Where to Order Groceries in Denver

Grocery shopping in the time of coronavirus is a whole new world of one-way aisles, masks, meticulous planning, and massive shopping lists. It’s stressful. But one way to ease the stress and support local food business is to switch up your routine and opt for smaller, locally owned grocers. These stores tend to be less crowded, and shopping here puts your dollars directly back into our local economy. Plus, many of the spots on this list carry tons of Colorado-made foods, so it’s a double shot of doing good.

Sunnyside
This grocery store and community hub is new to the Mile High -- it just opened in November, and it’s a new kind of grocery store. Though it was started by two brothers with plenty of grocery experience, this location is employee-owned. And along with the typical grocery staples, there are tons of local products including River Bear meats from chef Justin Brunson and MouCo cheeses. Plus they’ve also got on-site food stalls, which are still open and serving prepared foods like Basil Doc’s pizza and One Two Three Sushi. And yes, they’ve got toilet paper and eggs too. 

Park Hill
Not only does this Park Hill staple have some of the best deli sandwiches in town, they’ve also got a ton of specialty Italian grocery items and local products. Need pasta, meats, or cheese? This is your go-to. And they also do take and bake specials like lasagna and mac & cheese for those nights you just can’t deal with washing any more pots and pans. And if you do grab a sandwich during your visit (and you definitely should), don’t forget to ask for a pickle spear.

North Capitol Hill & Hale
Marczyk’s has been a staple in Denver for nearly two decades. The original location on 17th just turned 18 years old in April 2020, and they just keep getting better year after year as more local products and new culinary treats join their lineup. They’re currently offering in-store shopping during new limited hours, curbside pickup, and delivery through Instacart. That means you can score all your regular grocery staples plus favorites like Rosenberg’s bagels, Niman Ranch meats, and Marczyk’s own line of prepared foods which includes everything from pizza dough to salads and chicken noodle soup in whatever way you feel most comfortable.

Littleton, Dry Creek, and Castle Pines
If you’re in the South metro area, Tony’s Market is a haven for high quality and locally sourced groceries. The original Dry Creek location has been around since 1978, and today, there’s a trio of locations serving the southern suburbs. From fish, seafood, and meats to produce, cheese, and prepared food, they’ve got everything you need to eat well in your quarantine kitchen. They also make some of the best-prepared foods in town so if you want to stock up on chef-quality frozen and refrigerated meals, do it here.

Platt Park
Never heard of Ruby’s Market? That’s likely, since they were set to open just after the stay-at-home order went into place. Once they’re able to have their grand opening, this will be a market where refugee, immigrant, and indigenous entrepreneurs can share their culinary creations. But in the meantime, they’ve partnered with the South Pearl Street Farmers Market to bring you market boxes, to-go. Order from a selection of farmers market favorites like Colorado-made honey, pickles, cheese, hot sauces, bread, produce, pasta, and more. Build your custom box online, then swing by Ruby’s on Sundays from 12pm-2pm for pickup.  

Central Business District
This family-owned Asian grocer in downtown’s Sakura Square has been a staple in the Mile High’s former Japantown for over 70 years. From produce and seafood to specialty Asian ingredients, there’s a bit of seemingly everything here. Plus the on-site store has all kinds of knives, mandolins, sake sets, and tons of other goodies for your kitchen. Yes, you should get a new teapot and some matcha Kit-Kats on your next run for rice and ramen. And this is the spot to do just that.

Ballpark
Restaurateur Frank Bonanno’s food hall is typically buzzing with people perched at the bar or grabbing lunch from one of the 16 concepts inside. But now, they’ve transformed into a neighborhood go-to for prepared foods to go and groceries -- not to mention a massive booze selection. The prepared food menu and some rotating family meal kids are available via delivery from UberEats, GrubHub, and DoorDash. You can also pre-order directly from Milk Market for pickup. But for the full grocery selection which includes fresh and dried pasta, produce, meats, and sides, it’s best to stop by. They’re currently open 11am-8pm daily. 

Hilltop 
Owner Pete Moutzouris opened this small grocer in 1974 and he still works the register regularly today. Like the name says, they’ve got fruits and vegetables aplenty. But there’s also a wonderful deli selection, baked goodies, cheeses (including a variety of imported feta), and much more. There are culinary treats waiting to be discovered in every corner. Bonus: Pete’s is right across the street from High Point Creamery, so you can pick up something for your ice cream fix too.

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