Locations in Denver: Essentials

3503 E. Colfax Ave. Central Denver

303-322-0363

Steakhouse, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Sponsor, Menu, Slideshow, Readers' Choice, Essentials

With its iconic sign, sunken bar and mid-century aesthetic, Bastien's is a holdover from times past — and we wouldn't have it any other way. The family-run business dates back to the 1930s, but the current restaurant was constructed from scratch in 1958. That sign outside the Googie-style building touts the famed Bastien’s sugar steak, but there are twelve other preparations to choose from. And whether or not you splurge on a full steak dinner, nothing beats sipping Colfax dirty martinis delivered by friendly servers who've been working at this classic for years.

23 articles

Casa Bonita

6715 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood West Denver Suburbs

303-232-5115

Mexican, Recommended, Best Of, Sponsor, Slideshow, Essentials

The reopening of the iconic pink palace under new owners Trey Parker and Matt Stone has been a South Park-worthy saga. While some people are frustrated by the ongoing, email-only invite system, those who have snagged a reservation can attest to the fact that the controlled crowds add to the magic. Yes, chef Dana Rodriguez upped the food game, but a visit here is about so much more than what’s on your plate. It’s an experience that’s nostalgic in all the best ways, whether you’re visiting for the first time or the hundredth.

41 articles

El Taco De Mexico

714 Santa Fe Dr., Denver Golden Triangle/La Alma

303-623-3926

Mexican, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Sponsor, Slideshow, Essentials

Perhaps no Mexican spot in the Mile High is as beloved as El Taco de Mexico, a no-frills joint that offers little in the way of ambience and even less in the way of service. But that hasn’t deterred the crowds that have been coming here since 1985 for tasty tacos and anything smothered in the lip-tingling green chile. In 2020, El Taco was honored by the James Beard Foundation as one of America’s Classics, a well-deserved honor.

37 articles

Fruition

1313 E. 6th Ave. Central Denver

303-831-1962

Modern American, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Sponsor, Slideshow, Essentials

It’s been sixteen years since James Beard Award-winning chef/restaurateur Alex Seidel opened Fruition, and if you think this spot is only for fancy nights out, it’s time to visit again. Despite its reputation as a celebration spot, Fruition has always aimed to be more of a neighborhood bistro. Its current chef, Jarred Russell, came from a three-year stint at Thomas Keller's lauded French Laundry, but he’s committed to Seidel’s mission of catering to regulars and newcomers alike with fun twists on familiar favorites.

62 articles

La Fiesta

2340 Champa St., Denver Five Points/RiNo

303-292-2800

Mexican, Recommended, Best Of, Sponsor, Slideshow, Essentials

La Fiesta celebrated sixty years in business in 2023, making it one of Denver’s oldest restaurants that’s still operating in the same location and run by the same family that founded it. Located in a former Safeway, it doles out Denver's unique style of Mexican food done right. While the late-night dance parties of decades ago are now just memories, it has solidified its reputation as a lunchtime gathering spot, attracting everyone from cops to lawyers to Colorado Supreme Court justices.

17 articles

Poppies Restaurant

2334 S. Colorado Blvd. Southeast Denver

303-756-1268

New American, Seafood, Mexican, Sponsor, Essentials

A red awning over a strip-mall space in south Denver marks the entrance to Poppie’s, where those in the know have been heading for classic American favorites and high-quality bar banter since 1985. Step inside and let the staff — many of whom have worked there for years — do what they do best: make you feel at home while you dig into specialties like the can’t-miss prime rib and French dip.

1 article

Potager

1109 Ogden St., Denver Capitol Hill/Uptown/City Park

303-246-7073

Modern American, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Sponsor, Slideshow, Essentials

Started by Teri Rippeto in 1997, this Capitol Hill eatery ushered in Denver’s obsession with farm-to-table eating. In early 2019, Potager was sold to Paul and Eileen Warthen and Nik Brand, who have stayed true to its spirit, carrying Rippeto’s commitment to connecting with local farmers and the community. From the cozy dining room to the hidden back garden, there’s not a bad seat in the house, and one meal here will show why this eatery has claimed a special place in so many people’s hearts for over 25 years.

29 articles

A5 Steakhouse

1600 15th St., Denver LoDo/Ballpark/Commons Park

303-623-0534

Steakhouse, Best Of, Essentials

The Culinary Creative Group has had a string of hits, but A5, which debuted in 2021, stands out — and not just for its steaks (though those are excellent). With lively, retro-inspired vibes, this is the kind of place where we want to go for special-occasion dinners, weeknight happy hours and everything in between. Whether you belly up to the bar for a well-crafted Manhattan and a French dip or settle in at a table for a multi-course feast complete with oysters and A5 wagyu, this spot always delivers in both flavor and fun.

2 articles

Abejas

807 13th St. Golden

303-952-9745

Modern American, Critics' Pick, Slideshow, Essentials

Since Abejas opened in downtown Golden in 2015, the intimate eatery has become a standout for fine dining in the western suburbs. The name is Spanish for “bees,” after founders Brandon Bortles and Barry Dobesh, who were called “the Bs” by their friends — and it’s still buzz-worthy, thanks to its eclectic, seasonal roster of clever yet grounded dishes incorporating global influences and bolstered by playful cocktails and a succinct but smart list of wines by the glass.

9 articles

Adobo

3109 Federal Blvd., Denver Highland/Lower Highland

720-242-9994

Fusion, Filipino, Mexican, Best Of, Readers' Choice, Essentials

After a head-on motorcycle accident derailed his career in finance, Blaine Baggao re-evaluated his professional path, ultimately launching Adobo in 2016 as a food truck that combines his New Mexican and Filipino roots. Its first brick-and-mortar is an expansive space that hosts live music and serves food into the late-night hours, with a menu of hits that includes favorites like lumpia and chicken adobo tacos.

1 event 3 articles

African Grill and Bar

955 S. Kipling Parkway Lakewood

303-985-4497

African, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Readers' Choice, Essentials

The menu isn’t limited to a specific African region at this restaurant owned and run by Sylvester Osei-Fordwuo and his wife, Theodora. Instead, it offers a variety of foods from across the continent. If dishes like fufu, South African pap and chakalaka sound unfamiliar, worry not: The knowledgeable staff is happy to help guide you, delivering plenty of warm hospitality along the way.

3 articles

Angelo's Taverna

620 E. 6th Ave. Central Denver

303-744-3366

Italian, Recommended, Best Of, Menu, Readers' Choice, Essentials

Angelo's Taverna bills itself as Denver's original pizza and oyster bar — and since it's been serving central Denver since the Nixon administration, it's safe to say that it's the longest-running restaurant of its ilk, though it’s now on its second owners (who opened a second outpost in Littleton). Even if you love oysters raw, Angelo’s makes a compelling argument for a chargrilled preparation, dressing them up with garlic butter, bacon and Gorgonzola or chipotle bourbon butter. There’s also a stacked lineup of Italian fare, but whatever you order, don't skip the housemade limoncello.

23 articles

Annette

2501 Dallas St. Aurora

720-710-9975

Modern American, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow, Essentials

In 2022, Annette chef-owner Caroline Glover became Aurora’s first James Beard Award winner, five years after she opened her first solo venture. Over the years, this Stanley Marketplace anchor has only gotten better as Glover plays with seasonal ingredients to keep things fresh while also revisiting past favorites from time to time. The beef tongue remains a staple, the happy-hour steak frites are swoon-worthy, and we always save room for whatever dessert the kitchen is dishing out — especially if it’s a Paris-Brest pastry.

22 articles

Aspen Lodge Bar & Grill

8125 W. 94th Ave. Westminster

303-531-4992

Bar, Turkish, Sandwiches, Essentials

What do lava lamps, Christmas trees and Iron Maiden have in common? Mesut Cetin, the amiable owner and chef of Aspen Lodge loves them all, which is why his Westminster joint is packed with an impressive collection of the retro lights, year-round holiday decor and odes to metal. His other passion: sharing food from his native Turkey, which he serves alongside typical bar fare and “the best Philly cheesesteak in 666 miles radius,” as the sign out front proclaims.

1 article

Bakery Four

4150 Tennyson St., Denver Berkeley/Sunnyside

Bakery, Sandwiches, Best Of, Readers' Choice, Essentials

In 2022, Shawn Bergin’s popular Bakery Four moved into a space much larger than its previous Highland home, though the line still often snakes out the door. The new address meant not only room for more customers, but also plenty of space to expand the pastry selection and add savory items like sandwiches. The only thing more tantalizing than a sweet treat from here is the promise of more to come as Bergin prepares to open a second, bagel-focused concept called Rich Spirit in Wheat Ridge.

6 articles

Banh & Butter Bakery Cafe

9935 E. Colfax Ave. Aurora

720-512-3895

Bakery, Sandwiches, Asian, French, Vietnamese, Best Of, Essentials

Pastry chef Thoa Nguyen dreamed of running her own Parisian-style Asian-fusion bakery for years. One of the daughters of the former owners of New Saigon, she grew up in the restaurant business. Now she’s running the show at this spot, which excels not only in sweets such as crepe cakes and croissants, but savory options like banh mi and classic Parisian-style ham and butter sandwiches.

1 article

Bar Dough

2227 W. 32nd Ave., Denver Highland/Lower Highland

720-668-8506

Italian, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow, Readers' Choice, Essentials

Open since 2015, Bar Dough feels like a longtime staple in LoHi, where the Italian eatery offers fresh pasta, pizza, small plates and a top-notch happy hour. The kitchen is led by chef Russell Stippich, who spent time at Frasca, Acorn and the Populist before joining the Culinary Creative restaurant group and landing at Bar Dough.

41 articles

Barolo Grill

3030 E. 6th Ave., Denver Cherry Creek

303-393-1040

Italian, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow, Essentials

Since 1992, Barolo Grill has served upscale Northern Italian fare in Cherry Creek with charm and sophistication — and a generous amount of vintage wine. Ryan Fletter, who worked there for nearly as long as it's been open, took over from Blair Taylor as owner in 2015 and quickly installed executive chef Darrel Truett in the kitchen, where cutting-edge presentations and techniques have kept the restaurant relevant and rewarding for guests. Fletter has also continued the tradition of taking the staff on annual trips to Italy, and Barolo's truffle dinner remains one of Denver's most indulgent culinary nights of the year.

42 articles

The Bindery

1817 Central St., Denver Highland/Lower Highland

303-993-2364

Modern American, Bakery, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow, Essentials

Linda Hampsten Fox opened her LoHi eatery — part market, part all-day dining destination — in 2017. Six years later, the menu continues to show off her passion for highlighting seasonal ingredients in unexpected ways as she composes dishes inspired by memories from her childhood, her travels and a thirty-year-plus career in restaurants.

28 articles

Bistro LeRoux

1510 16th St. Downtown Denver

720-845-1673

French, Recommended, Essentials

Lon Symensma's snazzy European restaurant debuted just before New Year’s Eve 2018 next door to one of his other eateries, ChoLon, home of his famed French onion-soup dumplings. After a brief closure in 2021, it came back with a new lounge area and a revamped menu, with a tighter focus on French fare. The design details in this sexy spot, including eye-catching chandeliers, make it ideal for date nights, during which you can dig into both shareable small plates and larger entrees that cover such bistro staples as steamed mussels and delicately layered potato pavé.

3 articles

Blackbelly

1606 Conestoga St. Boulder

303-247-1000

Modern American, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow, Essentials

After winning Top Chef in 2009, chef Hosea Rosenberg launched a food truck and catering company before opening Blackbelly in 2014. Now he’s expanded the business even more, creating what the team calls a “culinary campus” complete with an upscale dining area, private dining room, two patios, and a market that showcases its in-house butchering, charcuterie and baking programs. It also serves daytime fare such as sandwiches and one of the best breakfast burritos in the metro area. In 2023, Blackbelly’s efforts were rewarded when it earned a Michelin green star for excellence in sustainability.

37 articles

Blazing Chicken Shack II

5560 E. 33rd Ave., Denver Park Hill/Mayfair/Lowry

720-596-4501

Soul Food, Fried Chicken, Best Of, Essentials

This small spot tucked a block off Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard may not look particularly welcoming from the outside, with its caged-in windows and barred door, but you’ll find warm hospitality inside Blazing Chicken, along with a menu full of homestyle Southern classics. From the fried chicken to the gumbo to sides like mac and cheese and collard greens studded with shredded ham hock and bolstered with cabbage, this is soul food done right.

3 articles

Bodega Denver

2651 W. 38th Ave., Denver Berkeley/Sunnyside

Sandwiches, Brunch, Best Of, Essentials

When Northside native Cliff Blauvelt, the chef-owner of Bodega, opened his neighborhood eatery in 2022, he described the offerings as "sandwich-forward." Since then, Bodega has gained a lot of fans both in and outside Sunnyside for a number of reasons, including its morning menu, which made it our 2023 pick for Best Breakfast, and its double cheeseburger, one of the best in town. Now Blauvelt is keeping things interesting with playful new additions, like a breakfast-sausage spin on the classic chopped cheese.

2 articles

Bourbon Grill

571 E. Colfax Ave., Denver Capitol Hill/Uptown/City Park

303-355-3821

American, Best Of, Essentials

Since 2002, the aroma of chargrilled chicken has wafted from Bourbon Grill, which began as a walk-up window with a perpetual line before moving into a larger space with indoor seating in 2017. The star, of course, is the bourbon chicken, served in a hefty portion over rice with a choice of two sides. Founder and chef Lien Vo also dishes up other favorites like egg rolls, wings and creamy mac and cheese, all at prices that make a meal here one of the best values in town.

13 articles

Brasserie Brixton

3701 Williams St. North Denver

303-593-0951

French, Best Of, Readers' Choice, Essentials

This isn’t like a regular French restaurant. It’s a cool French restaurant. Housed in a building that’s over 130 years old and once held a neighborhood market, the eatery is decidedly unstuffy and boasts an impressive wine list as well as a strong selection of cocktails, beer, cider and sake. Stop in for a bowl of French onion soup, or eat your way through a selection of dishes with playful touches that change with the seasons. Every neighborhood deserves a spot this good.

4 articles

Cafe Brazil

4408 Lowell Blvd., Denver Berkeley/Sunnyside

303-480-1877

Brazilian, South American, Mediterranean, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Menu, Readers' Choice, Essentials

Cafe Brazil has been a haven for Mediterranean-inflected South American cuisine for more than thirty years. If you’ve been in Denver long enough, you probably knocked back your first caipirinha here — possibly even at the eatery’s original Highland location (long before folks started calling the area LoHi). Come for the slow-roasted meats, baked sweet plantains and satisfying seafood stews, like the coconut milk-enriched moqueca de peixe, and stay for a rum flight and warm hospitality from owners Tony and Marla Zarlenga.

32 articles

Cantina Loca

2890 Zuni St., Denver Highland/Lower Highland

303-284-6738

Mexican, Best Of, Essentials

Long before she became the executive chef of Casa Bonita, Dana Rodriguez made a name for herself in the local dining scene with Work & Class and Super Mega Bien. At her first solo venture, Cantina Loca, she shines a spotlight on her Mexican heritage with a crazy good lineup that includes braised-goat tacos, charcoal tempura-fried cactus and a bubbling, cheesy molcajete loaded with chicken, pork and steak, as well as cocktails made with tequila and mezcal from her own brand, Doña Loca.

1 article

Carmine Lonardo's

7585 W. Florida Ave. Lakewood

303-985-3555

Deli, Italian, Sandwiches, Best Of, Essentials

This cozy, family-owned Italian market and deli has been around since 1976. The shelves are lined with imported pasta of all shapes and sizes, olive oil, canned goods, frozen foods like housemade sausages, and so much more. Still, the sandwiches — huge, messy masterpieces loaded onto freshly baked rolls, which you can custom-order with that Italian sausage and a variety of other meats in hot and cold varieties — are unbeatable, and reason enough to visit.

3 articles

Carrera's Tacos

7939 E. Arapahoe Rd. Greenwood Village

720-689-8035

Mexican, Best Of, Essentials

Originally from California, brothers Joshua and Ryan Carrera launched a catering company-turned-food truck in 2019 with the goal of bringing the type of Mexican food they'd grown up eating to the Mile High — and their business was a hit. In 2022, it moved into a permanent home, making the Denver Tech Center an unlikely destination for French fry-filled burritos, ceviche, asada fries and a variety of must-try tacos.

1 article

Cart-Driver

2500 Larimer St., Denver Five Points/RiNo

303-292-3553

Pizza, Seafood, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Readers' Choice, Essentials

For nearly a decade, the original Cart-Driver in RiNo has been a destination for perfectly bubbly, charred, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza served from a small space made from a shipping container. Whether you’re dining there or at the newer, bigger LoHi outpost, there’s no denying that Cart-Driver’s stellar pies, fresh oysters and tinned fish remain a winning combination that is fresh and fun.

33 articles

Columbine Steak House & Lounge

300 Federal Blvd. West Denver

303-936-9110

Steakhouse, Recommended, Best Of, Essentials

An image of a steak and a martini glass tops the bright-yellow sign on Federal Boulevard where Columbine Steak House has been serving up cuts of beef, burgers and fries since 1961. And not much has changed since then at this no-frills joint. Guests opting to sit in the main dining room order at the counter, where you specify what cut you want and how you like it cooked before your steak is kissed by flames and served with a simple side salad, Texas toast and a baked potato. There’s also a lounge side with full service where you can settle in with a strong drink. Whatever you do, leave the coat and tie at home…and don’t forget to bring cash.

7 articles

Conu's Corner

4400 W. 29th Ave., Denver Highland/Lower Highland

Vietnamese, Asian, Essentials

In 2019, Thuc-Nhu “Nhu” Hoang and her husband, Huy Pham, signed a lease for a space near Sloan’s Lake that they dreamed of turning into a coffee and sandwich shop. When delays pushed back the construction of the kitchen for four years, the couple ran the shop as a convenience store. In 2023, though, they finally debuted the food menu, dishing up Vietnamese comfort food, including banh mi using bread, mayo and pickled veggies all made in-house, while still offering the neighborhood everything from ice cream and soda to household supplies and lottery tickets.

1 article

Coperta

400 E. 20th Ave., Denver Capitol Hill/Uptown/City Park

720-749-4666

Italian, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow, Essentials

In 2016, Paul and Aileen Reilly, the brother-and-sister duo behind the beloved, now-closed Beast + Bottle, opened this cozy restaurant that pays homage to the food of Southern Italy. Under chef de cuisine Kenny Minton, it continues to offer some of the finest pasta in town, as well as dreamy, house-baked focaccia and longtime customer go-tos like pollo alla diavola, a spicy dish that’s best followed by a scoop of olive oil gelato.

44 articles

Locations in Denver: Essentials

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