Restaurants are listed alphabetically.
AMERICAN
Masterpiece Deli
1575 Central St. (at 16th St.), 303 561-3354,
(Very Good) Sandwiches $8-$10.50; breakfast sandwiches $4.75 and up. Denver’s sandwich scene took a quantum leap with the opening of Masterpiece Deli, just a block down the hill from Lola in the Lower Highlands neighborhood. Top-shelf ingredients and preparation make the common-sounding sandwiches (Reuben, egg salad) uncommon. Last reviewed April 2009.
Root Down
1600 W. 33rd Ave., 303-993-4200,
(Very Good/Great) Plates $7-$22, with most around $9-$11. An eclectic menu of innovative, flavorful small dishes (many of which are vegetarian) drives this forward-thinking eatery and watering hole, fashioned from a reclaimed garage. Last reviewed March 2009.
Shazz
4262 Lowell Blvd., 303-477-1407,
(Very Good/Great) Appetizers $7-$11; mains $24-$35. Chef Benny Kaplan is one of Denver’s best, and his commitment to locally sourced, sustainable food is commendable. Don’t miss the braised oxtail appetizer, served over asiago grits, and don’t miss a few minutes at the bar for a signature cocktail mixed with house- made ingredients such as grenadine and orgeat. Last reviewed April 2009.
Steakhouse Ten
3517 S. Elati St., Englewood, 303-789-0911,
(Very Good) Entrees $22-34. Cozy clubby little steakhouse in Englewood gets the heat right every time: Rare is rare and medium is medium. The vibe here is just right for quiet tête-u-têtes and private dinners. Greek specialties round out the menu. Open for lunch, too. Last reviewed May 2009.
Twelve
2233 Larimer St., 303-293-0287,
(Great/Exceptional) Entrees $22-$28. Wedged into a tiny storefront in the northern reaches of LoDo, this newcomer changes its menu monthly – 12 times a year. So don’t get attached to a favorite dish. Instead, have your socks knocked off by chef Jeff Osaka’s brilliant technical skills and instinctive flavor-play. Last reviewed February 2009.
EUROPEAN
Brasserie Felix
3901 Tennyson St., 303-953-2401,
(Very good) Appetizers $5.95-$12.95, mains $14.95-$20.95. A very good example of the Americanized French Brasserie, with accessible and relevant fare like steak frites, mussels and croque monsieurs. Small but serviceable wine list. Great sunny room looks even better at lunchtime. Last reviewed April 2009.
Farro
8230 S. Holly St., 303-694-5432,
(Very Good) Almost nothing over $15. The southern suburbs are awash in restaurants, but precious few of them are any good. Enter Farro, at the corner of Holly Street and County Line Road, which serves homey, substantial fare with a casual-elegant twist. Good wine list, too. Last reviewed February 2009.
Indulge French Bistro
4140 W. 38th Ave., 303-433-7400,
(Very good/Great) Appetizers $6.50-16. Entrees $16-$28. This small, hospitably operated bistro in North Denver changes its menu frequently, but you can always count on a well-executed steak frites, an inexpensive glass of house wine, and a cheery welcome. Tip for seasonal eaters: Order seafood; it’s almost always nicely prepared here. Last reviewed May 2009.
ASIAN
US Thai Cafe
5228 W. 25th Ave., Edgewater, 303-233-3345
(Very Good/Great) Appetizers $3.95-$5.95; entrees $7.50-$13.95. Curries stand out on the menu at US Thai, especially the evocative, complex green curry – smoky but smooth, soft but sharp, spicy but soothing, entirely irresistible. Get it with a green papaya salad and Thai iced tea. Kids love this place. Takeout available. Last reviewed December 2006.
PIZZA
McKinners Pizza Bar
2389 W. Main St., Littleton, 303-798-8500,
(Very Good) Pizzas $9.25 and up; salads $6.25-$9. Downtown Littleton is one of the area’s most pleasant town strips, studded with boutiques and wine shops and restaurants and, happily, McKinners, a favorite watering hole, pizza joint and gathering place. Last reviewed March 2009.
Our star system:
: Exceptional
: Great
: Very good
: Good
