2026 Best of Denver by the Westword Features On Havana Street Businesses – Recognized for Best Places to Eat Global Eats and More!

Let’s be honest, most of us have no idea how tofu is made. But at Tofu Story in Aurora, where tofu is the name of the game, a glass-walled Tofu Lab lets you watch the entire process live. Clearly, tofu is more than a filler or a meat alternative here — it’s the star of the show. And it may be one of the few places left in the country where the tofu is made in-house, fresh and fabulous. Whether you’re a longtime plant-based eater or just tofu-curious, the tofu here will make you a believer.

Westword’s Best of Denver 2026 – Best Hot Pot

Nile Ethiopian in Aurora is the kind of place that turns communal eating into a ritual. Under new ownership but with the same heart for richly spiced, soulful cooking, this longtime Aurora staple offers buttery doro wat, fragrant lentil misir, and a rainbow array of vegetarian options, all served atop warm, spongy injera that doubles as both fork and plate. Each platter feels like a shared feast, where the act of tearing and dipping becomes part of the joy, making the case that eating with your hands is how food was meant to be enjoyed.

🏆Congratulations Nile Ethiopian Restaurant for being voted BEST ETHIOPIAN! Though under new ownership, this Aurora staple has consistently delivered the same flavorful, authentic Ethiopian dishes through the years. From the soft and spongy injera to the wide selection of tasty stews, tender lamb and various meats, and vibrant vegetable platters, it’s not hard to see why this spot is a winner!
📍 1951 S Havana St, Aurora, CO 80014
⏰Thurs – Tues 11am -9pm, Closed Wed

Pupusas are the signature dish of El Salvador, and few places celebrate it as fully and deliciously as Pupusas La Salvadoreña in Aurora. This humble community anchor turns the simple griddled masa cake into a cultural celebration. Surrounded by murals and nods to El Salvador’s heritage, more than a dozen pupusa fillings are at your fingertips (literally). From the gooey revuelta with pork, beans and cheese, to the earthy loroco flower, to the wonderfully decadent chicharrón, each blistered-crisp pupusa is served with a tangy housemade curtido slaw and bright salsa rojo. It’s comforting, affordable and authentically soulful.

Long before Aurora became a national headline for its global food scene, Yemen Grill was quietly building a loyal following for deeply spiced, flame-grilled meats, and in 2025, it expanded with a location near the University of Denver. The kebabs, from lamb to chicken to beef, arrive juicy and fragrant from the grill, lightly charred at the edges and infused with cumin and smoke. But be sure to order them with the rice, which nearly steals the show. Fluffy and dyed golden with spices, each spoonful is layered with savory depth that complements the kebabs. You’ll want every last grain.

🏆Congratulations Yemen Grill for being voted BEST KEBABS! If you’re looking for perfectly seasoned, grilled to perfection skewers of lamb, chicken, and beef, the people know that Yemen Grill is where to go! Delicious Yemeni cuisine and generous portions, what a well-deserved win!
📍2353 S Havana St UnitD#15A, Aurora, CO 80014
⏰Open Daily 11am – 11pm

Almost every other empanada place features the delightful hand pies lined up in neat little rows under a glass case, ready for grab-and-go goodness. Not at Aurora’s Orejano. Here, each is filled and baked to order. The result is a light, flaky crust, steaming hot and hearty fillings, served straight from the oven. From rich criolla beef studded with red pepper and onions to inventive twists like blue cheese and caprese, each empanada is generously packed full and impossible to put down, just like those served in the owners’ native Uruguay.

Why do so many coffee shops close early when you need caffeine to stay up late? Coffee Story understands what the people want, staying open until 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. The menu includes a wide range of specialty coffee, matcha and boba drinks — plus croissants, milk cakes and honeycomb pastries. Complete with free Wi-Fi, cozy seating and board games, this neighborhood cafe is an ideal hangout spot for every occasion, whether you want to study, have a game night or are in need of a quick boost before hitting the bars.