Where to Eat in the Denver Airport

The Denver airport is set up to where you can move freely via train among its three terminals. Unless you have a really short layover, you can easily visit restaurants and shops in another terminal from your gate.

Terminal C
As a frequent Southwest traveler, this is the terminal where I have the most experience.

Root Down has been my go-to, but I have a new find that has captured my attention. Ok, so it’s actually not new at all. It has probably been here since the airport opened. But it’s new to me! All thanks to the Chase Sapphire Reserve (by way of Priority Pass).

For those not familiar, this travel credit card has a ridiculous annual fee and an even more ridiculous (if you do it right) perks. One of said perks is a Priority Pass membership that gets you free access to many airport lounges worldwide.

Back to my “new” find: Timberline Steaks and Grille. I’ve passed it SO many times, but never even looked at the menu. Priority Pass doesn’t cover any lounges in DEN, but it does give you a $28 credit at Timberline Steaks and Grille. All food (besides some famous macaroons) and alcohol are covered. To-go orders and tips are not. Because of this caveat, you do have to spend some money here to cover the tip. But I would argue that the food is better than most all-inclusive lounges. I got the All-American Burger and a glass of the Kunde Zinfandel (9oz) out of Sonoma. This combo is even more perfect if you have some cash with you, because it comes out to $28. If you don’t have cash, then you can order a glass of the local Two Rivers Syrah so that you can put the tip on a card.

Bottom line: Burger and wine were solid and my server Mike was friendly and efficient. The place does seem overrun with Priority Pass people. They have to come around with a special machine to “check” you in. And the servers have to spend time telling you how it works. If you do use your Priority Pass, remember to tip on the full original amount. Let’s not ruin a good thing.