Restaurants are listed alphabetically.
AMERICAN
Beatrice & Woodsley
38 S. Broadway, 303-777-3505,
(Great) Small plates all under $20, but you’ll order a few. The dishes on what is perhaps Denver’s most creative menu usually score. Settle in for a couple of hours and order a succession of dishes; everything’s meant to be shared. Last reviewed December 2008.
Cherry Creek Grill
184 Steele St., 303-322-3524
(Very Good) Plates $12-$32. In a city where Monday nights see most restaurants underattended, if not shuttered, Cherry Creek Grill maintains a lively, populated atmosphere. Burgers, chicken and fish in satisfying portions. Cocktails are cold and ample. Last reviewed April 2008.
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.
EUROPEAN
Bistro One
1294 S. Broadway, 720-974-0602,
(Very Good) Appetizers $5-$9; mains $14-$22. Smart cocktails start supper at this contemporary neighborhood bistro, where standard bistro fare (steak frites) shares menu space with more innovative dishes. Clever cocktails and a small, user- friendly wine list round out the experience. Last reviewed December 2008.
Bistro Vendôme
1420 Larimer St., 303-825-3232, bistro
(Great) Appetizers $6-$16; main courses $15-$23. Vendôme, which boasts one of downtown Denver’s loveliest patios, also serves some of Denver’s most pleasant French cuisine. The savory herb-roasted chicken and delicate pan-roasted veal are standouts on the menu. which also includes foie gras pate and escargots. Manageable all-French wine list and popular brunch. Last reviewed July 2007.
Brasserie Felix
3901 Tennyson St., 303-953-2401,brass
(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.
ASIAN
Den Deli
1501 S. Pearl St., Denver, 303-733-2503,
(Very good) Noodle bowls, $9.95 and up. Sandwiches, $9.95 and up. Ramen has arrived in Platt Park neighborhood with this casual new branch of the Den (Sushi Den, Izakaya Den) family. Choose a noodle bowl and seaweed salad; your sandwich-loving companion can have a French dip instead. Last reviewed March 2010.
India’s Pearl
1475 S. Pearl St., 303-777-1533
(Very Good/Great) Starters $3.95-$9.95; entrees $10.95-$24.95. Surprised that an Indian restaurant would have such an expansive wine list? Don’t be. India’s Pearl proves that Indian food pairs beautifully with wines of all hues. Last reviewed October 2008.
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. Get it with a green papaya salad and Thai iced tea. Kids love this place. Takeout available. Last reviewed December 2006.
CARIBBEAN
Eight Rivers Lodo
1550 Blake St., 303-623-3422,
(Very Good) Appetizers $7-$13; mains $15-$19. Denver’s very best rum list anchors this downtown homage to Jamaican cuisine. Think jerk chicken, jerk pork, jerk steak and a beautifully rich-spicy oxtail stew. Happy hour on weekdays. Last reviewed December 2008.
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.
Virgilio’s
7986 W. Alameda Ave., Lakewood, 303-985-2777
(Very Good) Pizzas (14- or 18-inch) $8.99-$19.49; appetizers and sides $1.99-$8.99. Don’t fill up on garlic knots, because you’ll need room for pizza. Crusts are buttery, salty and nicely cooked. Toppings are straightforward and simple, particularly the Mama’s Favorite (shaved sausage, red onion, garlic). Gluten-free menu too. Last reviewed April 2006.
Our star system:
: Exceptional
: Great
: Very good
: Good
