Industry Experts on the Top Restaurant Standbys of 2014

Q: What were your top standbys of 2014?

Amanda Faison, 5280 Magazine food editor

Colt & Gray and Basta really came on strong this year. They didn't do anything flashy or necessarily newsy, but my meals at those two spots were finely tuned, excellent, and memorable. I also spent countless hours at Cafe Max, and dined as often as possible at Work & Class and the Plimoth.

Andra Zeppelin, Eater Denver editor

I love Uncle. It's my go-to for a quick dinner or, even better, for takeout. El Taco de Mexico is always on my dining rotation. I take out-of-town guests to Acorn, my girlfriends to the RiNo Yacht Club, and my older daughter to Vert Kitchen. Williams & Graham is where I head for the best possible service experience in this town. Oh, and the breakfast sandwich at ReFuel has become a must-have on many mornings.

Ruth Tobias, Eater Denver and Thrillist contributing writer

An old Mitch Hedberg joke goes: "I don't have a girlfriend, I just know a girl who would get really mad if she heard me say that." I don't really have a restaurant standby, but there a few places that might call me out for saying so. I actually end up at Ace Eat Serve a lot. It's half a block from my house, it's got great energy, and I'm always saying that while the bar program get its due, the food is often underrated-I find it really comforting. Plus I crave the crisp chili oil more than any other condiment. Other than that, the city of Aurora is my standby.

Laura Saffioti, Eater Denver contributor

Oak at Fourteenth, El Taco de Mexico, Curry and Kebab, and after my third time in one week, Biju's Little Curry Shop.

Maya Silver, Dining Out Magazine writer

Linger, Lucky Pie, Guard & Grace, Rioja, and Vesta Dipping Grill.

Megan Barber, Curbed Ski editor

Neighborhood favorites remain Duo, Root Down, Linger, Old Major. If I ventured out of the neighborhood, it was to Acorn. Again and again.

Jess Hunter, Eater Denver contributor

Fuel Café, Acorn, Olive & Finch, Ste Ellie's/Colt & Gray, Cart Driver, Populist. Lather, rinse, repeat. The dependable, high-quality, low-maintenance options were my go-to during this busy year.

William Porter, Denver Post restaurant critic

I remain a big fan of Beast + Bottle. Tables is still a favorite in the Park Hill neighborhood. On a winter night, the bar at Locando del Borgo makes for a nice drop-in meal.

Adam Larkey, Eater Denver photographer

Work & Class, Sushi Den and Izakaya Den, the Force that is the Source (all of it), Linger and Fire on the Mountain.

Jeremy Kossler, founder of the Denver Burger Battle

Linger, Chop Shop, and Acorn.

Brittany Werges, 303 Magazine food editor

I found myself eating on South Broadway a lot this year. This area provided an easy-going spot to meet up with friends before a night out or after work. Gozo - and more recently Leña- have relaxed but sophisticated atmospheres that were always enjoyed by everyone in my party. Atticus with its cozy ambiance, great menu and awesome service was perfect for lunch year-round. I also stopped in at Cart-Driver quite often and I am so happy it is now open for lunch.

Katy Hume, Eater Denver contributor

Where we frequent the most: Acorn, Pizzeria Locale in Boulder, Cuba Cuba, Elway's, Sakura House, Buchi, Sushi Tazu.

Penny Parker, Blacktie Colorado writer

My top standbys were Lou's Food Bar, Racines, Shells and Sauce and Griff's for fast burgers.

Ashley Hughes, Eater Denver writer

Work & Class, especially with visiting friends and family. Hops & Pie is in our neighborhood and has been one of our staples too.

Rebecca Caro, Denver Post contributing writer

My top standbys this year were places I can go with my kids when I'm too tired and busy to want to cook. We love Park Burger, Maria Empanada, and Kaos Pizza, but grown up palates will appreciate reliable favorites like Comida and Dae Gee, which are consistent and never disappoint.

Grace Boyle, Eater Denver contributor

Boulder's Pizzeria Locale; you can never really go wrong there.

Pat Miller, the Gabby Gourmet

Shells and Sauce and the Highland Tap and Burger.

Lori Midson, Zagat Denver editor

Work & Class (there's just so very much to love, and it keeps getting better with every bite, plus it's so refreshingly unpretentious); Gozo (the porchetta is swine nirvana, and I dig the wine list); Devil's Food Cookery & Bakery (it's in my ‘hood, but even if it wasn't, you'd still find me there at least once a week); El Taco de Mexico (a favorite of mine year in and year out); Homegrown Tap & Dough (finally, South Gaylord Street has a new restaurant that's become my home away from home); Megenagna Ethiopian Restaurant (no words...just go); Funny Plus (the spicy Korean fried chicken is simply stellar); China Jade (no one does hot pot like China Jade does hot pot); Café Brazil (quite possibly my favorite restaurant in Denver); Land of Sushi (my definitive go-to spot for roasted maguro collar, monkfish liver and everything raw); and the Plimoth (it's everything a neighborhood restaurant should be - and so much more).