
Cart-Driver RiNo
A cozy, hip spot in RiNo serving outstanding wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and fresh oysters, all within a unique, intimate shipping container setting.

Highlights
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Cart-Driver RiNo

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cozy, hip spot in RiNo serving outstanding wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and fresh oysters, all within a unique, intimate shipping container setting.
Happy Hour Negronis
Take advantage of twice-daily happy hours for $8 Negronis, a perfect pairing with your pizza.
Share Your Pizzas
Pizzas are surprisingly filling; sharing allows you to sample more flavors.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian, Pizza
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Exceptional Wood-Fired Pizza
Indulge in Neapolitan-style pizzas with unique toppings like wood-roasted mushrooms and spicy honey. Perfect chew and char from the wood-fired oven.

Fresh Oysters
Enjoy incredibly fresh oysters, expertly shucked. A must-try seafood offering that complements the pizza and cocktails perfectly.

Cozy Shipping Container Ambiance
Experience the unique charm of this trendy, compact space housed in a revamped shipping container in River North (RiNo).
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Happy Hour Negronis
Take advantage of twice-daily happy hours for $8 Negronis, a perfect pairing with your pizza.
Share Your Pizzas
Pizzas are surprisingly filling; sharing allows you to sample more flavors.
Outdoor Seating Option
Enjoy your meal on the attached patio, especially delightful on warmer days.
Don't Miss the Clam Pizza
The clam pizza with roasted lemon is a highly recommended signature dish.
Tips
from all over the internet
Happy Hour Negronis
Take advantage of twice-daily happy hours for $8 Negronis, a perfect pairing with your pizza.
Share Your Pizzas
Pizzas are surprisingly filling; sharing allows you to sample more flavors.
Outdoor Seating Option
Enjoy your meal on the attached patio, especially delightful on warmer days.
Don't Miss the Clam Pizza
The clam pizza with roasted lemon is a highly recommended signature dish.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cart-Driver RiNo is celebrated for its exceptional wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and incredibly fresh oysters, all served within a charming, unique shipping container ambiance. While many rave about the quality of ingredients and flavor combinations, some diners find the personal pizzas to be small for the price and occasionally note a lack of protein options or a bland sauce on certain pies.
"The food was really great! So was the service and the whole vibe. I can't imagine giving anything less than 5 stars. We got the oysters which were really fresh and tasty. Also the chicken liver mousse with the focaccia hit the spot!
The pizzas are pretty simple but the flavor was incredible! Will definitely be coming back!"
Justin Whitesel
"What I didn’t like is the total lack of meat across the menu. One pepperoni and one prosciutto (for a massively large up charge of $6 on a $20 personal pie). We ate here, 2 ppl, for two personal pizzas it was $46. I was going to order a third pizza with the focaccia but I realized the reason I’m still hungry is bc the total lack of protein on the menu. So instead we got in the car and drove across town to a place with chicken wings to fill up. We ate a full meal there so the pizza didn’t do anything to fill us up. Kinda crazy for the price ratio it’s not like the pizza was legendarily tasty. I mean it was mid Colorado pizza. I know you can do the same quality or better at home (bc there will be meat there. I probably will never be back."
Weston Hood
"I waited far too long to come here. This place is so great! Quick ordering process with helpful staff. Bartender helped make sure the Pink Pony Club cocktail was perfectly spicy but not too much. And the pizza was absolutely amazing! I was able to add mushrooms to my White Pie. Already planning a trip back soon."
Jacey Riggs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Cart-Driver uses a slow-risen dough and a screaming-hot wood-fired oven to create Neapolitan-style pizzas with a perfect balance of chew and char, topped with quality ingredients.
The RiNo location operates on a counter-service basis with limited seating. The LoHi location may offer reservations, but check their specific policies.
Freshly shucked oysters are highly recommended, and the chicken liver mousse with focaccia is also a standout appetizer.
Yes, they offer a Vegan Lemon Olive Oil Cake for dessert and a Gluten-Free Sourdough Crust option for pizzas.
The RiNo location is a cozy, 640-square-foot space housed in a revamped shipping container, offering a trendy and intimate dining experience.
Yes, they offer a curated selection of cocktails, including popular Negronis, as well as wine and beer. They also have 'Zero Proof' non-alcoholic options.
While the RiNo location is small, patio spaces and a semi-private courtyard are available for groups, fostering a communal dining feel.
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Wood-fired pizzas, briny oysters on the halfshell, a prosecco-forward drink menu and—largely at the Lower Highland (LoHi) location—an array of Italian-inspired shareables like seasonal risotto and Mafalde carbonara. The trendy River North (RiNo) flagship has been likened to a shoebox; in actuality, the 640-square-foot nook is a revamped shipping container (true to the neighborhood vibe), while the LoHi outpost houses 80 seats in carefully restored historic digs built in 1890. Why we love it: File this place under “so-random-it-works.” The pizza is bubbled and charred to chewy perfection (order the clam—trust us); the oysters are crave-worthy on a sunny summer afternoon; and the cocktails are hip (try the “Messed Up” Negroni, which sparkles with prosecco).
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Regardless of where you’re from or how nuanced your opinions on whether fruit belongs on a pizza, Cart-Driver makes undeniably exceptional wood-fired Neapolitan-style pies. Loaded up with toppings like wood-roasted trumpet mushrooms, littleneck clams, and spicy calabrian honey, the pizzas are even better paired with a Negroni (just $8 during their twice daily happy hours). So long as it isn’t covered in a pile of snow, head out to the attached patio to escape the cramped shipping container space (seriously, the whole restaurant is 640 square feet).
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Slow-risen dough, quality ingredients and a screaming-hot pizza oven are what make Cart-Driver a destination for pizza aficionados looking for balance and subtlety rather than gooey wads of cheese and wall-to-wall pepperoni. The Neapolitan pies produced at the tiny, industrial pizzeria in RiNo and at its posher sibling in LoHi offer the perfect amount of chew and char, whether you're noshing on a simple Daisy (with nothing more than mozzarella, sauce and basil), a seasonal special with garden-fresh toppings, or the Cart-Driver, dotted with kale and house sausage. The pizzaiolos here are perfectionists, but they're not snobs — since you can even get ham and pineapple.
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Tinned fish has been trending on TikTok and other social media platforms, prompting the masses to go out searching for preserved mussels, oysters, herring and more as people embrace a delicacy that’s been the standard in countries like Spain for…forever. It’s not new to Denver restaurant menus, either, but our favorite spot for digging into this specialty is the RiNo location of Cart-Driver, where you can choose from a variety of options that are served on a tray with charred, fluffy piada bread, black-olive butter and sambal pepper relish. Add some oysters for a seafood-centric feast, or follow it up with one of the restaurant’s perfectly charred pizzas.
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Few eateries have won the adoration of Denver foodies like nine-year-old Cart-Driver, whose RiNo and LoHi outposts manage to toe the line between neighborhood pizzeria and hip hangout. The bustling spots—which emulate Italy’s carrettiere, cart drivers that serve roadside farm-to-table fare—are go-tos for fresh-shucked oysters, well-mixed Negronis, and pies charred to perfection for 90 seconds in a wood-fired oven. On the pizza menu, go for crowd-pleasers such as the Daisy (the restaurant’s take on the margherita) and seasonal stunners like the Autumn (Honeycrisp apple, fennel, lemon, Brie, and house-smoked pork jowl).
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Another one of the River North neighborhood’s repurposed shipping container restaurants, Cart-Driver focuses on rustic wood-fire oven pizza, Hama Hama oysters, appetizers and eco-conscious drinks like classy canned beer, self-serve screw-top wines, and strawless pre-batch cocktails. Dishes — even the Italian pizzas — feature American ingredients, with some standouts including the hearty Four Season Pizza with 16arugula pesto, heirloom tomato, squash, peach, ham, burrata, and the tuna mousse on toast. Love pizza but don’t want the carbs?
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At its second Denver location in Highland, this hip pizza, prosecco and oyster shop spreads out into a pretty trattoria with ample bar, counter and dining room seating. You’ll order the first rounds of food and drink at the register, but don’t be surprised if you end up lingering at the table for a while over “messed up” negronis and mortadella pizzas. Don’t worry: There is follow-up table service (as opposed to the other Cart-Driver), so you’ll be set if someone in the group is missing a drink.
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Inspired by the Carrettiera, or Cart-Driver, who brought goods from Southern Italy's farms to its villages via horse-drawn cart, this tiny pizza and oyster shack is all about sharing, be it food or conversation. The entire restaurant is tucked into a a 640-sq-ft shipping container. That said, there are patio spaces, a small separate back room and a semi-private courtyard that groups can book, with most spaces more semi-private than truly private as befitting this congenial eatery.
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Some popular options include Red Rocks Cafe, Cart-Driver, Patxi's Pizza, and the Market Tavern. These restaurants offer a wide variety of food options, from classic American fare to creative pizza and pasta dishes to tasty cocktails and craft beers. With outdoor dining areas that are perfect for enjoying some quality time with your pup, these are truly some of the best places to enjoy a meal out with your four-legged friend in Denver!
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2500 Larimer St #100, Denver, CO 80205,303-292-3553 Visit Website. Cart Driver is inspired by the Carrettiera, a job in Southern Italy where delivery men would use horse-drawn carts to serve fresh meals from the farms to the nearby villages. While the journey from the kitchen to the table is shorter today, the staff aims to deliver the same passion and hospitality of the Carrettieras of yesteryear.
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With locations in both LoHi and RiNo, Denver’s Cart-Driver is a fashionable fixture of pizza culture in Denver, named for the Carrettierras, or cart drivers of Southern Italy. The concept celebrates the original farm-to-table providers who bore vegetables, meats, seafood, and stories from one community to another. The theme of connection and cozy hospitality is at the core of Cart-Driver’s appeal.
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Cart-Driver is Denver’s well-known eatery for enjoying wood-fired pizzas, fresh oysters, seasonal plates, and crafty cocktails. With two locations, in RiNo and LoHi, Cart-Driver delivers Italian-style dishes to both locations, with their wood-fired pizzas being the reason first-timers try this restaurant. Pair your meal with their carefully selected Italian cocktails, wine, or craft beer menu.
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Get ready for some seriously good, authentic Neapolitan-style pizza in a uniquely cool setting at Cart-Driver!. With locations including a cleverly converted shipping container in RiNo, this spot is all about high-quality ingredients and traditional Italian techniques. You absolutely must try one of their amazing wood-fired pizzas, like the classic Margherita or the spicy Daisy.
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When it comes to pizza, the Neapolitan-inspired pies at Cart-Driver are craveworthy. The counter service is ideal for picking up a pie to-go or sticking around. (Seating can be limited on a busy night.) Located inside a shipping container with 25 seats, the restaurant offers quick and tasty wood-fired pizza with an eight-pie menu and no option to build your own.
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They have the unique combination of wood- fired pizzas, wonderful house cocktails and oysters. The last one might be unusual but it works well here as the perfect way to kick off your meal. Throw in a great wine and beer list, some super Happy Hour deals and a lovely terrace for the warmer months and this is what heaven on earth looks like.
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If you are in the mood for some classic wood-fired Italian pizza, Cart Driver in Larimer Street is the place to be. It showcases a fabulous restaurant with rustic interior design and cozy ambiance that will make guests feel right at home. Aside from pizzas, they also serve seasonal market plates, fresh oysters, and mixed drinks.
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The Lowdown: For those of you who are easing into the “eating out solo to meet new people concept,” Cart-Driver is a great place to start your night. Go for an early dinner or late lunch and enjoy the small, cozy and casual atmosphere. It’s a great space with counter service and mini tables to slide into and not feel alone.
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If you are looking for a wood-fired pizza, the Cart-Driver is a good choice. Inspired by the Carrettiera, this pizza restaurant aims to deliver the same hospitality and passion. It is a cozy space in the heart of the RiNo neighborhood and the atmosphere is perfect for a quiet get-together with family and friends.
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The Rino location sits inside a transformed 640-square-foot shipping container and serves plates of fresh oysters on the half shell, woodfired pizzas, batch cocktails, and Italian wine. There’s no messing around here. It’s first come, first served, seating patrons inside the container and out on the patio area.
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Cart-Driver, a shop known for serving authentic Italian pizza, won't steer you wrong. Its pies are the epitome of deliciousness and they always come out with just the right amount of char, toppings, and sauce to make any Italian proud. The oysters on the half shell and antipasti plates are also well-loved.
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Rating: 4.5/5Location: 2500 Larimer St Ste 100, Denver, CO 80205-2275Timings: 3:00 pm - 8:00 pmPrice: $$ - $$$. Cart Driver has one of the most mouth-watering foods in Denver; their cocktails are perfect, and their pizzas and oysters are worth craving. Their pizzas are unique and incomparable.
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Let me start by saying that Cart-Driver RiNo is the best spot for a relaxed and enjoyable dinner in Denver. From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by a warm and welcoming ambiance that made me feel right at home. The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the great food and drinks.
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2239 W 30th AvenueDenver, CO 80211(720) 501-2264 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Cart-Driver is an warm, intimate eatery serving sustainably sourced, farm-to-table Southern Italian wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, seasonal market plates, and craft cocktails.
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Aside from their seriously stacked menu – their patio is one of the best places to enjoy dining al fresco this summer. Whether you’re in the mood from some phenomenal pizza, a cocktail for a cause, or just looking to relax; Cart Driver is one to add to the list.
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Since 2014 Andy Niemeyer’s wood-fired pizza spot has drawn crowds into the small RiNo eatery. In 2019 he expanded to LoHi, though currently this location closed for renovations. Pizza lovers can still get perfectly cooked pies at the original Cart Driver.
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2500 Larimer Street #100 │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$. Savor a meal inspired by the flavors of Southern Italy (photo: Cart-Driver Facebook). Cart-Driver operates its counter service within an intimate, renovated shipping container.
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2 for $5Everyday 3-6pm RiNo & LoHi Pizza & Oysters… genius combination. I love this’s RiNo spot for their amazing woodfired pizza and having fresh oysters is just an added bonus. It’s a little spot so I would not suggest this for large groups.
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Cart-Driver is one of the most talked-about casual restaurants in Denver. It is a pizzeria that serves wood-fired pizzas. Cart-Driver is not your typical pizza place — instead, it offers wood-fired pizzas made from locally sourced ingredients.
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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (71 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Pizza, Italian- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 2500 Larimer St Ste 100, Denver, CO 80205-2275- Read more on Tripadvisor
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Known as one of the best RiNo, Denver restaurants, Cart-Driver also has another location in the LoHi neighborhood. At either spot, dig into mouthwatering wood-fired pizza and local craft beer.
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Other runner ups include cocktails at The Block Distilling Company, wood-fired pizza at Cart-Driver, live music at Larimer Lounge, and adventurous Mexican at Los Chingones.
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This cozy pizzeria serves up Neapolitan-style pizzas with a variety of toppings, all at an affordable price. Don't forget to try their homemade gelato for dessert!
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Happy Hour ( 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm ): $5 food and drink menu (dine in only). Late Night ( 10:00 pm - 12:00 am ): $5 food and drink menu (dine in only)
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We met at one of the “Best 10,” Cart-Driver in Denver’s RiNo neighborhood, and shared the conversation on “First Take with Lando and Chavis.
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