🍽️ Where to eat cheap in Denver

🛴 The War on Scooters Renewed

Denver District 10 City Councilman Chris Hinds is presenting to the city’s Budget and Policy Committee today with a fresh proposal to better regulate the use of electric scooters on city streets. Though Denver has scooter laws in place, they’ve proven difficult to enforce.

[Westword]

• Hear from Chris Hinds: This isn’t the councilman’s first crusade against Denver’s most popular new mode of transportation. We spoke with him two summers ago about his staunch stance against scooters. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

❗ Beware Wildfire Fundraising Scams

As state fire crews continue their work to contain and investigate the multiple Front Range wildfires that broke out last week, those impacted are still trying to tally the damage. Meanwhile, local officials are warning good samaritans to beware of fundraising scams. [Fox31]

• 👉 Dive deeper: Last week we heard from CSU climate geographer Lauren Gifford about the current role of climate change in Colorado. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

📽️ RIP Chez Artiste

Denver is losing another classic movie theater. Just two weeks after the historic Esquire Theatre shuttered for good, the Chez Artiste in southeast Denver announced August 8 will be its final day in business. Both theaters are owned by Landmark Theatres. [Denver Gazette 🔒]

🐺 Wolf Reintroduction Project Hits Major Snag

The Indigenous tribes out of Washington that agreed to provide some of the wolves for Colorado’s (highly controversial) gray wolf reintroduction have backed out of the agreement, alleging the tribal communities in Colorado that will be impacted by the project were not properly consulted. [Denver Post 🔒]

It feels like everything is more expensive these days — housing, groceries, gas. And a meal out is no exception — I mean, $17 for a bagel sandwich? 🫠 Inspired by the honorable mission of one local restaurant owner to serve an affordable Denver breakfast option, we’re doing the important work of rounding up the best local spots where you can still fill your belly without emptying your wallet. Here are our picks for Denver’s best cheap eats.

🍳 Breakfast for $10 or Less

New York Bagel Cafe (Lakewood)

The hot fresh NY-style bagels that are made on-site at this Lakewood cafe ring up at blessedly refreshing $7.09 — and that’s with eggs, cheese, and a choice of protein. Heck, that leaves enough wiggle room to throw in a SunnyD for $1.39.

Rise & Shine (Sloan’s Lake | Speer | Lakewood)

A plain fresh-baked biscuit here starts at an easy-peasy $1.75. Add-ons — like jam, honey, cheese, or meat — range from 65 cents to $1.95. Signature biscuit sammies are less than $6. At that price, you might as well add on a cup of Pablo’s coffee.

🥪 Lunch for $15 or Less

Zoe Ma Ma (Union Station | Boulder)

James Beard Award semifinalist chef Edwin Zoe’s homemade noodle bowls, complete with savory Chinese sauces and fresh seasonal veggies, are only $9. If you add on a veggie bao bun for $4, you’re still under $15. How's that bang for your buck?

Little India of Denver (Speer | University | West Highland | Central Park)

This local little chain is known for its authentic Indian eats, but it’s renowned for its long-running $10 lunch buffet. But FYI, the deal isn’t always on offer — follow Little India’s social accounts to catch the next one!

• Psst! Little India’s 6th Ave. location is now open 24/7. Plus, here are some other local spots to get your late-night grub on. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🍝 Dinner for $20 or Less

Odyssey Italian (Speer)

Dinner here will cure your Monday blues with half-priced pasta Mondays! Portions are generous, flavors are still top-notch, and each $11.95 pasta plate comes with a Caesar salad and fresh rolls.

Yacht Club (Cole)

This hip RiNo cocktail bar is known for its libations, but if you’re feeling a little peckish, just ask for an Old No. 7-11 ($9), and the bartender will bring a Jack and Coke with a hot dog 😎

Denver’s Best Cheap Eats

Is there anywhere in Denver you can go for a meal that doesn’t leave you feeling like you have to choose between eating and making rent? Denverites are in desperate need of affordable dining options — lucky for you, we know just where to go.