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Denver Dining
LoDo (lower downtown) contributes several culinary standouts to metropolitan Denver's dining scene. At first glance, Denver Chophouse & Brewery seems like an ordinary dimly lit, bustling pub. Once inside, you immediately start tapping your toes to Big Band sounds amid an upscale décor accented by dark, rich woods and a large bar. Located next to pro baseball's Coors Field in an old railroad house, this is the spot where local professional sports teams hold their victory parties. Cloth-covered tables include a sheet of white butcher paper stamped with the Chophouse logo, upon which customers savor flavorfully grilled beef, chicken and seafood. Popular entrées include the porterhouse steak, planked salmon, a substantial dinner salad or the 10-ounce burger; you might want to accompany your selection with one of the micro brews. Brewery tours are available upon request.
Eloquent, contemporary and authentic--that's how patrons describe Gumbo's, one of the city's best Cajun/Creole restaurants. This LoDo favorite is the perfect setting for all occasions--whether you are conducting business or out on the town with friends, Gumbo's fits the bill. Bona fide Cajun and Creole specialties, like crawfish étouffée and blackened shrimp and tenderloin, are reminiscent of a French Quarter dining experience. When the menu indicates "spicy," it means spicy. Be sure to order dessert!
The savory dishes and accomplished staff at Vesta Dipping Grill certainly pay tribute to its namesake from Roman mythology--Vesta, Goddess of the Hearth. Situated in LoDo near Coors Field, the restaurant has a stimulating ambience that's glitzy and novel, yet warm and inviting. Unique touches include brass menus and glasses made from recycled wine bottles. While the chef encourages you to try the recommended sauces for each dish, you may choose three of your own instead. Entrees include such items as mole grilled lamb loin, beef tenderloin, and grilled vegetables with polenta. Finish your evening with one of the tempting treats, most notably the white chocolate bread pudding, gelato d'italia or the dark chocolate boca negra.
Palace Arms, a fine dining establishment in the heart of downtown, is legendary with food and wine enthusiasts. Its location in the historic Brown Palace Hotel & Spa is the first hint of the elegant dining journey you are about to begin. Dark wood walls, refined dim lighting, antiques and gracious personal service meld together into an enchanting evening during which you seem transported back to the Napoleonic period. A well-trained staff caters to your every need and makes educated recommendations concerning the extensive wine list. The menu offers traditional, yet tantalizing fare with emphasis on wild game, prime steaks and seafood. Jackets are required. Expect to be pampered.
Roughly translated, Zengo means to "give and take" in Japanese, likely alluding to the tapas-oriented menu, smaller portions perfect for sharing. A delightful surprise and a vibrant local hot spot, Zengo is a stylish addition to downtown's Commons Park area, with its brightly hued walls and large painted orchid backdrop. The bar area sports colorful tile and contemporary lighting, while the trendy open kitchen clues the unassuming patron that this is a hip place. Diners relish fusion fare incorporating a unique blend of Latin and Asian flavors. Try the gyoza dumplings filled with foie gras, pork, shrimp, won bok and ginger accompanied by a passion fruit mustard sauce or the tuna tataki salad with avocado, kaiware sprouts, lemon wasabi dressing and toasted pepitas. Absolute musts include achiote grilled mahi-mahi and crispy tofu. Weekends can be very lively, so be sure to reserve in advance.
South of the downtown area, MiZuppa is a quick-serve eatery not to be confused with a fast-food restaurant. Chef/owner Doug Schwartz ensures there is always a variety of hearty soups and featured salads, paired with homemade bread. Friendly service and healthy food options more than compensate for the lack of atmosphere. Daily made-from-scratch creations reflect either the season or the chef's fancy. With wraps voted Denver's best and nourishing sandwiches made from natural ingredients, you can't go wrong at MiZuppa.
Even though New Saigon Restaurant is in a strip mall on South Federal Boulevard and ordinary in appearance, it continues to win local and national awards. New Saigon's flavorsome, authentic Vietnamese food has a devoted local following. Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the enormous 21-page menu? The capable staff will happily assist you in making your selection, or choose one of the mouth-watering concoctions yourself based on the sufficient descriptions. If you prefer to play it safe, New Saigon also offers classic Thai and Chinese dishes. Just be ready for food that explodes with flavor. There also are several vegetarian entrees available.
Pete's Central One is a quaint, family operated neighborhood eatery south of downtown on South Pearl Street. Adorned with frescoes, Pete's offers plenty of charm along with authentic Greek cuisine. Start with saganaki (flaming cheese) or spanakopita, a puffed pastry filled with spinach and feta cheese. Main course winners include moussaka, souvlaki, dolmades and lamb loin chops. Combination plates allow a sampling of the best Pete's has to offer. Top off the meal with warm baklava and homemade syrup. Before you leave, don't be surprised if you find yourself shouting "Opa," a term used in Greek culture to express joy.
Mirepoix, a cozy bistro that uses seasonal ingredients to enhance tantalizing and chic cuisine, is a stylish addition to the quaint Cherry Creek neighborhood. Upon entering the restaurant, where the wine list changes twice weekly and the menu changes daily, an immense "wine wall" and a fashionable open kitchen catch your eye. On the way to your table, you can't help but notice the extreme care used in the presentation of the food and the satisfying aromas wafting through the air. Although the creative and inspired American cuisine with a French flair changes often, the experienced staff is glad to provide guidance.
Devil's Food, just southwest of the Cherry Creek area, earned its name by tempting the locals with tantalizing chocolate delicacies. Upon entering this eclectic Washington Park neighborhood café, you'll notice the display of picture-perfect pastries amid an aroma of sweet sensations and fresh-brewed coffee. Do not stop there; enjoy dining in the charming atmosphere, accented by boldly painted walls and memorabilia from bygone days, with a twist of Colorado's natural side. Using the freshest ingredients, some of the distinctive delights include lemon curd served with a buttery scone; house potatoes; challah French toast stuffed with granny smith apples; spinach omelets; and just-squeezed orange juice. While you may be tempted to try this heavenly eatery for breakfast, they do serve lunch and dinner. The tea assortment is outstanding.
Suburban Denver presents an eclectic assortment of dining options, many frequented by the Denver Tech Center crowd in Greenwood Village. Named for British brothers Chris and Nick O'Sullivan, Brother's BBQ has two additional Denver locations. Voted "Denver's Best Barbecue" by locals, Brothers' renowned sauce offers a hint of sweetness with a jolt of spice, a perfect accompaniment to the succulent ribs.
Smoked for 15 hours, the Memphis-style pork shoulder is often in demand. Order a helping or two of those side dishes--baked beans include little bits of pork and a dash of Brothers' tasty sauce, while the coleslaw recipe has been a family secret for many generations. The sweetened iced tea would make any Southerner proud.
Cool River Cafe, a fashionable, upscale steakhouse and grill situated in Greenwood Village's Denver Tech Center, boasts of serving certified Angus beefsteaks, fresh seafood and poultry with a Southwestern flair. This popular and trendy restaurant offers more than just a dining experience amid tasteful, dramatic decor. Retire after dinner to the Cigar and Cognac Lounge, or visit the more energetic bar area with such amusements as billiards, large screen TVs and live entertainment.
Don't let the crowds deter you! There are good reasons why The Original Pancake House in Greenwood Village is a great place to start the day. The extensive menu is incomparable to those at other breakfast restaurants, with choices the entire family can appreciate. While waiting, grab a cup of coffee on the house, peruse the menu and take in the fragrance of airy pancakes, maple syrup, eggs made to perfection and thick-sliced bacon. All dishes include the freshest ingredients, and while portion sizes are plentiful, your empty plate will be a sign of how much you enjoyed the food. You can go with what you know and order pancakes or five-to-six egg omelets, but corned beef hash, cherry kijafa crepes or the Tahitian maiden's dream will not disappoint.
Although Pesce Fresco means "fresh fish," the menu also includes an extensive selection of lamb, beef and pork specials. Since opening in July 2000, the cozy Englewood eatery enhanced with Tuscan décor has become a hit with the Denver Tech Center crowd. Attentive servers are quick to assist with the menu and to help you navigate the list of more than 200 wines from throughout the world to complement your meal. Flavorful pasta and succulent rack of lamb are attractively presented and satisfying. Gelato is a definite must for dessert. Pesce Fresco is busy on the weekends, so book ahead.
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