When we travel out of state, we’re often asked what is considered Colorado’s iconic food. They ask if it might be Rocky Mountain Oysters – uh, no. We mention that the Cheeseburger was invented in Denver. But, ultimately, we list Green Chili as being the dish we think of as iconic to Colorado because it’s so beloved and is served at so many restaurants. Whether you agree or not, I think we can all agree that Green Chili, whether vegetarian or with pork, is delicious and can make many a dish even better. An excellent source of great green chili in Colorado is The Cherry Cricket who we tapped for some delicious and helpful information.
Q & A: The Story (and Tips) Behind Cherry Cricket’s Famous Green Chili
Our thanks to Samantha Taxin, General Manager at The Cherry Cricket in Cherry Creek for join us for this Q & A:
In Good Taste Denver: I know Cherry Cricket has been around a very long time – it’s been an institution our entire lives here in Denver. Can you clarify the history and ownership of The Cherry Cricket?
Samantha Taxin: Since opening in 1945, The Cherry Cricket has become a Denver institution. It evolved into one of the city’s earliest sports bars in the 1960s when owner Bernard Duffy added its now-iconic sign to the original location in Cherry Creek North’s upscale neighborhood. The restaurant joined Wynkoop Holdings in 2000, and when Wynkoop later merged with Breckenridge Brewery, they formed Breckenridge-Wynkoop, LLC. Though the companies eventually parted ways, Breckenridge-Wynkoop remains, co-owned by Lee Driscoll and Ed Cerkovnik. The group also includes other Colorado staples like Wynkoop Brewing Co., Phantom Canyon Brewing Co. and Ale House Grand Junction. Beyond the flagship Cherry Creek location, The Cherry Cricket expanded to the Ballpark area in 2018, Littleton in 2023 and has a new Broomfield location set to open in 2025.
IGTD: How long has green chili been a staple on the menu?
ST: It’s been around since Eli McGuire owned the Cherry Cricket in 1990.
IGTD: Does every Cherry Cricket serve the same green chili it did then?
ST: The Cherry Creek spot has served its OG green chili for as long as anyone can remember, with fans who swear by it. When the Ballpark location opened in 2018, the Head Chef, Ronaldo Munoz brought his own beloved green chili recipe to the table. A spicy rivalry brewed leaving our team with a decision to make. In the end we thought Chef Ronaldo’s green chili took the cake and we have been serving his recipe, (R&C Pork Green Chili) at all three locations ever since.
IGTD: What parameters do you give your chefs in creating their own version?
ST: We never set out to add a new green chili recipe to our menu, but when Chef Ronaldo Munoz was serving the R&C Pork Green Chili at our Ballpark location, the city of Denver loved it, and wanted it to be a permanent mainstay at all of our locations! At The Cherry Cricket, we encourage our chefs to bring their passion to the kitchen, creating something delicious and unique for our fans. So, when Chef Ronaldo wanted to share his green chili recipe with us, we couldn’t wait to give it a try!
The biggest difference between the original recipe offered at The Cherry Cricket and Chef Ronaldo’s version is the original chili is more broth like soup with pork pieces, and Chef Ronaldo’s recipe is more like a stew, thicker with pieces of pork (Denver style). Both are amazing but the R&C Green Chili you can find on our menu today is the perfect mix of flavor and spice. Plus, it’s special to the downtown location as their recipe is something we want to celebrate!
IGTD: Why do you think green chili is so iconic to Colorado?
ST: Green chili is iconic to Colorado because it brings together traditional Western flavors with contemporary flair from people mixing in their centuries-old recipes with Colorado-specific ingredients like bison, green chilis and Palisade peaches. Colorado’s food scene is all about adventure, drawing inspiration from our landscapes and the diverse cultures that call this place home. Green chili, with its bold, earthy flavors and comforting warmth, captures that spirit like no other dish, making it a true staple of Colorado’s culinary identity.
IGTD: What are some of the ways diners can enjoy green chili when dining at the Cherry Cricket locations?
ST: At The Cherry Cricket, we love showcasing Colorado’s local flavors, and our green chili is a big part of that. It’s featured in variety of dishes, like our chili cheese fries, and, of course, our signature burgers! Our 2019 Burger Battle winner, the 303 Green Chile Relleno Burger, is a 1/2-pound Cricket burger smothered in pork green chili and topped with white cheddar and a chile relleno. Guests can also enjoy our green chili in our Mexican dishes including the grande burrito, nachos and the combo plate.
IGTD: What are your suggestions for ways people can enjoy green chili at home?
ST: At home, you can get creative with green chili by adding it to game-day favorites like fries, nachos, or burgers—it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Or mix things up by pairing it with breakfast classics such as eggs or grilled veggies for a bold and flavorful start to the day. From spicing up casseroles to topping baked potatoes, versatile green chili brings a kick of flavor that elevates any dish!
IGTD: Do you have any tips for making great green chili at home?
ST: Whenever possible, use fresh, high-quality green chiles and aromatics like onions and garlic. Fresh ingredients will add depth to the chili and bring out a vibrant flavor.
The key is to slow-cook the green chili and let the flavors develop. Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to taste. Adding roasted green chiles brings out a smoky, authentic flavor and thickening it just right is essential for that hearty, satisfying texture.
Sauté your onions, garlic and spices together before adding liquids. This technique helps infuse the green chili with a robust, well-rounded taste.
Instead of just water, use a good-quality chicken or vegetable broth for a richer flavor. This small step can make a huge difference in the depth of your chili.
The longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld together. Let the chili cook slowly for an hour or more to bring out the full flavor profile and achieve a tender, thick consistency.
For extra heat, try adding more roasted jalapeños or even a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the chiles or add a bit of cream or cheese to mellow it out without losing any of that rich flavor.
Add cornstarch to thicken the chili if needed!
To learn more about the Cherry Cricket’s locations and menus, visit their website, here. On their menu, you’ll find R&C Pork Green Chili (Chef Rinaldo’s award-winning Denver style, stew-like pork green chili) and Veggie Green Chili (spicy, soupy Pueblo style chili).
-Photos courtesy of Cherry Cricket. Article by Courtney Drake-McDonough, Publisher & Managing Editor, InGoodTasteDenver.com.
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