Yes, you can get crave-worthy seafood in landlocked Colorado.
Snowcapped peaks outside. Lobster rolls, oysters, and Cajun boils inside.
From downtown Denver to mountain towns where elk outnumber traffic lights, these spots prove you don’t need an ocean view to taste the coast.
Fresh fish gets flown in fast.
Oysters arrive cold and briny.
Crab legs crack open with that satisfying snap.
Places like Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar and Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood have built loyal followings on seafood towers and buttery lobster tails. Over at Fish N Beer, it’s all about laid-back plates and bold flavors that feel straight off the dock.
This is coastal comfort with a Rocky Mountain backdrop.
A little surprising.
A little indulgent.
And absolutely worth loosening your belt for.
Salt Water Social — Denver, CO
Salt Water Social brings coastal finesse to Cherry Creek with bright crudos, gleaming oyster platters, and a seafood tower that turns heads. You feel the seaside vibe the minute crushed ice hits the table and briny aromas rise.
Start with East and West Coast oyster flights, then chase them with lemon, mignonette, and a crisp white.
Lobster rolls arrive split-top and butter-glossed, while scallops sear to a caramel edge over silky purées. Seasonal fish rotates, from halibut to steelhead, always cooked just-right and paired with produce that sings.
If you love balance, the kitchen nails acid, texture, and temperature.
Cocktails lean nautical and citrus-forward, perfect for cutting richness without stealing the show. Consider a martini with a briny twist or a grapefruit highball that refreshes between bites.
The wine list favors mineral-driven whites and thoughtful bubbles, ideal for oysters and delicate fish.
Go for a slow roll through apps and shareables, then graduate to a showpiece entrée. Weekend energy hums, but service stays polished and warmly conversational.
If you want a coastal mini-vacation in Denver, this spot delivers the sea breeze feeling without the flight.
Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar — Denver, CO
Jax Fish House in LoDo is Colorado’s oyster institution, known for sustainable sourcing and a menu that treats the ocean with respect. You can taste that commitment in the clean snap of raw oysters and the precision of their classic preparations.
Start at the raw bar, then work outward into chowders, ceviche, and shrimp.
The cioppino is a crowd-pleaser, brimming with mussels, clams, and flaky fish in a tomato-saffron broth. Fish and chips arrive shatter-crisp, with malt vinegar ready for the drizzle.
If you want spice, ask about seasonal chiles or a zingy remoulade that wakes everything up.
Happy hour is a local ritual, with deals on oysters, drinks, and small plates that make sampling easy. The staff knows their bivalves, steering you to brinier or creamier profiles.
Pair with a pilsner or a bright muscadet to keep the palate sharp.
Jax is lively but comfortable, equally good for first dates or casual seafood feasts with friends. Sit at the bar to watch shuckers work like artisans.
Leave room for key lime pie, because tart and silky is the perfect last word.
Blue Island Oyster Bar and Seafood — Denver, CO
Blue Island brings Atlantic swagger to Cherry Creek, shucking pristine oysters and turning out lobster rolls fit for a summer dock. You get that breeze-in-your-hair feeling even on a snowy Denver night.
Order a mixed dozen to compare salinity, sweetness, and finish side by side.
The New England tilt shows in clam chowder that is creamy yet balanced, never gloopy. Fisherman’s platters deliver crunchy-fried happiness, while day-boat specials arrive with confident simplicity.
If you crave comfort, the lobster mac checks every box without overpowering the shellfish.
Service is upbeat and fast, helpful if you want to build the perfect raw bar progression. Start with brinier oysters, shift to plumper, and finish with a dressed crudo or poke.
Their cocktail program favors citrus and herbal hits that brighten rich bites.
Weekends can buzz, but the room stays friendly and easy to navigate. Grab a patio seat when weather allows to lean into the coastal illusion.
Whether you are celebrating or just chasing an ocean fix, Blue Island delivers fresh, consistent seafood with a polished Denver vibe.
Water Grill – Denver — Denver, CO
Water Grill brings a serious fish market ethos to downtown, with a menu that reads like a tide chart. You can build a cold seafood spread or go straight to a whole grilled fish carved tableside.
The room is refined without stiffness, making celebrations feel effortless.
Chilean sea bass glistens with buttery flakes and a crisp exterior, while live shellfish rotate by season. King crab legs, spiny lobster, and spot prawns show up when the boats say so.
Ask your server for sourcing details, because provenance matters here.
Starters range from delicate hamachi crudo to torch-seared octopus with smoky char. The kitchen leans on restrained sauces that let pristine seafood speak.
A curated wine list emphasizes bright whites and Champagne, perfect for saline edges and rich textures.
Save room for a citrus-forward dessert to reset after butter and brine. Service is synchronized, attentive without hovering, and timing is spot-on.
If you want a grand, ocean-forward evening at altitude, Water Grill nails the ritual, from the iced platters to the last glimmering shell.
Fish N Beer — Denver, CO
Fish N Beer is Denver’s answer to the neighborhood seafood tavern, where wood smoke and malt meet the sea. You can grab a bar stool, order a basket of fish and chips, and feel instantly at home.
The fryer game is crisp, but the grill steals the spotlight.
Wood-grilled fish gets kissed with char and a squeeze of lemon, letting freshness lead. Oysters show up raw, roasted, or fried, so pick your mood and a beer pairing.
Ask about seasonal catches that change when the boats do.
The tap list is crafty and thoughtful, leaning toward lagers, pale ales, and sours that love seafood. Try a pilsner with oysters or a citrusy IPA with grilled shrimp.
Portions are share-friendly, making it easy to sample widely without overcommitting.
Service is quick, and the vibe feels like your favorite pub, just with better seafood. Weeknight happy hours help you test-drive the menu on a budget.
When you want unfussy, flame-kissed fish and cold beer, this place absolutely delivers.
Big Mac & Little Lu’s Seafood — Westminster, CO
Big Mac & Little Lu’s channels Florida fish-shack charm with Colorado heart. You walk in for fried shrimp, lobster rolls, and daily catches that feel fresh off the dock.
The vibe is unfussy and family-run, which translates to big flavor and friendly pacing.
Fryer hits include grouper sandwiches, coconut shrimp, and hushpuppies that disappear quickly. When you want something lighter, blackened fish with lemon and herbs scratches the itch.
Portions run generous, so sharing works unless you are fiercely protective.
They keep a rotation of market fish, and the chalkboard tells the day’s story. Add coleslaw, seasoned fries, or a simple salad to balance the crunch.
If you chase heat, ask for their spicy sauces and go to town.
Service leans neighborly, and regulars keep things lively. It is a great stop after errands or a casual date night where flavor is the priority.
For coastal comfort north of Denver, this spot proves you do not need an ocean view to get the goods.
Crab & Shell Cajun Seafood — Denver, CO
Crab & Shell is Denver’s Cajun-boil playground where gloves, bibs, and hot steam set the tone. You pick your seafood, sauce, and heat, then dive into a messy, joyous feast.
The smell of garlic butter and cayenne tells you you are in the right place.
Snow crab, shrimp, crawfish, and mussels anchor the combos, joined by corn, potatoes, and sausage. Sauces range from lemon pepper to house Cajun, with heat levels that climb fast.
Order medium first, then go spicier once you find your stride.
Crack, peel, dip, repeat is the ritual, best shared with a hungry crew. Cold beer or sweet tea is your palate extinguisher when the spice kicks.
Add extra garlic butter if you want rich drips on every bite.
Expect laughter, shell debris, and a satisfying pile of napkins by the end. Staff keeps refills coming and checks on your heat tolerance with a grin.
If hands-on seafood is your love language, this spot speaks it fluently in Denver.
Bonny and Read Seafood — Colorado Springs, CO
Bonny and Read brings classic seafood comforts to downtown Colorado Springs with polish and warmth. You can settle into a booth and map a meal from raw bar to hearty mains.
Start with crab cakes or oysters to set the coastal tone.
Lobster tails, seared scallops, and salmon with crisp skin headline the entrées. Sauces keep things balanced, letting seafood lead while adding brightness or richness where needed.
Sides like garlicky greens and buttery mash round things out without stealing thunder.
For cocktails, lean citrus or herbal to slice through sweetness and butter. Wine fans will find bright whites and soft reds that play nicely with the menu.
Ask the team for pairing ideas based on your choices and spice preferences.
The dining room feels date-night friendly yet relaxed enough for family dinners. Service is gracious, with pacing that lets you linger.
When you want a reliable coastal dinner at altitude, Bonny and Read makes it easy to say yes.
The Juicy Seafood — Colorado Springs, CO
The Juicy Seafood is all about big, saucy boils that demand a roll of paper towels and a sense of fun. You choose your seafood mix, heat level, and signature sauce, then dig in.
Expect garlic, cayenne, and lemon to perfume everything in the best way.
Shrimp, crab legs, clams, and mussels star alongside corn, potatoes, and sausage. Medium heat gives kick without pain, but spicy fans will chase the higher tiers.
Ask for extra limes to brighten each buttery, peppery bite.
Platter options help groups cover more ground, while solo boils make a great personal feast. Cold beer, lemonade, or sweet tea keep things refreshing between fiery mouthfuls.
Wear something you do not mind splattering, because the fun gets messy.
Service is quick, friendly, and unfazed by mountain-high appetites. The room hums with families, dates, and friends cracking shells and comparing sauce favorites.
For a carefree seafood binge in the Springs, this place is reliably craveable.
Boil Daddy — Boulder, CO
Boil Daddy brings hands-on Cajun energy to Boulder with customizable boil bags and serious seasoning. You pick the seafood, sauce, and heat, then get wrist-deep in the good stuff.
It is communal, messy, and perfect for spice lovers chasing a coastal rush.
Crawfish in season is the move, but shrimp, crab, and mussels make strong showings. Sauces range from buttery garlic to house Cajun, with add-ons like extra spice or lemon pepper.
Corn, potatoes, and sausage soak up drippings like champions.
Gloves and bibs keep you mostly tidy, but embrace the splatter and laugh it off. Cool your palate with beer or citrus-forward mocktails that reset between bites.
Order extra napkins and let the table become your workspace.
Families, students, and groups pack the room, giving it a friendly, celebratory hum. Staff guides first-timers through combos and spice levels with patience.
If you miss Gulf vibes in the foothills, Boil Daddy scratches the itch fast.
Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar — Colorado Springs, CO
Jax in the Springs extends the brand’s sustainable seafood promise with a lively raw bar and thoughtful classics. You can build an oyster flight, then slide into cioppino loaded with clams, mussels, and fish.
The balance of acid, brine, and warmth feels dialed.
Daily specials respond to what is best coming off boats, keeping menus seasonal and bright. Fish and chips satisfy the comfort craving without heaviness.
Ask about rotating crudos or ceviche for a snap of freshness before hot plates land.
Drinks tilt crisp and clean, spotlighting wines that love salinity and citrus. A well-made martini or pilsner can sharpen each oyster’s personality.
Staff is happy to translate flavor notes if you are still finding your oyster lane.
The room is welcoming for date night, pre-theater bites, or a leisurely seafood dinner. Service is informed and upbeat, helping you explore without overwhelm.
For coastal flavor in the shadow of Pikes Peak, this Jax location is a keeper.
Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood — Lone Tree, CO
Blue Island’s Lone Tree outpost brings the same East Coast sparkle south of Denver. You get oysters on ice, hot buttered lobster rolls, and chowder that comforts without heaviness.
The space is bright and polished, ideal for celebrations or breezy lunches.
Order a mixed raw platter to compare textures and sweetness across Atlantic beds. Fried platters stay crisp, while grilled fish emphasizes clean, lemony lines.
Sides like slaw and fries are classic, but consider greens to keep things balanced.
Cocktails keep it citrusy and refreshing, a smart counterpoint to butter and brine. Ask for wine pairings that highlight minerality and salinity, especially with oysters.
Service moves smoothly even when weekend energy rises.
Patio seats make a sunny day feel like a mini coastal trip. Families and date-nighters share the room without stepping on each other’s vibes.
If you are craving New England notes near Park Meadows, this is a reliable fix.