Locations in Denver: Essentials

3503 E. Colfax Ave., Denver Capitol Hill/Uptown/City Park

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 many 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

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

Poppies Restaurant

2334 S. Colorado Blvd. Southeast Denver

303-756-1268

American, 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

Tocabe: An American Indian Eatery

3536 W. 44th Ave., Denver Berkeley/Sunnyside

720-524-8282

Southwestern, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Sponsor, Menu, Essentials

Matt Chandra and Ben Jacobs are behind Denver’s only American Indian-owned and -operated restaurant. They were inspired to open the fast-casual restaurant by Grayhorse: An American Indian Eatery, which was established in 1989 by the Jacobs family. Tocabe made its debut in 2008 and since then has continued to serve an affordable menu of salads, fry bread tacos, bison ribs and more, all while supporting the Native and Indigenous producers that supply the restaurant and sell products directly to the public through Tocabe’s online marketplace.

11 articles

A5 Steakhouse

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

303-623-0534

Steakhouse, Best Of, Essentials

Denver was long thought of as a cowtown, and the steakhouse was central to the cuisine. While many old-school steakhouses are still slinging meat, A5, which opened in 2021, stands out as a modern, lively take on the classic concept. We love this spot for more than just the steaks (though those are excellent). You’re also here for seafood towers, beef tartare in the form of a katsu sandwich with quail egg, rack of lamb, Japanese milk bread rolls and more, not to mention the upbeat energy that makes it pretty tempting to order a second — or third — martini.

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

Ace Eat Serve

501 E. 17th Ave., Denver Capitol Hill/Uptown/City Park

303-800-7705

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

Ace owners Josh and Jen Wolkon, who also run Steuben’s, had a fast hit on their hands when they opened their ping-pong hall and pan-Asian eatery in 2012. The menu at Ace Eat Serve has just gotten better over the years, and in 2024, it continued its evolution under new executive chef Khamla Vongsakoun. While he kept some staples, like the crispy beef and broccoli, Peking duck carved tableside and the spot’s popular wings, he’s also leaned more into snackable, shareable dim sum-style fare such as pork hot and sour xiao long bao and Sichuan lamb dumplings.

113 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, don’t worry: The knowledgeable staff is happy to help guide you, delivering plenty of warm hospitality along the way.

3 articles

Alma Fonda Fina

2556 15th St., Denver Highland/Lower Highland

303-455-9463

Mexican, Best Of, Essentials

Chef-owner Johnny Curiel's first solo venture, the highly anticipated Alma Fonda Fina, opened in December 2023, and less than a year later, it earned one Michelin star. The menu is a love letter to the home-cooked traditions of the chef’s childhood and the comfort food found at traditional fondas across Mexico. Snag a spot at the chef’s counter for a front-row view of the plating process, as well as insight into how the dishes are made and the stories behind them.

2 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.

24 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. During its run, 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.

23 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 he continues to oversee upscale favorites available either à la carte or as a four-course tasting menu. 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.

43 articles

Beckon

2843 Larimer St., Denver Five Points/RiNo

303-749-0020

Modern American, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Essentials

When Beckon opened in 2018, it was the city’s first chef’s-counter restaurant. Now, more and more high-end tasting-menu options are available, but Beckon continues to stand out with a menu created by chef Duncan Holmes and his team that changes quarterly, an approach inspired by the Earth’s connection to the moon. Tucked off busy Larimer Street, this is an intimate dining experience that earned the Beckon team its first Michelin star in 2023.

7 articles

Benzina

4839 E. Colfax Ave., Denver Park Hill/Mayfair/Lowry

303-399-2352

Pizza, Essentials

Brad Anderson has made quite an impact on the Denver dining scene over the past few decades, running the Rocky Mountain Diner, Rick's Cafe, Chopper's Sports Grill, the Castle Cafe and the Next Door Bar with partners Tom Walls and Jerry Good. A project three years in the making finally came to fruition in 2021 when he opened the Italian restaurant Benzina in a former Phillips 66 gas station on East Colfax. Since then, it’s become a neighborhood go-to for wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, thoughtful small plates and spritzes, and games of bocce ball and live music on the patio.

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. Seven 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

Blackbelly Market

4334 W. 41st Ave., Denver Berkeley/Sunnyside

720-476-5812

Grocery/Market, Best Of, Essentials

Blackbelly Market is the Denver outpost of the original in Boulder, which in turn is the breakfast-and-lunch spin-off of chef Hosea Rosenberg's fine-dining restaurant Blackbelly. Here you can grab a breakfast burrito brimming with green chile (a specialty of New Mexico native Rosenberg) or go whole hog with house-cured salumi, charcuterie, deli meats and other meaty wonders from this Michelin-recognized butchery team led by Kelly Kawachi. Grab a seat and order up a stacked sandwich and a monster chocolate chip cookie, or pop in for exquisite dry-aged steaks to impress your dinner guests.

1 article

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

Brasserie Brixton

3701 Williams St. North Denver

303-593-0951

French, Best Of, Readers' Choice, Essentials

French-ish and 100 percent fun, Brasserie Brixton could be your neighborhood hang, but it’s also the kind of place where going big comes with big rewards. Housed in a building that’s over 130 years old and once held a neighborhood market, it’s got an innate charm that’s matched by a menu full of familiar temptations, such as French onion soup and pâté, and more surprising bites, including blood sausage wontons with tamari vinaigrette and chile crisp. Pair all of it with natural wines, cocktails, beer or sake.

4 articles

The Bronze Empire

1591 S. Colorado Blvd. Southeast Denver

720-599-8888

Chinese, Recommended, Slideshow, Essentials

Tian Xia and Jing Wang, a pair of University of Denver students who moved to Denver from Beijing, brought Chinese hot pot to a South Colorado Boulevard shopping center in 2016, and it quickly became a go-to for anyone craving bubbling broths loaded with meats and veggies. In 2017, it became part of the growing One Concept Restaurant Group, and in the years since, more and more hot pot options have joined the scene. That led to a big change at Bronze Empire in September 2024, when it switched to an all-you-can-eat model that has made it an even more tempting option.

8 articles

Bruto

1801 Blake St., Denver LoDo/Ballpark/Commons Park

720-325-2195

Local/Sustainable, Contemporary, Essentials

This Dairy Block spot from the award-winning Id Est Hospitality group has been through several iterations since it opened in 2019. It earned a Michelin star in 2023 under chef Michael Diaz de Leon, and retained that status in 2024 under chef Byron Gomez, who officially took the reins in March and has been working to make the concept his own, with a tasting menu that explores the idea of brutalism. Expect the unexpected, from ingredients to plating, at this spot that puts sustainability at the forefront of fine dining.

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 a decade, the original Cart-Driver in RiNo has been a destination for perfectly bubbly, charred, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza that remains some of the best in town. Oysters and tinned fish are also served from the small space made from a shipping container. While its larger LoHi outpost has been closed for repairs since December 2023, its reopening is imminent, and we can’t wait to welcome it back.

33 articles

Chopstix Fusion

2020 S. Parker Rd. Southeast Denver

720-626-3029

Thai, Chinese, Essentials

The word ‘fusion’ can be a red flag for diners looking for pure flavors undiluted by American or European tastes, but in the case of Chopstix, which opened in May, it’s simply an indication that you’ll find a smattering of Thai dishes on a menu that otherwise offers a deep taste of Hong Kong — a real rarity in Denver. The smart move is to hit the tiny restaurant on the weekend to chat with owner Wendy Tong about house specialties like sizzling clay pots, tempting scallion pancakes and vivid greens in flavorful sauces, plus off-menu surprises such as pillowy cubes of fried tofu. Tong also creates beautiful baked goods, so save room for a slice of multi-layered crepe cake.

1 article

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

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-to’s like pollo alla diavola, a spicy dish that’s best followed by a scoop of olive oil gelato. Another new go-to: Coperta’s ongoing Little Italy Night series complete with red checkered table cloths, chianti and Italian American favorites.

35 articles

Crown Burgers

2192 S. Colorado Blvd. Southeast Denver

303-753-9696

Burgers, Greek, Best Of, Essentials

The casual, kitschy Crown Burgers has been around since 1987, when George Brokalakis opened the place with the same name and menu as a small chain founded in Salt Lake City, where he lived before moving to the Mile High. But this place is pure Denver: Both inside the dining room and from the drive-thru window, the local fast-food institution serves burgers, yes, but also five-egg omelets, breakfast burritos with green chile, tuna melts and baklava. For a pure taste of nostalgia, the Junior cheeseburger does the job, but at the opposite end, there's the Royal, stacked with pastrami in addition to all the standard burger toppings. Call yourself the king if you can handle this one.

4 articles

Cuba Bakery & Cafe

15028 E Mississippi Ave. Aurora

303-752-2822

Cuban, Bakery, Essentials

Orlando Colombe opened this bright and welcoming strip-mall spot in 2013 after moving to Colorado from Florida for a change of pace. The often-packed casual eatery serves a wide variety of sweets and a lineup of sandwiches, such as a traditional Cuban and pan con lechon. But it also serves seriously impressive slow-cooked entrees such as ropa vieja, picadillo and tender pork ribs, along with daily specials like the Saturday-only marinated oxtail.

3 articles

Dan Da

9945 E. Colfax Ave. Aurora

720-476-7183

Vietnamese, Essentials

Dân Dã has deep roots in Denver's Vietnamese restaurant scene: Chef-owner An Nguyen is the sister of Thoa Nguyen, who owns next-door sandwich shop and bakery Banh & Butter; their parents were the original owners of the late, lamented New Saigon restaurant. Now An, who shuttered her last restaurant, Savory Vietnam, in late 2023, is serving the greatest hits from that menu in a more intimate, modern dining room. Go with a group and dig into make-your-own spring roll towers, comforting clay pots, whole deep-fried fish and more.

1 article

Domo

1365 Osage St., Denver Golden Triangle/La Alma

303-595-3666

Japanese, Essentials

Gaku Homma opened his homestyle Japanese restaurant with an unlikely farmhouse setting, complete with a Japanese garden, in an urban neighborhood in 1996. It had a loyal legion of fans for years, but a viral TikTok video nearly led to its demise after crowds descended on the typically quiet space. After taking some time off to concentrate on his nonprofit, Homma brought Domo back, and it’s as charming as ever. Dining here is a Zen-like experience, so don’t come when you’re in a rush.Save this spot for the times you’re ready to linger over comforting donburi bowls, ramen, Japanese curry and more.

30 articles

Duo Restaurant

2413 W. 32nd Ave., Denver Highland/Lower Highland

303-477-4141

Modern American, Recommended, Best Of, Essentials

A lot of buzzy new places have opened in LoHi in recent years, but Duo, one of the city’s pioneering farm-to-table restaurants, has been holding down its corner of the neighborhood for nearly two decades. In 2023, longtime owners Keith Arnold and Stephanie Bonin passed the reins to longtime chef Tyler Skrivanek, who is excited to guide Duo into the next era — not with any sweeping changes, but by staying true to its culinary roots while taking smart steps to keep things fresh.

45 articles

Farm & Market

2401 Larimer St., Denver Five Points/RiNo

Soups, Salads, Best Of, Essentials

Vertical farm, restaurant and market combo Farm & Market opened its doors in RiNo in September 2023, when it started slinging soups and salads with produce grown on its 1,100 hydroponic towers. The effort, which is fully wind-powered, comprises a farm; a market stand where consumers can buy produce like orange thyme, Black Magic kale and Pomegranate Crunch romaine harvested the same day; and a restaurant with a menu packed with the freshest produce around.

1 article

Locations in Denver: Essentials

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