USA Today released its 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for airports this month. While Denver International Airport (officially DEN but locally called DIA) didn’t claim the top spot in any of the nine categories, it did make the top five in several, including No. 3 for Best Large Airport.
“These 10 large airports have been nominated by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best in the U.S. for the number of destinations they serve, as well as their fantastic amenities and top-notch concessions,” reads the USA Today 10Best website.
DIA won the top spot for Best Large Airport in 2021, made runner-up in 2023, ranked fifth in the category in 2024, and third last year.
A few establishments inside the airport were also recognized in the newly released listings, likely playing a large role in its No. 3 overall ranking. Let’s take a look at what aspects of DIA earned recognition from USA Today’s experts and readers.
Best Airport for Dining: No. 2
2025 ranking: No. 2
While no DIA establishments made the list for Best Airport Sit-Down Restaurant, the airport as a whole did rank second in overall dining, likely thanks to its top-notch options for eaters on the run. Two DIA locations earned spots on the Best Airport Grab-and-Go Food list: Olive & Finch (No. 4) and Modern Market (No. 7).
Bar Dough ranked seventh in the Best Airport Bar category, while USA Today also gave nods to Root Down, Tapas Sky Bar, Elway’s, and Timberline Steaks & Grille as good examples of the diverse food and beverage options at DIA.
Best Airport for Art: No. 3
2025 ranking: No. 4
Even frequent flyers won’t tire of the art at DIA, as the airport regularly rotates Colorado-themed exhibits to add to its internationally recognized permanent public art collection.
“From the huge blue Mustang sculpture outside of the airport, to unique exhibits throughout the terminal, to the songs of the Native American tribes who walked this land long ago on the A Bridge, [DIA’s] art scene offers a unique look into our world,” reads the website.
Learn more about that sculpture, nicknamed “Blucifer,” and other DIA info in Ellery Weil’s article from July, Denver International Airport: Tips, tricks, and myths.
