Special Libraries Association:Restaurant Guide
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Google Map of restaurants (and museums) created by Daniel Lee of Toronto
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?f=q&hl=en&layer=&ie=UTF8&start=50&num=50&z=14&ll=39.746464,-104.98827&spn=0.028377,0.080338&om=1&msid=100659936707147629441.00000111d1cb4b45e37a8&msa=0/
Here's the short version of that URL: http://tinyurl.com/33lnsu
Rating Key (Is this restaurant good for)
B Excellent Beer list
D Excellent Desserts
G Excellent for Groups
H Handicap access
P Excellent Patio
S Is smoking allowed in an outdoor area?
V Excellent for Vegetarians
W Excellent Wine list
Note: West is toward the mountains.
The Big Blue Bear is at the North entrances of the Colorado Convention Center, between Stout and California Streets.
Smoking is not permitted inside any restaurant or bar in Colorado.
The 16th Street Mall
The 16th Street Pedestrian mall is only a two block walk from the Convention Center. You can also ride the Light Rail from the Convention Center to 16th Street. Once you reach 16th, you can ride the free mall shuttle up and down the length of the mall to all of the following restaurants.
Cook's Fresh Market
Address: 1600 Glenarm Place, Suite 120
Phone: 303-893-2277
Website: www.cooksfreshmarket.com
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10AM-8PM
Directions: From the Big Blue Bear, walk north 2 blocks on California, turn right and walk 2 blocks east to Glenarm Place. The Market is on the NE corner, on the 16th Street Mall.
Fresh is the operative word; think Wild Oats organic market. Fresh salad bar with artichokes, fresh fruits (Driscoll's berries) and vegetables, fresh artisan breads (baguettes, etc.). The freshly-made guacamole is flavorful, but you can still taste the avocados (not overly spicy). Bakery makes pastries, brownies and candies (truffles!). Imported cheeses. Ghirardelli and other fancy chocolate bars. Deli sandwiches come with choice of fresh apple or orange or baked chips. Bologna sandwich $5.99, vegetarian salad wrap $6.99, Denver Reuben quesadilla $8.99, prosciutto de Parma with fresh mozzarella sandwich $11.99, hot filet Mignon with Maytag blue cheese sandwich $15.99. Prepared salads, some with meats. Two soups du jour; 1/2 sandwich & soup combos. Indoor and outdoor seating. Get some fancy appetizers or a meal, then walk across 16th to Jerri's Tobacco Shop & Fine Wines (south of the Hard Rock Cafe, open Mon.-Sat. 10AM-8PM and until 9:00pm in the Summer) pick out a bottle and retreat to your hotel room to relax and munch. (BLW)
Dixon's Downtown Grill.
Address: 1610 16th Street
Phone: 303-573-6100.
Website: www.dixonsrestaurant.com
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Price range: Lunch $11 to $14; Dinner $11 - $26
Directions: Walk two blocks north to the 16th Street Mall. Catch the MallRide west to Wazee. Dixon's is on the South side of the street.
Description: Excellent breakfast, giant lunch. Dixon's has my favorite salads out of all downtown restaurants. The sandwiches are large enough to take home half for the next day. Food is a mixture of American and Southwestern, and the margaritas are award-winning. Limited vegetarian options include a grilled Boca burger and a Nutty Cheese Salad. Located in the historic mission-style arts and crafts Henry Lee building. Comfortable booths, friendly service.
Hours: 7 a.m. for breakfast Monday - Friday; 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Dixons also has a variety of single malt scotches, and a microbrewery. (KR)
B, P, S
ESPNZone. 1187 16th Street
Phone: 303-595-3776.
Website: www.espnzone.com
Directions: walk 2 blocks north to the 16th Street Mall, then west to Lawrence - walking or via the MallRide free shuttle.
Description: While the ESPNZone is not known for fabulous food, the menu options are pretty good. One comes to the Zone to be entertained. The facility provides a place for people to play games and watch TV on numerous sets. The Zone has a number of comfy chairs in front of the HUGE TV screen, but they don't recline and you are too close to the action. It is better to sit near the back where it is a little quieter, and you can see the whole place. They do have a good assortment of domestic beers, but I wouldn't call it worldclass list. Overall, this would be a fun place to get away from the conference for a couple of hours. (JK)
Maggiano's Little Italy
Address: 500 16th Street
Phone: 303-260-7707
Website: www.maggianos.com
Cuisine: Italian
Price Range: Lunch $8-$12; Dinner $14-$27
Directions: Walk two blocks north to 16th Street Mall, turn left, restaurant is on left in Denver Pavilions, first level
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
Maggiano's is a national chain, but is a better-than-average Italian restaurant, dripping with New York atmosphere. It has a traditional Italian menu of pastas, seafood, ravioli, gnocchi, and lasagna. A great place for lunch, the menu offers quick options such as soups and sandwiches or full meals. The eggplant parmasan is excellent! For dinner, linger over appetizers, wine, and the large selection of meats and seafoods. Top it off with tiramisu. The small patio bustles in the evening and you have a nice view of the Denver mall. (LVW)
G,W,D,V
Marlowe’s.
Address: 501 16th Street ( on the 16th Street mall at Glenarm Street)
Phone: 303-595-3700
Cuisine: American
Website: www.marlowesdenver.com
Hours: Mon.-Thurs.11AM-1AM, Fri.-Sat. 11AM-2AM, Sun. 11AM-Midnight; Happy Hour:
Mon.-Fri. 4:30PM-7PM.
Price Range: Lunch $15 - $20;Dinner $20 -$50
Directions: Walk two blocks north to the 16th Street mall. Walk two blocks east to Glenarm.
Marlowe's is located on the street level of the Historic Kittredge Building, built in 1891.You can enjoy people watching on the patio. Offering traditional American cuisine and a large variety of martinis since 1982. Lobster $42, Filet Mignon $33, Pork Tenderloin $19, Seared Ahi Tuna Appetizer $13, Small Duck Salad $6.95.
P, W (KR)
Rialto Café.
Address: 934 16th Street. (South side of the 16th Street Mall at Curtis Street)
Phone: 303-893-2233 or 303-893-CAFE
Website: www.rialtocafe.com
Cuisine: American, also Asian flavor
Prince Range: Lunch $12 to $22; Dinner entrees $15 to $28.
Directions: Walk to the 16th Street mall then walk two blocks west between Champa & Curtis Streets, located in the Marriott Courtyard Hotel.
Hours: 8 am-2:3o am, late night menu, Saturday & Sunday brunch, open 7 days a week. Happy hours: 4:30-6 pm and 9:30-11 pm every evening.
Enjoy the Rialto's Art Deco interior and beautiful bar anytime. The full breakfast buffet is $9.95 Monday-Friday, and weekend brunch has fruits, waffles, eggs and more. Lunch menu includes soups and salads or larger entrees. I ordered the delicious, large open-faced tuna and avocado sandwich on French bread with tomato and cheddar for $10, with fast service at 1:30 pm. A great feature: window walls that open for a shaded sidewalk cafe experience. Separate checks are fine, and you can make reservations online. (BW)
H, P, G
Rock Bottom Brewery
Address: 1001 16th St.( 16th Street and Curtis) .
Website: www.rockbottom.com .
Cuisine: American .
Hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Daily.
Description: Good food "gourmet pub grub" and casual relaxing atmosphere. Great patio on the 16th street mall. B, S, H
The Tabor Center
Directions: From the Big Blue Bear, walk 2 blocks north on California, take the 16th Street Mall Shuttle west to Arapahoe. Located between Arapahoe and Larimer near the west end of the mall.
In addition to a 3rd-floor food court you will find :
Corner Bakery, Street level [sandwiches, soup and salad]
Green Fine Salad, Street level [salad]
The Cheesecake Factory, Street Level [almost anything you can imagine, plus cheesecake]
ESPN Zone , Street level [sports bar]
The Palm (In the Westin) [steakhouse]
Purple Martini, 3rd level [martini bar, not open for lunch]
Fast Food on the 16th Street Mall
Downtown Denver has two Food Courts – both are located on the 16th Street Mall
Republic Plaza is on the east end of the mall at Tremont Street.
Restaurants include:
Cava Greens
Chick-Fil –A
Chinja
El Azteca
Falafel King
Fratelli Pizza & Panini
Rockies Express
Steak Escape
Tokyo Express
The Tabor Center is located between Arapahoe and Larimer near the west end of the mall.
The food court restaurants on the 3rd floor include:
Big Papa’s Pizza
Casa Burrito
Falafel King
Panda Express
Subway
Other fast food options on the mall include:
Burrito and Hot Dog carts on almost every corner
Arby’s (16th and California)
Burger King (16th between California & Welton)
Cafe in Barnes & Noble, 2nd floor, (in Pavilions, 16th & Tremont)
Chipotle (16th and California and 16th and Blake)
Einstein's Bagels (16th & California)
Fontano’s Chicago Subs ( 16th and California)
Green Fine Salads (16th and Arapahoe)
Good Times Burgers (all natural beef) (16th and Champa)
Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwich (east end of 16th near Broadway)
McDonalds (16th and Champa)
Noodles & Co. (16th and Blake)
Paradise Bakery (16th and Curtis) Sandwiches, soup and salad
Pizzeria Colore Express (16th and Court)
Quizno’s (16th and Larimer also 16th and Lincoln)
Starbucks (16th at California, Tremont, Lawrence, and Blake)
Subway (16th and Champa)
Taco Bell(16th between Welton and California)
Larimer Square
Larimer Square is located in historic downtown Denver on Larimer Street, between 14th and 15th Streets. Originally Denver's first city block, Larimer Square is now one of the city's trendiest shopping and dining areas.
Directions: To reach Larimer Square, walk five blocks northwest(toward the mountains) on 14th street to Larimer and turn right. Or take 16th Street Mall shuttle west to Larimer, go left.
Bistro Vendome .
Address: 1414-H Larimer Square.
Phone: 303-825-3232.
Website: www.bistrovendome.com
Hours:Dinner: Tues.-Thurs. 5PM–10PM, Fri.-Sat. 5PM-11PM; Sun. 5PM-9PM; Brunch: Sat.-Sun. 10AM-2PM. Closed Mondays.
Directions: The front entrance is located in the Sussex breezeway. Guests who enter from Larimer Square walk through the Kettle Arcade.
A casual French bistro with cocktails and an extensive selection of French wines. Situated in the historic Sussex building (1880).Valet Parking Tues.-Sat.5PM-11PM: pull up in front of Rioja restaurant.
The Capital Grille.
Address: 1450 Larimer Square.
Phone: 303-539-2500.
Website: www.thecapitalgrille.com
Hours: Lunch: Mon.–Fri. 11:30AM-2:30PM; Dinner: Mon.–Thurs. 5PM-10PM, Fri.-Sat. 5PM–11PM; Sun. 4PM–9PM.
Classic steak cuisine, with large cuts of dry aged beef. Chicken and seafood are also offered, and be sure to try their wonderful coconut cream pie. Popular, not inexpensive. Complimentary valet parking.H, S
Corridor 44.
Address: 1433 Larimer Square.
Website: www.corridor44.com
Phone: 303-893-0044.
Hours: Open every day from 3PM-2AM.
Elegant champagne bar. Specializes in wines, but also has a full bar. The small plates include crudo plates (read "raw") like steak tartare and ceviche, grilled shrimp and oven roasted mussels, salads and desserts. Tasmanian Salmon Lox $9, Fresh Berries $6. "There are two distinct areas of Corridor 44: the lively front bar and the sensual and coveted private room in the back."
Del Mar Crab House.
Address: 1453 Larimer Square.
Phone: 303-825-4747.
Website: www.delmardenver.com
Hours: Lunch Daily 11:30AM-5PM, Dinner Daily 5PM-10PM
Seafood from the east coast and the west coast; Maine lobster to Dungeness crab, New England clam chowder or Alaskan halibut. Pastas and salads also available. Crab Cake $12, Filet Mignon $26 ($28 at dinner).
Gelazzi
Address: 1411 Larimer Square.
Phone: 303-534-5056
Website: www.gelazzi.com
Hours: Open every day from 11 am until late.
A gelato café, offering a large selection of Italian ice creams, made fresh each and every day. Located across the street from Tamayo and next door to Ted’s Montana Grill, this is a perfect location for dessert after lunch or dinner! Gelazzi also offers coffees and alcoholic drinks that incorporate their gelatos. Free WIFI is available.
Lime.
Address: 1424-C Larimer Square.
Phone: 303-893-5463.
Website: www.limecantina.com
Cuisine: American, Mexican, Contemporary
Price Range: $8-$10
Hours: Mon-Wed 4-12pm, Thurs-Fri 4pm-2am, Sat 11am-2pm, Closed Sunday.
Not your typical Mexican restaurant, the space has a fabulous bar, an open dining area with a pleasant, casual atmosphere and a small patio. It bustles on a Friday night. Menu has extensive appetizers, so you can try a selection. Food is fresh and simple. The nachos, black bean soup, or corn tamales are all delightful and are served vegetarian. Refried beans and chili sauce are also vegetarian. Most entrees have chicken, fish or steak at a reasonable price. Brunch is different and includes sweet corn pancakes or corn tamale hash. (LVW)
P
The Market.
Address: 1445 Larimer Square.
Phone: 303-534-5140.
Website: www.themarketatlarimer.com
Cuisine: American, Deli, Cafe
Price Range: $6-$16
Directions: Walk 5 blocks west on 15th Street to Larimer and turn left. Restaurant on right-hand side halfway down the block.
Hours: 6 am-11 pm Mon-Thurs; 6 am-12 am Fri-Sat; 6 am-10 pm Sun.
Description: Located in historic Larimer Square, The Market was once a small grocery. It is now an extremely popular European-style cafe and deli. Atmosphere is informal but busy, and you may people watch from anywhere, including the outside tables. Order your coffee or meal at a counter and find an empty table. Sandwiches, salads and entrees are freshly made. You may also shop for unique imported foods or buy deli items to take with you. Free Wifi. Coffee and desserts are excellent, and people rave about the cheese blintzes for breakfast. (LVW)
V, D
Red Square Euro Bistro.
Address: 1512 Larimer Street, in Writers' Square Unit R-38.
Phone: 303-595-8600.
Website: www.redsquarebistro.com
Hours: Open daily for dinner at 5PM.
Russian cuisine with a European flair. Try the daily feature, or select from seafood and pasta, or meats from the grill. An impressive selection of vodkas. Décor has an Art Deco feel with Russian influences. Parking is $4.00 flat fee after 5p.m.
Rioja .
Address: 1431 Larimer Square
Phone: 303-820-2282.
Website: www.riojadenver.com
Cuisine: Contemporary
Prince Range: Appetizers $9 - 16; Soup and Salad $6-$10; Pasta $15 - $19; Entrees $19 - $26
Directions: Walk five blocks west on 14th and turn right on Larimer Street.
Hours: Open 7 days a week for dinner; Wednesday through Friday for lunch; brunch offered on Saturday and Sunday. It looks like it would be a fun bar for happy hour.
A popular spot on Larimer Square, the menu is inspired by Mediterranean ingredients using local and seasonal products. The menu changes frequently, check the website for current options. They have received rave reviews for handmade pasta and yummy sauces. The bread selection is amazing and the wine list is extensive. The chef is very open to adapting menu items to meet dietary restrictions. (KR)
P, W
Samba Room.
Address:1460 Larimer Square
Phone: 720-956-1701.
Website: www.sambaroom.net
Cuisine: Latin Fusion
Price Range: Lunch $11.00 to $15.00; Dinner $22.00 - $42.00
Hours: Monday-Saturday Lunch: 11:00am-4:00pm; Sunday Dinner: 11am-10pm; Monday-Wednesday Dinner: 4pm-11pm;Thursday-Saturday Dinner: 4pm-Midnight.Happy hours from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
A fun, upbeat sophisticated Latin style bistro. The Latin fusion cuisine features grilled meats and seafood with tropical fruits and spices. Offers great wine list. Extremely limited vegetarian choices. They claim to have a "Fully stocked cigar humidore." The Samba Room is available for private Parties. The Havana Table, in a semi-private area, is available for parties of 10 to 18 guests. (KR)
G S W
Tamayo.
Address: 1400 Larimer Square.
Phone: 720-946-1433.
Website: www.tamayorestaurant.com
Hours: Lunch Mon.-Fri. 11:30AM-2PM. Dinner Sun.-Thurs. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Modern Mexican cuisine with unusual recipes, not your average cantina! The menu offers elegant appetizers and entrees designed to please everyone from vegetarians to seafood lovers. Items feature Colorado lamb, chicken mole, steaks and pork tenderloins. The upstairs patio was recently rated as one of the top 10 patios in Denver. P
Ted’s Montana Grill .
Address: 1401 Larimer Street
Phone: 303-893-0654.
Website:www.tedsmontanagrill.com
Cuisine: Western
Price range: $15 to $29
Hours: Open for lunch and dinner Sunday thru Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Directions: Walk five blocks west on 15th to Larimer
Western favorites include beef and buffalo served as steaks, chops, hamburgers, or meatloaf. Menu also includes chicken, chili and salads. Vegetarian choices limited to salads and vegetable side dishes. The tin ceilings, brass, and mahogany wood give a great Western bar feel to the place, which is also completely eco-friendly. The website includes guide for special dietary needs : Healthy Heart; Weight Loss; Diabetic; Food allergies; Gluten-free; Low carb; Low sodium (KR)
LoDo ( Lower Downtown)
These restaurants are located 6 to 11 blocks from the Convention Center in LoDo, on the west side of downtown Denver
Denver ChopHouse & Brewery
Address: 1735 19th St.
Phone: 303-296-0800
Website:www.chophouse.com
Cuisine: Steakhouse , Casual elegant
Price Range: Lunch $9 - $22; Dinner $15 - $29
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – midnight; Sunday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Directions: Walk two blocks north to the 16th Street Mall. Take the shuttle west to Wynkoop. Walk four blocks north to 20th Street. Located near Coors Field.
Description: One of Denver’s favorite steakhouses. Vegetarian choices limited. Brunch selections offer more than just eggs. In addition to a great beer selection you will find small batch bourbons, and a fine array of single malt scotches. Smoking available on the patio. (KR)
B P S W
1515 Restaurant .
Address: 1515 Market St.
Phone: 303-571-0011.
Website: www.1515restaurant.com
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Price Range: Lunch $10.00 - $23.00; Dinner $22.00 - $40.00+
Directions: From the Convention Center, walk one block north to 15th Street, turn left and walk five blocks west to Market Street. Or take the MallRide Shuttle west to Market, turn left and go walk 1 block south. Free parking under the building is available with dinner.
Hours: lunch Monday - Friday 11am to 2:30pm and dinner, Monday - Thursday 5pm to 10pm, Friday, Saturday 5pm to 11pm. Online reservations can be made at their website.
Walk through the bar and upstairs to the elegant dining room in this 1860's building. The menu is contemporary, the Kobe burger, a half-pound beef patty on a rosemary artisan roll is fabulous and not too expensive at $11.00. Good wine list, not very many vegetarian choices. (KR)
G
India House.
Address: 1514 Blake Street
Phone: 303-595-0608
Website: www.indiahouse.us
Cuisine: Indian and Asian
Price Range: The lunch buffet $9.95; Appetizers start at $6.00; Entrees range from $13.95 to $25.95
Hours: Lunch Mon.-Fri. 11AM-2:30PM, Sat. 12Noon-2:30PM; Dinner Sun.-Thurs. 5:30PM-10PM, Fri.-Sat. 5:30PM-10PM.
Directions: Walk one block north to 15th Street. Then walk seven blocks west to Blake Street, turn Right. The restaurant is located between 15th and 16th Streets. Or walk two blocks to the 16th Street Mall. Take the MallRide west to Blake Street.
Considered by some to be the best Indian cuisine in Denver. Serves all the classical dishes in a cozy room full of booths. The appetizers could make a meal, but save room for an entree, such as tandoori chicken. Large variety of vegetarian dishes. Lunch buffet $9.95. (KR)V , P
Jax Fish House
Address: 1539 17th Street.
Phone: 303-292-5767.
Website: www.jaxfishhousedenver.com
Hours: Dinner nightly starts at 4 with a happy hour til 6PM.
Directions: From the Big Blue Bear, walk 2 blocks north and take the 16th Street Mall free shuttle west to Blake Street Walk 1 block north to 17th Street.
The raw bar here offers a variety of fresh oysters, clams, chilled crabs and lobsters, all flown in daily. Casual atmosphere with exposed brick and local artworks. Although some think this restaurant is a bit too loud and energetic, others think it's perfect.
McCormick’s Fish House and Bar
Address: 1659 Wazee Street
Phone: 303-825-1107.
Website: www.mccormickandschmics.com
Cuisine: Seafood and American classics
Directions: Walk two blocks north to the 16th Street mall. Take the mall shuttle west to Wazee. Walk one block north to McCormick's. The entrance to the Cruise Room is around the corner on 17th.
Hours:Lunch Monday thru Friday, 11 to 2PM. Dinner daily after 5 PM with a Sunday brunch from 10 to 2 PM.
The elegant wood paneling and location within the historic Oxford Hotel, make this McCormick and Schmick stand out from the chain. The menu, which changes daily, offers seafood with some selections of poultry and meat dishes. The Cruise Room, a long, narrow bar fashioned after the lounge on the famed Queen Mary Cruise Liner, opened on December 5, 1933, the day prohibition was repealed. Art Deco at its finest, The Cruise Room has its own listing in the National Register of Historic Places. (KR)
Mori Sushi Bar & Tokyo Cuisine
Address: 2019 Market St.
Phone: 303-298-1864
Cuisine: Japanese.
Price Rangde: Moderate
Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm; Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-11pm; Sat 5pm-11pm. Note: closed Sunday's.
Directions: Take the 16th Street mall ride west to Market St. and walk north just past 20th Street, about 4 ½ blocks. Or take a short cab ride. Parking can be tight if you drive your rental car, especially on Fri/Sat and/or if there is a game at nearby Coors Field.
Description: Mori features a relaxed and informal atmosphere featuring some of the best sushi in Denver, and a robust menu of cooked Japanese cuisine ranging from appetizers such as edamame and gyosa to bento trays and wonderful noodle dishes. The miso soup is the best in town, and all the food is prepared and presented in authentic Japanese style. You can make a meal out of appetizers if you choose. They also serve a variety of sake, bottled Japanese beers and draft Kirin beer in addition to a full bar. Mori is housed in a VFW facility in the shadow of Coors Field.(EN)
PF Chang's China Bistro.,
Address: 1415 15th St., Denver 80202 (Lower Downtown)
Phone: 303-260-7222
Cuisine: Contemporary Chinese, Grill, Gourmet
Price Range: Lunch $10-$18; Dinner $15-$30
Directions: Take free shuttle on 16th St. Mall west (to your left)to Market street station. Walk one block to your left south on Market to PF Chang's, on the corner of 15th, on your right. Or, walk 6 blocks west on 14th Street to Market and turn right - restaurant will be on the left on the corner of 15th.
Hours: lunch and dinner, Monday - Sunday
A contemporary Chinese bistro, featuring grilled ahi, tuna, chicken and duck dishes, and a large selection of excellent traditional fare with a flair, such as Lo Mein, Kung Pao Shrimp and Mu Shu Pork. The menu is huge, so bring friends and try out an assortment of dishes. There is a large selection of delicious vegetarian items, such as vegetarian lettuce wraps or veggie dumplings, stir-fried eggplant, and my favorite: Vegetarian Ma Po Tofu. The open room atmosphere can be a little noisy, as this is a popular and busy place most nights, and it has a large bar. Ever been to a Chinese restaurant with great dessert selections? This one has it all, including Banana Spring Rolls.(LVW)
V, G
Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
Address: 1525 Blake Street.
Phone: 303-623-5432.
Website: www.riograndemexican.com
Cuisine: Mexican, Price range: Inexpensive.
Hours: Monday – Sunday 11:00 am-10:00 pm.
Directions: Walk one block north to 15th Street, then seven blocks west to Blake Street. Or take the 16th Street mall ride to Blake and walk one block south.
Description: Rumored to have the best margaritas in town. Food is fresh and healthy. The tex-mex food is good too. Nice, off the street patio. P
Sushi Han
Address:1512 Lawrence St. Unit 20 R, in Writers Square
Phone: 303-820-3331
Cuisine: Japanese
Website: www.writer-square.com/SushiHan.html
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11 – 2 PM for lunch; dinner 5-10 PM. Closed Sundays
Regulars flock to this upscale casual Japanese restaurant in downtown's Writer Square for Chef Tam Han's sushi creations. Ultra fresh sashimi and sushi that melts in your mouth! Noted for the best tuna and salmon as well as fresh water eel and baked mussels. Vegetarian meals are available. Sit at the bar to enjoy Tam’s unique humor and wisdom, a definite addition to this delectable dining experience. Credit cards accepted. (MR)
Venice Ristorante
Address: 1700 Wynkoop St.
Phone: 303-534-2222
Website: www.veniceristorante.com
Hours: Call Alessandro (not on Web site)
Cuisine: Italian
Price Range: Lunch $10-$15; Dinner $18-$30
Directions: From the Big Blue Bear, walk 2 blocks north, take the 16th Street Mall free shuttle west to Wynkoop Street, walk 1/2 block north. Directly across from Union Station.
Named Denver's "best Italian restaurant" by reviewers. Serves simple northern Italian food in multiple courses. Menu items include scampi, pastas, multi-course samplings, and buffalo, duck, sausage, or lobster-stuffed ravioli. Several vegetarian options to choose from. Check out the magnificent dessert menu.
W, D
Vesta Dipping Grill.
Address: 1822 Blake Street.
Phone: 303-296-1970.
Website: www.vestagrill.com
Hours: Open 5 PM every day; kitchen Closes 10 PM Sun-Thurs; kitchen Closes 11 PM Fri-Sat.
Directions: From the Big Blue Bear, walk 2 blocks north and take the 16th Street Mall free shuttle west to Blake Street. Walk 2 blocks north to 18th Street.
Try this for something different. Grilled meats and fish are dipped into a wide variety of sauces from an equally wide variety of cuisines. Choose your meat or fish, then a small set of possible dipping sauces. Popular, and often very noisy; reservations recommended.
Wazee Supper Club
Address: 15th and Wazee
Phone: 303-623-9518
Website: www.wazeesupperclub.com
Cuisine: Casual
Price Range: Appetizers range from $5 to $12; Sandwiches $7 - $9 ; Pizza $6.25 - $16.25( plus toppings)
Hours: Monday – Saturday 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Open noon to midnight on Sunday (Kitchen closes an hour before closing time) Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 4 – 6 p.m.
Directions: From the Big Blue Bear, walk one block north to 15th Street, then six blocks west to Wazee.
The Wazee Supper club is famous for pizza, and also offers soups, salad, strombolis, burgers and sandwiches. Vegetarian choices are limited. They do offer a vegetarian strombolis and a Portobello Melt sandwich. Reservations encouraged for groups of eight or more. (KR)
Wynkoop Brewing Company .
Address: 1634 18th Street.
Phone: 303-297-2700.
Website: www.wynkoop.com
Cuisine: American and pub classics
Price Range: Appetizers and soup from $8-$9. Entrees from $17 - $23.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.
Happy Hours : Monday - Friday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. ; Monday - Thursday 10 p.m. - midnight; Sunday 9 p.m. - midnight
Directions: Walk two blocks north to the 16th Street Mall. Take the mall shuttle west to Wazee. Walk one block north, turn left at 18th Street. The restaurant is between Wazee and Wynkoop on the south side of 18th street.
Denver's first brewpub (established in 1988) is located in the historic J.S. Brown Mercantile Building in Lower Downtown Denver. Casual and friendly, good food and great local beer. Menu items range from pub classics to western fare including a buffalo burger, venison, trout, lamb and steaks. The Vegetarian selection is adequate. Menu items are paired with Wynkoop beers.
Billiards room: 22 tables, dart lanes and a bar. Tables and two private pool rooms can be reserved with advanced notice.
Impulse Theater: Downstairs you will find a great improve show Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. http://www.impulsetheater.com/
( KR) B
Other Downtown Restaurants
The Broker Restaurant
Address: 821 17th Street.
Phone: 303-292-5065.
Website: www.thebrokerrestaurant.com
Cuisine:American, Traditional
Price Range:Lunch $11-$20, $16-$50 Dinner
Directions: Walk 3 blocks north on California to 17th Street, turn left, restaurant is on the next block on your right.
Hours: 11am-2pm Lunch Mon-Fri;4pm-10pm dinner nightly
Located downstairs in an historic downtown bank building, you may dine in the 1903 bank vault or booths once used for private inspection of safety deposits. Rooms have a cozy, elegant and romantic atmosphere. Diners enjoy a complimentary shrimp bowl to peel and dip in cocktail sauce (vegetarians will receive a fruit or cheese plate). Traditional menu with beef, pork, veal, seafood; vegetarians can special-order a Wellington or pasta. Their baked Alaska dessert is famous locally. (LVW)
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Cafe Berlin
Address:323 14th Street
Website: www.cafeberlindenver.com
Phone: 303-377-5896
Website: www.cafeberlindenver.com
Hours: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday 4-9:30 p.m. closed Sunday.
Cuisine: Authentic German cooking.
Price Range: Lunch $10 to $12; Dinner $16-$25
Directions: Two blocks east of the convention center on 14th.
Description: Enjoy bratwurst, sauerbraten, smoked pork chops topped with tender, paper-thin slices of sautéed apple; cabbage rolls drowning in beef gravy; seven different kinds of schnitzel, authentic potato pancakes, German Beer and Schnapps . At lunch my soup and salad came with a genuine German mixed salad (greens, cucumber salad, tomatoes and fruit salad). Lunch service was leisurely. Reservations recommended for dinner. H,P
Cuba Cuba .
Address: 1173 Delaware Street.
Phone: 303-605-2822.
Website: www.cubacubacafe.com
Hours: Lunch Monday thru Friday 11:30 to 2PM, dinner Monday thru Saturday from 5 PM. Closed Sunday.
Directions: From the Big Blue Bear, walk 3 blocks east on 14th St., turn right onto Tremont Place, walk 1 block, cross Colfax Ave, turn slightly left onto 13th St. turn right onto Delaware St. and walk 3 blocks south.
A popular Cuban restaurant a few blocks from the art museum. The menu features Cuban and Caribbean cuisine, and of course, mojitos.
Dozens.
Address: 236 W. 13th Avenue at Cherokee.
Phone: 303-572-0066.
Cuisine: American
Price Range: $7-$14
Directions: Cross Colfax, walk two blocks to 13th and two blocks west to Cherokee. Restaurant is on left. Has a tiny parking lot.
Hours: 6:30 am - 2 pm daily
A great spot for breakfast or lunch, popular with business folks, locals, and anyone who knows about it. Meals are all made-from-scratch, including the potatoes. You can order eggs prepared any way you want them or build an omelette from a list of ingredients. Great waffles and other options for non-egg eaters. The gooey cinnamon rolls are highly rated. The lunch steak sandwich is the real thing, too. Service is quick if you don't have much time, but you may need to wait for a table during busy times. Has a "homey" feel to it and a deck for eating outside. Within 1-2 blocks of Art Museum and Denver Mint.(LVW)
Emily’s Gourmet-to-go
Address: 1543 Champa Street
Phone: 303-595-0261
Hours: Monday – Friday 7:30 to 3:30
Directions: From the Big Blue Bear, walk north 2 blocks on California to the 16th Street Mall, turn left and walk 2 blocks to Champa, then turn left and walk 1/2 block.
The extensive menu features many vegetarian sandwiches and soups, as well as options for meat lovers. Salads are a generous size for $5.75 and you can select from Cobb, Chicken Caesar, Chinese Chicken, Greek, Spinach, Chef, Tarragon Chicken, Tuna, and Artichoke. Cold sandwiches are available on a variety of breads or as a wrap. Favorites here include New Mexican Thriller, Awesome Avocado, Stellar Mozzarellar and Maddie Rose. Grilled Panini fans are likely to enjoy the Spicy Cheddar Melt (smoked turkey, melted cheddar, green chili, lettuce, tomato and jalapeno mayo) or the Mondo Vegi (melted jack cheese, carrots, banana peppers, alfalfa sprouts, lettuce, tomato and red pepper mayo). Fresh baked quiche and cookies are also not to be missed! Having a meeting over lunch? – if there are at least 4 in your group call Emily’s the day before and get box lunches delivered. Seating is limited and can be noisy. (MBH)
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Ju Ju Oriental Asian Restaurant and Sushi Bar.
Address: 15th & Stout.
Phone: 303-893-5858.
Cuisine: Asian
Hours: Mon-Thurs 10:30 am - 10:30 pm; Fridays and Saturdays open 24 hours; Sun 7 am - 10:30 pm
Directions: take Stout one block north to 15th Street
Serving up Thai, Chinese, Southeast Asian, Fusion and Sushi cuisines, Ju Ju is a quick walk from the Hyatt. Rated "Fashionable Asian," with a menu including sushi and Peiking Duck. The food is delicious and healthy and the service is fast and friendly. Able to accommodate larger groups. Open 24 hours on Fridays & Saturdays. One block from Hyatt!
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Little India.
Address: 1533 Champa St.
Phone: 303-629-5777
Cuisine: Indian
Price Range: $6.50 lunch; $11-$18 dinner
Directions: Walk one block north on Stout to 15th Street and two blocks west to Champa, turn right .
Hours:lunch 11-2:30 Mon-Fri, 11:30-2:30 Sat-Sun; Dinner Mon-Sun 5 pm-10 pm
The original restaurant on 6th Avenue was so popular that this downtown location was recently opened. The award-winning lunch buffet is all-you-can-eat and includes a large selection of specialties to sample. Dinners offer an extensive menu of fish, lamb, chicken and tofu specialty dishes, including tasty appetizers, soups, and curries. The garlic naan or onion kulcha bread is a favorite with any meal. Go with a group and try several different curries or biryani.(LVW)
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Mad Greens
Address: 1200 Acoma St.
Phone: 303-464-7336
Website: www.madgreens.com
Cuisine: Salads, Soups, Sandwiches
Price Range: $5-$13
Directions: turn right on 14th street when leaving Convention Center, walk 3 blocks to Colfax, cross Colfax at Civic Center Park and Bannock St., walk two blocks on Bannock Street and go left on 13th. Walk around Art Museum and restaurant is on corner of 12th & Acoma, across from Denver Public Library and next to Art Museum. Residence lofts are above.
Hours: 9 am - 8 pm Sun-Tues; 9 am-11 pm Wed-Sat
This busy restaurant is cafeteria style and casual. You can build your own salad from a long selection of vegetables, meats, toppings and dressings, or order from the salad menu. They serve hot and cold panini sandwiches and soups. The food is delicious and very fresh. The restaurant shares a space with a coffee/espresso cafe. Find a table near the window and watch the busy courtyard. This restaurant has something for everyone and is perfect for groups. You can visit the museum and the public library, and you have a great view of the skyline on Broadway.(LVW)
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Mici Handcrafted Italian.
Address: 1531 Stout St.
Phone: 303-629-6424.
Website: www.miciitalian.com
Cuisine: Italian
Hours: Monday -Saturday 11am-10pm.
Directions: 1-1/2 blocks north on Stout
This restaurant is a delicious and inexpensive choice for antipasti, salads, soup, panini, pasta and pizza. Mici is a casual, family-owned restaurant. The pizza dough is fresh and baked directly on a stone deck oven; the meatballs are hand rolled. Able to accommodate larger groups. One block from Hyatt!
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My Brother’s Bar
Address: 2376 15th Street
Phone: 303-455-9991
Cuisine: Sandwiches
Price Range: Sandwiches and burgers range from $4 to $8.50
Hours: Monday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. Closed Sunday
Directions: Walk one block north to 15th and about a mile west to Platte Street or take the bus that runs down 15th Street. The entrance is on the south east corner of 15th and Platte Street. There is no sign on the door.
Description: This local favorite offers great , creative sandwiches and bar burgers. They most famous is the JCB ( Jalapeno Cream Cheese Burger) but my favorite is a colossal cold cut sandwich called a Bum Steer .There are five burgers on the menu, twenty meat sandwiches and five vegetarian choices. The outdoor patio is OFF the street in the back of the restaurant and is wonderful on hot summer days. REI is just around the corner if you want to do some shopping, and is a great walking path along Confluence park. (KR)
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Panzano
Address: 909 17th Street. Located in the Hotel Monaco at 17th and Champa
Phone:303-296-3525.
Website: www.panzano-denver.com
Cuisine: Contemporary Northern Italian
Price Range: Starters and salads: $7 - $14; Dinner Entrees: $21 - $30
Hours:Breakfast Mon-Fri7-10AM; Brunch Sat-Sun 8AM-2:30PM; Lunch Mon-Fri 11AM-2:30PM; Dinner Sun 4:30-9:30PM, Mon-Thurs 5-10PM, Fri-Sat 5-11PM
Directions: Walk one block west to Champa then 3 blocks north to 17th.
Menu includes innovative, seasonal Northern Italian cuisine. Vegetarian choices limited, and a bit out of the ordinary. The decadent desert menu includes suggestions for accompanying wines. The brunch menu goes way beyond basic eggs. Reservations strongly recommended.
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Pint's Pub.
Address: 221 W. 13th Ave
Phone: 303-534-7543
Website: www.pintspubl.com
Cuisine: British Pub
Price Range: $10-$20
Directions: Cross Colfax, walk to 13th Avenue, walk 2-3 blocks West, past Bannock. Has a British "Call Box" in front.
Hours: lunch & dinner daily, 11 am - 2 am Mon-Sun. Happy Hour: 4:30-6:30 pm Mon-Fri
Styled after a British Pub, has a casual and lively atmosphere. Serves an assortment of burgers, fish & chips, salads and sandwiches, including chicken,lamb, beef entrees. They will serve vegetarian options. There is a microbrewery on site for home-brewed ales, and it also has a large single malt whiskey collection. Has outside tables. Located one block from Denver Mint, and 2 blocks west of Art Museum.(EZ)
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Prima Ristorante – at Hotel Teatro.
Address: 1106 14th Street.
Phone: 303-228-0770.
Cuisine: Italian
Price Range: Breakfast ; Lunch $10-$16 ; Brunch 48-$15 Dinner $20-$45
Directions: From Big Blue Bear, walk 4 blocks west on 14th St.
Hours: Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner; late night Mon-Thurs until 11 pm, Fri-Sat until midnight. Bar open until 2 am.
Contemporary Italian restaurant with an updated Art Deco feel. Entrees follow the classic antipasto, primi, secundi courses. The menu provides a wide variety of culinary options and nightly specials. Selections include seafood, beef, veal, chicken dishes. Vegetarians will enjoy the pastas, and the Green Potato Gnocchi are recommended. Extensive wine list with many by the glass. This restaurant is a popular and busy place, with many theatre goers stopping in for late night drinks and desserts. Make reservations.(LVW)
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Restaurant Kevin Taylor – at Hotel Teatro.
Address: 1106 14th Street.
Website: www.restaurantkevintaylor.com
Phone: 303-228-0770.
Cuisine: Contemporary, French/Asian/Amercan
Price Range: $32-$50
Hours: Open for dinner Monday thru Saturday 5:30-10 pm
This elegant restaurant in the Hotel Teatro serves up a cuisine located somewhere between fusion and French, the American Southwest and the Asian Rim. Reservations are recommended at this Mobil 4 star, AAA 4 diamond rated restaurant with a wine list of over 900 labels. Just five blocks from Hyatt.
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Randolph's.
Address: 1776 Grant Street (In the Warwick Hotel)
Phone: 303-318-7272
Website: www.randolphsdenver.com
Cuisine: Traditional American
Price Range: $7-$10 breakfast; $9-$16 lunch; $20-$40 dinner
Directions: Take the 16th Street mall shuttle to Lincoln Street station, go left to 17th and walk up hill 2 blocks. Cab ride is less than 1/2 mile.
Hours: open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day; Happy hours 4-6 pm weeknights, 4-10pm Fridays. Has an all-day menu 11am-11pm
This elegant restaurant sports a sunny, terraced patio, and when the french doors are open, you can sit inside and enjoy the outside, too. Decor is subdued wood hues; it has a large bar and a stone fireplace for cool evenings. The wine list has won awards and you can check the website for scheduled wine tastings. Breakfast menu includes egg alternatives and all the menus have a few special vegetarian dishes. Entrees offer special salmon, halibut, venison and beef dishes, alongside unusual items such as coconut thai curried beef and lamb with bourbon mustard sauce. Separate checks are fine, and smoking is permitted on the patio.(LVW)
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Rocky Mountain Diner.
Address: 800 18th Street.
Phone:303-293-8383.
Website: www.rockymountaindiner.com
Cuisine: American, Western
Hours: Open for lunch & dinner daily from 11 am
Featuring a classic western décor, this plain-foods restaurant is located four blocks from the Hyatt. Expect western music and western cuisine with buffalo meatloaf and Rocky Mountain trout all served with generous sides of mashed potatoes and rolls. The desserts are giant-sized as well.
Sam’s No. 3
Address:1500 Curtis St.
Phone: 303-534-1927
website: www.samsno3.com
Hours: Mon.& Tues. 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Weds. & Thurs. 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri. 6 a.m.-midnight Sat. 7 a.m.-midnight Sun. 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Located two blocks from the Convention Center at 15th and Curtis
Description: Opens at 6 a.m. for breakfast which you can get for as little as $2.99 for two eggs, homefries and toast. And you can get good lunches and dinners here, also. Prices range from $6.95-$9.95 for sandwiches or burgers up to $9.95-$15.95 for dinner entrees. The menu has everything: Mexican, Greek, home-style (meatloaf, etc.), and vegetarian selections. There is counter service, as well as tables and booths. Great comfort food any time of day.( DM)P
Ship Tavern at the Brown Palace Hotel.
Address: 321 17th Street.
Website: www.brownpalace.com/dining/dining.cfm
Phone: 303-297-3111.
Cuisine: American
Price Range: Lunch $9-$15, Dinner $11-$25
Directions: Walk three blocks to 17th St., turn right, walk two blocks to Brown Palace Hotel
Hours: 11 am - 11 pm, daily
Inside the historic Brown Palace Hotel, this restaurant with a nautical theme has been serving food since 1934. Leave Denver for a break and transport yourself to a harborside tavern. The historic seafaring prints on the wall are all authentic. Dining is casual and more affordable than the other Brown Palace restaurants. The menu ranges from sandwiches to prime rib and seafood, and from buffalo burgers to trout. Not for vegetarians and a bit noisy, though. They serve their own microbrewed beer and you can select from an extensive beer and wine list. Live piano Wednesday through Friday evenings. Check out the famous lobby of the Brown Palace before you leave. (LVW)
Three Sisters
Address: 1717 Stout Street
Phone: 303-991-8772 Soup line: 303-313-2171
Hours: Monday –Friday 7:30 to 3:30
Directions: From the Big Blue Bear walk 4 blocks north on California, turn left and walk 1 block to Stout, then right on Stout 1/2 block.
The vast daily selection of soups change frequently, but there are always three vegetarian options and 4 or more for non-vegetarians, add a mini loaf of bread (Bavarian, white, wheat, or parmesan breadsticks) with a cookie and you have a nice lunch for around $6.00. Salads are all priced at $6.25 and include Greek, chef, raspberry walnut, BLT, spinach, classic chicken Caesar, garden and build your own. Panini, wraps and sandwiches range from $5.95 to $6.25 and offer a wide variety of options. Try a turkey avocado & provolone, no fad thai, or Athens veggie. Have a combo of salad or sandwich with your soup and your cost will be around $7.50, plus drink price. There is a reasonable amount of seating, but Three Sisters is usually quite full from 11:45 - 12:45. (mbh)
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Victory American Grill & Bar.
Just off the Mall at 1512 Curtis Street, Denver. 303-5334-4842
Cuisine: American
Website: www.victoryamericangrill.com
Price Range: $10-18+ Lunch (plus tax and gratuity)
Directions: On Curtis Street between 15th & 16th Streets. Walk 3 blocks west from Blue Bear at Convention Center North doors. Walk or take 16th Street Mall shuttle.
Hours: open daily from 11am for lunch and dinner, Sunday brunch 10am -- , Happy hours 2-7pm daily.
Separate checks OK. Classic décor in a historic building, casual; can be noisy. Great feature: high-backed booths. Fast service, accommodates special requests. Delicious food, innovative entries. Lunch (see http://www.victoryamericangrill.com/vicLUNCHmenu_05-15-2006.pdf ) One advertised special (I did not try this – but I know their Applewood smoked bacon is perfectly CRISP!) “Fools Gold Nugget. A peanut butter sandwich with an exceptional flare. a rare combination of creamery peanut butter & blueberry jam served on sourdough bread with crisp bacon. This was an Elvis favorite from the Colorado Mine Company.” (BLW)
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WaterCourse Foods.
Address: 837 E. 17th Street.
Phone: 303-832-7313.
Website: www.watercoursefoods.com
Cuisine: Vegetarian, healthfood
Price Range: Breakfast $7-$10; Lunch; $10-$12; Dinner
Directions: cab ride is about a mile, or Buses #15, #12, or #20 all stop within 2 blocks. If Driving, take Lincoln to 17th, go right, and restaurant is on your left at corner of Emerson & 17th. Street parking available.
Hours: 6:30 am - 10 pm Mon-Fri; 8 am - 10 pm Sat-Sun.
Recently re-located to a larger space in a new building uptown, this is Denver's most popular all-vegetarian restaurant. Breakfasts are healthy, including smoothies, egg dishes, or vegan selections. The banana-bread french toast is recommended. Lunch and dinner features a build-your-own-salad, and unusual entrees of tofu, seitans, tempeh, stir-frys and pastas. We sampled the portobello reuben, the Indira Indian-style salad, barbequed Tofu with mashed potatoes, and the Juan Wrap with grilled sweet potatoes and pistachio pesto. It also includes a bakery and serves a large selection of green teas, espresso drinks, and imported beers. The dining is casual. This restaurant is extremely popular with the younger set, so you may need to wait, but it's worth it. The small patio is quieter than inside.(LVW)
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Zengo.
Address: 1610 Little Raven Street.
Website: www.zengorestaurant.com
Phone: 720-904-0965.
Hours: Open only for dinner.
Cuisine: Asian-Latin
Hours: Sun-Thurs 5-10:30PM, Fri-Sat 5-11PM; Bar and Lounge Sun-Thurs 5-11PM; Fri-Sat 5PM–12 Midnight
A hip place in Riverfront Park with an upscale, loungey feel. Owner-chef Richard Sandoval presents Asian-Latin fusion food on a tapas-like menu. Most dishes pack a spicy punch. Seating tends to be on the tight side, but the food is outstanding. Reservations are a must.
Central Denver (A bit further away from the Hyatt, but well worth the cab fare)
Arada Restaurant.
Address: 750 Santa Fe Dr.
Phone: 303-329-3344
Website: www.aradarestaurant.com
Cuisine: Ethiopian
Price Range: $8-$13, or $18/for 2
Directions: a short cab ride about a mile south of downtown. If driving, take Colfax to Kalamath (one way south), go to 7th, turn left, and turn left on next block, Santa Fe
Hours: Open for lunch & dinner Tues-Sat, Dinner on Sun, closed Mon
Denver's best Ethiopian Restaurant has an extensive menu of authentic North African dishes, served on a platter of light bread. Be prepared to eat with your fingers. Food is fairly spicy. Has a selection of vegetarian entrees. Or, you may order the combination dinners and sample several dishes. Try the Ethiopian honey wine, or the ethiopian beer or coffee. Located in Denver's Art District, where the galleries are open on the first Friday night every month. Street parking available. (LVW)
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The Avenue Grill.
Address: 630 E. 17th Avenue.
Website: www.avenuegrill.com
Phone:303-861-2820.
Cuisine: California Contemporary
Price Range: Lunch $9-$15; Dinner $15-$30
Directions:Take free shuttle to 16th & Lincoln, walk one block left to 17th Avenue and 6 blocks east to restaurant. Or take #12 or #20 bus on 17th, or #15 on Colfax, 15th(walk 2 blocks). Free parking across the street
Hours: Lunch: Mon-Sat 11:30 am-4:30 pm; dinner Mon-thurs 4:30pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-12am, Sun 5pm-10pm
A busy uptown restaurant with a light, open atmosphere and an elegant feeling, in a restored 1940s building. Lunch menu includes pastas, salads, special burgers and sandwiches; dinner includes fresh seafood, asian, unique pasta dishes. Vegetarian friendly. Monday night is prime rib specials. This restaurant has great service at an affordable price, so save room for a bottle of wine and dessert, too. Reservations recommended on weekends. (LVW)
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Barolo Grill.
Address: 3030 E. 6th Ave.
Phone:303-393-1040.
Website: www.barologrill.denver.com
Cuisine: Italian
Price Range: $30-$60
Hours: Dinner Tues-Sat 5:30-10:10PM
Directions: From downtown, go south on Broadway then east on 6th Avenue to Milwaukee.
Northern Italian food from the Tuscan and Piedmont areas with a long wine list and wonderful desserts. Several lamb and veal entrees; homemade pastas. Has an a la carte menu and a five-course tasting menu. Relatively expensive; reservations recommended.
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Buckhorn Exchange.
Address:10th Avenue and Osage Street
Phone:303-534-9505.
Website: www.buckhorn.com
Cuisine: Western
Price Range:$12 to $15 (Lunch) $40 and up (Dinner)
Hours: Lunch Mon-Fri 11AM-2PM; Dinner seven days a week after 5pm.
Directions: You can take the Light Rail to the Buckhorn Exchange. Both the "D" and the "C" lines stop at the Buckhorn - right at the 10th and Osage Station. This is not an easy place to find by car. See Domo directions below and keep going south on Osage to 10th Avenue
Founded by one of Buffalo Bill’s scouts, this historic landmark of Denver’s restaurant scene that has been around since 1893. Be prepared for walls full of animal trophies and mounted firearms that give this restaurant its unique western atmosphere. The menu features game in the form of buffalo, elk, rattlesnake and even yak, but also serves up some giant beef steaks. If you are feeling adventuresome, try out the Rocky Mountain oysters – not exactly a seafood entrée. Atmosphere is casual, menu is full of meat and potatoes, but this is a classic place for those who have never been to Denver. Be careful at night, the neighborhood is not as safe as the downtown area. (KR)
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Bump and Grind Café.
Address: 439 E. 17th Avenue
Phone 303-861-4841
Cuisine: American
Hours: Open Tues-Fri 7AM-3:30PM, Sat-Sun 10AM-2PM.
Directions: A quick cab ride up 17th Ave. Buses #15 and #20 stop within 1-2 blocks. Between Logan and Pennsylvania Streets.
For something different and fun, try this place for breakfast, brunch or lunch. All-American food is served by amusing waiters in drag in a casual decor including funny signs and mismatched furniture.
Domo.,
Address: 1365 Osage St
Website: www.domorestaurant.com
Phone: 303-595-3666
Cuisine: Japanese Country Style
Price: lunch $6-$9; Dinner $14-$28
Directions: Take the Light Rail "C" line to the stop on Osage, walk two blocks to 13th. About 1/2 mile by cab. If driving, cross Colfax on Kalamath, turn right on 13th, streets are alphabetical, so go to Osage and turn right. Parking available.
Hours: Mon-Sat: lunch 11AM-2PM, dinner 5-10PM (closed Sunday)
The best Japanese restaurant in Denver, and probably one of the best of any restaurants. Domo is unique in serving fresh-cooked "country-style" Japanese food. Friendly servers will help you select from the extensive menu and you can sample various dishes. Create your own orders from a selection of meat, seafood and tofu. Located close to downtown, you will think you have been transported to old Kyoto. The building is hand-constructed and the Japanese garden and patio are beautiful. You can also visit the folk museum on site, or sometimes view Aikido classes taught there. (LVW)
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El Noa Noa Restaurant.
Address: 722 Santa Fe Dr.
Phone: 303-623-9968
Cuisine: Mexican
Price Range:$8-$16
Directions: a mile south of downtown and a short cab ride. If driving, take Colfax to Kalamath (one way south), go to 7th, turn left, and turn left on next block, Santa Fe
Hours: lunch and dinner, Monday-Sunday
A favorite family-owned restaurant since 1980, El Noa Noa features a lovely courtyard patio with a fountain reminiscent of old Mexico. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere casual, and you can try your Spanish phrases when ordering. The menu is large, as are the combination platters. Not many vegetarian items. Try the chile rellenos and save room for sopapillas. Located in the art district, you can tour the galleries late on the first Friday of each month. Has a mariachi band on Friday nights. Street parking available. (LVW)
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Le Central.
Address: 112 E. 8th Avenue
Website: www.lecentral.com/homepage.html
Phone: 303-863-8094.
Cuisine: French
Price range: Lunch entrées range from $6.95 to $11.95; Dinner entrées range from $12.95 to $21.95.
Directions: Take Broadway south then left on 6th Avenue, turn left on Lincoln (1 block east of Broadway)to 8th Avenue. Take the 16th street shuttle to Broadway and either ride the “0” bus to 8th avenue or walk 9 long blocks south to 8th Avenue. Walk one block east to Lincoln. The entrance is on 8th Avenue. If you find yourself at the Denver Public Library or the Art museum, you are half way on the way to Le Central, only five blocks to go. If you are walking, lunch is the best option over dinner. This part of Broadway is outside of the downtown area and is a rougher part of town at night. If you drive, street parking is available, but limited. There is a small parking lot to the south of the restaurant.
A favorite spot for Denverites since it opened in 1981. Don’t fill up on the complimentary bread, save room for the delicious options on the daily menu. The menu always includes a variety of meat dishes, fish and vegetarian choices. Felt by many to be the best place in town for mussels, the cassoulet and its French pastry desserts, but others like the classic bistro dishes like grilled salmon or roast duckling. The wine list is extensive but not expensive. The deserts are as good as the entrees. Le Central is handicap / wheel chair accessible.(KR) D, W
Limon Peruvian Lounge & Restaurant.
Address: 1618 E. 17th Ave., Denver
Phone: 303-322-0898
Website: www.limondenver.com
Cuisine: Peruvian
Price Range: $15-$30
Directions: A quick cab ride up 17th Ave. about 12 blocks east of the Convention Center. Buses #15 and #20 stop within 1-2 blocks. If driving, take Lincoln St. north to 17th, turn right, pass Humboldt street, and restaurant is just past Franklin Street on next block.
Hours: Lunch Mon-Fri. 11 am-2 pm; Dinner Mon-Sat 4:30-10 pm; Happy Hour 4:30-6 pm
A recent and unique addition to Denver's restaurant scene, this award-winning uptown restaurant features the flavors of Peru in a rustic atmosphere. Lunches include wraps, unusual soups and entrees. Dinners are created with exotic sauces and combinations, with beef, chicken, fish, pork, and vegetarian entrees. Showcases South American cocktails, rums and wines. It is owned by the Chef, so you know the food is fantastic. Has a patio and a private dining room. Worth the trip, but make reservations first.(LVW)
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Luca d’Italia.
Address: 711 Grant Street.
Phone: 303-832-6600.
Website: www.lucadenver.com
Cuisine: Italian
Hours: Tues-Sat 5pm-10pm
Directions: East on Colfax 4 blocks, then south on Grant 7 blocks.
The owner and chef has roots in Sicily which is reflected in the incredible pasta dishes. The wine list compliments the food beautifully. Comfortable, affordable, and delicious.
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Mizuna.
Address: 225 E. 7th Ave.
Phone:303-832-4778
Website: www.mizunadenver.com
Cuisine: Contemporary American, Mediterranean, French
Price Range: $20-$42
Directions: cab ride is only 1-2 miles. South on Broadway, then 2 blocks east on 8th Avenue, turn south 1 block.
Hours: Dinner 5-10 pm Tues-Sat
A relatively new restaurant with excellent reviews, the menu offers special versions of traditional entrees such as veal tenderloin and duck, along with unusual items such as ostrich. Menu changes monthly. Knowledgeable wait staff are happy to discuss culinary topics with guests. Not for vegetarians. Reservations are a must.
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Potager.
Address: 1109 Ogden St.
Phone: 303-832-5788.
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Price Range: $12 - $30
Directions: a short cab ride of 1-2 miles. If driving, take 13th East to Ogden, turn right then south 2 blocks. Parking behind restaurant is limited, try street parking
Hours: Tues-Thurs 5 pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5 pm-11 pm
A small Capitol Hill restaurant with an especially nice patio, ranked as one of Denver's 10 best. It has a trendy menu and uses fresh seasonal ingredients in bold combinations. There are a number of tasty veggie dishes. It does not take reservations and is busy on weekends, so hang out on the sofa with some wine while waiting.
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Racines..
Address: 650 Sherman St.
Website: www.racinesrestaurant.com
Phone: 303-595-0418.
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Price Range: Breakfast/brunch $7-$10, Lunch/Dinner $9-$16
Directions: shuttle to Broadway, Zero bus to 5th or 6th, walk two blocks to Sherman. Driving: take Colfax and turn right on Broadway. Turn left on 6th, drive 2 blocks to Sherman, turn left and restaurant is on the right. There is a free parking garage next to restaurant.
Hours: Mon-Fri 7AM, Sat-Sun opens at 8AM; closes at Midnight Wed-Sat and 11pm Sun-Tues
Serves all day, with a special brunch menu on Saturday & Sunday. Restaurant has an open, casual atmosphere, and the art features local artists. An extensive menu includes salads, fish, chicken, pastas, sandwiches, burgers, burritos and Mexican dishes. The salads are large enough for a meal. The Nachos are the best around. A nice place to linger.(LVW)
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Strings.
Address: 1700 Humboldt Street.
Phone: 303-831-7310.
Website: www.stringsrestaurant.com
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Price Range: $25-$45
Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-10pm; Sat 5pm-10:30pm; Sun 5pm-9pm
Directions: Take cab or bus east on 17th Avenue to Humboldt.
This Denver favorite receives consistent good reviews for both food and service. The menu offers a variety of Mediterranean and New American. Also has a happy hour with a lighter bar and patio menu. Originally from Dublin, the founder also runs the Cunningham Foundation, which, among other things, has assisted with community development programs in Ethiopia.
Other Favorites: Located Throughout Denver
Spread across Denver are some truly wonderful restaurants that we couldn’t leave off the list.
Brooks Steak House.
Address: 6538 S. Yosemite. Centennial
Phone: 303-770-1177.
Cuisine: American, Steak House
Price Range: Expensive
Directions: Located in the Tech Center near the Arapahoe exit off I25, south of Denver with easy access on the Light Rail.
Description: A classic steak house that provides impeccable service and a great atmosphere. You feel as if you're a member in an exclusive country club (and priced accordingly.) The menu offers high end steaks and a good assortment of seafood. Open only for dinner. (SW)
W
Chianti.
Address: 5121 S. Yosemite St. Greenwood Village
Phone: 303-796-0611
Cuisine: Italian
Price Range: Moderate
Directions: This intimate neighborhood Italian bistrot is tucked away in a small strip mall just south of Belleview in the Tech Center.
Description: The restaurant offers classic northern Italian cuisine in an appealing ambience with Italian music serenading the diners. This is a regular stop for locals. Try the Osso Buco!(SW) W
Cherry Tomato
Address: 4645 E. 23rd Ave, between Cherry and Dexter Streets.
Phone: 303-377-1914.
Directions: Drive east on Colfax Avenue, north on Colorado Blvd. then east on 23rd Avenue.
Hours: Open for dinner at 5PM Tuesday thru Saturday and Sunday brunch.
Located in the middle of Park Hill, this popular Italian restaurant offers friendly service, delicious food, and room for large groups to eat together. A family trattoria in a renovated corner drugstore and the owners have kept many of the original architectural details. The menu is classic Italian, and favorites include the calamari streak and chicken saltimbocca. A wealth of pasta dishes is complemented by an extensive list of Italian wines. Make reservations unless coming early weeknights. (BLW)
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The Fort
Address: 19192 Hwy. 8, Morrison.
Website: www.thefort.com
Phone: 303-697-4771.
Cuisine: Traditional American with a flavor of the old west.
Hours: Open for dinner Mon-Fri at 6:00PM, Sat & Sun at 5:00PM.
Directions: A cab ride from downtown runs around $45 each way. If you have a car, take I-25 South to Sixth Avenue. Take Sixth Ave west to I-70 west. I-70 west to C-470, the Colorado Springs exit (exit #260). C-470 to Highway 285 south, the Fairplay exit. After exiting C-470 onto 285 you will be in the mountains. Travel 1 1/2 miles up Hwy 285 to your first exit that reads Hwy 8 Morrison Evergreen exit. The Fort is located approx. 300 yards on the right-hand side.
The menu includes buffalo, game, beef and seafood and offers up some great desserts. Try the combination platter for a sample of three favorite dishes. The Fort is a modern replica of the historic Bent's Fort in southwestern Colorado. The restaurant has lots of local western and Native American artifacts, plus a Trading Company that allows you to buy and ship home packages of elk, buffalo or quail. A Denver tradition outside of the ordinary experience.
The main dining room can accommodate groups up to 18 people. If you have more, ask about a private room. Separate checks are o.k. (please advise your waiter in advance). Reservations recommended for Friday nights and weekends. Open for dinner seven nights a week.
(KR)
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<p> Great Northern Tavern
Address: 8101 E. Belleview Avenue, Greenwood Village
Website: www.gntavern.com
Phone: 303-770-4741.
Cuisine: American
Price Range: Moderate
Directions: I-25 south to Belleview in the Tech Center, then east to Marina Square Shopping Center
Description: This is a favorite restaurant for locals in the Tech Center open for both lunch and dinner. They offer a large variety of salads including shrimp, crab, chicken, and tuna. There are numerous overstuffed booths that are trimmed in mahogany, which create an atmosphere reminiscent of the days of travel by rail. (SW)
Highlands Garden Cafe
Address: 3927 W. 32nd, Denver
Website: www.highlandsgardencafe.com
Phone: 303-458-5920
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Price Range: Brunch/Lunch $7-$17; Dinner $20-$40
Directions: Less than 5 miles from the Convention Center, so cabfare is not too high. If Driving, take 14th to Speer Blvd south, cross I-25 and then cross Federal Blvd. Speer will turn into 32nd Avenue (veer toward left at light at Irving Street) and restaurant is 4 blocks on right. Or, take 15th from downtown and it turns into 29th Ave. Street parking available.
Hours: Brunch/Lunch 9-2 Mon-Sun; Dinner 5-9 Mon-Sat and 4-8 Sun
Surveys have placed The Highland's Garden Cafe as one of the top three in Denver and it is regularly rated one of the 10 best. It has also been voted the best outdoor dining in Denver. Restaurant is in an 1890 Victorian house in Highland's historic neighborhood. The patio and garden are beautiful on a summer evening, or anytime. Inside, the restaurant has a cozy, quiet ambience, with several rooms and most tables situated near the large windows. The large Brunch/Lunch menu includes omelettes, Eggs Benedict,crepes, salads, soups, sandwiches and unique entrees. For breakfast, try the original sticky bun bread pudding. Dinner includes fish, paella, beef tenderloin, duck cassoulet, lamb, veal and seafood, along with a couple of vegetarian specialties. Desserts are so incredible, don't bother resisting. Take a walk through the old neighborhood, which is just a few miles NW of Denver, and be sure to have advance reservations for this restaurant. (LVW)
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T-Wa Inn.
Address: 555 S. Federal Blvd.
Telephone: 303-922-2378.
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Hours: Open for lunch and dinner daily
Directions: Drive west on Colfax or 6th Avenue, then south on Federal Blvd. past Alameda for 2-1/2 more blocks.
Description: T-Wa Inn is the oldest and one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in the city. Recently remodeled, the menu has retained old favorites and added new ones. Multiple trips might be necessary to sample all the appealing dishes, but since prices are moderate and staff is very friendly that will be easy to do. .
Table Mountain Inn.
Address: 1310 Washington Ave., Golden
Website: www.tablemountaininn.com
Phone: 303-277-3838
Website: www.tablemountaininn.com
Cuisine: American, Western
Price Range:$5-$9 breakfast; $5-$13 brunch; $9-$14 lunch; $14-$30 dinner
Directions: In downtown Golden, 15 miles west of downtown Denver. Share a cab ride and it's worth it. Driving: cross Colfax, take Kalamath south to 6th Avenue West, to Golden. Turn right at light at 19th Street, go 4-5 blocks and turn left on Washington Street. Restaurant is about 5 blocks on left. Has parking garage, street parking, and a public lot.
Hours: Mon-Fri: Breakfast 6:30-10:30, Lunch 11-3, Dinner 5-10. Sat: Brunch 7-2, Dinner 5-10. Sun: Brunch 7-2, Dinner 4:30-10.
Located in historic downtown Golden, less than a mile from Coors, in a small hotel. It is a popular spot for locals. The bar is comfortable and serves terrific specialty margaritas. There is live music in the bar every Thursday night. Restaurant has a western theme, and serves up all the spicy cornbread you can eat. Even some salads are dressed with salsa and the unusual appetizers are served with flair. Try the flaming cheese dip. Lunch includes Navajo flatbread sandwiches, buffalo pot roast and buffalo burgers. The dinner choices add buffalo meatloaf, chile sirloin, pinon cherry chicken, and many other unique recipes. You will find some pastas and items for vegetarians, too. The chile rellenos or the stuffed poblanos are recommended anytime. Try a leisurely brunch on the patio where you can watch Main Street. (LVW)
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Yia Yia Eurocafe.
Address: 8310 E. Belleview Ave. Greenwood Village
Phone: 303-741-1110
Cuisine: European Eclectic
Directions: Take 125 to the Belleview exit and go east 1 mile.
Description: Yia Yia means "grandma" in Greek, but the atmosphere and food is modern euro-contemporary. You need to make a reservation for dinner (and sometimes for lunch) for this business casual restaurant. The wine list is good and reasonably priced, and the menu is diverse and interesting.(SW)
Breakfast (Downtown locations)
Corner Bakery Cafe. Denver Pavilions. 303-572-0166.
The Delectable Egg. 16th & Court Place; also in Lodo on Market St. between 16th & 17th Streets
303-892-5720. Open Mon.- Fri. at 6:30AM; Sat.- Sun. at 7AM
Fast, efficient service, reasonable prices, real maple syrup, crisp bacon.
Dixons Downtown Grill. 16th & Wazee. 303-573-6100.
Open 7AM M-F; 8AM Sat, Sun
Dozens. 13th & Cherokee. 303-572-0066.
Open every day at 6:30AM. Five blocks south of the Hyatt. The best egg dishes in town.
Eggshell & Incredibles Cafe. 1520 Blake Street. 303-623-7555.
Open 6AM M-F; 7AM Sat, Sun
Einstein Bros Bagels. 16th & California. 303-436-1413.
Open 5:30AM M-F; 6AM Sat; 7AM Sun
Prima Ristorante. 1106 14th Street. 303-228-0770
Open 6AM M-F; 7AM Sat; 8AM Sun, with brunch
Rialto Cafe. 16th & Curtis. 303-893-2233.
Open 6:30AM M-F; 7:30AM Sat; 8:00AM Sun
Sam’s #3. 15th & Curtis. 303-534-1927.
Open 6AM M-F; 7AM Sat, Sun
Starbucks. Everywhere.
The closest to the Hyatt and the Marriott is on 17th & Welton. Other nearby shops are at 16th & Champa, 16th & Court Place, and in Larimer Square.
Zaidy's Deli. 15th & Lawrence. 303-893-3600.
Open 6:30AM every day
Other Restaurant Guides
Westword, a local indie paper publishes an annual "Best of ... " list and restaurant guide
Westword best of"
Westword magazine restaurant guide You can limit the search by "Downtown" but not all of the downtown locations are withing walking distance of the convention center.
Denver GRUB.com
The listings of Great Restaurants Ultimate Bars on this site give you many choices when it comes to dining out not just in Denver, but in the extended metro area as well. Sorted according to the type of cuisine, there are well over a thousand restaurants and bars listed. There is also a “Grub Spotlight,” which provides you with advice on wine selection, information on food festivals, and a map of downtown Denver.
Restauranteur
“An interactive dining guide.” You can search by the type of cuisine you want, the location of the restaurant, or the name of where you want to go. An interactive map allows you to click on the region of Denver and brings up a list of restaurants that fall into the area in which you want to eat.
Dining Guide network
A directory of places to dine in Denver. Searching by location or by cuisine allows you to find what you want quickly and effectively. Some restaurants have been given “reader ratings.” Given by patrons themselves, these reviews can be helpful for deciding whether or not to visit a particular restaurant.
MileHighBuzz.com
Love great coffee? Check out this local coffee lovers blog. The owner's goal is to include every independent coffee house in the Denver metro area. Reviews are added by visitors to the blog.
