I live in the Denver area. All of the above suggestions are good. But you would have to either transfer buses from the airport or combine bus or taxi. Since Denver International Airport is only 12 years old and was built quite a ways from the city, there still is not a lot that is close by, such as at O’hare in Chicago. Attempting to honor your request to find something close to DIA,I would like to suggest Emil-lene’s Steakhouse in Aurora. 16000 East Smith Road, Aurora. 303/366-6674. Web site:Sirloinhouse.com . In Aurora since 1958. Tucked in a wooded area, in a old converted house with a covered wagon in the parking lot. Open for lunch and dinner. I would suggest trying the dinner due to two unique items. An old time relish tray, and a side of spaghetti with your steak. Love this place so much, I demand that my family take me every father’s day. I would suggest taking a taxi from the airport. Closer than going to Denver. Oh, should you go, ask for the roon with the tree growing in the middle through the roof! Great steaks, but one word of warning, it is not cheap. However in my mind it is worth every penney, for a step back into our area’s history. Not much there has changed for years, including the wait staff. And that is why I like it so much.