The SPOTLight: Top East Eats on Colfax

East draws many students in for its rich history, stellar academics, lively school spirit and social scene, and most importantly, the food. Situated right in the middle of Colfax, East offers the best eating options for off-campus lunchers of any high school in Denver. And there are options for everyone! Including international cuisine, small businesses, and fast-food giants, anything is possible for our lunch hour. Whether you are a freshman wandering around Colfax for the first time this year or just have thirty minutes and a car, here are some top lunch spots for East students.

(PSA: The Starbucks on Colfax & Milwaukee Street is closed permanently.)

Chipotle on the corner of Colfax & Columbine. Photo: Reese Worrell

#1 - Chipotle Mexican Grill

2500 E Colfax Ave

The top spot for lunch at East is no secret. Chipotle is absolutely hopping at noon on a weekday, with shoulder-to-shoulder teenagers waiting for their go-to meal. Located just across from the Esplanade, it's about a three minute walk from the front doors. Your total trip could stretch up to thirty30 minutes, though, thanks to the line that forms by 12:02 pm. A standard order adds up to about $10, without sides or a drink, but the portions are on the larger side and are overall a good value for a healthy-ish and simple option. 

Burrito bowl with lettuce, corn salsa, pico de gallo, white rice, and fajitas. Photo: Reese Worrell

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Inside Wellness Sushi. Photo: Reese Worrell

#2 - Wellness Sushi

2504 E Colfax Ave

Next door to Chipotle is Wellness Sushi, a Japanese restaurant known for its wide range of vegan sushi and ramen options. It is about a four-minute walk from East, and inside offers a casual and cozy dining space. Wellness is a small business that fewer students frequent and can offer a less overwhelming social atmosphere for lunch. Just be prepared to wait: good things take time, and the delicious vegan sushi can certainly take some patience as it is made fresh. Budget your time (and money) wisely!

Photo: Reese Worrell

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Storefront of Jimmy John’s. Photo: Reese Worrell

#3 - Jimmy John’s

2325 E Colfax Ave

Jimmy John’s sits a few blocks west, about a six -minute walk. Though it is slightly further than other spots mentioned on this list, the sandwich shop is still extremely popular and accessible for a lunch option. The inside offers comfortable seating and very well done air conditioning, with cozier booths towards the back and sunlit tables in the entrance space. The gourmet subs can be paired with potato chips and fountain drinks. Depending on your order, you might want to spare a few extra dollars as full-sized subs cost around $12.89. 

Little Jim #6 (Veggie). Photo: Reese Worrell

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#4 - Illegal Pete’s

2001 E Colfax Ave

Walking west down Colfax to Illegal Pete’s. Photo: Reese Worrell

Illegal Pete’s sits on the corner of Colfax and Race Street, about five blocks west of Jimmy John’s. It's a ten -minute walk, with the better route being along 16th straight out the front doors of East. The trek is worth it though, and the local burrito joint is bustling with East kids every day of the week. The staff are friendly and all students get a free fountain drink and side of chips or tortilla with their meal. 

Kids bowl with tortilla chips and a Diet Dr. Pepper. Photo: Reese Worrell

Sprouts parking lot. Photo: Reese Worrell

#5 - Sprouts

3625 E Colfax Ave

The only non-restaurant on the list, Sprouts is slightly unconventional for a lunch spot. However, the grocery store is increasingly popular at a four -minute drive for upperclassmen. The parking lot is easy to navigate and the amount of options inside makes it a no-brainer for anything you're craving. On top of that, there is no wait time as it is self-serving. You just have to be okay with eating in your car, and do some mental math when picking out the ingredients for your lunch. (P.S. The sushi is $5 on Wednesdays!)

Kid’s meal and Sprouts brand organic kombucha. 

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Chick-fil-A storefront on Colfax. Credit: Chick-fil-A

#6 - Chick-fil-A 

3725 E Colfax Ave

Last but not least, Chick-fil-A is an East classic, particularly for upperclassmen. The fast-food chain sits east of school on Colfax and is frequented by East kids. Unsurprisingly, the menu is mostly chicken. Chicken sandwiches are a main attraction, followed by chicken nuggets, chicken wraps, and chicken salads. But Chick-fil-A also serves macaroni and cheese, french fries, fruit, cookies, brownies, and ice cream. Their drink menu might be even better than their food selection: sodas, lemonade, coffee, milkshakes, and frozen lemonades are incredibly crave-worthy and keep students making the five-minute drive multiple times a week. 

Small mac and cheese and medium fry. Starbucks coffee not included. Photo: Reese Worrell

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These are just some of the many great restaurants within the mile (in any direction) from our front doors. The lunch scene at East is one of the best in Denver. Wherever you end up, Colfax has something for everyone at East. Happy lunching Angels!