Side Hustle, Mile High Style: Profitable Side Dishes for Denver Menus

In a competitive market like Denver, your side dishes could be your secret weapon. As restaurants across the Front Range look for creative ways to increase check averages while offering more value, sides are stepping out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

From RiNo’s fast-casual hubs to Highlands' upscale bistros, Denver diners are craving customization, functionality, and bold flavors—and sides are the perfect place to deliver just that.

Customization is King in the Mile High City

If there’s one thing Denverites want in 2025, it’s choice. From food halls to elevated quick-serve restaurants, customizable sides in Denver are driving guest satisfaction and higher ticket averages.

Offer "Pick Two" meal deals to let guests pair their favorite sides—think classic tomato soup and a Mexican Street Corn dip.

Use trending toppings like kimchi, spicy sauces, or yogurt-based dips to let guests enhance their plates.

Add an upcharge for “probiotic boosts” or specialty condiments like FLAVORSMITH® Sweet Heat Hot Honey, which has exploded in popularity (especially on chicken sandwiches and fries).

Keep the Classics, Level Up the Experience

French fries, soups, and chips still dominate as go-to sides, and with the right presentation, they can feel premium without driving up food costs.

• Delancey Street Deli® Soups are a perfect match for chilly mountain nights and high-altitude cravings. Plus, they’re gluten-free and contain no added antibiotics or hormones—great for Denver’s health-focused crowd.
• Delancey Street Deli® Chips pair perfectly with sandwiches and wraps, especially for grab-and-go operations in Denver’s tech-heavy downtown lunch scene.
• Want a zero-prep twist? Try Contigo® Mexican Street Corn Dip—a summer favorite that works as a side, dip, or nacho topper with minimal kitchen labor.

Tap into Trending Flavors

Denver food trends in 2025 are blending wellness, international flavor, and comfort food nostalgia. Stay ahead by incorporating:

• Sourdough with soups for a fermented flourish.
• Hot honey, gochujang, or peanut sauces as dipping or drizzling options.
• Kimchi or kraut for burgers, sandwiches, or grain bowls.

These bold add-ons check both flavor and function boxes, and guests are willing to pay more for them.

Bundles = Bigger Checks

Denver diners love flexibility. Try bundling sides into combo pricing to increase perceived value while upselling naturally:

• Offer a “build your own lunch box” with two sides and a sandwich.
• Add premium add-ons for $1–$2 each (think truffle fries, roasted Brussels sprouts, or kale Caesar).

Meal deals don’t just satisfy—they help you test new sides and identify what’s resonating with your audience before rolling out new SKUs citywide.

Boost Margins with Minimal Effort

In a high-cost city like Denver, profitability is everything. Ready-to-go solutions like Delancey Street Deli® soups and Contigo® corn dip reduce labor while delivering chef-driven flavors. Plus, these products have long shelf lives, helping you reduce waste while keeping prep tight. 

FAQ’s

1. What are the most popular side dishes in Denver restaurants right now?

Denver diners still love classics like fries, soups, and chips—but they’re also looking for elevated versions. Items like truffle fries, Mexican street corn dip, and fermented additions (like kimchi or kraut) are trending across fast-casual and full-service concepts alike.

2. How can Denver operators increase profit margins using side dishes?

Using labor-saving, pre-prepped products like Delancey Street Deli® Soups or Contigo® Mexican Street Corn Dip allows restaurants to offer premium-feeling items with low prep time. Pairing sides with entrées in bundles also boosts check averages without adding kitchen strain.

3. Are there any seasonal sides that perform better in Denver during summer?

Yes—light, flavorful items with a summer vibe tend to do well. Corn-based dishes, chilled soups, and fresh, customizable sides like grain bowls with unique toppings (e.g., pickled onions, hot honey drizzle) appeal to Denver’s active, health-conscious crowd in warmer months.

4. How can I make “pick two” meal deals work in a Denver lunch setting?

Denver’s fast-paced downtown lunch crowd responds well to mix-and-match options. Let guests combine a sandwich or wrap with a premium side and a drink or dessert. This structure creates perceived value while helping your business test new side dish offerings.

5. What flavors or trends are unique to Denver that I should consider when building a side menu?

Colorado diners often seek out bold, globally inspired flavors with a health-forward spin. Think green chile, bison, spicy/sweet condiments like swicy sauces or hot honey, and fermented foods. Locally sourced and clean-label ingredients also resonate strongly here.