Squeaky Bean in Denver Colorado

Squeaky Bean in Denver Colorado

Address: 3301 Tejon

Cross Streets: 33rd & tejon

Phone: 303-284-0053

Price: $$

Reservations: No

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

Enter this small bistro and find a welcoming fun spot. Huge windows and a terrific focal bar start the ambience. Lovely booths and tables seat about 36 lucky people and the bar is a perfect spot for 20 more diners. The patio offers more seating weather permitting. The squeaky comes from the sound of eating fresh beans and the theme is all local, natural and interesting dishes to delight for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Start with a shirred egg sandwich on a brioche bun, overnight French toast, steel cut oatmeal or toasted baguette to start the day. At lunch, indulge in salads such as Cobb, beet, Coastal, fava beans with toasted bread, or the green bean with haricot verts, crème frâiche, and pancetta. The sandwich list starts with hot presses pork, artichoke and cashew butter or cold sandwiches of prosciutto, tuna, turkey

and lox. Chef Maxwell Mackissock changes pace for dinner with “snacks”: cheesy poofs, olives, parmesan and potato cannoli, dates with prosciutto and sugar snap peas. Small plates list squash gratin, moussaka, tuna tonnato, tuna crudo, duck rilletes, and white tomato soup. You can enjoy sandwiches at dinner with a hot dog, Croque Monsieur, and duck confit. Several salads bring more options and changing entrees include fish, meat and pasta. Desserts end the meal with a changing list. The wine list is great with lots by the glass. Service is excellent and very friendly, as owner Johnny Ballen heads the front of the house. The Squeaky Bean is a perfect place for neighborhood dining, and worth the drive.

Snooze, An A.M. Eatery in Denver Colorado

Snooze, An A.M. Eatery in Denver Colorado

Address: 2262 Larimer

Cross Streets: 22nd & Larimer

Phone: 303-297-0700

Price: $

Reservations: No

Hours: B-L:Daily

Snooze An A.M. Eatery is enough to make anyone want to wake up before that alarm goes off. The space is fresh and inviting with a décor that combines a '50s diner with a modern twist. Great colors, furniture design and wall treatments are terrific with green, orange, black, blue and steel combining to create an exciting space. Imagine vanilla-almond-oatmeal brûlée, peanut butter pancakes with chocolate and peanut butter chips and dark-chocolate sauce, breakfast tacos with scrambled eggs, crispy potatoes, jack cheese, avocado and ranchero sauce, pineapple upside-down pancakes with chunks of fresh caramelized pineapple and vanilla crème anglaise and cinnamon butter. Salivate at the descriptions--the tastes are better. Lunch includes salads and sandwiches and there are many more breakfast choices. Coffee is imported and there is a full liquor license. With great service and reasonable prices, the gang will gather at Snooze wide-eyed and ready for fun.

Rioja in Denver Colorado

Rioja in Denver Colorado

Address: 1431 Larimer

Cross Streets: Larimer & 14th

Phone: 303-820-2282

Price: $$$

Reservations: Yes

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

Rioja brings excitement to Larimer Square as chef/owner Jennifer Jasinski presides over her restaurant. Fron-of-the-house partner Beth Gruitch complements Jennifer, along with sous chef Dana Rodriguez. The design is chic, classy and upscale with soft colors, glass sculptures and stunning modern artwork. Beautifully appointed tables and soft patterned booths gently accent the patterned carpet. The open kitchen is a focal point, along with an inviting bar. A separate bar for dining and a pizza station add excitement to the scene. The food shines as Jennifer creates an array of impressive Mediterranean dishes. Start with handmade, baked mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto, cardamom-spiced pork belly with garbanzo-bean pureé, an heirloom tomato sampler, a mango and crab "sandwich" or the Rioja picnic platter. The crispy flatbread pizza with smoked sturgeon, horseradish crème frâiche and caviar is a perfect example of Jasinski's culinary deftness. Tomato Parmesan soup, cauliflower and apple soup or the house salad of arugula, dates and Gorgonzola topped with almond vinaigrette and roasted beet salad are awe-inspiring second courses. Pasta is a favorite of Jen's, and her creativity is apparent with her choices: fettuccine with mushrooms, lemon thyme gnocchi, seafood risotto and artichoke tortelloni. Entrées include Muscovy duck with duck confit, Petaluma chicken, leg of lamb, cowboy steak, and a fabulous vegetarian presentation. Fish lovers will be delighted with grilled sea scallops, halibut and pan-roasted salmon. The quail on spinach ravioli with hazelnut brown butter is an awesome choice. Preparation is unique with exciting accompaniments to enhance each dish. Desserts include crème brûlée, a chocolate bombe with tuille cookie, fruit tart and an outrageous peanut butter banana cream tart with caramel. The very well chosen wine list and good service attest to the attention to detail in every category. Lunch and weekend brunch are offered as well. Jennifer has won many awards for her fabulous cuisine, and this all-female cast delights lucky Denver diners. A separate bar for dining and a pizza station add excitement to the scene. The food shines as Jennifer creates an array of impressive Mediterranean dishes. Start with handmade baked mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto, mussels in Thai red curry broth or sashimi of tuna and tuna tartare. The warm apricot and brie tart and crispy flatbread pizza with smoked sturgeon, horseradish crème fraiche and caviar are all perfect examples of Jasinski's culinary deftness. The duck consommé or house salad of arugula, dates and Gorgonzola topped with almond vinaigrette are awe-inspiring second courses. Pasta is a favorite of Jen's and her creativity is apparent with her choices: "pansoti" (pot bellied cheese ravioli with Pancetta vinaigrette), veal cannelloni, fettuccini with mushrooms and ethereal lobster risotto. Entrees include porcini-dusted striped bass on sun choke puree, duck two ways, stone oven baked Petaluma chicken, rib eye, venison and lamb. Preparation is unique with exciting accompaniments to enhance each dish. Desserts include an amazing beignet with ricotta, pumpkin crème brulee, chocolate tower cake, fruit tart and a huge cup of hot chocolate with truffles. The very well chosen wine list and excellent service attest to the attention to detail in every category. Lunch and weekend brunch are offered as well. Rioja brings great excitement to the Denver dining scene.

P.F. Chang's China Bistro in Denver Colorado

P.F. Chang's China Bistro in Denver Colorado

Address: 1415 15th St.

Cross Streets: 15th St. and Market

Phone: 303-260-7222

Price: $$

Reservations: Yes

Hours: L-D:Daily

Combining Chinese food with the influences of Southeast Asian cuisine, P.F. Chang’s strives to capture the latest Oriental culinary trends and bring them to the United States. Even on weeknights the wait can be long, so relax at the huge bar where you can sit, drink and chat. Locations in Denver’s shopping areas allow people from all over the city to try the food without driving for miles. Start with crispy spring rolls, spicy spare ribs, Chinese dumplings, the popular lettuce wraps or a bowl of hot-and-sour soup. Main courses include Szechwan chicken, Cantonese duck and crispy honey shrimp. Enjoy classic dishes like kung pao chicken, mu shu pork, chow mein and fried rice. Vegetarians will be happy with a long list of possibilities. Desserts are strictly American.

Osteria Marco in Denver Colorado

Osteria Marco in Denver Colorado

Address: 1453 Larimer

Cross Streets: 14th and 15th on Larimer

Phone: 303-534-5855

Price: $

Reservations: Yes

Hours: L-D-Daily

Frank and Jacqueline Bonnano have done it again---adding a third restaurant to their list of hits with Osteria Marco. Located in Larimer Square, the latest spot is more informal than Mizuna and Luca D’Italia and open for lunch and dinner daily. The scene is great starting with a salumi stand on the street level for folks to stop by for a snack. Down the stairway, enter the big room with a huge bar area and lots of comfortable seating. The pig logo is super, the seating comfortable and the feel very casual. From the salumi and formaggio list, you will find a huge selection of hand crafted cheeses and imported meats to choose from. Antipasti include meatball sliders, mozzarella en carozza, olives, peppers, crochette, and fonduta. The Caesar, arugula, shaved lamb with goat cheese, Italian tuna, and chopped chicken salads are perfect as entrees or for sharing. Each is terrific in flavor with outstanding dressings. Panini are a dream come true in taste and presentation. The rotisserie chicken, tomato and parmesan fonduta, wild mushroom with cheese, mozzarella and basil with pesto, and lamb with goat cheese and olive tapenade are examples of the sandwiches that arrive perfectly grilled on great bread. Pizzas put those in Italy to shame with margarita, sausage, meatball and pepperoni, wild mushroom, four cheese, prosciutto with arugula, and sausage with parmesan. The pies have a thin crust with just the right amount of texture and dreamy cheese toppings. If you are looking for entrees, choose pork, chicken, prime rib or leg of lamb from the rotisserie served with roasted potatoes and garlic spinach. Leave room for decadent desserts like molten chocolate cake a la mode and butterscotch bread pudding with gelato and caramel. The wine list complements the food in both price and selections. Service is excellent, prices affordable, and the whole experience a treat. Osteria Marco is a perfect trattoria and just what Larimer Square needed for casual and fun dining.

The Ninth Door In Denver Colorado

The Ninth Door In Denver Colorado

Address: 1808 Blake

Cross Streets: 18th & Blake

Phone: 303-292-2229

Price: $$

Reservations: Yes

Hours: D:Mon-Sat

An authentic tapas bar comes to LoDo with the opening of The 9th Door. The décor is terrific—Spanish with Moroccan influences, the paprika-red color gives a warm feeling to the long room. The bar looks gorgeous—perfect for enjoying drinks with the featured small dishes. Paisley-printed banquettes and booths set the tone for those who want a more traditional dining setting. The lighting, paintings and every detail evoke a sense of Madrid. The menu offers a huge variety of tapas, but the “small” plates are definitely sized for sharing. Cold dishes start with green and black Spanish olives and toasted Marcona almonds to enjoy while nibbling on very fresh bread with olive oil. Or try chilled tomato salad with red onions, cucumber and Cabrales blue cheese; the very traditional potato and egg omelet; grilled asparagus wrapped with cured salmon. A cheese plate of divine cheeses, almonds, carrot salad and fig chutney brings excitement with each ingredient’s flavors and spices. For hot choices, try fried calamari served with three delightful dipping sauces. The fried artichokes are a must, as are the four large shrimp marinated in olive oil, garlic and chile pequin. Other great choices include beef filet with red wine, and spicy Spanish sausage and meatballs served in a light tomato sauce. End with flan, chocolate cake or ice cream. A nice wine list and several sherries complement the food. Service is excellent, prices reasonable. The 9th Door brings something new, different and exciting to the dining scene.

Morton's of Chicago in Denver Colorado

Morton's of Chicago in Denver Colorado

Address: 1710 Wynkoop St.

Cross Streets: 17th St. and Wynkoop St.

Phone: 303-825-3353

Price: $$$$

Reservations: Yes

Hours: D:Daily

As the first major steakhouse to arrive in Denver, Morton’s remains one of the most popular. Two locations offer the same menu and great service. The ambience—although similar—differs, with the LoDo location having a bit more masculine feel, while the DTC Morton’s is more casual. Downtown, the experience is superb; guests feel pampered and special. The sophisticated atmosphere blends the elegance of wood with lovely linens and zillions of pictures of celebrities and customers. The show-and-tell menu may surprise you: Your excellent server arrives with a cartful of bigger-than-life raw steaks, veal, fish and chicken. Salads, vegetables, appetizers and tomatoes are piled on, too. Choose your cut and get on with the show! Or if you prefer, printed menus are offered and you can miss the viewing. Appetizers include fresh raw oysters, scallops wrapped in bacon with horseradish fruit chutney or shrimp cocktail. Steaks arrive cooked as ordered; you may want to reserve a slice of prime rib when you make your reservation. Don’t miss the luscious live Maine lobster. Menu specials offer some interesting twists on beef. Delicious, juicy filet mignon comes either Oskar (topped with lump crabmeat, asparagus and béarnaise) or Diane (topped with mushrooms in a mustard demi-glace sauce). Steak au poivre is a New York strip with five-peppercorn cognac-cream sauce. The sliced sirloin arrives with peppers, onions and roasted-garlic sauce. The quality of the fish, veal and lamb dishes matches the beef. Plan on sharing as the portions are huge. Big, glorious desserts end the meal. Enjoy the made-to-order warm chocolate cake, apple upside-down tart, or soufflé for two for a special treat. The excellent wine list features many great reds. Morton’s pleases with great food, wine and service that keep fans coming back on a regular basis.