Littleton, a southwestern suburb that’s just a 20 minute drive from downtown, has lots to explore when it comes to dining. That’s why we’re breaking it down by major neighborhoods into a three-part series. The first covered noteworthy eateries in Littleton’s Historic Downtown neighborhood. In this segment, we’re moving east and into the part of Littleton that extends along Littleton Boulevard after leaving Old Town.
Though largely residential, the area around Littleton Boulevard is frequented by locals from all over the city. They flock to the Littleton Historic Museum, a living history museum with costumed interpreters and replicas of two farms from different eras. It has live animals, a small museum, and historic recreation events.
Explorers can visit the Bemis Library, which hosts various workshops and lectures. Or, stroll around Ketring Lake/Gallup Reservoir. The neighborhood also hosts Western Welcome Week, a 97-year-old celebration of Littleton’s history and heritage. The next one runs from August 8 to 17, with “A Spirit of Generosity” as the 2025 theme.
Pair any of these venues with a good meal. Or, just come to this side of town to feast at one of these seven suburban hot spots.
Latke Love
Latkes, the crispy-yet-fluffy potato pancakes typically served during Hanukkah, are on the menu year-round at Latke Love. Started as a stall at the Cherry Creek Farmers’ Market in 2011, owners Steve and Tina Shanders opened a brick and mortar in 2012. Here the husband and wife team dish out latke variations as well as other traditional Jewish foods.
But back to the latkes. Order the potato pancakes with classic toppings such as applesauce and sour cream, the platter comes with four for $13. Or, try the Manhattan for $17.50, which comprises lox, dill cream, capers. and onions. For a gut-busting latke experience, the $16 combination pulled pork, Carolina barbecue sauce, and onion certainly fills. There’s also a version served with Hatch green chile, cheddar cheese, and an over-easy egg for $14. Finish the meal with lemon mascarpone ricotta-stuffed blintzes or stay savory with a traditional knish.
Visit the casual shop from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. 699 W. Littleton Blvd., Littleton, latkelove.com
Cherry Cricket Littleton
Residents of Littleton were excited to get the iconic burger joint in 2023. The original opened in 1945 in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood. Through the years the menu has remained focused on burgers. Currently diners can try out the build-your-own burger option, which starts at $9.50. Toppings range from macaroni and cheese to bacon jam to peanut butter.
Already curated burgers off the menu also slay. For example, the award-winning Cry Baby ($16.50), featuring a half-pound of beef, crostini, swiss cheese, caramelized onions, house-made cheese frico (aka cheese chips), crispy onion strings, and a French onion schmear. The menu also features classic bar appetizers, salads, sandwiches and wraps, Mexican favorites, and dozens of craft beers, all served in a dive-bar-like setting.
Visit the Littleton Cherry Cricket from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily. 819 W. Littleton Blvd., Littleton, cherrycricket.com
Gyros Town
Gyros Town, the popular Larimer Street food truck from Denver, has found a permanent home on West Littleton Boulevard in the space previously held by another Mediterranean restaurant, Damascus Grill. Like its predecessor, the menu features classic favorites such as hummus ($9.99), baba ghanouj ($9.99), falafel ($9.99), lamb gyros ($21.99), chicken shawarma ($9.99), and beef kafta kabob ($20.99). Don’t miss the flaky, gooey baklava ($3.99) for dessert.
Visit Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 1399 W. Littleton Blvd., Littleton, gyrostownrestaurant.com
Lost Coffee in Littleton
This service-station-turned-cafe on West Littleton Boulevard is where you need to go for a craft coffee, to meet up with someone, or get work done. It’s got indoor seating and a small outdoor patio. In warmer months, the space opens up with garage-door-style windows.
But Lost Coffee’s mission goes far beyond just a good cup of brew. Here owner Scott Gaerte is committed to the ethical sourcing of coffee beans, especially those farmed and processed by women and other overlooked workers in the coffee industry. Lost Coffee also has locations in Aurora, Castle Rock, and Highlands Ranch, where the beans get roasted. Along with the regular roster of coffeehouse favorites, Lost features seasonal specialties like the Winter Berry Mocha made with raspberry sauce and dark chocolate. The menu also has food options including Bonfire breakfast burritos, quiche, overnight oats, and pastries.
Open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. 1190 W. Littleton Blvd., Littleton, lostcoffee.com
El Lucero in Littleton
Owner Ana Dalila grew up making pupusas at her mother’s restaurant in El Salvador before coming to the U.S., where she worked in restaurants and met her now-husband, Rolando Guerra. Both became unemployed during the COVID shutdown and turned to making and selling pupusas out of their home kitchen.
In late 2020 they opened a shop in a former Mexican restaurant. While many of the Mexican dishes from the previous owners remain on the menu, the couple has added Salvadoran cuisine to the offerings. Namely, pupusas, a handheld, corn flour pocket stuffed with cheese, beans, and meat. Pupusas can also be stuffed with squash, pork belly, shrimp, or chicken, to name a few of the options available. Make sure to also check out the Salvadoran breakfast menu. And for those non Littleton residents, El Lucero recently opened a second location at 2127 S. Sheridan Blvd. in Denver.
Visit daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 1500 W. Littleton Blvd. #103, Littleton, ellucerorestaurant.com
Harley’s A Hot Dog Revolution
If you’re a fan of Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, put Harley’s Hot Dogs on your list. Not only is it famous, but it’s great for those looking for an over-the-top way to eat the signature dish. Starting at $9.95, get your dog topped in sports peppers, sriracha slaw, pickles, guacamole, cheese, and more.
Or, choose from the menu of over-the-top creations. For example, the Chili Pie Dog ($10.95) comes with Fritos, shredded cheddar, and diced jalapenos on a toasted bun with everything bagel seasoning. Or, opt for something nontraditional like the Eddie Spaghetti ($10.95), which features an Italian sausage topped in pasta, marinara, and mozzarella cheese.
Harley’s might be in a strip mall, but its quaint enclosed back patio makes it a Littleton best kept secret. Ed Ginsburg, the owner at Harley’s, makes each dog to order, which brings us back again and again.
Visit Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 500 W. Littleton Blvd., No. 112, Littleton, harleysdogs.com
Romano’s Italian Restaurant
Neil Romano’s grandfather, Giovanni, once operated an Italian food pushcart in the streets of New York City. Fast forward a few decades and Neil and his wife Ellie opened their restaurant in 1967, which has become a neighborhood staple.
Today, Romano’s children and grandchildren have taken the reins, though little has changed. Simply step inside to be transported to New York’s Little Italy, not Littleton. This is a no-frills, checkered tablecloth, glass-carafe-of-house-red-wine type of place. On the menu you’ll find family-sized Italian salads ($12), eggplant ($14) or chicken ($15) parmigiana, lasagna ($21), Spaghetti With Clams ($25), and, starting at $13, pizza and calzones. Save room for tiramisu or a cannoli for dessert.
Open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. 5666 S. Windermere St., Littleton, romanospizzeria.com
