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Stanley Marketplace Restaurant Guide
This article was published on October 2, 2023 and updated in 2025. Restaurants and menu items listed below are subject to change.
At Stanley Marketplace, you’ll find some of the best food and beverages in Aurora. It is home to over 50 local businesses, many of which are restaurants, but there are also stores, specialty markets, fitness centers, and salons. It’s easy to spend an entire afternoon or evening at Stanley Marketplace. If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat or something to drink, the guide below will show you the perfect spot to satiate your appetite.
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QUICK BITES
FAST CASUAL
RESTAURANTS
LIBATIONS
QUICK BITES:
Maria Empanada
Argentinian | $$
Run, don’t walk, to Maria Empanada. The Stanley Marketplace location is a simple counter, serving authentic Argentinian empanadas, each made by hand. Chef Lorena poured her family’s heritage into Maria Empanada, and the passion is evident in the flavors, aromas, and textures in her food.
There is a wide range of flavor options, from breakfast egg empanadas to Italian caprese to chicken chimichurri. A surprising standout is the simple corn empanada. Empanadas are a great handheld snack, which you can enjoy at one of the tables scattered around the Marketplace or walking through the stores. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, there are several desserts available at Maria Empanada as well.
Miette et Chocolat
Desserts | $$
Nearly hidden in the corner at Stanley Marketplace, Miette et Chocolat is the place to stop and treat yourself or a loved one. The co-owners, chocolatiers and pastry chefs, Gonzo Jimienez and David Lewis, have created a French patisserie with a modern twist.
You’ll find French macarons in a wide range of flavors, specialty chocolates and bon bons, and unique chocolatey confections you won’t see anywhere else. There’s a reason to always check back at Miette et Chocolat – they will often offer specialty items for one day only, like pumpkin pies, sea salt chocolate chip cookies, or crème brulee.
Sweet Cow
Ice Cream, Desserts | $
Homemade, small batch ice cream? Say no more. Sweet Cow offers the classics like vanilla and cookies and cream, but you can also try unique flavors such as gingersnap molasses and strawberry golden Oreo. The ice cream is amazing in a cup, but it’s even better in a pretzel cone, a sandwich made with freshly baked cookies, or coated in homemade hot fudge.
It is located across from Tattered Cover’s children’s bookstore, and you can feel the energy of this corner of Stanley Marketplace as soon as you walk by. There is a grassy ‘meadow’ outside Sweet Cow, filled with inflatable cows for children – or adults – to play with.
FAST CASUAL:
If you’re looking for a cup of tea, try the exotic selection from Bad Peach Cafe. From Tiger Brulee Milk Tea with torched sugar and brown sugar tea jelly to Pineapple Express Cloud with coconut milk and caramel drizzle, from Guava Ba La with guava puree and oolong tea to Rumi’s Lemonade with butterfly pea flower and green tea, some delicious beverage is sure to whet your whistle.
And if you’re hungry, you can choose from the K-Chop Cheese sandwich with ground beef, kimchi and gouda; the Tiger Belly BLT with chashu pork belly, pickled daikon, and hoisin sauce, or the Sloppy Taiwanese with Taiwanese braised pork belly and pickled mustard greens. Be adventurous and treat your tastebuds with something out of the ordinary.
Elita Specialty Market & Kitchen
Mexican, Israeli | $$
Elita looks like a little market at first glance, with dips, pickles, and breads set out for sale and a well-stocked meat counter. However, it serves a variety of freshly made sandwiches, bowls, and salads. Chef Raquela (Rocky) grew up along the Mexico border and was eventually raised by an Israeli family in Colorado, leading to the interesting fusion of Mexican and Israeli cuisine offered at Elita.
The chicken shawarma sandwich (and the chicken shawarma hummus plate) is a delightful and surprising combination of flavors. You can taste the lime in the hummus and a bit of heat from the chili oil, transforming what typically tastes like a true Israeli dish to something with Mexican flavor.
La Creperie d’Audrey
French | $
Named for his daughter, David Lewis created La Creperie d’Audrey to share authentic French cuisine with Denver. From sweet to savory, these made-to-order crepes are made from the highest quality ingredients to deliver a piece of Paris to every plate. Savory options range from Pesto Chicken & Burrata to Monte Cristo, from Croque-Monsieur to La Pizza while the sweet versions are infused with caramel, apple, chocolate, fresh fruit, and cream.
Plus, you can pair them with a freshly made smoothie or finish off with a chocolate from the nearby Miette et Chocolat, which Lewis also founded.
Lemongrass by Misaki
Vietnamese, Japanese | $$
Created by the owners of Misaki (below) comes a new fast-casual dining option featuring fresh Vietnamese and Japanese food. Enjoy pho, poke bowls, curry, bento boxes and more! You’ll find Lemongrass near the South Entrance on the first floor.
Misaki
Sushi | $$
Misaki is the only place to order sushi at Stanley Marketplace. They’ve recently located to a larger space towards the north side of the marketplace. Even if you’re not a fan of sushi, there’s something for you on Misaki’s menu.
Start off with the spicy edamame or shishito peppers for an umami treat, then your choice of sashimi, nigiri sushi, or rolls. If raw fish isn’t your thing, try the California or Spider rolls made with crab or one of the Vegetarian rolls.
Rolling Smoke BBQ
Barbecue | $$
There’s some finger-lickin’ good barbecue in Stanley Marketplace. With an emphasis on Southern style comfort food, Rolling Smoke BBQ dishes out all the classics: brisket, burnt ends, pulled pork, ribs, sausage, and smoked chicken – all served with mac and cheese, potato salad, collard greens, or coleslaw.
Owner Terry Walsh started Rolling Smoke as a food truck, which quickly blossomed into a few brick-and-mortar locations. The staff uses hickory and pecan woods to smoke all their meats – and even standing near the counter in Stanley Marketplace will make you crave some delicious barbecue from the smell alone.
RESTAURANTS:
Annette
Scratch to table | $$$
Annette is a fine-dining establishment, helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Caroline Glover. Don’t let “fine dining” intimidate you, though. This scratch-to-table restaurant boasts many accessible and delicious offerings, including panzanella, roasted half chicken, and pasta with zucchini. If you’re a more adventurous eater, try the chicken liver pâté or grilled beef tongue.
There’s one thing in common with each dish on the menu – each is simplistic and beautiful, and the high-quality ingredients are allowed to shine. For example, don’t overlook the butter lettuce + tarragon salad – it’s one of the best salads you’ll ever eat.
Boychik
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern | $$
Founded by two lifelong friends, Boychik offers Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare plus a selection of cocktails, beer and wine complemented by a warm, welcoming environment. Featuring everything from traditional hummus and Za’atar fries to a fried cauliflower wrap and grilled yams, the menu offers fresh, naturally healthy options.
The signature cocktails include an unexpected selection. The Punch You in the Pie drink is reminiscent of a pumpkin pie punch and the Vine and Dandy margarita with tequila, watermelon, mint and lime is sure to quench your thirst. Come early and enjoy happy hour every weekday from 3-5pm.
Chi Lin Asian Eatery
Pan-Asian | $$
There’s something for everyone at Chi Lin – and by that, literally everything on the menu is delightful. There’s a range of pan-Asian treats, including Japanese Takoyaki, Chinese dim sum, and Pad Thai. It’s the kind of restaurant where you should order a bit of everything on the menu and share it among friends or family. However – if you order the Braised Pork Belly Rice Bowl…you won’t want to share.
There are also a few sake and soju options available to drink. If you’ve never tried it before, soju is an umami-forward spirit, sometimes called a Korean vodka. Sake, on the other hand, tends to be lighter and fruitier tasting. If you’re opting for something non-alcoholic, try the delicious boba or green teas.
Denver Biscuit Co.
Breakfast | $$
Denver Biscuit Co. is the place to stop for brunch – as long as the wait isn’t too long. Pro tip: be sure to join the online waitlist before heading to Stanley Marketplace to get a table. Its menu features – you guessed it – fresh buttermilk biscuits, made into sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, and other breakfast favorites.
Its biscuit sandwich menu boasts diverse offerings, so there’s sure to be something for everyone. For a classic breakfast, try The Dahlia made with sausage, apple butter, a fried egg, and maple syrup. If you’re leaning toward barbecue, try The Elmer, made with pork belly, barbecue sauce, fried onions, coleslaw, and house-made pickles (the pickles are really something). But whatever you do, don’t miss out on the giant cinnamon rolls, even if you package one up and take it home to enjoy later.
Rosenberg’s Bagels
Sandwiches | $$
If you’ve been craving a New York City style bagel, you’ve come to the right place. Not only does Rosenberg’s make its own bagels, of course, but it also cures its own fish for a delicious bagel with lox. Stop in at any time of day for the best bagel sandwiches around.
Sit down with a delicious bacon, egg & cheese on an Everything bagel, wash it down with a delightful drip coffee or breakfast cocktail (mimosas, anyone?), and while you’re at it, take home a dozen bagels with schmear for later. It also serves several pastries and baked goods, like babka and challah.
Pro tip: If you’re at Stanley Marketplace after 4pm, Rosenberg’s becomes Famous Original J’s, serving hot, fresh pizza.
LIBATIONS:
Cheluna Brewing Co.
Beer | $
Cheluna is the only production brewery at Stanley Marketplace, and the first Latin-owned and operated craft brewery in Colorado. Owners Javi and Jen were inspired by Oaxaca, Mexico (where Javi’s grandparents were from) and the culture shines in Cheluna’s décor and brews. The space is typically jumping, as Cheluna offers events like watch parties and live music most nights.
There are chelas (slang for beer) offered year-round, while others are seasonal and special releases. If you’re not typically a beer fan, try the Chilango Hefeweizen, inspired by Mango con Chile – it’s especially delicious with a Tajín rim.
Logan House Coffee
Coffee | $$
Stanley Marketplace is the original Logan House Coffee location, a local chain in four neighborhoods. It’s an excellent place to bring your laptop, catch up with a friend, or relax after an afternoon of shopping. It has a large menu of coffee and espresso beverages, made with its own house-roasted coffee beans.
Highly recommended items include the cold brew or nitro cold brew and a draft latte (you can add your choice of house-made syrups, like chocolate or lavender honey). There is also a selection of baked goods available, such as coffee cake, cookies, and donuts.
Stanley Beer Hall
Beer | $$
At the West end of Stanley Marketplace is Stanley Beer Hall, an indoor/outdoor spot that’s perfect to relax for happy hour or a late-night drink. It also accepts large group reservations, so it’s an excellent spot for a celebration.
Featuring over 50 pour-your-own taps, you can pick and choose to have a little or a lot of something new, or a tried-and-true favorite. The taps pour a wide variety of beer, plus wine and cocktails. Stanley Beer Hall also serves food, if you’re looking to pair your IPA with a burger and French fries.
Traveling Mercies
Cocktails & Oysters | $$
This room with a view is tucked away on the third level of Stanley Marketplace, but is well worth the climb. Founded by James Beard Foundation Award-winning Chef Caroline Glover, this cocktail bar was named a 2024 Best Bar in America by Esquire magazine. Pair your beverage with a selection of seafood, salads, and rice pudding.
Traveling Mercies features an all-night happy hour on Tuesdays with $3 oysters plus happy hours until 5pm every other night of the week.
