by Jessica Hughes
True Food Kitchen — Location: 2800 E 2nd Ave.
A national chain that has found a home in Denver’s Cherry Creek shopping district, True Food Kitchen is a casual, yet chic, healthy dining option. With earth-like elements including green chairs, a butcher block bar, and speckles of greenery at each table, you can’t help but feel good about eating here. Offering both seasonal dishes and staple items, patrons will enjoy a full menu of soups, salads, pizza, bowls, burgers and sandwiches, and an assorted mix of healthy entrees. Even their cocktail menu leaves little guilt on the table with their Beets by Jon (organic vodka, red beet, lemon, and pineapple) and their Juniper Rose (rose-in-fused gin, lime, grapefruit, thyme). Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available.
Try: Spicy Panang Curry ($14)
Vital Root — Location: 3915 Tennyson St.
Found in the hip and trendy neighborhood of Berkeley, Vital Root is a local food company committed to providing nutritious and delicious food. The multi-level modern space, filled with botanical art and good, clean food, offers both weekend brunch and an everyday menu, plus grab-and-go food options and a happy hour you can feel good about with their $4 juice of the day. Using ingredients such as coconut, dates, sunflower and avocado oil, and ancient grains, their food is designed with the healthiest ingredients as possible. Dedicated to those with food allergies and dietary restrictions, an outdoor sign asks that no outside food or drink be brought indoors as they operate a gluten-free kitchen.
Try: Sunflower Risotto ($13)
Vert Kitchen
Location: 704 South Pearl St.
Nestled between the homes of North Washington Park, Vert Kitchen offers a small café space with big flavor. Serving up lunch and brunch options made with organic and locally sourced ingredients, you will no doubt feel good about what you are eating. Everything is made in-house using French cuisine techniques, 100% organic produce, plus all-natural and sustainable meats and dairy. Take a sip at the café and bar for freshly brewed coffee, natural wines, and premium beers. Enjoy your meal indoors in their cozy café atmosphere or take yours outside to their backyard patio-filled, with green and garden elements.
Try: Salad du Marche ($16)
Green Seed Market
Location: 2669 Larimer St.
Located inside the Denver Central Market, Green Seed Market is a neighborhood market with a twist. Pick your poison of fresh vegetables and fruits for purchase or order a custom soup, salad, veggie bowl, acai bowl, smoothie, or fresh juice to take home with you. With a focus on offering the produce of the season, Green Seed Market is dedicated to bringing foods to the neighborhood most would not find at their local grocery stores.
Try: Gangsta’s Paradise ($9.50)
Whole Sol Blend Bar
Location: 1735 Chestnut Pl.
Home to Denver and Boulder’s only USDA certified organic juice bar, Whole Sol offers a fresh twist on healthy foods. 100 percent dairy free, gluten-free, and organic, you can feel confident what you order is good for your soul. Known for their smoothie bowls and cold-pressed juices, you can’t go wrong with either. Don’t want to eat it as a bowl? Just ask and they will turn your bowl into a smoothie. Take your bowl to the next level with additional add-ons including their own Newtella, greens, granola, and plant protein.
Try: I Like You Matcha ($10)
Just Be Kitchen
Location: 2364 15th St.
A haven for the food conscious, Just Be Kitchen serves up 100 percent gluten-free, soy-free, and grain-free food options that cater to Paleo, Whole30, Keto, and AIP friendly diets. A seasonal menu offers breakfast, brunch, and dinner options. Plus, an entire menu dedicated to the Whole30 diet, including its very own bone broth bar. For sipping, try a gluten-free beer or a crafty cocktail using reduced grain-free spirits.
Try: Radiant, sweet potato gnocchi ($12.50)
Mercury Café
Location: 2199 California St.
Get a mix of it all at the Mercury Café. Known for its dance lessons and live music, the restaurant has also made a name for itself for its fresh organic dishes. Everything on the menu is gluten-free, except the bread. Get down this year with organic foods and a dance lesson or two.
Try: Pagan Vegan Plate ($10)
Superfruit Republic
Locations: 7483 E. 29th Pl. &
1776 Broadway, Suite 115
A fast-casual café, Superfruit Republic serves up tasty acai bowls packed with the nutrients a healthy body craves. With two locations now in Denver, visitors can choose from organic acai bowls, fruit smoothies, and fresh juices. Add a boost to your bowl or smoothie with coconut flakes, goji berries, or any fruit/nut blend.
Try: The Blueberry Pumpkin (large bowl $9.50)
Watercourse Foods
Location: 837 E. 17th Ave.
Catering to vegans everywhere, Watercourse Foods serves up what they call “vegan comfort food.” With their fresh ingredients prepared daily and friendly atmosphere, they make eating healthy easy to do. With an extensive breakfast and brunch menu, plus salads and sandwiches and dinner entrees, visitors can eat healthy all day long. Don’t forget to wash your food down with locally brewed kombucha on tap!
Try: Za’atar Eggplant ($16)
Vitality Bowls
Location: 2702 E. 3rd Ave., Denver, CO 80206
A national chain restaurant, Vitality Bowls, offers a location in Denver’s Cherry Creek shopping district. With smoothies, bowls, salads, paninis, soups, and juices, there are options for any meal of the day. Their signature bowls and smoothies are made with the best ingredients available and do not include fillers like artificial preservatives. Gluten-free options are available.
Try: for energy try the Vitality Bowl ($10.49)