Searching to learn about restaurant containers? You’ve reached the right place. Alright, buckle up, food adventurers! Your old pal from NYSF here, and today we’re not dodging rogue hot dog carts in Manhattan. Nope, we’re heading west, way out to the Mile High City: Denver, Colorado. Now, you might picture snow-capped peaks and maybe some, uh, questionable Rocky Mountain oysters. But trust me, there’s a whole different kind of cool brewing in the Denver food scene, and it involves something you usually see hauling freight: shipping containers.
For ten years, I’ve been sniffing out the good eats, the quirky spots, the places with a story. And let me tell you, Denver’s got a story to tell with these metal boxes. It’s like they took something purely industrial and said, “Nah, let’s make this delicious.” And they did.
Is Eating Out of a Metal Box the New Black?
Okay, maybe not everything is coming out of a container. But the ingenuity? Chef’s kiss! Think about it: instant structure, relatively mobile, and with a little elbow grease (and probably a lot of permits), you’ve got the bones of a restaurant. It’s like playing with giant LEGOs, but instead of a castle, you build a pizza joint.
I remember back in the day, the idea of eating anything that wasn’t in a brick-and-mortar felt… temporary. Like a food truck, which, don’t get me wrong, I love. But these container restaurants feel more… permanent. They’ve got roots, even if those roots are sitting on a concrete slab instead of deep in the earth.
Before I delve into three awesome container restaurants in Denver, I’m sure you’re already thinking about jumping into this game…
Thinking of Jumping into the Container Game? Hold My Beer…
So, you’re picturing your own little culinary empire housed in corrugated steel? Awesome! But before you start searching for shipping containers for sale in Denver, let’s have a real talk. It’s not as simple as plopping down a box and firing up the grill.
From my (admittedly outsider, but well-fed) perspective, here are a few things to chew on:
- The Bones Matter: Just like you wouldn’t build a skyscraper on a shaky foundation, you need a good container. Inspect it! Rust, dents – these aren’t just cosmetic issues. They can impact the structural integrity and, you know, whether your customers get rained on. Source reputable sellers.
- HVAC is Your New Best Friend: These metal boxes can become ovens in the summer and freezers in the winter. A solid HVAC system isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for both your customers and your sanity. Plan this out early!
- Think Inside (and Outside) the Box: Space is limited. How will your kitchen flow? Where will customers order? Where will they sit? Get creative with layouts. Think vertically! And don’t forget the exterior – paint, landscaping, and lighting can make a huge difference in curb appeal.
- Permits, Permits, Permits: Oh boy, the fun part. Zoning laws, building codes… It’s a whole different ballgame when you’re repurposing a structure. Get friendly with your local authorities and be prepared for some red tape. It’s less glamorous than dreaming up menu items, but absolutely crucial. For more details, read this.
- Community is Key: You’re not just opening a restaurant; you’re becoming part of a neighborhood. Engage with the local community. What do they want? What’s missing? Being a good neighbor goes a long way.
Turning a shipping container into a restaurant? It’s a bold move, a statement. It says, “We’re doing things differently.” And when done right, like at Cart-Driver, Avanti, and Vital Root, it can create something truly special.
Three Container Restaurants in Denver That Are Rocking
1) Take Cart-Driver in the RiNo district. I swung by there last year on a whim, lured in by the smell of wood-fired pizza. This place? It’s literally a 640-square-foot shipping container, but stepping inside feels like entering a cozy little culinary nook.
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They’re slinging fantastic pizzas, fresh oysters that taste like the ocean slapped you gently in the face, and cocktails that make you forget you’re technically eating in a metal box. They even have a patio, so you can soak up the Denver sunshine while you chow down. It’s proof that small spaces can pack a huge flavor punch. You can find them at 📍 2500 Larimer St #100, Denver, CO 80205.
Watch this video to get a glimpse inside:
2) Now, if you’re thinking bigger, check out Avanti Food & Beverage in LoHi (📍 3200 Pecos St, Denver, CO 80211. This isn’t just one container; it’s a whole food hall built with them! Multiple restaurant concepts are nestled inside these modified steel giants, offering everything from tacos to arepas. It’s like a culinary United Nations crammed into industrial chic. Plus, the rooftop view of the Denver skyline isn’t too shabby either. It’s a fantastic spot if you’re indecisive like me and want a little bit of everything.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
3) Then there’s Vital Root (📍 3915 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212. These guys took the container idea and ran with it in a seriously cool way. They’re a plant-based restaurant, and get this – they grow some of their fresh greens on-site in a hydroponic farm housed in a shipping container! Talk about farm-to-table, literally steps away. It’s a commitment to sustainability that tastes genuinely good. The freshness of their ingredients shines through, and knowing they’re minimizing their environmental footprint makes those veggie bowls even more satisfying. Follow them on Instagram for some inspo.
Watch this video to learn more:
It makes you wonder, doesn’t it? What’s the appeal? Is it just the novelty? I don’t think so. There’s a certain resourcefulness, a scrappy elegance to taking something so utilitarian and turning it into a place where people gather, connect, and eat damn good food. It’s like seeing beauty in the unexpected.
So, Metal Box Munchies: Yay or Nay?
For me? It’s a definite yay. It’s about innovation, about making the most of what you have, and about creating unique dining experiences. Denver’s embraced this trend with gusto, and the results are delicious and often surprisingly charming. It’s proof that great food can come from anywhere, even a recycled metal box.
What do you think? Would you grab a slice or some oysters from a shipping container eatery? Let me know in the comments!
People Also Ask:
- Are shipping container restaurants expensive to build? It can vary, but often the initial cost of the structure itself is lower than traditional construction. However, modifications, utilities, and interior build-out can add up.
- Are these restaurants only outdoors? Not necessarily! Many, like Cart-Driver, have indoor seating within the container, often complemented by outdoor patio spaces.
- Are shipping container restaurants environmentally friendly? Repurposing a container is a form of recycling, which is a plus. However, the overall environmental impact depends on factors like insulation, energy efficiency, and sourcing of materials.
Stay hungry, my friends!
