Seafood in Denver is a surprise waiting to happen. A few years back, I wandered into a local oyster bar on a snowy afternoon. The briny scent hit me first. Then came the tower of fresh oysters, cold shrimp, and snow crab, all so plump I nearly forgot I was landlocked. Denver chefs have a knack for coaxing flavor from the ocean, thanks to overnight deliveries and a little Rocky Mountain magic.
Finding good seafood in Denver means looking past the obvious and diving into a mix of charming bistros and all-out seafood shrines. The city is packed with talented chefs who dodge the usual clichés. Whether you’re after a tidy poke bowl, a classic lobster roll, or a platter of fire-grilled fish, the options are both unexpected and fresh. If you think the best seafood can’t be found a mile above sea level, you’re in for a convincing change of mind.
Where to find the best seafood in Denver, CO
Here are some of the top spots to find the best seafood in Denver, CO:
- Ocean Prime
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
- Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
- Stoic & Genuine
- Blue Island Oyster Bar and Seafood
- Max Gill and Grill
- Maine Shack
- Fish N Beer
- Water Grill Denver
- Asian Cajun
1. Ocean Prime
Ocean Prime sits in the heart of Larimer Square, yet it feels like you’ve stepped onto a glowing coastal retreat. The lighting is just right—a little dramatic, a little cozy. On my last visit, I watched a waiter float by with a tower of icy seafood, each shell gleaming like treasure.
The menu wraps luxury around every dish, from silky sea bass to buttery Alaskan king crab legs. My vote always lands on their scallops. They arrive caramelized at the edges and pillowy inside, resting over lemony risotto. For sharing, the seafood tower feels festive and never skimps on quality.
Ocean Prime isn’t about excess; it’s about precision and polish. Everything here gives seafood lovers a reason to celebrate—even in the middle of Denver.
2. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. feels like a coastal escape tucked into downtown Denver. Walking in, you’re greeted by movie memorabilia and staff who know their way around a shrimp joke or two. It’s a place that doesn’t take itself too seriously, except when it comes to the food.
The menu is an ode to all-things shrimp—think skewers, boils, and po’boys done right. On my last trip, I dove into the Shrimp New Orleans. The plump shrimp in a spicy, garlicky sauce over steamed rice made for a satisfying meal after a long day.
The vibe is lively and welcoming, perfect for groups or families. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. proves seafood can be fun and impressive, even miles from the oceanfront.
3. Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar makes it clear that seafood in Denver can be both incredibly fresh and sustainably sourced. The first thing you notice is the bustle—a proof that locals trust Jax for their ocean fix. My evening started at the raw bar, where the oysters were as crisp and briny as any I’ve tasted on the coast.
Sustainable sourcing is more than a promise here; it’s evident in every forkful. Their crispy calamari has the perfect snap, while the blackened catfish balances bold spices with buttery, delicate fish. For me, the smoked trout dip is always a table favorite—smoky, creamy, and gone in seconds.
This spot draws a crowd for good reason. Jax blends lively atmosphere with seafood that stands up to any coastal rival.
4. Stoic & Genuine
Stoic & Genuine sits in Union Station and pulls off the rare trick of mixing urban cool with ocean freshness. On my last visit, I watched shimmering clams being expertly shucked at the raw bar. The flavors reminded me of eating seafood right on the coast.
Presentation is no afterthought—every plate looks ready for its close-up, but taste always comes first. Their oysters are top-notch, always icy and clean. I lean toward the charred octopus, plated with bright herbs and crispy potatoes for a perfect bite.
This spot stands out for its creativity and attention to freshness. Stoic & Genuine sets the bar for seafood in Denver, never overcomplicating things but always surprising you with what’s next.
5. Blue Island Oyster Bar and Seafood
Blue Island Oyster Bar and Seafood brings a touch of East Coast charm to Cherry Creek. The vibe inside is breezy but polished, and the menu feels like an invitation to explore the ocean’s best. I once dropped by for a quick lunch and found myself lingering over every course, drawn in by the freshness.
The partnership with Blue Island Shellfish Farms really shows—oysters taste as if harvested that same morning. Raw bar selections are a specialty, with the clam chowder running a close second for comfort. If you’re up for a classic, order the grilled salmon; it’s expertly cooked with just the right hint of citrus.
This is the sort of place where seafood feels thoughtful, not just shipped in. Every dish delivers on quality and coastal spirit.
6. Max Gill and Grill
Max Gill and Grill sits on a quiet neighborhood street, but there’s nothing sleepy about the energy inside. This spot is a local favorite for casual seafood, lively chatter, and the sort of happy hour that pulls in regulars year-round. My first visit was on a whim, and I ended up talking seafood with the bartender as the smell of wood-grilled fish floated through the air.
Big flavors are the focus here—especially the fire-grilled trout, smoky and tender, with just a squeeze of lemon. Their crispy fish tacos come piled high, generous on the slaw and always satisfying. For something more comforting, the New England-style clam chowder is the real deal.
Max Gill and Grill nails that warm neighborhood feel while serving quality seafood that always exceeds expectations.
7. Maine Shack
Maine Shack brings the taste of coastal Maine right to the heart of Denver. Walk in and it’s all lobster rolls, East Coast nostalgia, and a buzz that hits just around lunchtime. My first bite of their lobster roll took me back to a breezy pier in Portland—sweet lobster, soft bun, just enough butter.
The star here is the lobster roll, served simple or with a twist—think scallion mayo for a light, zesty finish. The clam chowder is brimming with fresh clams and feels like the ultimate comfort on a chilly Denver day.
If you’re missing New England but love Denver’s vibe, Maine Shack serves that sweet spot where classic flavors and city views come together.
8. Fish N Beer
Fish N Beer is no-frills in the best way—a spot where seafood and wood-fired flavors get top billing. The open kitchen gives the place a bustling, unpolished charm. My last visit turned into a deep dive into their wood-grilled menu, starting with smoky oysters that hit all the right notes.
Big on flavor and freshness, the house favorite is the whole grilled fish, crisp on the outside and flaky inside. The shrimp and grits, with its creamy base and hint of spice, makes for pure comfort. Paired with their rotating tap list, everything feels honest and unpretentious.
Fish N Beer stands out for its relaxed vibe and dedication to simple, bold seafood. It’s perfect for anyone craving the essence of the coast, right in Denver.
9. Water Grill Denver
Water Grill Denver brings the ocean’s variety right to downtown’s edge. Here, the menu doesn’t sit still—what’s fresh that day sets the tone, so each visit feels new. I once came in on a whim and found myself choosing from a chilled seafood bar lined with glistening oysters and scallops, each carefully sourced.
The whole roasted branzino leaps out for its crispy skin and delicate, moist flesh—simple but unforgettable. The tuna poke, bright and vibrant, fits those craving lighter bites, while the classic clam chowder soothes on colder days.
At Water Grill, it’s the attention to seasonality that makes the difference. This is where Denver’s seafood scene moves from good to genuinely memorable.
10. Asian Cajun
Asian Cajun is where Louisiana soul meets Vietnamese flair, tucked away on Alameda. The energy is infectious—on my last trip, tables buzzed with laughter and shared baskets of seafood, spiced with a tang that’s hard to place but addictive after the first bite.
The seafood boils here are the main attraction, steaming with crawfish, shrimp, and crab, all bathed in bold, aromatic sauces. Choose the garlic butter or Cajun blend for a finger-licking experience that stands out from any traditional boil you’ll find elsewhere in Denver.
The fusion approach brings unexpected flavors to classics, making every visit feel like a food adventure. Asian Cajun’s secret is simple: fresh seafood and spice, never taking themselves too seriously—but never cutting corners on flavor.
More Things to Try in Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of seafood are most popular in Denver?
Denver loves its oysters, crab, shrimp, lobster rolls, and grilled fish. Many spots also spotlight poke bowls and seafood towers for sharing.
Can you find fresh seafood in a landlocked city like Denver?
Absolutely. Seafood is flown in daily from coasts and top suppliers, so dishes taste just-caught and vibrant, even a mile high.
What’s the best place for oysters in Denver?
Many locals swear by Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar and Blue Island Oyster Bar for their variety and quality.
Are there good seafood spots with outdoor seating?
Yes. Restaurants such as Max Gill and Grill and Maine Shack both offer relaxed patios that suit sunny days.
Do Denver seafood restaurants cater to gluten-free or vegetarian diets?
Many do. Most top spots list gluten-free and vegetarian options, making it easy to find something for everyone at the table.
Where can I find classic New England seafood in Denver?
Maine Shack specializes in lobster rolls, clam chowder, and other New England staples with authenticity and flair.
What’s unique about Denver’s seafood scene?
Chefs in Denver mix traditional and creative flavors. You’ll find everything from Cajun-Vietnamese boils (Asian Cajun) to upscale grilled branzino (Water Grill).