Best Fast Food Restaurants in Highlands Ranch

"The fact that this fast-casual pie parlor was founded by the guys behind Frasca Food & Wine makes its price point all the more surprising: From the famous Mais with ham, corn, and crème fraîche to the Supreme with pepperoni, sausage, onions, and peppers, not one 11-inch option cracks the $10 mark, and on Mondays, Margherita pizzas go for $5. (Three other locations in the Highlands, Central Park, and Hale spread the wealth.)"

"Combining old world flavors with classic French culinary techniques, Vert Kitchen is a French-inspired deli that serves gourmet sandwiches using sustainable meats, dairy and some of the finest pantry goods in Denver. Patrons squeeze into this tiny Washington Park West lunch-and-brunch counter for handmade sandwiches, garden-fresh salads, and delicious soups made from local and seasonal ingredients. It's the perfect stop when you get tired while exploring Denver attractions."

"Vert Kitchen has several fresh, healthy meals to choose from, and it’s one of the best French restaurants in Denver when you’re looking for market-fresh options. Breakfast options include the egg and cheese sandwich on a brioche bun with avocado, tomato, bacon, or turkey sausage. You can also try the frittata of the day or the fried eggs and bacon in tomato butter."

"Family owned and operated, Five Guys is one of the leading fast casual burger restaurants in the world, offering a classic take on burgers, hot dogs, fries, milkshakes and more. Our business started in 1986 with a fanatical focus on quality ingredients, clean restaurants and exceptional customer ..."

"Featuring an open kitchen and a sleek dining decor, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh was founded in 2008 and first debuted in 2009. Since its inception, the Denver-based chain has grown to 26 locations with franchises in 10 states, some on college campuses. Larry Sidoti, Garbanzo chief development officer, foresees much greater growth soon."

"Laid-back counter-serve Mexican chain with Baja-style tacos & burritos plus gluten-free options. Ultimate fresh mex made your way - exactly as you love it!"

"Any park with a lake has built-in appeal in our relatively dry city, but Garfield Lake ups the ante with a forest grove in the center that takes on spectacular hues in the fall. Picnic tables, a pool, bike/pedestrian paths, sports fields and a playground offer a little something for everyone in this tidy park, which has often been called one of Denver’s most pleasant strolls."

"Katherine’s French Bakery & Cafe is a family-owned local, European-style bakery and cafe that specializes in French pastries, quiche, cakes and cookies. Katherine’s also offers customized cakes and cupcakes, an extensive breakfast and lunch menu that is served all day, as well as catering. Katherine’s French Bakery & Cafe is located at 728 S University Blvd, Denver, CO 80209."

"Family-owned and operated, Chef Mario Arrua has spent more than two decades in hospitality, food, and beverage. Aiming for well-prepared and properly seasoned food, Katherine’s counter-service and European-style cafe specializes in French pastries, quiches, cakes, and cookies made from scratch."

"I love them just as much as an unadorned baguette or other pastry. That's what this Bonnie Brae neighborhood bakery is all about the visuals, with elaborately decorated cakes and other creations. But their bread is pretty darn good too, as is their French-themed menu."

"Founder Dave Query ignited Denver’s seafood scene with the opening of this oceanic restaurant and oyster bar in Lower Downtown (LoDo) that has since spawned offshoots across Colorado and beyond. From its rambunctiously energetic vibe, offset by a subtle nautical theme, to its fiercely seasonal menu of sustainable seafood sourced from passionate purveyors, it’s a fan favorite for slurping pristine oysters, although the rest of the menu — crab legs, lobster, clam chowder, charred Spanish octopus and Alaskan halibut — is every bit as crowd-pleasing, as are the spirit-forward cocktails and compelling wines and craft beers."

"I know, I know…I never would have dreamed of bringing my kids to Jax in LoDo. And, perhaps that location is kid-friendly, but it is fancy enough that I think you have to have the right kind of kid…mine aren’t quite there yet. But, we recently visited their second location just off Colorado Boulevard, and it was surprisingly kid-friendly with a child at nearly every table."

"The Glendale outpost of this local seafood institution comes with a great view of the mountains. Enjoy oysters, cocktails, and sometimes even live music."

"It’s no secret that some of Denver’s best restaurants lie along south Federal Boulevard section known as Little Saigon, with New Saigon being one of the must-try spots. This no-frills Vietnamese eatery has been serving up the city’s best banh mi sandwiches since 1987, and everyone knows it. Featuring many of the classic flavors like BBQ beef and pork, cilantro, jalapenos, part of what makes their sandwiches special are the fresh baguettes and house-made sauce."

"Always crushed but never rushed — perhaps because the menu’s so wide-ranging that most guests need half an hour just to figure out what to order — one of Denver’s oldest Vietnamese restaurants also happens to be one of its best bets for lunchtime chef sightings. Pro tip: There’s usually at least one platter of wrap-your-own, rice-paper rolls on their tables."

"Opened in 1987, this Vietnamese eatery on Federal is a Denver staple that seems always packed to the brim with guests. Don't miss the bakery addition next door."

"This Speer neighborhood restaurant may be more than halfway into its fourth decade, but based on the 30-minute-plus wait you’re likely to face on any given night, it’s got another four in it (not to mention a new-ish sibling in Littleton, attached to Carboy winery, that opened in 2016). A maze-like floor plan and stained-glass windows give it a charming, well-worn quality, while the menu marries a classic oyster bar with a neighborhood Italian joint. Once you’ve had your fill of bivalves—raw on the half-shell or char-grilled and topped with garlic, butter, and Pecorino cheese (among other options)—you can move onto pizzas and pastas, all of which are made from scratch daily."

"Homemade pappardelle pasta with cream and parmesan cheese—the Pappardelle Bolognese from Angelo’s is an actual slice of heaven. No matter what we’re in the mood for, we’ll never say no to this im-pasta-bly delicious dish."