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, with rare exceptions. Settle in for a couple of hours and order a succession of dishes; everything’s meant to be shared. But guard your Hair of the Frog cocktail (gin, chartreuse and soda) for yourself. 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.
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.
Max Gill and Grill
1053 S. Gaylord St., 303-722-7456,
(Very Good) Appetizers $9-$14; mains $9-$25. Fish freaks and
meat heads come together at this surf-and-turf restaurant on Old
South Gaylord. One of Denver’s best lobster rolls, and a decent filet of beef. Last reviewed November 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.
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.
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,
(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,
(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.
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
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.
Taste of Thailand
504 E. Hampden Ave, Englewood, 303-762-9112
(Very Good) Nothing over $15. Every neighborhood has at least one Thai restaurant, but not every neighborhood has one as good as Englewood’s Taste of Thailand. Fresh, tasty dishes are assembled with a light hand, and spice is applied with precision. Lunch specials every day, perfect for Swedish Medical Center employees across the street. Last reviewed March 2008.
MEXICAN/SOUTHWESTERN
Brewery Bar II
150 Kalamath St., 303-893-0971
(Very Good) Nothing over $10. Part sports bar, part dive, all soul, the Brewery Bar II smothers most of its excellent combination plates in some of Denver’s tastiest green chile. Brewery Bar II won’t win awards for being fancy, but it will win hearts for being consistent, friendly and cool. Closed Sundays. Last reviewed December 2006.
Las Cazuelas
6757 W. Mississippi Ave., Lakewood, 303-935-2043
(Very Good) Nothing over $10. This family-friendly neighborhood Mexican restaurant features a greatest-hits menu of Mexican-restaurant favorites: rellenos, carnitas, enchiladas and tamales, plus an addictive, fresh-tasting, pork-laden green chile. Brisk takeout business, too. Last reviewed February 2007.
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
