Denver's beloved sustainable restaurant in a converted 1952 gas station in LoHi, Root Down offers globally inspired cuisine with extensive vegetarian and vegan options, local ingredients, and a lively neighborhood atmosphere.
Root Down is one of Denver's most beloved neighborhood restaurants, occupying a converted 1952 Sinclair gas station in the Lower Highlands (LoHi) neighborhood that has been thoughtfully transformed into a warm, light-filled dining room. The restaurant, opened in 2008, helped define Denver's sustainable dining movement and remains one of the city's most inclusive menus for guests with dietary restrictions — roughly half the menu is vegetarian or vegan, with gluten-free options clearly labeled throughout.
The kitchen draws inspiration from global cuisines, producing a rotating menu that might include dishes from India, the Middle East, Latin America, and East Asia alongside Colorado regional preparations. The falafel bowl ($16) is a perennial favorite — crispy, herb-bright falafel served over grains with tahini, pickled vegetables, and house hot sauce. The seasonal root vegetable dish ($18) shifts constantly but consistently highlights whatever Colorado farms are producing, roasted or braised with global spice blends that keep each iteration distinctive. For non-vegetarian diners, Colorado lamb lollipops ($22) showcase the state's mountain-raised livestock.
The dining room retains the architectural bones of the original gas station — high ceilings, industrial windows, and the skeletal canopy visible from the exterior — while filling the interior with warm wood, plants, and the casual energy of a LoHi neighborhood spot. The rooftop patio, open seasonally, is one of the more pleasant outdoor dining spaces in the neighborhood.
Breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner are all served, making Root Down one of the more versatile all-day dining options in Denver. The cocktail program emphasizes organic spirits and fresh-squeezed juices.
Signature dishes
- Falafel bowl — $16
- Seasonal root vegetable dish — $18
- Colorado lamb lollipops — $22
Good to know
- Known for
- Globally inspired vegetarian-friendly cuisine in a converted historic gas station
- Hours
- 9AM-10PM daily
Location
1600 W 33rd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
39.7672, -105.0181 View on map
Highlights
- Converted 1952 gas station in Denver's LoHi neighborhood — one of the city's most distinctive dining spaces
- Half the menu is vegetarian or vegan, making it Denver's most inclusive upscale casual restaurant
- Global-inspired rotating menu featuring falafel bowls, seasonal vegetables, and Colorado lamb
- Seasonal rooftop patio with neighborhood views — a summer favorite in Lower Highlands
- Open for breakfast through dinner, one of the most versatile all-day spots in Denver
Tips for visiting
- Dietary labels are prominent on the menu — gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are easy to identify.
- The rooftop is highly competitive in summer; arrive early or call ahead for patio seating requests.
- Weekend brunch is one of the best in LoHi — the global-inspired egg dishes stand out from Denver brunch norms.
- The cocktail program uses organic spirits and fresh juices; the non-alcoholic options are equally inventive.
- Street parking in LoHi can be tight on weekends; the 15th Street bike lane and a nearby rideshare drop-off make car-free arrival easy.
Accessibility
Root Down is on one level within the converted gas station building at 1600 W 33rd Ave in Denver's LoHi neighborhood. The entrance is step-free and the dining room is wheelchair accessible. The rooftop patio is accessed via stairs and is not wheelchair accessible. Street parking and a nearby bicycle path serve the location.
Frequently asked questions
Is Root Down good for vegetarians and vegans?
Root Down is one of Denver's most vegetarian- and vegan-friendly restaurants, with roughly half the menu meeting those requirements. Gluten-free options are also clearly marked. The kitchen treats plant-based dishes with the same craft as meat preparations.
What neighborhood is Root Down in?
Root Down is located in the Lower Highlands (LoHi) neighborhood of Denver, at 1600 W 33rd Avenue. LoHi is a walkable, upscale residential neighborhood north of downtown Denver with a concentration of independent restaurants and bars.
Does Root Down serve breakfast?
Yes. Root Down serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner daily from 9 AM, making it one of the more versatile all-day dining options in Denver's LoHi neighborhood.
What is unique about the building?
Root Down is housed in a converted 1952 Sinclair gas station that retains many original architectural features, including the station canopy and industrial windows. The interior has been transformed into a warm, plant-filled dining room with a seasonal rooftop patio.