Dining Guide: Best Restaurants in Denver, CO
Picking the best restaurants in Denver isn’t an easy task, as the city’s dining scene is dynamic and always changing, so even if you visited recently, chances are something fresh and new awaits your exploration. Luckily, we’ve compiled a handy, time-saving guide to several of the most promising options that you need to try whenever you’re in town. For example, Sushi Den features fresh ingredients sourced from Tokyo and Super Mega Bien offers Pan-Latin dim sum that’s to die for. Wondering what’s next on the menu? Read on to discover more about the best restaurants in Denver, and the most delectable dishes they have on offer.
1260 25th St
This popular Pan-Latin place brings dim sum to Denver and lets you try a variety of foods without stuffing yourself too much. The menu rotates weekly, but the shrimp and octopus ceviche, ropa vieja, and egg rolls are popular usually staples, and, if you’re with a bigger group, it would be wise to order a half or full chicken. Other dishes like the braised lamb or roasted duck show a flair for Latin flavors, though whatever option you pick at one of the best restaurants in Denver, you can’t forget to order a drink as well. Try the mezcal negroni or get a pitcher of gin punch from Peru.
3090 Larimer St
Rye Society may only seat a handful of people, but the wait will prove worth it – even more so if you can snag a spot on the small outdoor patio on a balmy day. The menu packs a definite punch with all its comfort food, so you might have a hard time choosing between the secret family recipe matzah ball soup or one of the traditional sandwiches. You can’t go wrong with a corned beef or pastrami on rye, or a Reuben. The service will be speedy, so you’ll luckily spend more time digging into your meal than you did waiting for it as well.
3421 E Colfax Ave
Featuring modern Chinese with a bit of a twist, Q House offers you the convenience and speed of take out with the refinement of a fine sit-down dinner featuring an inventive cocktail menu. Start with the pork belly buns or the fried smelt before you move onto entrees like the salt and pepper head-on shrimp. Meat options like the BBQ ribs and duck lo mein come with big portions that are easily shareable with the rest of the group and contain just the right amount of spices. Don’t forget to try cocktails like the lychee martini, the five-spice old fashioned, and the aloe spritz as well.
1310 Pearl St
Caribbean eats are not the first thing you’d expect to be dining on in Denver, which is why Bang Up To The Elephant is all the more unique. The space it’s housed in is vibrant and airy, leaving plenty of room for customers to observe the hundreds of plants on display and walls made of stain glass. Try the jerk chicken, habanero-pineapple wings, bowl of coconut curry, or anything else that catches your eye on the menu. It’s all equally as flavorful, as even classic sandwiches like the pork cubano pack a kick. Need a drink to pair with your meal? The Stallion comes with gin and passion-fruit jalapeno flavoring, and the Devil’s Claw (made with mekhong and Chinese five-spice curry syrup) will also pique your interest.
1487 S Pearl St
The chefs at Sushi Den have been sourcing ingredients from the famous Nagahama fish market in Japan since the ‘80s, consistently guaranteeing quality and fresh rolls, even in a landlocked state like Colorado. The front windows let plenty of natural light in and allow you to people watch on Pearl St and the area itself is cute to explore if you have a bit of a wait. Come here hungry and start with the miso soup, but leave room for more, because you’ll definitely want seconds of the signature rainbow roll or the lobster tempura. Cooked options include dinner dishes like vegetable tempura, miso black cod, or short ribs. Drink-wise, try a Sake Mule – you’ll be glad you did.
609 Corona St
Table 6 is a reliable classic, but will still surprise you with the rotating dishes on display on its New American menu. The restaurant’s wine list further reflects the fact that the owner is a sommelier and offers Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Macabeo by the glass and Bardolino or Chardonnay by the bottle. Pair your preferred vintage with the roasted mushroom risotto, the wild boar ragout, or the duck confit and your taste buds will thank you. You’ll want to swing by here with a date, as the ambiance is dimly lit and romantic, making it perfect for an evening out. Just be aware: For dessert, you’d be depriving yourself if you don’t try the coconut panna cotta.
CHEAT SHEET
For more on the best restaurants in Denver, CO, be sure to check out:
· Conde Nast Traveler - The 28 Best Restaurants in Denver