Last Update in November 2023! In a state where cross fit is merely daily exercise and becoming a yoga instructor is a top career, you can bet nutrition takes center stage. Consequently, there are numerous restaurants in Colorado that cater to paleo, keto, whole30, gluten-free, plant-based, and of course, dairy-free diets. Consequently, we are continuously populating this guide to restaurants, bakeries, cafes, ice cream shops, and stores in Colorado that are friendly to dairy-free diners. It’s a collection based on research and reader recommendations (send yours!) that’s divided into restaurants & shops by city (first) and major chains found throughout the state (second). And we’ve started a section for specialty dairy-free foods produced in this state.
We Update Continuously! You can ignore the original date on this post going forward. We update the information below whenever we’re alerted to a new recommendation, change, or closure.
Photo from Fresh Thymes Eatery in Boulder
Dairy-Free Colorado: Recommended Restaurants & Shops
The Colorado landscape is populated with mountains, plateaus, and rivers. Consequently, free range lamb, bison, and trout are popular local foods that can be found on many menus. Elk is also gaining popularity, and chili verde is a local specialty that can easily be ordered dairy-free. These dishes can often be found at local microbreweries – Colorado has hundreds of them!
The Centennial State is also no stranger to plant-heavy cuisine, and dairy-free options seem to come standard on many menus. The restaurants listed below are ones that we’ve discovered with a solid dairy-free selection. We’ve listed these recommendations alphabetically by city and then by the restaurant or shop name. For large chains with locations throughout the state, see the Major Restaurant & Grocery Chains section below. We have dedicated posts with dairy-free details for many of the big guys.
⭐️ = Restaurant is either dairy-free, has a dairy-free menu, has dairy-free labels on their menu(s), or lists top allergens with menu items. (At the time of our last review.)
Arvada
- Beau Jo’s – Thanks to Michelle for letting us know about this local restaurant chain. “They now have a menu with dairy free crust, sauce, & cheese (which melts) on their pizzas. It is a soy-based “cheese. If you’ve never had their pizza before, make sure to try the Mountain Pie & dip the crust in honey. It’s delicious! They also are starting a take-n-bake service if you don’t want to dine in. Beau Jo’s also offers gluten-free pizza crust!”
- Gluten Free Things ⭐️ – Everything is gluten-free and vegan at this bakery. They make breads, crusts, cupcakes, cakes, and more.
- Rheinlander Bakery ⭐️ – This European-style bakery offers a dairy-free/gluten-free selection of cupcakes, tortes, coffee cakes, pastries, cookies, and more. They also have a vegan/gluten-free line, and take custom cake orders. And they have some imported items on hand, like marzipan.
- So Radish ⭐️ – This hip vegan restaurant has a funky atmosphere and a comfort food menu with lots of Southern-style favorites. They are open for lunch and dinner.
Aspen
- Spring Cafe – They offer house-made nut milk for lattes, have a whole menu of dairy-free smoothies with almond or soymilk, and serve a lunch menu that’s almost completely vegan. It includes salads, sandwiches, burgers, quesadillas, and soul food.
Aurora
- Gina’s Kitchen – Thanks to Janet for letting us know about this bakery and bistro, “They make the best bday cakes and bread! They are fully GF, and have dairy free, soy free options.” They also serve dairy-free yogurt bowls and acai bowls for breakfast, and sandwiches for lunch.
- Lazy Dog – This chain restaurant has a full allergen chart for their modern bar and grill style menu. It also includes a vegan column. They have dairy-free options throughout their menu, including appetizers, salads, Asian-style bowls, seafood, ribs, and plenty of sides. At last check, they also had a dairy-free pie for dessert.
- Mad Greens – They have a great allergen chart, and most of their salads, grain bowls, and wraps can be ordered dairy-free, simply by omitting the cheese and swapping the sauce/dressing if needed. They also have build-your-own options.
- Parlor Doughnuts – They offer a vegan / gluten-free doughnut with different custom glazes. All of their shakes can also be made dairy free. Plus, they have a full coffee bar and some other breakfast goods.
- Slim Chickens – They make dairy-free custom orders easy, and are trained to be friendly to allergen requests. Their grilled chicken tenders are made without dairy, and can be subbed on meals, wraps, or salads. They also have a good allergen menu, with a nice selection of dairy-free sauces and sides. Just use caution when ordering sandwiches. At last check, their brioche sandwich buns were dairy-free, but they are brushed with butter.
- Stanley Beer Hall – Their pub-style menu does contain quite a bit of cheese, but they have dozens of items they can easily make dairy-free on request. That includes pretzel bites, tacos, tots, salads, burgers, chili, and more.
Boulder
- Bartaco – Their allergen menu is so detailed, that it states exactly what in the item contains the allergen. And their dairy-free options are abundant. Most of their tacos, rice bowls, other entrees, and sides are, or can be ordered, dairy-free. But the dessert and kids menus are heavy in dairy.
- Ben & Jerry’s – See our Ben & Jerry’s Dairy-Free Guide for full details.
- Boss Lady Pizza – They offer a mini menu of vegan pizza pies, and have build-your-own pizza options with a few sauce choices, various toppings, and house-made garlic herb vegan ricotta. They run a nut-free facility, and source a local gluten-free crust, as an option, that is dairy-free and vegan.
- Crisp & Green – You can enjoy their full menu of smoothies and acai bowls, and they offer a great allergen menu to help you custom order their savory bowls. They also cater to vegan and gluten-free guests, and even have some dairy-free grab ‘n go dessert treats.
- Flower Child – This healthy restaurant chain serves salads, bowls, and plates with choose your own protein and side options. Their modern “hippie” menu is loaded with organic produce, whole grains (gluten-free, too), and house dressings. Their menu is littered with vegan and paleo options, and most items either are, or can be made dairy-free on request.
- Gelato Boy ⭐️ – Formerly known as Fior di Latte, this gelato shop has expanded to two locations in Boulder, two in Denver, and pint shipping throughout the U.S. And their dairy-free gelato selection is big! It includes creamy flavors like Cookies & Cream and Caramel Apple Butter, made with a base of coconut milk, cashew milk, and/or oat milk. You can order in a cup or cone (two are dairy-free, one of those is gluten-free). They also offer almond milk and oat milk for their tea, espresso, and coffee drinks. And they can make you a dairy-free milkshake, ice cream sandwich, or brownie à la mode.
- Good Clean Food ⭐️ – This is a plant-based, dairy-free, gluten-free, organic local meal delivery service.
- Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
- Kim & Jake’s Cakes – This purely gluten-free bake shop makes stunning cakes and cupcakes. They take custom orders for other special diet needs, including dairy-free, egg-free, vegan, soy-free, and more. But they also have many dairy-free items on hand, including fresh baked breads, paleo cookies, and usually some other sweet treats.
- Mad Greens – They have a great allergen chart, and most of their salads, grain bowls, and wraps can be ordered dairy-free, simply by omitting the cheese and swapping the sauce/dressing if needed. They also have build-your-own options.
- Meta Burger ⭐️ – This vegan establishment serves a big menu of burgers, along with waffle fries, other handhelds, shakes, and some treats.
- Modern Market Eatery – This Colorado chain offers a healthy menu of bowls, sandwiches, soups, toasts, and more, with a good smattering of dairy-free menu items when ordered as is. Some additional items can be ordered dairy-free without cheese.
- Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery – Their menu includes vegan chili, burger, and sandwich options, along with additional burger and sandwich options that can be ordered without dairy.
- Native Foods Cafe ⭐️ – This is a plant-based, dairy-free restaurant chain with extensive collection of burgers, bowls, salads, wraps, and more with regional flavor influences from the U.S., Mexico, and Asia. They also have a sizable dessert menu.
- Rush Bowls – This smoothie and smoothie bowl chain isn’t dairy-free, but they are happy to accommodate. They offer oat, almond, coconut, and soymilk options. Some menu items call for froyo, but you can sub banana for no charge, or acai for an additional charge. At last check, most of their toppers and all of their boosts (except for whey – they do have soy protein available) were made without dairy.
- Shine Restaurant & Potion Bar ⭐️ – Stephanie P. emailed this dairy-free recommendation to us. “Shine is a little bit hit or miss – sometimes the food is amazing and sometimes it’s not. But the service is always great and the environment is good for a super fancy night out. The menu items are very clearly marked, and people who are both gluten and dairy free can eat nearly everything on the menu!” This whimsical eatery is actually 100% gluten-free, and menu items are clearly labeled for dairy-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly. According to the staff, they also have allergen protocols to help prevent cross contamination. They serve dinner, healthy drinks, and even several dairy-free desserts.
- Snooze A.M. Eatery – They serve some plant-powered, dairy-free menu items, like vegan pancakes, tofu scramble, porridge, and buddha bowls. Some additional dishes can be custom ordered dairy free.
- The Bumbling Bee ⭐️ – Thanks to Jenny for recommending this “Vegan Junk Food Bar.” They serve burgers, poutine, and other savory favorites, and have milkshakes, cookie sandwiches, and more for dessert.
- The Corner – This neighborhood restaurant serves breakfast all day, and also offers full lunch and dinner menus. They have many dairy-free options, in addition to vegan and gluten-free choices, and the staff is reportedly well versed.
- Thrive ⭐️ – Thanks to Jenny for this recommendation, too! This plant-based drive-thru serves smoothies, salads, soups, and whole food desserts.
- Under The Sun Pub & Pizza – They offer Follow Your Heart vegan cheese for dairy-free pizzas (gluten-free crust available), and offer a few other dairy-free and vegan options on their casual menu.
- Van Leeuwen ⭐️ – This popular localized ice cream chain sells their pints in grocery stores, but they also have scoop shops. They churn both classic dairy ice cream and a huge array of dairy-free flavors, which are made with cashew and coconut milk or oat milk. They can also make you a vegan ice cream sandwich with chocolate chip cookies, blend a dairy-free milkshake, or craft a sundae with vegan whipped cream, hot fudge, and various other toppings.
- Whole Sol Blend Bar ⭐️ – This purely dairy-free and gluten-free shop is health-forward with smoothies, smoothie bowls, savory bowls, and toasts. They also offer some treat-worthy snacks like edible cookie dough, chia pudding, and protein bites. Their menu is also heavily plant-based and vegan-friendly, but they do have items with eggs and honey.
- Wonder Press – Liquid nutrition is big at this cafe. They serve an array of cold-pressed juices, blend dairy-free smoothies with coconut milk (and have various protein and adaptogen add-ins), and make a range of fresh-pressed nut milks, which you can purchase by the bottle or sub into your functional latte. They also make their own raw vegan chocolate ganache for hot chocolate. For food, they have some light bites, and offer some vegan treats.
Breckenridge
- Clint’s Bakery & Coffeehouse – This is a classic bakery, but they don’t forget about special diet guests. They offer vegan banana bread, biscottis, cookies, cupcakes, and more. And of course they have house bagels that you can order slathered with “vegan butter” or “vegan cream cheese.” They also serve sandwiches on Rudi’s Organic Bread, and have vegan tofu scramble burritos for breakfast.
- Piante Pizzeria ⭐️ – Enjoy the ultimate dairy-free, après ski cuisine at this purely plant-based restaurant. They wood fire your vegan New York-style pizza as you relax in their cozy vintage farm dining room. Their creations are topped with housemade sauces and their own cashew cheeses – not to mention some very intriguing vegetables and “meats.” They also serve a range of healthy salads, and cheesecake, tiramisu, and sweet knots for dessert. Go ahead, you earned it!
Broomfield
- Modern Market Eatery – This Colorado chain offers a healthy menu of bowls, sandwiches, soups, toasts, and more, with a good smattering of dairy-free menu items when ordered as is. Some additional items can be ordered dairy-free without cheese.
- Rush Bowls – This smoothie and smoothie bowl chain isn’t dairy-free, but they are happy to accommodate. They offer oat, almond, coconut, and soymilk options. Some menu items call for froyo, but you can sub banana for no charge, or acai for an additional charge. At last check, most of their toppers and all of their boosts (except for whey – they do have soy protein available) were made without dairy.
- Smokin’ Oak – This wood-fired pizzeria and taproom chain offers vegan cheese and an eclectic selection of toppings.
Buena Vista
- House Rock Kitchen ⭐️ – Their menu is filled with clearly labeled dairy-free options. They source local and organic when possible, and offer an array of bowls, burgers, salads, sandwiches, and more. They also label gluten-free and vegan menu items.
Canon City
- Nirvana Culinary Paradise – They do use a fair bit of dairy on the menu at this local Indian restaurant. But they are very friendly toward special diet guests, and have labeled their menu for dairy-free and gluten-free guests. Most of their appetizers are dairy-free, and they have a good handful of dairy-free entrees. Much of their menu is gluten-free.
Castle Rock
- Mad Greens – They have a great allergen chart, and most of their salads, grain bowls, and wraps can be ordered dairy-free, simply by omitting the cheese and swapping the sauce/dressing if needed. They also have build-your-own options.
- No Cow Bakery ⭐️ – This small cafe is dairy-free and gluten-free, with many vegan options. They bake muffins, donuts, cakes, and more.
Centennial
- Heaven Creamery ⭐️ – Their daily case includes creamy vegan gelato and sorbet flavors daily. Their creamy flavors are made with coconut, almond, or oat milk. They also have hand-made vegan cones in flavors like beet & dragon fruit, matcha-spinach, coconut-geranium, and activated charcoal.
- Mad Greens – They have a great allergen chart, and most of their salads, grain bowls, and wraps can be ordered dairy-free, simply by omitting the cheese and swapping the sauce/dressing if needed. They also have build-your-own options.
- Slim Chickens – They make dairy-free custom orders easy, and are trained to be friendly to allergen requests. Their grilled chicken tenders are made without dairy, and can be subbed on meals, wraps, or salads. They also have a good allergen menu, with a nice selection of dairy-free sauces and sides. Just use caution when ordering sandwiches. At last check, their brioche sandwich buns were dairy-free, but they are brushed with butter.
- Snooze A.M. Eatery – They serve some plant-powered, dairy-free menu items, like vegan pancakes, tofu scramble, porridge, and buddha bowls. Some additional dishes can be custom ordered dairy free.
- ViewHouse Eatery – Their servers have a card with allergens for each menu item to make ordering easy – and they do have dairy-free options. Their eatery has a diverse menu of bowls, tacos, salads, handhelds, and more, plus craft cocktails in a rooftop setting.
- Wave the Grain – This is a gluten-free bakery with many dairy-free options (labeled) and some vegan ones, too. They offer vegan cupcakes and pastries, and savories like dairy-free pigs in a blanket and burritos.
Clifton
- Smokin’ Oak – This wood-fired pizzeria and taproom chain offers vegan cheese and an eclectic selection of toppings.
Colorado Springs
- Bambino’s Urban Pizza – The “vegan cheese” on their menu is more unique and impressive than you might expect. They make their own cashew-based vegan cheese. Most of their pizzas and some of their salads can be made dairy-free, and they offer vegan options like “sausage.”
- Bean Sprouts Cafe – Bean Sprouts plants cafés inside family destinations across the country. This one is inside the Garden of the Gods Visitors Center. Their playful yet healthy menu is allergy-friendly, and boasts a few different dairy-free breakfast and lunch options for kids and adults.
- Ben & Jerry’s – See our Ben & Jerry’s Dairy-Free Guide for full details.
- Burrowing Owl ⭐️ – Everything is vegan at this restaurant and lounge. They serve a big menu of Mexican and American cuisine, complete with various mac and cheeses, sloppy joe sandwiches, burgers, and nachos.
- Clean Juice – They make their own cold-pressed cashew milks and offer dairy-free acai bowls, smoothie bowls, smoothies, toasts, and some other eats. Please note that their flatbread wraps (the bread itself) contain dairy, but all other menu items can be ordered dairy-free by omitting the cheese or substituting vegan protein for the whey protein (in the proteins smoothies).
- Crisp & Green – You can enjoy their full menu of smoothies and acai bowls, and they offer a great allergen menu to help you custom order their savory bowls. They also cater to vegan and gluten-free guests, and even have some dairy-free grab ‘n go dessert treats.
- Ephemera – This is an “experimental fine dining restaurant.” They serve a tasting menu, which changes daily, and are reportedly able to accommodate dairy-free guests with ease.
- Frozen Gold – They have a samoa experience – vegan toasted coconut soft serve topped with vegan caramel and brown sugar fudge sauces.
- Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh – This is a build-your-own pita, rice bowl, wrap, salad, gyro, or plate restaurant. The gyro bread and tzatziki contain dairy, but all other types can be made dairy-free. At last check, all of their proteins, other sauces, toppings (aside from cheese), and baklava were made without milk. They offer allergen information that is very helpful.
- Josh & John’s – Thank you to Christine for recommending this ice cream shop. “They offer a rotating menu with several dairy free ice creams that are delicious!” Like their other flavors, the vegan varieties are handcrafted, and they do rotate regularly.
- Lazy Dog – This chain restaurant has a full allergen chart for their modern bar and grill style menu. It also includes a vegan column. They have dairy-free options throughout their menu, including appetizers, salads, Asian-style bowls, seafood, ribs, and plenty of sides. At last check, they also had a dairy-free pie for dessert.
- Modern Market Eatery – This Colorado chain offers a healthy menu of bowls, sandwiches, soups, toasts, and more, with a good smattering of dairy-free menu items when ordered as is. Some additional items can be ordered dairy-free without cheese.
- Mountain Mama Natural Foods – This local grocery store also has a full bakery and deli with lots of dairy-free and vegan options. They blend dairy-free smoothies, have a range of dairy-free and vegan sandwiches and salads, bake some vegan breads, have daily wheat-free and dairy-free muffins, and bake custom order cakes.
- Nekter Juice Bar – See our Nekter Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
- Ola Juice Bar – This plant-based juice bar blends dairy-free smoothies and acai bowls, and has a savory menu with breakfast burritos and bowls.
- Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q – They offer an allergen chart, and at last check, all of their meats and most of their sandwiches were dairy-free, and all of their sauces were gluten-free and top allergen-free. We also noted dairy-free brownies and a handful of side options, but note that their breakfast menu is much heavier in dairy.
- Saladworks – Pretty much their entire menu contains dairy, but they offer an interactive allergen menu that tells you how to custom order most items without dairy (or other special diet needs). You can choose between salads, warm grain bowls, wraps, and a few other items. They offer a good handful of dairy-free dressings, and do have gluten-free and vegan options.
- Santana’s Vegan Grill ⭐️ – For classic American fast food without meat or cheese, visit this quick-serve vegan spot. They have burgers, chicken strips, and more.
- Slice420 – They don’t have dairy-free cheese, but offer a cheese-less vegan pizza on the menu – complete with flavorful toppings. And they won’t look at you funny when you order any of their other creations without cheese.
- Slim Chickens – They make dairy-free custom orders easy, and are trained to be friendly to allergen requests. Their grilled chicken tenders are made without dairy, and can be subbed on meals, wraps, or salads. They also have a good allergen menu, with a nice selection of dairy-free sauces and sides. Just use caution when ordering sandwiches. At last check, their brioche sandwich buns were dairy-free, but they are brushed with butter.
- Snooze A.M. Eatery – They serve some plant-powered, dairy-free menu items, like vegan pancakes, tofu scramble, porridge, and buddha bowls. Some additional dishes can be custom ordered dairy free.
- Thai Lily Cuisine and Yakitori 8 – This Asian restaurant is very friendly to special diet guests, with a mostly dairy-free menu and house-made mochi donuts that can be ordered dairy-free and vegan (in several flavors).
- The Cupcake Doctor – Their special diet flavors are by order only (6 cupcake minimum), but they offer several flavors of vegan cupcakes, basic gluten-free and vegan cupcakes, and “the allergyproof cupcake.”
- ViewHouse Eatery – This was shared by Cheryl in the Deliciously Dairy Free group, “Their servers have a whole card in their book with allergens for each menu item, which she gladly handed to me!” Their eatery has a diverse menu of bowls, tacos, salads, handhelds, and more, plus craft cocktails in a rooftop setting.
- Zaika Indian Cuisine – Their menu is labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests. They actually have quite a few vegan menu options, and even note their roti (instead of naan) and basmati rice as vegan. And they have some additional “just dairy-free” or dairy-free and gluten-free starters and entrees.
- Zoup – See our Zoup Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Denver
- Baked by Bros. ⭐️ – They do not have a storefront, but bake gluten-free, vegan cookies and ship / deliver to customers in the local area.
- Ba-Nom-a-Nom ⭐️ – Track the schedule of this food truck to find out when and where you can get their banana soft serve. It’s naturally dairy-free, vegan, and swirled in several flavors.
- Bartaco – Their allergen menu is so detailed, that it states exactly what in the item contains the allergen. And their dairy-free options are abundant. Most of their tacos, rice bowls, other entrees, and sides are, or can be ordered, dairy-free. But the dessert and kids menus are heavy in dairy.
- BD’s Mongolian Grill – They offer a very complete allergen chart with many milk-free options. In fact, at last check, their entire stir fry menu was dairy-free, aside from one of the sauces (and they have many sauces). They do serve other types of food, some of which does contain milk.
- Ben & Jerry’s – See our Ben & Jerry’s Dairy-Free Guide for full details.
- Blue Sushi & Sake Grill – This sustainable Japanese restaurant makes innovative maki and nigiri. They have a full vegan menu, complete with tempura maki, and of course most of their menu is naturally dairy free.
- Bonnie Brae Ice Cream – Thank you to Melissa for this recommendation. They scoop a couple creamy vegan flavors a day, like mint chip, cinnamon, Oreos and cream, chocolate chocolate chip, and others. They also offer two vegan sorbet flavors daily.
- Bubu – This build-your-own bowl spot offers cooked and raw proteins, and a worldly range of toppings and sauces. Vegan and gluten-free options are available.
- City, O’ City – This hip vegetarian hub covers all the bases with brunch, coffee, a vegan bakery, lunch, dinner, late night snacks, cocktails, and happy hour. Their broad, comfort food menu is generously labeled with vegan and gluten-free options, including vegan yogurt, cashew ricotta, and Daiya cheese alternative for many items.
- Clean Eatz – This healthy fast casual chain offers a straight-forward allergen guide and many options for building your own bowl, salad, or wrap.
- Clean Juice – They make their own cold-pressed cashew milks and offer dairy-free acai bowls, smoothie bowls, smoothies, toasts, and some other eats. Please note that their flatbread wraps (the bread itself) contain dairy, but all other menu items can be ordered dairy-free by omitting the cheese or substituting vegan protein for the whey protein (in the proteins smoothies).
- Crisp & Green – You can enjoy their full menu of smoothies and acai bowls, and they offer a great allergen menu to help you custom order their savory bowls. They also cater to vegan and gluten-free guests, and even have some dairy-free grab ‘n go dessert treats.
- DANG Soft Serve – They offer two dairy-free soft serve ice cream flavors at a time, which can be swirled together. They also have cool topping options like cookie butter shell. The dairy-free flavors are usually vegan, but they have a feature flavor on rotation that contains local honey (it is clearly labeled).
- Deby’s Gluten Free ⭐️ – This is a completely gluten free grocery store and bakery, offering hundreds of house-made products, many of which are also dairy-free. They offer breads, buns, cinnamon rolls, muffins, cookies, crusts, and more.
- East Side Kosher Deli – Pop into this kosher supervised bakery, market, and deli, and you will discover so many dairy-free surprises.
- El Five – Their menu is divided into mezze, paella, tapas, and dessert tapas, and there is at least one vegan option in each section. There are a couple additional “just” dairy-free options.
- Flower Child – This healthy restaurant chain serves salads, bowls, and plates with choose your own protein and side options. Their modern “hippie” menu is loaded with organic produce, whole grains (gluten-free, too), and house dressings. Their menu is littered with vegan and paleo options, and most items either are, or can be made dairy-free on request.
- Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh – This is a build-your-own pita, rice bowl, wrap, salad, gyro, or plate restaurant. The gyro bread and tzatziki contain dairy, but all other types can be made dairy-free. At last check, all of their proteins, other sauces, toppings (aside from cheese), and baklava were made without milk. They offer allergen information that is very helpful.
- Gelato Boy ⭐️ – As mentioned in our Boulder section above, this ice cream shop has two Denver locations, and several dairy-free gelato flavors to choose from. And we aren’t just talking sorbetto. These are creamy, decadent, dairy-free flavors that you can order in a cup or one of their dairy-free (gluten-free optional) cones. They also serve dairy-free coffee drinks, milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches, and brownies!
- Good Clean Food ⭐️ – This is a plant-based, dairy-free, gluten-free, organic local meal delivery service.
- Happy Bakeshop – They offer a vegan cupcake and a vegan, gluten-free cupcake daily, and the flavor rotates during the week.
- Happy Cones – This ice cream truck makes “New Zealand style” ice cream. It’s blended with 2/3 sweet creamy based and 1/3 fruit. They use milk alternative to make a creamy vegan option.
- Heaven Creamery ⭐️ – Their daily case includes creamy vegan gelato and sorbet flavors daily. Their creamy flavors are made with coconut, almond, or oat milk. They also have hand-made vegan cones in flavors like beet & dragon fruit, matcha-spinach, coconut-geranium, and activated charcoal.
- Hopdoddy Burger Bar – Their focus is clear, and their menu is transparent. They tell you what allergens are in each component of each burger! They offer vegan wheat buns and vegan cheese, so most of their craft burgers can be custom ordered without dairy. They also have a vegan burger on the menu. At last check, other shareables, like crispy tenders and fries, were also dairy-free.
- Ian’s Pizza – They have a full menu of vegan pizzas (and daily vegan pizza by the slice), and pretty much all of their pizzas can be made dairy-free. They offer Good Planet cheese alternatives, house-made ranch, creme, and pesto sauces, and much more. They also have unique array of vegan faux meats.
- Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
- JINYA Ramen Bar – Believe it or not, many ramen bases contain milk. But JINYA offers a couple vegan ramen options and most of their ramen dishes, soups, and expansive small plates are dairy-free. They have a great comprehensive allergen chart.
- Just BE Kitchen ⭐️ – This fast casual restaurant is 100% free of gluten, grains, refined sugar, soy, corn, peanuts, and legumes; 99% dairy free; and committed to accommodating special diet needs. They actually offer a Whole30 menu (which is big!), and have protocols for handling food allergy orders. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, have a coffee bar and bone broth bar, and even craft some healthy desserts.
- Kaffe Landskap – This Swedish-inspired coffee shop makes plant-based protein bites, granola bars, and overnight oats with lingonberry. They also blend dairy-free smoothies and smoothie bowls, zucchini bread, and some other bites for breakfast and lunch.
- Konjo Ethiopian Food ⭐️ – Most of the menu at this restaurant and food truck is dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free, and the bulk of their menu is also vegan-friendly.
- Little Man Ice Cream – They always offer some creamy vegan ice cream flavors, like Chocolate Salted Oreo, Horchata, Pina Colada, and The Munchies. The base is usually coconut and almond, but sometimes it’s rice. And they have a unique selection of naturally dairy-free sorbets, ranging from Raspberry Peach to seasonal Candied Ginger Grapefruit.
- Linger – Their menu is a fusion of global cuisine, with some naturally dairy-free options. But they also label which items can be made vegan (or even “just dairy free), and it includes a good selection.
- Mad Greens – They have a great allergen chart, and most of their salads, grain bowls, and wraps can be ordered dairy-free, simply by omitting the cheese and swapping the sauce/dressing if needed. They also have build-your-own options.
- Make Believe Bakery – This is a vegan bakery that also strives to be allergy-friendly. They offer breads, take ‘n bake, various pastries, and soft serve daily, with many gluten-free and soy-free options. They also bake custom order layer cakes, cheesecakes, pies, and more.
- Meta Burger ⭐️ – This vegan establishment serves a big menu of burgers, along with waffle fries, other handhelds, shakes, and some treats.
- MidiCi Pizza – Their signature Neapolitan dough is light, thin, soft, and chewy, with a high crust, and it’s dairy-free. It’s made purely with a special Neapolitan flour, water, sea salt, and yeast. They also offer dairy-free cheese alternative and vegan sausage, and have several custom order salad options.
- Milkbox Ice Creamery – They mix things up, using soy, almond, or coconut milk to make vegan flavors. They usually have a couple on hand, in flavors like chocolate, almond joy, or chocolate salted oreo.
- Modern Market Eatery – This Colorado chain offers a healthy menu of bowls, sandwiches, soups, toasts, and more, with a good smattering of dairy-free menu items when ordered as is. Some additional items can be ordered dairy-free without cheese.
- Nekter Juice Bar – See our Nekter Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
- Nuggs Ice Cream – Dairy-free and vegan guests get to choose between a couple of creamy ice cream flavors, a couple sorbet flavors, and Italian ice. These aren’t all listed on their website, but are reportedly available in shop. Call in advance to verify flavors and availability.
- Parlor Doughnuts – They offer a vegan / gluten-free doughnut with different custom glazes. All of their shakes can also be made dairy free. Plus, they have a full coffee bar and some other breakfast goods.
- Parsley – This healthy sandwich shop offers a few vegan sandwiches and salads on the menu, along with dairy-free tuna and turkey options. They also offer vegan smoothies and soups.
- Pint Brothers Ale House ⭐️ – They clearly label their menu for dairy-free and gluten-free guests. The options include starters, hearty mains, and sides for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Root Down – This local gathering spot accommodates special diet guests with many custom order vegan, dairy-free, and/or gluten-free dinner and brunch options. They even offer a vegan and gluten-free mixed berry cobbler with coconut whip for dessert.
- Root Down Dia – Their from-scratch menu focuses on local and organic ingredients, but with globally-influenced flavors. Several items can be made dairy-free and/or vegan on request.
- Rosenberg’s Kosher – All of their bagels, bialys, breads, and buns are kosher pareve and dairy-free. They also offer tofu cream cheese, lox, and deli salads (egg and tuna).
- Rush Bowls – This smoothie and smoothie bowl chain isn’t dairy-free, but they are happy to accommodate. They offer oat, almond, coconut, and soymilk options. Some menu items call for froyo, but you can sub banana for no charge, or acai for an additional charge. At last check, most of their toppers and all of their boosts (except for whey – they do have soy protein available) were made without dairy.
- Serene Cuisine of India ⭐️ – They clearly label their menu for dairy-free and gluten-free guests. It includes dairy-free pakoras and entrees like curry, vindaloo, bhuna, and some vegan dishes.
- Somebody People ⭐️ – This is a plant-based eatery with a heavily Italian menu, which includes risotto, pastas with house-made dairy-free cheeses, and focaccia. They also make sweets, like cookies, cinnamon rolls, and tiramisu.
- Snooze A.M. Eatery – They serve some plant-powered, dairy-free menu items, like vegan pancakes, tofu scramble, porridge, and buddha bowls. Some additional dishes can be custom ordered dairy free.
- Spice Room ⭐️ – Most of the items on their menu are gluten free, and they use coconut or soymilk with dairy-free requests. That said, they label which items contain dairy, gluten, and/or nuts, and the majority of their menu is dairy-free. They also have a handful of vegan options.
- Steuben’s ⭐️ – This retro diner labels all items that can be made dairy-free, gluten-free, and / or soy-free. The dairy-free options include salads, sandwiches, burgers, sides and select breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees.
- Stowaway Kitchen – Their all-day breakfast and lunch menu includes some casual dairy-free and vegan options, like forbidden rice porridge and a mushroom toast with egg or avocado (for vegan). They often have a vegan baked good on hand, and also carry gluten-free options. For coffee drinks, they offer house cashew milk, oat milk, and soy milk.
- Superfruit Republic – They blend a whole menu of dairy-free acai, pitaya, and other smoothie bowls, and they also serve vegan toasts, house-made gluten-free vegan waffles, and other dairy-free snacks. In fact, their whole menu is dairy-free with the exception of the yogurt parfait, which is made with Greek yogurt.
- Sweet Action Ice Cream – In addition to dairy ice cream, Sweet Action makes dairy-free and vegan ice cream in a variety of creamy, unique flavors (like Coffee + Donuts, Thai Iced Tea, Cinnamon Roll, and Salted Butterscotch). The flavors do change often, but they have at least 2 vegan options at each location on any given day. The vegan ice cream can be enjoyed in a cup, by the cone, or packed into pints to enjoy at home.
- Sweet Cooie’s – This was the second location of Little Man Ice Cream, but every location has a different name. They always offer some hand-crafted vegan flavors made from coconut and almond milk or rice, like Peanut Butter Oreo, Horchata, Chocolate, or Lemon Lavender Poppy. Their pineapple, strawberry, and blueberry sauces are reportedly vegan, and many of their toppings, including the sprinkles, are dairy free. They also offer a vegan ice cream pie.
- The Corner Beet – Green is the theme at this local vegetarian cafe. Their menu includes healthy salads, superfood lattes, juices, smoothies, and more nutritious eats for breakfast and lunch. Much of their menu is vegan, and pretty much everything can be ordered dairy free.
- The Veggie Whisperer – Jenny emailed to say this is her favorite food truck for dairy-free eats. They do serve cheese on some items, but much of their menu is vegan. They serve Middle Eastern-inspired fare.
- True Food Kitchen – See our True Food Kitchen Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
- Uno Pizzeria & Grill – This popular chain restaurant has one location in Colorado. See our Uno Dairy-Free Menu Guide for details.
- Van Leeuwen ⭐️ – This popular localized ice cream chain sells their pints in grocery stores, but they also have scoop shops. They churn both classic dairy ice cream and a huge array of dairy-free flavors, which are made with cashew and coconut milk or oat milk. They can also make you a vegan ice cream sandwich with chocolate chip cookies, blend a dairy-free milkshake, or craft a sundae with vegan whipped cream, hot fudge, and various other toppings.
- Vegan Van ⭐️ – This roaming food truck serves warm breakfasts, burgers, and more. Thanks to Jenny for the recommendation!
- Vegan vs Fries ⭐️ – This is a spin-off from Man vs Fries that offers a Mexican-inspired, vegan menu of fries, burritos, quesadillas, and more. They work on order and pick-up or delivery only.
- ViewHouse Eatery – Their servers have a card with allergens for each menu item to make ordering easy – and they do have dairy-free options. Their eatery has a diverse menu of bowls, tacos, salads, handhelds, and more, plus craft cocktails in a rooftop setting.
- Vital Root – Thanks to Jenny for recommending her “favorite” Denver restaurant. This hip, fast casual, vegetarian restaurant is mostly dairy-free and heavily vegan (some dishes do contain dairy and/or eggs). Their breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus have varied options with a global range of flavors.
- Voodoo Doughnut – This unique doughnut chain out of Oregon offers several vegan doughnut flavors daily, which can include maple bars, cream filled, apple fritters, and other creative raised and iced varieties. They also bake a vegan cake doughnut, and can make almost any donut vegan if you order ahead. They don’t offer any gluten-free donuts. There are two locations in Denver.
- Walia Creamery – They offer several creamy vegan ice cream flavors, with classics like chocolate, mint chip, and Oreo that you can order in a gluten-free vegan waffle cone. But they also have some unique flavors, like sweet potato and lavender, and sorbets. On the savory side they serve vegan Ethiopian injera combo plates.
- Watercourse Foods – They have always been vegetarian, but in 2012, this cafe went completely vegan and hasn’t looked back. They have a bakery on site, blend creamy dairy-free shakes, and offer a full menu of sandwiches and salads made with plant-based meats and cheeses.
- Whole Sol Blend Bar ⭐️ – This purely dairy-free and gluten-free shop is health-forward with smoothies, smoothie bowls, savory bowls, and toasts. They also offer some treat-worthy snacks like edible cookie dough, chia pudding, and protein bites. Their menu is also heavily plant-based and vegan-friendly, but they do have items with eggs and honey.
- Wonder Press – Liquid nutrition is big at this cafe. They serve an array of cold-pressed juices, blend dairy-free smoothies with coconut milk (and have various protein and adaptogen add-ins), and make a range of fresh-pressed nut milks, which you can purchase by the bottle or sub into your functional latte. They also make their own raw vegan chocolate ganache for hot chocolate. For food, they have some light bites, and offer some vegan treats.
- WrongWayVeg ⭐️ – This is a vegan food truck that focuses on comfort food dishes, like burgers and donuts.
- Zoup – See our Zoup Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Durango
- Grassburger – This recommendation was originally sent to us by Molly L. “They offer dairy free, gluten free, and even vegan options. They even have dairy free cookies and dairy-free milkshakes!!!” This fast casual burger joint serves grass-fed beef, turkey, and vegan burgers in both sandwich and bowl formats. According to their allergen menu, everything is dairy-free, except for the cheese, ranch dressing, and dairy milkshakes. They use Earth Balance for buttering needs, and appear to only make fries (regular and sweet potato) in their fryer. Everything but their potato bun is gluten-free (they have a gluten-free bun), and they don’t use any fish, peanuts, tree nuts, or sesame seeds.
- James Ranch – Thank you to Heather for this recommendation. “I recently visited James Ranch in Durango and they were fabulous about dairy allergy. They were able to address every step of ingredients and preparation to keep dairy from entering a meal.” Their burger, sandwich, and salad menu focuses on local ingredients. They also have a small organic market on site.
- Switchback Taco Bar – Heather recommended this casual spot, too! They serve Mexican-inspired street food and have a separate “vegan dream” menu with tacos, salad, elote, and two types of fries. They even offer a cashew cream as a topping option. Some additional menu items can be ordered dairy free.
Edgewater
- Happy Cones Co – This ice creamery is located at the Edgewater Public Market. They typically have a fruity and a chocolate dairy-free gelato flavor on hand, usually made with coconut milk. They also have real fruit smoothies.
- Meta Burger ⭐️ – This vegan establishment serves a big menu of burgers, along with waffle fries, other handhelds, shakes, and some treats.
Englewood
- Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh – This is a build-your-own pita, rice bowl, wrap, salad, gyro, or plate restaurant. The gyro bread and tzatziki contain dairy, but all other types can be made dairy-free. At last check, all of their proteins, other sauces, toppings (aside from cheese), and baklava were made without milk. They offer allergen information that is very helpful.
- JackBeQue ⭐️ – This all-vegan BBQ spot serves a Southern-style menu of vegan “meats,” sides, and desserts.
- Modern Market Eatery – This Colorado chain offers a healthy menu of bowls, sandwiches, soups, toasts, and more, with a good smattering of dairy-free menu items when ordered as is. Some additional items can be ordered dairy-free without cheese.
Estes Park
- Poppy’s Pizza & Grill – They offer Daiya dairy-free mozzarella, vegan crust, a wide range of toppings, and even a couple dairy-free sauce options for their pizzas.
Evergreen
- Beau Jo’s – Thanks to Michelle for letting us know about this local restaurant chain. “They now have a menu with dairy free crust, sauce, & cheese (which melts) on their pizzas. It is a soy-based “cheese. If you’ve never had their pizza before, make sure to try the Mountain Pie & dip the crust in honey. It’s delicious! They also are starting a take-n-bake service if you don’t want to dine in. Beau Jo’s also offers gluten-free pizza crust!”
Falcon
- Slim Chickens – They make dairy-free custom orders easy, and are trained to be friendly to allergen requests. Their grilled chicken tenders are made without dairy, and can be subbed on meals, wraps, or salads. They also have a good allergen menu, with a nice selection of dairy-free sauces and sides. Just use caution when ordering sandwiches. At last check, their brioche sandwich buns were dairy-free, but they are brushed with butter.
Firestone
- Zoup – See our Zoup Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Fort Collins
- Beau Jo’s – Thanks to Michelle for letting us know about this local restaurant chain. “They now have a menu with dairy free crust, sauce, & cheese (which melts) on their pizzas. It is a soy-based “cheese. If you’ve never had their pizza before, make sure to try the Mountain Pie & dip the crust in honey. It’s delicious! They also are starting a take-n-bake service if you don’t want to dine in. Beau Jo’s also offers gluten-free pizza crust!”
- Ben & Jerry’s – See our Ben & Jerry’s Dairy-Free Guide for full details.
- Clean Eatz – This healthy fast casual chain offers a straight-forward allergen guide and many options for building your own bowl, salad, or wrap.
- Crisp & Green – You can enjoy their full menu of smoothies and acai bowls, and they offer a great allergen menu to help you custom order their savory bowls. They also cater to vegan and gluten-free guests, and even have some dairy-free grab ‘n go dessert treats.
- Explorado Market – This is a gluten-free bakery and coffeeshop with some dairy-free sweets and savoy baked goods. They also do custom cake orders and offer dairy-free milk alternatives for your coffee drinks at no extra charge.
- Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh – This is a build-your-own pita, rice bowl, wrap, salad, gyro, or plate restaurant. The gyro bread and tzatziki contain dairy, but all other types can be made dairy-free. At last check, all of their proteins, other sauces, toppings (aside from cheese), and baklava were made without milk. They offer allergen information that is very helpful.
- Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
- Josh & John’s – Thank you to Christine for recommending this ice cream shop. “They offer a rotating menu with several dairy free ice creams that are delicious!” Like their other flavors, the vegan varieties are handcrafted, and they do rotate regularly.
- Little Bird Bakeshop – This bakery and cafe is friendly to special diet customers. They offer a couple dairy-free and gluten-free muffin options along with coconut macaroons. They also have vegan oatmeal and toasts, and sometimes offer dairy-free soup.
- Modern Market Eatery – This Colorado chain offers a healthy menu of bowls, sandwiches, soups, toasts, and more, with a good smattering of dairy-free menu items when ordered as is. Some additional items can be ordered dairy-free without cheese.
- Nekter Juice Bar – See our Nekter Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
- Parlor Doughnuts – They offer a vegan / gluten-free doughnut with different custom glazes. All of their shakes can also be made dairy free. Plus, they have a full coffee bar and some other breakfast goods.
- Rush Bowls – This smoothie and smoothie bowl chain isn’t dairy-free, but they are happy to accommodate. They offer oat, almond, coconut, and soymilk options. Some menu items call for froyo, but you can sub banana for no charge, or acai for an additional charge. At last check, most of their toppers and all of their boosts (except for whey – they do have soy protein available) were made without dairy.
- Snooze A.M. Eatery – They serve some plant-powered, dairy-free menu items, like vegan pancakes, tofu scramble, porridge, and buddha bowls. Some additional dishes can be custom ordered dairy free.
- Tasty Harmony – This organic vegetarian restaurant is mostly vegan, and serves all types of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and bowls. They also make smoothies with almond milk and offer vegan desserts. Their menu includes both dairy-free cheeses (many cashew-based) and dairy cheeses, so order carefully.
- TCBY – See our TCBY Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
- The Crooked Cup – They have build-your-own bagel sandwiches, with lots of dairy-free options, offer some dairy-free smoothies made with almond milk, and have a selection of dairy-free milk alternatives for coffee drinks.
Frederick
- Georgia Boys BBQ – The flavors might be from down south, but this restaurant has two location in Colorado. Their signature smoked chicken wings are dairy-free and gluten-free, and so are most of their sides.
Fruita
- Hailie’s Oven – This is a dedicated gluten-free bakery that offers vegan pies and additional dairy-free options.
- Mountain Berry Bowls ⭐️ – This is a dairy-free acai bowl spot with a selection of simple, healthy toppings. Vegan and gluten-free options available.
Glendale
- Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh – This is a build-your-own pita, rice bowl, wrap, salad, gyro, or plate restaurant. The gyro bread and tzatziki contain dairy, but all other types can be made dairy-free. At last check, all of their proteins, other sauces, toppings (aside from cheese), and baklava were made without milk. They offer allergen information that is very helpful.
- Modern Market Eatery – This Colorado chain offers a healthy menu of bowls, sandwiches, soups, toasts, and more, with a good smattering of dairy-free menu items when ordered as is. Some additional items can be ordered dairy-free without cheese.
- Native Foods Cafe ⭐️ – This is a plant-based, dairy-free restaurant chain with extensive collection of burgers, bowls, salads, wraps, and more with regional flavor influences from the U.S., Mexico, and Asia. They also have a sizable dessert menu.
Glenwood Springs
- Sunshine & Moons – Almost everything is organic at this natural bakery. They bake a range of dairy-free/gluten-free sweet breads, and offer other vegan treats, like cookies, brownies, and briggles.
Grand Junction
- 626 on Rood – They have a neat little selection of dairy-free small plates and large plates at this restaurant and wine bar. It includes a plant-based charcuterie board with vegan cheese.
- Cafe Sol – This special diet-friendly cafe offers a few vegan options at lunch – including paninis – and some additional items can be ordered without dairy for breakfast or lunch.
- Copeka Coffee – Their light, all vegetarian menu includes vegan options for most of the items. They serve a big selection of toasts, chia parfaits, and other snacks, and of course, have a full coffee bar with milk alternative options.
- Nomad Bowlz ⭐️ – This plant-based food truck offers dairy-free smoothies and smoothie bowls, including acai, pitaya, green, and tropical options. They don’t appear to use any dairy in their blenders, but always verify!
- PizzAmore – You can enjoy a dairy-free pizza complete with Daiya dairy-free cheese and your favorite toppings at this local pizzeria.
- Smokin’ Oak – This wood-fired pizzeria and taproom chain offers vegan cheese and an eclectic selection of toppings.
- Sugar & Ice – This sweet shop offers dairy-free and vegan frozen yogurt and has milk alternatives for their full coffee bar.
- The Little Pink Truck – This colorful food truck serves standard lunch fare with a full sandwich menu, including dairy-free and gluten-free options.
- Zoup – See our Zoup Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Greeley
- Epic Egg – They have an impressive vegan hash on the menu, offer vegan egg alternative and dairy-free milk alternative, and are able to customize some dishes without dairy.
- TCBY – See our TCBY Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Greenwood Village
- Mad Greens – They have a great allergen chart, and most of their salads, grain bowls, and wraps can be ordered dairy-free, simply by omitting the cheese and swapping the sauce/dressing if needed. They also have build-your-own options.
- Modern Market Eatery – This Colorado chain offers a healthy menu of bowls, sandwiches, soups, toasts, and more, with a good smattering of dairy-free menu items when ordered as is. Some additional items can be ordered dairy-free without cheese.
- Nekter Juice Bar – See our Nekter Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Highlands Ranch
- Lazy Dog – This chain restaurant has a full allergen chart for their modern bar and grill style menu. It also includes a vegan column. They have dairy-free options throughout their menu, including appetizers, salads, Asian-style bowls, seafood, ribs, and plenty of sides. At last check, they also had a dairy-free pie for dessert.
- Mad Greens – They have a great allergen chart, and most of their salads, grain bowls, and wraps can be ordered dairy-free, simply by omitting the cheese and swapping the sauce/dressing if needed. They also have build-your-own options.
- Modern Market Eatery – This Colorado chain offers a healthy menu of bowls, sandwiches, soups, toasts, and more, with a good smattering of dairy-free menu items when ordered as is. Some additional items can be ordered dairy-free without cheese.
- Nekter Juice Bar – See our Nekter Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Idaho Springs
- Beau Jo’s – Thanks to Michelle for letting us know about this local restaurant chain. “They now have a menu with dairy free crust, sauce, & cheese (which melts) on their pizzas. It is a soy-based “cheese. If you’ve never had their pizza before, make sure to try the Mountain Pie & dip the crust in honey. It’s delicious! They also are starting a take-n-bake service if you don’t want to dine in. Beau Jo’s also offers gluten-free pizza crust!”
Johnstown
- Clean Eatz – This healthy fast casual chain offers a straight-forward allergen guide and many options for building your own bowl, salad, or wrap.
Lakewood
- Crisp & Green – You can enjoy their full menu of smoothies and acai bowls, and they offer a great allergen menu to help you custom order their savory bowls. They also cater to vegan and gluten-free guests, and even have some dairy-free grab ‘n go dessert treats.
- Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh – This is a build-your-own pita, rice bowl, wrap, salad, gyro, or plate restaurant. The gyro bread and tzatziki contain dairy, but all other types can be made dairy-free. At last check, all of their proteins, other sauces, toppings (aside from cheese), and baklava were made without milk. They offer allergen information that is very helpful.
- Heaven Creamery Belmar ⭐️ – Their daily case includes creamy vegan gelato and sorbet flavors daily. Their creamy flavors are made with coconut, almond, or oat milk. They also have hand-made vegan cones in flavors like beet & dragon fruit, matcha-spinach, coconut-geranium, and activated charcoal. Richelle highly recommends this location. “They are exceptional – offering many dairy free and gluten free options. In addition to their unique and delicious gelato flavors, they also have gf crepes and other goodies. All of their frozen desserts are made from scratch without processed sugar or artificial flavors/colors. Just the good stuff!”
- Mad Greens – They have a great allergen chart, and most of their salads, grain bowls, and wraps can be ordered dairy-free, simply by omitting the cheese and swapping the sauce/dressing if needed. They also have build-your-own options.
- Magill’s World of Ice Cream – They have a full dairy-free menu with water-based sorbets and creamy oat milk ice creams. They churn flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and cookie dough.
- Modern Market Eatery – This Colorado chain offers a healthy menu of bowls, sandwiches, soups, toasts, and more, with a good smattering of dairy-free menu items when ordered as is. Some additional items can be ordered dairy-free without cheese.
- Our Daily Bread ⭐️ – This is a vegan bakery and cafe that serves breakfast burritos, bagels, sandwiches, and soups, and offers a classic menu of sweet and savory baked goods. They also bake custom cakes.
Littleton
- Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh – This is a build-your-own pita, rice bowl, wrap, salad, gyro, or plate restaurant. The gyro bread and tzatziki contain dairy, but all other types can be made dairy-free. At last check, all of their proteins, other sauces, toppings (aside from cheese), and baklava were made without milk. They offer allergen information that is very helpful.
- Mad Greens – They have a great allergen chart, and most of their salads, grain bowls, and wraps can be ordered dairy-free, simply by omitting the cheese and swapping the sauce/dressing if needed. They also have build-your-own options.
- Modern Market Eatery – This Colorado chain offers a healthy menu of bowls, sandwiches, soups, toasts, and more, with a good smattering of dairy-free menu items when ordered as is. Some additional items can be ordered dairy-free without cheese.
- ViewHouse Eatery – Their servers have a card with allergens for each menu item to make ordering easy – and they do have dairy-free options. Their eatery has a diverse menu of bowls, tacos, salads, handhelds, and more, plus craft cocktails in a rooftop setting.
- Virgilio’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar – Their pizza menu includes a vegan cheese option, and they have a full menu of salads.
- Wave the Grain – This is a gluten-free bakery with many dairy-free options (labeled) and some vegan ones, too. They offer vegan cupcakes and pastries, and savories like dairy-free pigs in a blanket and burritos.
Lone Tree
- Beau Jo’s – Thanks to Michelle for letting us know about this local restaurant chain. “They now have a menu with dairy free crust, sauce, & cheese (which melts) on their pizzas. It is a soy-based “cheese. If you’ve never had their pizza before, make sure to try the Mountain Pie & dip the crust in honey. It’s delicious! They also are starting a take-n-bake service if you don’t want to dine in. Beau Jo’s also offers gluten-free pizza crust!”
- Mad Greens – They have a great allergen chart, and most of their salads, grain bowls, and wraps can be ordered dairy-free, simply by omitting the cheese and swapping the sauce/dressing if needed. They also have build-your-own options.
- Seasons 52 – See our Seasons 52 Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
- Snooze A.M. Eatery – They serve some plant-powered, dairy-free menu items, like vegan pancakes, tofu scramble, porridge, and buddha bowls. Some additional dishes can be custom ordered dairy free.
- Yogurtini – They swirl a variety of dairy-free sorbets along with Silk plant-based chocolate and vanilla frozen yogurts. Keep in mind that available flavors can rotate often.
Longmont
- Collision Brewing Company & Restaurant – Thank you to Julia for letting us know this restaurant is “one of the most allergen friendly places. All of their sauces are homemade and are naturally dairy free, and they carry a wide range of dairy free cheese so they can substitute almost anything on their menu for a dairy free option.” They also label their menu with vegan and gluten-free options.
- Georgia Boys BBQ – The flavors might be from down south, but this restaurant has two location in Colorado. Their signature smoked chicken wings are dairy-free and gluten-free, and so are most of their sides.
- Longs Peak Pub & Taphouse – Julia let us know this restaurant does “a fantastic dairy free blue cheese in house that is great with their wings or on their burgers.”
- Modern Market Eatery – This Colorado chain offers a healthy menu of bowls, sandwiches, soups, toasts, and more, with a good smattering of dairy-free menu items when ordered as is. Some additional items can be ordered dairy-free without cheese.
- Runza – This is a growing chain that offers a decent allergen chart. At last check, they had burgers, popcorn chicken, wraps, chili, and custom salads for dairy-free guests.
Louisville
- Mad Greens – They have a great allergen chart, and most of their salads, grain bowls, and wraps can be ordered dairy-free, simply by omitting the cheese and swapping the sauce/dressing if needed. They also have build-your-own options.
Loveland
- Arte Pizzeria – This local pizzeria offers Daiya dairy-free cheese alternative at no extra charge. Their house-made tomato sauce and pizza dough are also vegan, so you can custom order a pizza or calzone.
- Epic Egg – They have an impressive vegan hash on the menu, offer vegan egg alternative and dairy-free milk alternative, and are able to customize some dishes without dairy.
- FeelLove Coffee – This shop has ample vegan options on their pastry, breakfast, and lunch menus. And of course, they have multiple dairy-free milk beverages for their full coffee and tea bar.
- Jimbeaux’s Cajun Cuisine – This is a pop-up food truck with all the classic Louisiana dishes. They say each dish can be made dairy-free and gluten-free.
- Josh & John’s – Thank you to Christine for recommending this ice cream shop. “They offer a rotating menu with several dairy free ice creams that are delicious!” Like their other flavors, the vegan varieties are handcrafted, and they do rotate regularly.
- Loveland Chocolate – They don’t have a storefront, but you can find this local chocolatier at the farmer’s market and in local shops. They offer dairy-free and vegan dark chocolates and some other chocolate treats.
- Paciugo Gelato Caffè – They’re based in Texas, but have one outpost in this city, with lots of dairy-free options. See our Paciugo Gelato Dairy-Free Guide for more details.
- Runza – This is a growing chain that offers a decent allergen chart. At last check, they had burgers, popcorn chicken, wraps, chili, and custom salads for dairy-free guests.
- The Cupcake Gypsies – They offer a vegan cupcake flavor daily, that’s sometimes gluten-free too. They also take custom orders for dairy-free, dairy-free/gluten-free, or vegan cupcakes and cakes in a range of flavors.
Monument
- Lolley’s Ice Cream – According to one of the owners (it’s family run), “We always have three dairy free flavors and a sorbet and rotate them seasonally. We also have baked goods and two of our cookies, Chocolate Brownie & Oatmeal Cranberry are vegan. We are also a dedicated gluten free facility.”
Morrison
- Allergy Free Baking Company – This is a gluten-free, nut-free bakery that’s almost completely dairy-free. Aside from baked goods containing white chocolate chips and their cheese pizza, the menu is wide open. They state that they practice diligent protocols to help prevent cross contamination. This bakery operates more like a pop-up, so check online for ordering and hours before heading there.
Parker
- Indochine Cuisine ⭐️ – Their Thai-heavy menu is labeled for dairy, gluten, and other top allergens. And yes, most of the menu is dairy-free!
- Slim Chickens – They make dairy-free custom orders easy, and are trained to be friendly to allergen requests. Their grilled chicken tenders are made without dairy, and can be subbed on meals, wraps, or salads. They also have a good allergen menu, with a nice selection of dairy-free sauces and sides. Just use caution when ordering sandwiches. At last check, their brioche sandwich buns were dairy-free, but they are brushed with butter.
Steamboat Springs
- Beau Jo’s – Thanks to Michelle for letting us know about this local restaurant chain. “They now have a menu with dairy free crust, sauce, & cheese (which melts) on their pizzas. It is a soy-based “cheese. If you’ve never had their pizza before, make sure to try the Mountain Pie & dip the crust in honey. It’s delicious! They also are starting a take-n-bake service if you don’t want to dine in. Beau Jo’s also offers gluten-free pizza crust!”
Telluride
- Mountain Gate Teahouse & Art Gallery – The focus is on tea, but they also have sweet and savory bites with vegan and dairy-free options. You can sip on your tea while enjoying dairy-free tea truffles, macaroons, or plant-based cheeses.
Thornton
- TCBY – See our TCBY Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
- Your Pie – This is a build-your-own pizza chain that offers dairy-free options for crusts (also gluten-free), sauces, and toppings (all but meatballs), and they have vegan cheese. At last check, they had dairy-free sorbets and brownies for dessert, too.
Vail
- Good Clean Food ⭐️ – This is a plant-based, dairy-free, gluten-free, organic local meal delivery service.
- Yeti’s Grind – This local coffeehouse offers vegan burritos and cookies, and serves gluten-free, dairy-free sweet breads. They also have bagels, which you can order topped with almond butter or peanut butter, or as avocado toast. For lattes, they offer almond, oat, and soymilk alternatives.
Westminster
- Lazy Dog – This chain restaurant has a full allergen chart for their modern bar and grill style menu. It also includes a vegan column. They have dairy-free options throughout their menu, including appetizers, salads, Asian-style bowls, seafood, ribs, and plenty of sides. At last check, they also had a dairy-free pie for dessert.
- Mad Greens – They have a great allergen chart, and most of their salads, grain bowls, and wraps can be ordered dairy-free, simply by omitting the cheese and swapping the sauce/dressing if needed. They also have build-your-own options.
- QSu Cafe ⭐️ – The owner contacted us to let us know about her vegan restaurant. This is a cozy spot for Asian stir fry and boba tea with a friendly staff that’s happy to accommodate special requests.
- Snooze A.M. Eatery – They serve some plant-powered, dairy-free menu items, like vegan pancakes, tofu scramble, porridge, and buddha bowls. Some additional dishes can be custom ordered dairy free.
Photo from Whole Sol Blend Bar in Denver
Restaurant & Grocery Chains found throughout Colorado
Some recommended restaurant and store chains are getting too big for our city listing britches. They have many locations, or are rapidly growing, and you might stumble across them in a number of towns in this state. Click on them for more dairy-free details.
- Chick-fil-A – See our Chick-fil-A Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
- Fuzzy’s Taco Shop ⭐️ – This casual Tex-Mex chain provides a dairy-free menu that even tells you how to custom order just about anything on the menu. They offer burritos, tacos, bowls, breakfasts, salads, and even nachos sans cheese.
- King Soopers – This is a Colorado supermarket chain with a heavy concentration in the greater Denver area. Katerina emailed to tell us they are a great store for dairy-free, gluten-fee, and vegan alternatives. She said their options often rival Whole Foods. King Soopers is a Kroger family store, so they also carry the Simple Truth store line, which includes many fun vegan products.
- MOD Pizza – See our MOD Pizza Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
- Pei Wei – See our Pei Wei Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
- Ted’s Montana Grill – See our Ted’s Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
- Which Wich – Jennifer wrote in to recommend this sandwich chain that she visits with her dairy allergic daughter. Their breads, most of their meats (skip the corned beef and meatballs), all non-cheese toppings, and even their house “Wich sauce” are made without dairy. Skip the cheese, pesto, and ranch when you build your own. They also have a vegan black bean patty, but the wheat bread does contain honey. Guests can order a “bowlwich” (no bun) for gluten-free. They do have an allergen chart available.
Photo from City, O’ City in Denver
Local Dairy-Free Food & Drink Producers in Colorado
These dairy-free friendly companies don’t have their own retail location, but are in Colorado. So you have a good chance of finding their products at grocery stores, restaurants, and/or other shops in this state. Keep an eye out!
- Good Karma – They make flaxmilk and other allergy-friendly dairy alternatives, like sour cream and dips.
- Outrageous Baking – They make dairy-free, gluten-free sweet bread loaves, and have a vegan option. They’re sold at retailers locally.
- Outside the Bread Box – This is a gluten-free bakery that makes many dairy-free items, and some vegan ones, too. they sell through natural food stores.
- Rudi’s Bakery – Their organic breads were the first dairy-free breads available in my local small town many years ago. Both their organic and gluten-free production bakeries are located in Boulder.
- Third Bowl Ice Cream – Their locally churned ice cream is sold in several dairy-free ice cream pint flavors. You can find them in several stores near Crested Butte and Grand Junction, but they do sell in shops across Colorado.
Photo from Make Believe Bakery in Denver
This Guide is Continuously Updated with Recommendations
We welcome you to recommend other dairy-free friendly restaurants. Leave a comment or contact us and tell us why you like a certain restaurant. Restaurant owners and employees are also invited to reach out and let us know how you welcome dairy-free customers.
Please kindly let us know in the comments if any of these restaurants close. We want to keep this list current for you, but aren’t always notified when a restaurant closes. Let us know and we will quickly update!
This Guide is for Informational Purposes Only
Menus, ingredients, kitchen procedures, management, and restaurants are subject to change at any time. Always read the menu and discuss your dietary needs with the staff before ordering. Make sure that they can accommodate your situation.
There is always a risk for potential cross-contamination of allergens in any commercial kitchen. If cross-contamination is an issue for you, always speak with the manager to ensure that your meal can be safely prepared. Listings here do not guarantee that a restaurant is safe enough for your individual needs. Only you can make that decision.
4 Comments
Beau Jo’s in Longmont has unfortunately closed
Thank you for the heads up Julia!
Thank you for compiling this extensive guide and providing details about each restaurant’s dairy-free offerings. You have put in significant effort to curate a diverse selection of establishments that cater to individuals with specific dietary needs. This information will undoubtedly be immensely helpful for those seeking dairy-free dining options in Colorado. I have a question regarding the variety of cuisines represented in the list. Were there any particular types of cuisine or specific restaurants that stood out to you in terms of their commitment to providing dairy-free alternatives? Additionally, if there are any noteworthy dishes or menu items that you would recommend trying at these dairy-free restaurants, it would be great to hear about them.
For type of cuisine, please see my book, Go Dairy Free, and tips here -> https://www.godairyfree.org/eating-out
Please see the star notations in each of our state listings for restaurants that have been called out as catering to dairy-free specifically.