Mead Street Station in Denver Colorado

Mead Street Station

Address: 3625 W 32nd Ave.

Cross Streets: 32nd Ave. and Lowell

Phone: 303-433-2138

Price: $$

Reservations: No

Hours: L-D:Mon-Sat

Settle into a creaky wooden bench at this neighborhood pub and enjoy a comfortable evening of conversation. Live blues, jazz and rock ’n’ roll attract a diverse crowd most nights, all of which keeps servers rushing around in a frenzy of ordered drinks and food. Mead Street’s menu features classic burgers, tasty sandwiches and creative meals. Try the juicy tuna sandwich; delicious fish and chips; or pork chops with rice, salsa and guacamole. Decadent slices of pie or cake will satisfy your sweet tooth.

King's Land Seafood Restaurant in Denver Colorado

King's Land Seafood Restaurant

Address: 2200 W. Alameda #44

Cross Streets: Alameda and Zuni

Phone: 303-975-2399

Price: $$

Reservations: Yes

Hours: L,D - daily

King’s Land boasts some of Denver’s most authentic Chinese cuisine. The building stands opposite a giant Asian marketplace interspersed with a few Mexican shops. Inside, the massive dining room can hold hundreds of people, although the room is not always full. At lunchtime, servers wander between tables with dim-sum carts, serving up dumplings and delicacies of your choice. The dinner menu offers more familiar dishes along with house specialties. Start with barbecue ribs, Peking duck or shrimp sticks, and then choose from 12 tasty soups. For your main course, try abalone, lobster, crab, shrimp and scallop dishes. Sauces range from rich and spicy to light and refreshing—good for any season of the year. Don’t miss the delicious barbecue duck. Whole cooked ducks are also available for purchase.

Julia Blackbird's in Denver Colorado

Julia Blackbird's

Address: 3434 W 32nd Ave.

Cross Streets: 32nd and Julian

Phone: 303-433-2688

Price: $$

Reservations: No

Hours: L-D:Tue-Sat

Julia Blackbird’s is located in the wonderful Highland area. As you walk to the restaurant, a bright patio is on your left. Enter the space where you first see the open kitchen with the chefs at work. Walk past this area into the dining room, where you can enjoy your meal along with wine, beer and margaritas. Julia Blackbird’s offers a taste of New Mexico, complete with bright art, murals, and colors everywhere to set the scene. A basket of colorful chips and a bowl of salsa whet your appetite for delicious guacamole packed with chunks of tomatoes and jalapeños. Or start with the spicy chili con queso. For your entrée, try the plate of cheese, chicken and beef enchiladas, each topped with a different sauce. The unique chili rellenos come stuffed with goat cheese and dusted with blue corn. Other options include blue-corn tacos and stuffed-acorn squash smothered in beans. On weekends stop in for a sweet breakfast of crêpes or start the day with a giant burrito. Dense chocolate cake with pine nuts, apple pie with ice cream, peach soup and cookies make for a sweet ending. You’ll still find all your old favorites with new décor and liquor at this delightful spot.

Jack 'n' Grill in Denver Colorado

Jack 'n' Grill

Address: 2524 N. Federal Blvd

Cross Streets: 26th & Federal

Phone: 303-964-9544

Price: $

Reservations: No

Hours: L-D:Daily

This terrific spot has expanded its space so more people can enjoy this wildly popular Mexican restaurant. Dine inside the colorful dining area or on the patio. Peppers of every ilk cover shelves on one wall while posters of peppers cover the rest. Owner Jack Martinez charms the crowd as he tells about the freshness of his spicy New Mexican–style fare. You will be impressed with the quality and tastiness of the dishes. The chili is hot, hotter or hottest. Christmas combines both green and red but doesn’t really temper the heat. If you prefer mild, just ask. Dig into the huge guacamole salad, spicy but so delicious. Giant chicken burritos come smothered with cheese and topped with chili. Grilled-shrimp soft tacos with guacamole pack more flavor than any in town. In season you can purchase fresh peppers by the bushel and get tasty ears of corn. With huge portions, reasonable prices and great people, return trips are mandatory. If you’re looking for some delicious Mexican fare, you’ve found it at Jack ‘n’ Grill.

Gelman's Gourmet Market and Bistro in Denver Colorado

Gelman's Gourmet Market and Bistro

Address: 2911 W 38th St

Cross Streets: W. 38th & Elliott

Phone: 303-458-163

Price: $$

Reservations: No

Hours: B-L-D-Tues-Sat, B-L-Mon: BR-Sun

Gelman's is great! This delightful spot is a family affair--and what a talented group they are. Start with the space. As you enter this bright, cheery spot your eye goes to cases of divine carryout selections and homemade desserts. Your gaze then goes directly to the dining area, where high, dark ceilings are accented with modern white panels with super lighting. Color is everywhere: the tables are resin painted with contemporary designs in the brightest of colors accented with cherry-red wood chairs, blue walls, rust accents, gold fabric booths and displays of wine along with great art on the walls. A small bar is perfect for dining, coffee or wine. This is a totally happy space, and you'll be even happier after you enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch here. Dinner starts with soup, salads, fried clams, Caprese, artisan cheese plates or pancetta-wrapped scallops. The thin-crust pizza is remarkable. The crust is thin but pliable and the toppings are awesome. The roasted garlic, oil, mozzarella and Parmesan is the best. Entrées range from a salmon en papillote cooked perfectly with vegetables and potatoes and accented with the flavors of soy and ginger; shrimp curry; or must-have polenta lasagna layered with cheeses and marinara, all served over a bed of grated Parmesan. There are many other gourmet options--or an amazing array of burgers, sandwiches and salads for those wanting a lighter meal. Sandwiches include tuna, egg salad, turkey club, chicken Waldorf and many more. The accompanying fries are perfect. Breakfast brings eggs of many kinds, challah French toast, smoked salmon, blintzes, burritos and a Mediterranean BLT. End with chocolate walnut pie, lemon cupcakes with lavender cream cheese icing or chocolate-chip cookies--or whatever the chef creates for the day. The coffee and tea selections are another treat. Add a great wine list, super service and reasonable prices that enhance the experience. No matter where you live, Gelman's is one of the best neighborhood restaurants in town.

Da-Lat in Denver Colorado

Da-Lat

Address: 940 S Federal Blvd

Cross Streets: Federal and Kentucky

Phone: 303-935-4141

Price: $

Reservations: No

Hours: L-D:Daily

Da-Lat stands out as one of the best amongst the many ethnic eateries on South Federal. The casual dining room is open and airy, with wood wainscoting and mirrors that visually expand the space. The topnotch staff will happily guide you through the many new additions to this already huge Vietnamese menu. Start with the mouthwatering combination appetizer that consists of grilled beef, chicken, pork and shrimp served with an overflowing platter of fresh lettuce, bean sprouts, rice noodles, cucumbers and rice papers. Mix and match to create your own wraps for dipping into tangy homemade fish sauce. Both the chicken with lemongrass and beef stir fried with garlic, black pepper and soy sauce really satisfy. Order other great choices such as shrimp with cashews, shrimp noodle bowls, curry pork or catfish. Upon request, the chef will prepare something special just for you. Wash it all down with one of the thirst-quenching exotic fruit smoothies.

Z Cuisine in Denver Colorado

Z Cuisine

Address: 2239 W. 30th Ave.

Cross Streets: 30th & Wyandotte

Phone: 303-477-1111

Price: $$

Reservations: No

Hours: D:Wed-Sat

Funky, charismatic, delightful--and very French--describe this tiny bistro and crêperie that is taking North Denver by storm. With only 17 seats, plus a few spaces at the bar, this tiny one-room spot exudes charm as the wood tables and simple bar are accented with a "way-out" chandelier, mirror and paintings that set the scene. Chef owner Patrick Dupays and his wife Lynnde wander through the room and make one feel totally at home. The chalkboard menu changes often. The brown bag that arrives is not your lunch but fresh French bread to accompany all the dishes. Start with baby organic leeks, barely poached and served with creamy garlic vinaigrette. Patrick calls this the favorite appetizer of French men. After the first bite, one knows why. Slow-roasted organic beets, carpaccio-style, are served with an outrageous blue cheese, crème fraiche and vinaigrette. The assiette campagnarde brings a platter of house-made pate, rillettes of duck, an array of cheeses, onions and champagne grapes. The tomato-Dijon-mustard tartelette is classic French with a perfect crust and accompanied by a house salad. The salad also comes with the amazing gallette, a buckwheat crêpe filled with imported ham, raclette cheese and topped with a fried egg. One bite and you are hooked as each ingredient complements the entire dish. Country potpie is another classic, but the big winner is the cassoulet maison where the signature dish is composed of duck-leg confit, smoked bratwurst and white-bean ragout. Leave room for dessert--Nutella, peanut-butter-and-jelly or lemon crêpes and crème brûlée or tart tatin. The very French wine list completes the picture. Z might be the last letter of the alphabet but after one visit, Z Cuisine will be first on your list of places to be. Start with baby organic leeks, barely poached and served with creamy garlic vinaigrette. Patrick calls this the favorite appetizer of French men. After the first bite, one knows why. Slow roasted organic beets, carpaccio style is served with an outrageous blue cheese, crème fraiche and vinaigrette. The assiette campagnarde brings a platter of housemade pate, rillettes of duck, an array of cheeses, onions and champagne grapes. The tomato Dijon mustard tartelette is classic French with a perfect crust accompanied by a house salad. The salad also comes with the amazing gallette where a buckwheat crepe is filled with imported ham, raclette cheese and topped with a fried egg. One bite and you are hooked as each ingredient complements the entire dish. Country potpie is another classic but the big winner is the cassoulet maison where the signature dish is composed of duck leg confit, smoked bratwurst and white bean ragout. Leave room for dessert----nutella, peanut butter and jelly or lemon crepes and crème brulee or tart tatin. The very French wine list completes the picture. Z might be the last letter of the alphabet but after one visit, Z Cuisine will be first on your list of places to be.

Vita in Denver Colorado

Vita

Address: 1575 Boulder St.

Cross Streets: 15th & Boulder

Phone: 303-477-4600

Price: $$$

Reservations: Yes

Hours: L-D:Daily

The dining scene in the lower Highlands continues to grow and VITA brings Italian fun to the scene. Mark Schuwerk and Jay Beckerman, owners of the very popular Blue River Bistro in Breckenridge along with Chef Max MacKissock have created a terrific spot. The décor is knockout. Part of the original Olinger's Mortuary building, delight in exposed black ceilings, huge picture windows that open to the patio when weather permits, merlot colored accents and brick walls. Seating is very comfortable. The focal bar is the place to meet and continues to the outside when the windows open. Chef Max offers appetizers out of the ordinary starting with gnocchi with mushrooms, lobster meatballs, marinated ahi tuna or a crispy polenta sandwich filled with pork confit. The Mediterranean salad with seared ahi, sea beans, fried egg, olives, bacon and Dijon vinaigrette is a must. Caesar, tossed vegetables, and prosciutto with melon are other salad choices. The list of pasta includes goat cheese ravioli, spicy sausage and calamari pasta, winter squash lasagna and pappardelle with chicken, artichokes, mushrooms and goat cheese. Hanger steak, diver scallops "saltimbocca", sea bass with couscous, beef tenderloin and lamb arrive beautifully presented. Divine desserts include apple pie, molten chocolate cake, mousse and creamy gelatos. The wine and martini lists are excellent and service shines. Casual, friendly and very upbeat, VITA is a great addition to the area.

Udi's at Stapleton in Denver Colorado

Udi's at Stapleton

Address: 7357 E. 29th

Cross Streets: 29th & Quebec

Phone: 303-329--8888

Price: $$

Reservations: No

Hours: L-D:Mon-Fri, B-D:Sat, BR:Sun

Udi’s brings a fun neighborhood restaurant to the Stapleton Town Center. The place is bright and cheerful with big windows, bright colors and an open kitchen that extends into the back of the room. Don’t forget the cases filled with goodies to go as well. Udi is famous for his bread—and it is there for all to enjoy. Baskets come with an assortment of flavors as you peruse the menu. Start with the cheese plate, grilled artichoke or platter of hummus and more. Other appetizers include prosciutto with grilled tomato bread, mussels and an Israeli salad. Main courses range from mango chicken salad, black cod and a vegetable tasting to ravioli and roasted chicken. The kiddie menu is outstanding. Desserts run the gambit from cheesecake and panna cotta to warmed cookies and ice cream. Breakfast, brunch and lunch shine. A nice wine list and coffee service is available to complement your meal. Prices are reasonable. Udi’s is the perfect spot for family fun and a casual night out.

Tom's Home Cookin' in Denver Colorado

Tom's Home Cookin'

Address: 800 E. 26th Ave

Cross Streets: 26th and Clarkson

Phone: 303-388-8035

Price: $

Reservations: No

Hours: L:Mon-Fri

Dreaming of your grandma's meat loaf or her famous Coca-Cola chocolate cake? Your dreams come true at Tom's Home Cookin'. Owners Tom Unterwagner and Steve Jankousky have broken lots of rules here. They're open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until they run out of food (whichever comes first). This is not a fancy place; order at the counter and hope for a seat. The menu changes from day to day, so a call to the answering machine will tell you the picks of the day. Slow-roasted turkey with old-fashioned stuffing and mashed potatoes with some of the best gravy in town, Louisiana catfish with lima-bean succotash, and potatoes with black-eyed peas are just a few items from the rotating menu. Dessert will have your mouth watering: fresh fruit cobbler, sweet-potato pie and that chocolate Coca-Cola cake. The daily bargain is the "meat and two"--your choice of a main course and two sides for under $7. Once you try Tom's, you'll be a fan for life.

Tacos Jalisco in Denver Colorado

Tacos Jalisco

Address: 4309 W. 38th Ave.

Cross Streets: Tennyson and 38th

Phone: 303-458-1437

Price: $$

Reservations: Yes

Hours: B-L-D:Daily

This unpretentious north Denver Mexican eatery continues to garner awards and gain fans for great tacos. Start with an order of chips and three salsas of varying flavors and degrees of heat. Balance the heat with horchata—a sweet rice, sugar and cinnamon drink. The soup of the day features one of many tasty traditional possibilities. Soft tacos arrive four to an order, stuffed with your choice of pork, beef tongue, lamb, shredded beef, chicken or sausage. Other choices include burritos, enchiladas, tacos, rellenos and chimichangas. Desserts include sopaipillas and fried ice cream.

La Sandia Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar

La Sandia Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar

Address: 8340-1690 E 49th St.

Cross Streets: Northfield at Stapleton

Phone: 303-373-9100

Price: $$

Reservations: Yes

Hours: L-Mon-Fri: D-Daily

La Sandia is Wow!!! Richard Sandoval (Tamayo and Zengo) again brings the most exciting décor and food to Denver----this time in the new Northfield development. The place is gorgeous. It is big with high unfinished ceilings painted bright colors and softened with dropped pressed tin ceilings spaced throughout to generate more intimate areas for dining. Color is everywhere with the basics of blue, dark red, sand and accents of all colors featured in acrylic panels that recreate the mystical and magical folklore stories of Mexico. Tile around the open kitchen, a huge bar/lounge area, and an exciting patio add to the scene. The food is as exciting as the décor. Start with salsa and chips served to each table. The guacamole arrives portioned correctly, served so the guests can "make their own." You must have the queso fundido where Oaxaca, Chihuahua and Gouda cheeses are melted and served with flour tortillas and a spicy tomatillo dip. The combination is extraordinary and puts any grilled cheese sandwich to shame. Other great choices for appetizers include the chicken tamal, ceviche, and beef sopes. Tortilla soup, Mexican chicken soup and several salads make a great second course. Tacos come in many forms: Baja with battered tilapia, chicken, carne asada, pork, and vegetarian. You might opt for chicken pibil, mole, enchiladas or Milanese. Some seafood choices include snapper Veracruz, seafood mariscada and shrimp skewers. A la carte accompaniments include rice and beans, Mexican zucchini, chile poblano potato, and sautéed chayote, mushrooms and bacon. The only problem is deciding on what to order. Don't miss dessert: crepes with Cajeta, a brownie sundae with cinnamon ice cream, churros and tres leches cake. The Mexican hot chocolate is sinful. Along with wine, try the super lime, mango or hibiscus margarita. Service is as terrific as the food with friendly, helpful staff to make your visit very enjoyable. La Sandia is worth the trip from any area and brings new excitement to the Stapleton area. It definitely has it all.

Indulge in Denver Colorado

Indulge

Address: 4140 W. 38th Avenue

Cross Streets: 39th Ave. and Raleigh

Phone: 303-433-7400

Price: $$

Reservations: Yes

Hours: D: Tues-Sat

A real gem is located in this unpretentious space on the corner of 38th Avenue and Raleigh. The one room space is simple with a focal bar, exposed brick and stone, nice curtains, comfortable seating--a totally simple spot that does not say Wow!!! But it all changes from here. William Wahl and his wife Stephanie bring knockout French bistro food to Denver with service and wine to match. Both are from France and have created a perfect spot to "indulge". Start with vichyssoise, tiger shrimp and avocado cocktail, steak tartare or escargot "Napoleon". Sautéed scallops Provencal and a perfect blue crab, avocado and mango salad with Remoulade sauce are fantastic in flavors and taste. Entrees of steamed mussels with pomme frites, crispy salmon and an amazing pan roasted striped bass with beluga lentil, tomato-lemon grass broth bring sighs of delight to fish lovers. Coq Au Vin with the best noodles au gratin and Peking duck with the best haricot verts and maple-old grains mustard sauce are awesome. Black Angus steak, frites and tenderloin with Béarnaise and grilled asparagus please all. The simplicity of the room is a background for marvelous picture perfect presentation of the food that offers so many complementary combinations of texture, spicing and perfection in quality. End with decadent desserts of crème brulee, molten chocolate cake and apple tart. The very French wine list amazes, and service is beyond excellent. Everyone here is knowledgeable, friendly and caring. Add affordable prices and you have Indulge. Truly a find, Indulge proves that Denver does have food and chefs that match the top in the country.

Highlands Garden Café in Denver Colorado

Highlands Garden Café

Address: 3927 W. 32nd Ave.

Cross Streets: W. 32nd Ave. and Perry

Phone: 303-458-5920

Price: $$$$

Reservations: Yes

Hours: B-L-D:Daily, BR-D:Sat-Sun

Imagine a restaurant more beautiful than many homes, with grounds that rival those of the Botanic Gardens. Add perfect food, wine and service and you have Highlands Garden Cafe. Chef/owner Patricia Perry has come a long way from her first miniscule spot on East 6th Avenue. With the help of husband Chuck, she heads the kitchen, tends the gardens and oversees every detail of the wine list. Inside, enjoy the ambience of lovely wood floors, murals, stained-glass windows and fireplaces in the two houses that have been joined together. Outside, sit in one of the secluded gardens to take in the scenery as you delight in the meal. Start with crab cakes, mussels with tomato and basil, sweetbreads with mushrooms or escargot with wine. Salads are as beautiful as the flower arrangements and feature top greens, cheeses, nuts and more. Two examples are baby spinach with bacon, tomato, mushrooms and red onion; and pear with sherried walnuts, Saga blue cheese and mixed endives in sherry vinaigrette. It's hard to decide on an entrée, as the dozens of selections change weekly and all tantalize. Halibut with ceviche and avocado salad, pan-seared trout with almonds and sage butter, blackened sea bass and swordfish top the fish offerings. In summer months, indulge in the New England clambake. Quail with tomatoes, olives and fresh mozzarella salad, beef tenderloin with blue cheese, rack of lamb, and pheasant with savory cherry jam and St. Andre cheese also appear on the extensive menu. Every entrée perfectly balances delicate flavors and tastes. Marvelous desserts include crisps, crêpes, brownies, chocolate mousse and ice cream. The wine list is amazing, and prices by the glass or by the bottle are impressive. Breakfast is now served daily, and weekend brunches are the best in town. Sunday-night-special dinners feature a three-course meal for $26.50 per person. Private parties of any size can be accommodated, and there is even a day set aside for senior lunches. A visit to Highlands Garden Café is as special as an evening can be.

Highland Pacific Restaurant and Oyster bar in Denver Colorado

Highland Pacific Restaurant and Oyster bar

Address: 3934 W. 32nd Ave

Cross Streets: 32nd & Perry

Phone: 303-477-6644

Price: $$$

Reservations: No

Hours: D:Daily

The Highlands area keeps growing, with exciting things happening all the time in this district. Highland Pacific brings a seafood and oyster-bar theme with lots of pizzazz. The very modern space is divided into two rooms, with the bar the focal point in the front. Enjoy oysters, shrimp or dinner here or choose the “green” room for watching the kitchen at work. Start with lump-crab cakes with remoulade and spicy cocktail sauce, duck-confit dumplings or plump, delicious mussels topped with irresistible frites and garlic aioli for dipping. The marinated vegetable salad brings wonderfully roasted tomatoes, peppers, onions, asparagus and artichokes with olive oil and toasted focaccia. The slow-roasted salmon with basmati pilaf and vegetables with hoisin, the seared scallops with celery root pureé and seafood cioppino in tomato broth are a few top entrées from the sea. Roasted half chicken, a pork chop and reef burger with garlic frites make great options for those who prefer the “turf.” The presentation on all are beautiful and the complementing accompaniments lovely. End with bread pudding, crème brûlée or chocolate brownie à la mode. With a welcoming feel, Highland Pacific is reeling in the crowds.

Gaetano's in Denver Colorado

Gaetano's

Address: 3760 Tejon

Cross Streets: 38th and Tejon

Phone: 303-455-9852

Price: $$

Reservations: Yes

Hours: L-D:Mon-Sat D Sun

Gaetano's, "Italian to die for," has a history as long as the 55 or more years it's been around. The Smaldones had quite a reputation (both good and bad), but their Italian food served here was always a hit. Recently, Wynkoop Holdings bought the place, renovated it and updated the food. Now the new Gaetano's is making a hit. It's Italian with a capital "I." The décor is fun, with a great bar, comfortable booths and tables that can be expanded for big parties--and big appetites. Bring yours when you dine here. Baskets of bread arrive as you decide on appetizers. Try calamari fritti, peppers with olive oil and garlic, sausage and peppers with red sauce or mushrooms. The pizza is terrific, with a medium-thick crust and delicious toppings: old-fashioned with tomatoes, Romano cheese and olive oil; the combo; the plain; or build your own. The bianca features several cheeses, peppers and fresh tomatoes minus the red sauce. The "terrorizer" stuffed pizza is huge, its double crust stuffed with ricotta cheese. Calzones are amazing, with the pizza crust wrapping around great fillings. Even the "big guys" have trouble finishing one of these. Soup or salad comes with all entrées. Some choices include chicken or veal piccata, Parmesan or Marsala. Chicken cacciatore brings a gigantic half chicken with mushrooms, onions and peppers--a must for great taste. Other options include lasagna, manicotti, meatball, sausage and salmon. Also on the list are several sandwiches. End with tiramisu, cheesecake, cannoli and spumoni. Service is very friendly. The "new" Gaetano's is pleasing the fans and bringing back old times mixed with the new.

Famous Dave's in Denver Colorado

Famous Dave's

Address: 7557 E. 36th Ave

Cross Streets: 36th & Rosemary (Quebec Square at Stapleton)

Phone: 303-399-3100

Price: $$

Reservations: No

Hours: L-D:Daily

When you see the huge roadhouse with a filled parking lot, you’ve found Famous Dave’s Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que. Very new, the place is known from locations in other states, and folks here are thrilled. The space is huge with lots of wood, paintings, posters and paraphernalia that gives a country feel. Walk by the kitchen as you go from one big room to the next to settle down for that “messy” treat. The very friendly staff wears T-shirts with great barbecue sayings. The fare is terrific. Start with onion strings, catfish fingers, chicken tenders and smoked salmon spread on fire-grilled flatbread. There are chicken wings, chili, soups, and salads as well as chicken or fundido entrée salads. Sandwiches are another option with burgers offered as well. The corn muffins are delicious—light, crumbly and addictive. The combo platters offer two or more options so one can taste it all. The brisket is tender, juicy and a hit when served with excellent pulled pork. Chicken comes cooked perfectly, while the ribs delight all, with lots of meat on the bone. Sides of coleslaw, potato salad, yummy beans, sautéed apples and corn on the cob give diners many choices. Getting to the important part, the sauce is where the real fun begins. Order your meat dry-cooked and sample from the six-pack of sauces on the table. Go for mustard, sweet Texas, killer spice, and sweet and spice combined. Mix and match is a fun alternative when ordering. Do not leave until you end your meal with an outrageous chocolate brownie à la mode with chocolate sauce, pecan pie or praline bread pudding. It says to share, but you might not want to. Dave’s has pigs everywhere and that porker defines a great “pig out.”

Duo in Denver Colorado

Duo

Address: 2413 W. 32nd

Cross Streets:

Phone: 303-477-4141

Price: $$$

Reservations: No

Hours: D:Daily, BR:Sat-Sun

Duo brings great excitement for dining in the Highlands area. The space is a delightful combination of old and new. Wood tables, black chairs and a focal kitchen accent exposed-brick walls, plank wood floors and a wonderful bar. Owners Stephanie Bonin and Keith Arnold chose the very talented John Broening to head the kitchen and bring his great flair to the cuisine. Start with the complimentary plate of assorted marinated olives and flatbread as you peruse the excellent wine list and menu. Appetizers include oven-dried tomato tapenade with grilled bread, crab cake with lemon aioli, crispy salt-cod fritters and chicken drumettes. The soups are always exciting and vary with the season. Duck and fall vegetables in broth makes an exciting choice, as does gazpacho in summer. Escolar, gnocchi, and a vegetable tower shine as entrées. Enjoy the grilled pork chop, grilled flank steak with charred sweet potatoes, chicken with cilantro and rice and penne with shrimp are more excellent choices. Leave room for pastry chef Yasmin Lozada-Hissom's awesome desserts. Pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate truffle tart, a divine lemon caramel icebox cake and cookies and ice cream tempt, but apple tart for two with vanilla-bean ice cream make the dream of a perfect ending come true. If sticky toffee pudding is on the menu, it is a must. Service is very friendly and efficient, the wine list excellent and prices reasonable. Known for his incredible Sunday brunches, John continues the tradition here. The exciting Duo does not miss a beat and makes dining very special.

Café Brazil in Denver Colorado

Café Brazil

Address: 4408 Lowell Blvd.

Cross Streets: 44th and Lowell

Phone: 303-480-1877

Price: $$$

Reservations: Yes

Hours: D: Tue-Sat

Café Brazil has moved. The new space is much larger than the last although the theme remains similar. Bright and colorful with walls of red, gold and purple, the tables are covered with blue cloths, and the art of Brazil is displayed on the walls. The eclectic Highlands neighborhood is home to one of the best little restaurants in town. The staff is friendly, very knowledgeable and always ready to make suggestions from the menu. They add to the incredible experience here. Complimentary breads are brought to the table to start your meal. Fried calamari with hot sauce, divine ceviche or grilled Manchego cheese make great appetizers to share. Entrées come with a delightful house salad or outstanding black-bean soup. Feijoada, the national dish of Brazil, is presented with or without meat. Shrimp and scallops are prepared many different ways: coconut sauced, curried with a hint of Thai flavors or skewered and grilled with an array of Brazilian spices. Chicken arrives moist and perfectly cooked atop one of the exciting sauces. If lamb is offered as a special, it’s a must! No matter how it’s prepared, it’s certain to be succulent, flavorful and completely delicious. Entrées come on large plates with steamed rice and fresh veggies. Order mild or spicy and enjoy every bite. Save room for a piece of kiwi or blackberry cheesecake or fabulous mango torte. The decadent chocolate semifredo mousse with mascarpone or macadamia nut caramel ice cream are awesome. The wine list features varietals from Chile and Latin America at great prices. Specialty juices and mojitos are a perfect with the flavors of the food. Although often packed, Café Brazil still has the feeling of one of those undiscovered dining gems, thanks to owners Tom and Marla Zarlenga. At Café Brazil every minute of your evening is a delight.

Bang in Denver Colorado

Bang!

Address: 3472 W. 32nd Ave.

Cross Streets: Near 32nd and Lowell

Phone: 303-455-1117

Price: $$

Reservations: No

Hours: D:Tue-Sat

Long before the doors open for dinner at Bang! you can watch the chefs bustling about through big windows that look into the small kitchen. Follow the narrow walkway between Common Grounds and Bang! to the rear of the restaurant, where a small enclosed patio harbors people waiting for their tables and diners enjoying the weather. The interior feels modern and artistic, with cool turquoise walls, deep red ceilings, yellow and green accents, and abstract local art everywhere. Sip a glass of frosty lemonade while you browse the small menu. A few specials keep the possibilities interesting. Don’t miss the carrot ginger soup—a big bowl of spice and color that refreshes the palate. For appetizers, try a plate of small seared-scallops in cilantro sauce or a salad of mixed greens, goat cheese and crusty bread. Most of the entrées will remind you of comfort foods. Picture meatloaf drizzled in spicy ketchup with fluffy mashed potatoes, juicy rib eye with sautéed spinach, and catfish with hush puppies. For a change of pace, try a plate of mushroom ravioli or spicy shrimp with mango salsa over rice. Hot gingerbread with whipped cream and chocolate cappuccino mousse will bring a smile to your face.

Ted's Montana Grill in Denver Colorado

Ted's Montana Grill in Denver Colorado

Address: 1401 Larimer St.

Cross Streets: 15th and Larimer St.

Phone: 303-893-0654

Price: $$

Reservations: No

Hours: L-D:Daily

Ted’s Montana Grill brings the Old West to Denver in all its fun and glory. Detailed as a turn-of-the-century saloon, Ted’s has rich mahogany walls, a great counter (bar) and super comfortable surroundings, making this an extremely busy and fun spot. Have some drinks or enjoy your meal at the counter and watch the chefs in the open kitchen at work. There’s often a wait but it’s worth it for the great, reasonably priced food. Start with appetizers: chili-cheese fries, shrimp cocktail or onion rings with dipping sauce. Choose from super salads or the soup of the day. The wedge with BLT ranch dressing and Caesar are great, the entrée Cobb salad out-of-this-world delicious—full of chicken, Maytag blue, tomato, bacon, avocado, eggs and croutons. The main items are burgers, either bison or brick chicken, with dozens of choices for toppings that work with both. Dinner entrées include barbecued bison short ribs, prime rib or strip steak marinated in balsamic vinegar and spices. Cedar-planked salmon or beer-can chicken are other choices. Onion rings are crispy and coated in a delicate golden batter. Don’t leave without a divine cookie and ice cream for dessert. Lemonade shakes and soft drinks are refreshing and impressive. There’s beer and wine for the more adult beverage tastes. Service is friendly and extremely efficient. The place rocks with an upbeat energy that makes for a fun time out. wine for the more adult beverage tastes. Service is friendly and extremely efficient. The place rocks with an upbeat energy that makes for a perfect night out.

Sullivan's Steakhouse in Denver Colorado

Sullivan's Steakhouse in Denver Colorado

Address: 1745 Wazee St.

Cross Streets: 18th & Wazee

Phone: 303-295-2664

Price: $$$$

Reservations: Yes

Hours: L-D:Mon-Fri, D:Sat-Sun

It's a doubleheader when the bar/lounge rivals the dining area in fun and ambience. Choose the great bar/lounge with super murals, live jazz, and a bar menu for a casual night out or opt for the upscale, comfortable dining room that caters to those who want a more relaxing experience. The main dining areas are divided into several sections with an open kitchen the focal point in the largest area. The smaller rooms are perfect for conversation. Start with garlicky escargot or a Cajun-seasoned crab cake. The crab legs and shrimp cocktail filled with crab and avocado or fresh oysters are other options. A huge lettuce wedge salad topped with creamy, thick blue cheese dressing comes with all entrées. Marvelous certified Angus steaks are another reason to dine here; huge, tender and cooked to proper temperature. Beef, it's what's for dinner. Other options include lamb, veal and fish. The salmon steak is one of the best around, miso black cod, sea bass Hong Kong–style, scallops with Thai sauce and halibut with ginger show the detail and caring for those who want dishes from the sea. Sides include huge onion rings, horseradish mashed potatoes, and creamed corn fresh off the cob, broccoli or spinach. Decadent soufflés, cheesecake, crème brûlée and a baked brownie à la mode end the meal. The wine list has some excellent buys and exciting selections. Efficient, friendly service adds to the scene. The bar menu is terrific and affordable and lunch is served as well. Sullivan's is a terrific choice for dining in LoDo.