Award-winning Eats in Aurora

It's no secret that Aurora boasts a phenomenal culinary scene!  With over 400 restaurants and markets to explore, it’s no secret that Aurora boasts a thriving culinary scene! From ethnic eateries and international markets to innovative breweries and award-winning dishes, the variety is truly unmatched. 

We’re especially proud of the recent achievements of our local favorites, who earned recognition as 2025 James Beard Award Semifinalists!  Congratulations to Chef Caroline Grover and the team at Traveling Mercies, who have been named as 2025 James Beard Award Semifinalists in the exciting new Best New Bar category! Congratulations to Create Kitchen & Bar owners and chefs Erasmo “Ras” Casiano and Diego Coconati, who earned a spot as a 2025 James Beard Award Semifinalist in the Best Chefs, Mountain category for Lucina Eatery and Bar in Denver!

Traveling Mercies | Directions

Traveling Mercies is a creation by Chef Caroline Grover, offering an intimate oyster and cocktail bar where Instagram-worthy cocktails are expertly paired with fresh oysters for a moment of pure sophistication. The menu, seafood-centric and thoughtfully curated, features a selection of mouthwatering small bites, including Mussels Escabeche toast, smoked trout rillettes, and the flavorful Oeufs Tonnato (soft egg, aioli, and anchovies).

Of course, you can't miss their signature cocktails. Try the Classic Oyster Shooter, the Drinking & Smoking cocktail with peat moss, almond, pineapple, and orange blossom, or the Misirlou, a rum punch with tropical fruit and blood orange notes. And for something truly special, enjoy The Hills Are Alive, a crisp blend of apple brandy, cider, and Italian herbal liqueur that brings a fresh, aromatic twist.

Annette | Directions

2022 James Beard award-winning chef Caroline Glover is no stranger to culinary acclaim. Her first restaurant Annette was named one of the 50 best new restaurants in the country by Bon Appétit magazine. Annette is a modern gastropub that combines the wholesomeness of farm-fresh ingredients with the creativity of a top-notch restaurant. Diners can expect a delicious menu based on a scratch-to-table mantra. With a mission to prepare simple, high-quality food that's meant to be shared by people she dearly loves, Chef Caroline Glover has become a sensation in Aurora and beyond. 

Visit Annette inside Stanley Marketplace for a transcendent dining experience! 

Create Kitchen & Bar | Directions

Explore Create Kitchen & Bar, the culinary experience developed by chefs Erasmo “Ras” Casiano and Diego Coconati. Located inside Stanley Marketplace, Create Kitchen & Bar transforms cooking into an art form, offering guided lessons for all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your culinary techniques, these lessons turn novices into confident chefs. Enjoy a fun and engaging atmosphere, perfect for date nights, birthdays, or gaining impressive kitchen skills to wow your friends at your next dinner party.

Make sure to visit their sister restaurant, Lucina Eatery in Park Hill, which brings together the rich flavors of Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela, inspired by the chefs' Latin heritage. Come experience the dynamic creations at both Create Kitchen & Bar and Lucina—where every dish is a celebration of flavor and culture!

Global Bites along Havana Street 

Aurora is home to more than 250 ethnic eateries (and counting); Aurora is your location for trying something new. From the flavors of Mexican taquerias and the homemade pasta of Italy to the baked bread of Persia, Korea's indulgent hot pots, and the bold spices of India, the list of the best and boldest flavors along Havana Street happily goes on! Check out Nile Ethiopian, Leezakaya, Golden Saigon,  El Tequileno, Pupusas La Salvordorena, Tous Les Jours, Tofu Story, and Yemen Grill, among many other greats! 

As a central hub for ethnic eateries showcasing cuisine worldwide, Havana Street is the top place to go in Aurora if you're looking for authentic, mind-blowing dishes! So much so that Afar Magazine names Havana Street as one of The Best Food Neighborhoods in the USA! A trip to Aurora must include dining along Havana Street; it's a no-brainer! 

Old Hickory Steakhouse | Directions

Discover Old Hickory Steakhouse in Colorado's largest hotel, Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center!  Recognized as a 2024 Wine Spectator Restaurant Award Winner, this delicious steakhouse offers charmingly sophisticated cuisine spanning hand-crafted cocktails, a remarkable wine list, artisanal cheeses, and the highest quality prime and dry-aged beef plates inspired by the Rockies. Enjoy a memorable experience at Old Hickory when you visit Aurora!

Aurora's Award-Winning Breweries 

Colorado's thriving beer culture shines brightly, and Aurora stands out with its exceptional award-winning brews! With so many unique spots, choosing just one favorite is impossible! Below are just a few of the MANY award-winning beers and breweries in Aurora! Discover more by checking out our ultimate Aurora Brewery Guide! Cheers!

Bent Barley | Directions

Bent Barley, located in Southlands, crafts an assortment of ales, lagers, stouts, and refreshing options like the Honey Kolsch and full-bodied Amber. Drop by their taproom to enjoy a pint or sample a flight of their creations. The lively atmosphere of the taproom makes it a favorite spot for locals, and with great food options nearby, it's easy to pair your drinks with a tasty meal. Explore the current beer selection here.

Award-winning brew to try: Dry Irish Stout (Classic Irish-Style Dry Stout), awarded the Gold Medal by the World Beer Cup (2024)

Cheluna | Directions

Cheluna Brewing Company, Colorado's first Latino-owned brewery, is located inside Stanley Marketplace and serves a variety of Mexican-inspired beers. Their lively taproom is part of a vibrant community of over 50 businesses open to the public. Savor their Chelas (beers) that bring bold flavors with a nod to Mexico, including the Chilango Mango Habanero Hefe (wheat beer), Coco Xoco Porter (chocolate coconut porter), Ponche Sangria Hard Seltzer, and Chupa Guava Blonde. And of course, don't miss their fan-favorite and refreshing Lowrider Mexican Lager! See their menu here!

Award-winning brew to try: Enduro (fruit wheat beer), awarded the Silver medal by the Great American Beer Festival (2024)

Cerebral Brewing | Directions

Cerebral’s Aurora Arts taproom, nestled in the heart of the Aurora Cultural Arts District, sits right between their brewhouse and impressive barrel collection. This intimate space offers a unique, hands-on Cerebral experience, available Friday through Sunday. The taproom takes a scientific approach to brewing, blending quality with innovation and evolution. Explore their draft list, featuring a mix of year-round, non-alcoholic, and limited-release beers like the popular Colfax Lager, the crisp Neon Lite, the tart and refreshing Strawberry Rhubarb fruited sour, and for those craving a bolder taste, the Illumination, with notes of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and clove. Check out their draft list here!

Award-winning brew to try: Neon Lite (American Corn Lager) and Muscle Memory (House Pale Ale), awarded by the Good Food Awards (2024), and Cerebral Rare Trait (hazy IPA), awarded Best Beer by Axios Denver (2023)

Launch Pad Brewery | Directions

Launch Pad Brewery, a veteran-owned microbrewery near Buckley Air Force Base, offers a range of beers in a unique, space-themed taproom. Whether you're in the mood for a classic Pale Ale or Kolsch, or want to venture into something different like a Milkshake IPA or a seasonal Barleywine, they’ve got you covered. Plus, they have exciting events every month including their Beer and Cheese Pairings and Yappy Hour! Check out their full menu here.

Award-winning brew to try: Silver Medal Worthy (American-Belgo-Style Ale), awarded the Gold Medal by the Great American Beer Festival (2024)

Haykin Family Cider | Directions

Haykin Family Cider is introducing a fresh take on craft beverages—hard cider! Alongside tastings by glass or flight, their cozy tasting room offers retail bottles and a chance to chat with the owners themselves. As a celebrated small-batch cidery, Haykin Family Cider produces a sparkling, wine-inspired cider with varying levels of sweetness. Sip on crowd favorites like the Golden Russet, which evokes flavors of guava, passion fruit, and honeysuckle, or enjoy the Geeveston Fanny, crafted with apples from Geeveston, Australia. This cider bursts with pear notes and a hint of white peach, delivering a dry, crisp, and refreshing experience. Drop by for a taste and explore their list!

Award-winning brew to try: Mountain Rose (single varietal cider), awarded the Gold Medal by the Great American Beer Festival (2024)