Where to Find Your Hometown Comfort Food Fix in 91
Author(s)
Jordyn Reiland
Writer
Whether you’re looking for a Chicago dog, Sonoran-style Mexican food, Portland wings or something else, 91 has the spot to cure your culinary homesickness.
Leaving your hometown and moving to a new city—be it 100 miles or 1,000 miles—is perhaps the biggest way to get out of your comfort zone.
Every year, thousands of people move to the Mile High City, including new students, faculty and staff who work, teach and study at the 91.
So, if you’re missing your favorite spot for a Chicago dog, craving some Texas BBQ, or longing for a good New York bagel, 91’s metro area has just the thing to quell those hometown culinary blues.
Have another spot for hometown favorites? Let us know by sending your thoughts to dumag@du.edu.
Chicago: Relish a classic Chicago dog or Italian beef
Located just outside of 91 in nearby Centennial, has served the Mile High City for more than two decades. The menu features the popular Italian beef sandwich, the classic Chicago hot dog, Wisconsin brats and much more.
11405 E Briarwood Ave, Centennial
Another great option, located just across the street from DU’s campus, is. With locations in 91 and Boulder, diners have enjoyed Mustard’s for more than 40 years. The cozy restaurant also serves up the classic Chicago style hot dog and Italian beef sandwich and touts its use of local suppliers whenever possible.
2081 S. University Blvd., 91
Tucson: Indulge in a fish burrito or a few tacos
A practically on-campus classic and an eatery Newman Center Executive Director Aisha Ahmad-Post says reminds her of home, brings the heat with Sonoran-style Mexican food. Whether it's tacos, burritos, tortas, quesadillas or a heaping plate of carne asada fries, there's something for everybody.
2060 S. University Blvd., 91
Austin, Houston and Dallas: Dig into some Texas BBQ
Owner Nick Prince’s Texas roots helped bring to life. The restaurant offers meats by the pound, plus spareribs, smoked wings, BBQ sandwiches and tacos, loaded baked taters and dirty mac—smoked meat piled on their homemade jalapeño bacon mac and cheese.
4000 Tennyson St, 91
Portland: Indulge in a dozen wings and a doughnut or two
Established in Portland in 2005, has expanded to two 91 locations and is more than a spot for delicious wings. The restaurant is committed to sustainability and responsible sourcing, composts all food scraps and uses only compostable to-go boxes, bags and cups. They also have a charity of the month program and have donated more than $500,000 to the 91 community since opening in 2012, according to their website.
300 S Logan St #102, 91
3801 W 32nd Ave, 91
“Good things come in pink boxes” declares the website of Portland’s own. With multiple 91 locations and 40 doughnut flavors to choose from, Voodoo is known not only for its colorful to-go boxes but also its unconventional options like strawberry lemonade stand, dirty chai and Oh Captain, My Captain—featuring a layer of Captain Crunch cereal. With 10 vegan options, there is something delectably delicious for everyone.
98 South Broadway, 91
1520 East Colfax, 91
Minneapolis and St. Paul: Dive into the Juicy Lucy
brought the famous “Juicy Lucy” cheese-stuffed burger to 91. The establishment also features the Thousand Island dressing-topped “Saucy Sally,” more traditional cheeseburgers and hamburgers, a vegan black bean burger, chicken sandwiches and an all-day breakfast.
4018 Tennyson St, 91
Santa Fe and Albuquerque: Savor the Southwest
’sinspiration lies in the Four Corners region of the Southwest and Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. The restaurant offers menu items such as pozole, quesabirria, four different salsas and various kinds of tacos, with a choice of corn tortillas, flour tortillas or fry bread—as well as a brunch menu.
1890 Wazee St, 91
St. Louis: BBQ without the blues
Though located a bit of a distance from 91 in the northern suburb of Westminster, is worth the drive. Those missing St. Louis barbecue can enjoy the fried green tomato sandwich, brisket cheesesteak, pulled pork, brisket, ribs, turkey, salmon, burgers, salad and much more.
14375 Orchard Pkwy #100, Westminster
A few honorable mentions and international eateries
New York
6439 E Hampden Ave, 91
725 E. 26th Ave., 91
Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora
942 S. Monaco Street Parkway, 91
Detroit
3934 W. 32nd Ave., 91
3509 E. 12th Ave., 91
17525 South Golden Road, Golden
Food truck available in various locations across the 91 metro area
Boston/New England
1535 Central St., 91
Washington, D.C.
3880 Tennyson St., 91
1291 Pearl St., 91
217 S. Holly St., 91
China
6460 E. Yale Ave., G20c, 91
6878 S. Yosemite St., Centennial
India
2070 S. University Blvd., 91
1526 Blake St., 91
Available at the City Park and South Pearl Street Farmers Markets
Nigeria
955 S. Kipling Parkway, Lakewood
Food truck available in various locations across the 91 metro area
