Denver International Airport Restaurants, Dining Program Named Passenger Favorites in Nationwide Vote

Elway’s, Root Down, Modmarket Among Winning Concepts

DENVER – March 11, 2016 – Travelers across the country have voted Denver International Airport (DEN) as having some of the best dining options among U.S. airports in the USA Today “10Best Readers’ Choice 2016” travel awards.

DEN was voted by readers as the No. 2 overall “Best Airport for Dining” among 20 airports nominated by an expert panel. The award recognizes DEN’s overall quality and selection of dining options.

The publication called out Root Down, Tapas Sky Bar, Elway’s, Etai’s Bakery and Modmarket as “a few of the latest additions to an already diverse food program at Denver International Airport.”

“Passengers at Denver International Airport continue to recognize our ongoing efforts to offer a better selection of dining options that reflect both the excellent Denver food scene and national trends,” airport CEO Kim Day said. “We continue to hear from travelers who are discovering new favorite restaurants with creative and healthy selections while at the airport – and that’s something we are extremely proud of.”

Elway’s steakhouse, located on the B Concourse, was selected by readers as the No. 1 restaurant for “Best Airport Local/Regional Dining.” Elway’s, named for the Hall of Fame Denver Broncos Quarterback, John Elway, opened at DEN in 2013 and reflects the design and ambience of its Cherry Creek location, bringing a taste of downtown fare to the airport.

“Our mission at Elway’s is to elevate what it means to eat and drink in an airport setting,” said Dennis Deslongchamp, partner and owner of DIA Steakhouse, which operates Elway’s. “Elway’s and our entire organization are inspired to be a part of this vibrant airport community.”

Root Down, another local restaurant concept that reflects its downtown location on the C Concourse, earned the No. 4 spot in the same category of local/regional dining. Root Down, which also opened in 2013, incorporates high-level service, a casual-but-sophisticated dining atmosphere and a field-to-fork mentality.

Additionally, readers voted Modmarket at DEN as the No. 3 favorite for “Best Airport Grab-And-Go Dining.”

“In less than two minutes, Modmarket creates breakfast dishes, salads, soups and sandwiches from the highest quality ingredients,” according to USA Today 10Best. “Their made-from-scratch recipes use local ingredients and ancient cooking methods because it makes the food taste better.”

DEN was previously named “Best U.S. Airport for Art” in USA Today’s “10Best Reader’s Choice” travel contest in 2013. The category focuses on how airports have been transforming from utilitarian hubs of transport to spaces with beautiful works of art, great restaurants, comfy lounges and terrific shopping. DEN was selected by readers as the favorite among 20 airports nominated by the publication.

View a complete list of all the winners here.

Photos of all DEN restaurants, including the winning concepts, are available here with credit to Denver International Airport.

Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. DEN is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating more than $36 billion for the region annually. For more information visit www.FlyDenver.com, check us out on YouTube and Instagram, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for DEN’s monthly newsletter Nonstop News.

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