-928-9186
This cozy, chalet-style breakfast eatery is located just two blocks from the acclaimed Glenwood Hot Springs Resort in Glenwood Springs. Offering breakfast classics with a German twist, you'll find dishes like eggs Benedict with potatoes, schnitzel and eggs, smoked salmon, French toast, burritos, and more. Rosi's Little Bavarian Restaurant also offers gluten-free and dairy-free options.
The Bottom Line
Next time you find yourself longing for a schnitzel, bratwurst, or a crisp German lager, these establishments are sure to hit the spot. Whether you're a native Coloradan, a curious traveler, or simply a lover of German fare, these eateries are ready to whisk you away to the heart of Bavaria — and offer an authentic German dining experience.
