In honor of Classics Week, these are 25 of Denver's most classic restaurants, including some truly old specimens, some ethic gems, and some still very hot white table cloth establishments.
"Classic," of course, can mean many things. On one hand, it can be a historic spot that opened in the 1800. On the other hand, it can just be a restaurant that has been around seemingly forever, and locals can't imagine life or a certain neighborhood without it.
Laid out in this map, there are restaurants and bars from the whole range of "classics." The youngest one of them is 18 years old and the oldest over a century.
Note: Map points are not ranked; they are in alphabetical order.
A classic Colorado restaurant with a deep history and stunning view close to Red Rocks. Opened in 1963, this Western-themed spot focuses on fine buffalo, beef, game and seafood,
No fuss, just great traditional Mexican food in a casual environment. El Taco de Mexico opened in 1985 and its cult following keeps growing. Don't miss the Chile Relleno Burrito smothered and the Huevos Rancheros.
The four decade old spot has witnesses the transformation of LoDo yet managed to survive and still remain a local and tourist attraction. Just last year, President Barack Obama ate pizza there during a Denver stop.
White table cloths, impeccable service, and a superb wine list are among the secrets to success of this restaurant. Open in 1992, Barolo Grill remains one of the best in the city.
In 1968, Arlene and Philip Mobell bought the Blue Bonnet, which one of the the first post-prohibition bars, and turned it into the classic Mexican eatery it is today. Still family-run, the restaurant is famed for its very friendly service and great Margaritas.
There is a lot to love about this century-old hotel in Downtown Denver. Whether it's tea in the lobby, a beer at Ship's Tavern, or a fancy meal at Palace Arms, there seems to be a spot for every occasion.
Restaurateur Johnny Hsu has owned the Imperial Chinese Restaurant, located at 431 S. Broadway, for 26 years. The spot is still a go-to favorite for classic Americanized Chinese fare.
Nearly two decades ago, much before the dining boom of LoDo, restaurateur Dave Query took a chance and opened a fish house at 17th and Wazee. Happy hour here is still one of the best in town.
When this restaurant changed hands last year, fans of its old school Italian food were fearful that this staple that began in the 1960s as Carbone's Bakery was going to close following in the steps of places like Pagliacci's and Longo's. That was not case; stuffed meat cannolis are still offered to guests.
Claimed as the oldest bar in Colorado, this spot is marked on Platte Street by only an address, no name on the door. Its staple is the J.C.B., a double burger laid spiked with a layer of jalapeño cream cheese.
Opened in 1987, this Vietnamese eatery on Federal is a Denver staple that seems always packed to the brim with guests. Don't miss the bakery addition next door.
Before farm to table was all the rage, chef Teri Rippeto opened Potager in the busy Capitol Hill neighborhood. 18 years later, the restaurant is still full every night. Don't miss the cheese souffle, it's great in every seasonal iteration.
When the diner opened in nly Sam’s No. 3 in the 1960s, it had 19 stools and a grill in the front window that vented to the sidewalk. Now there are three locations and a loyal following.
The Kizaki brothers are often credited for bringing reliable, high-quality sushi to Denver. Their three decade old institution located on Old South Pearl Street is still one of the city's best overall restaurants.
When people say Rocky Mountain oysters, they are probably thinking of this late nineteenth century institution. The dining room displays some serious taxidermy and the meaty menu ranges from cornish hen to bison and elk.
A trucker bar in the '50s, the Cherry Cricket remains a popular watering hole in the posh Cherry Creek North neighborhood. Its burgers are famous and its beer specials cheap.
This fried chicken temple opened in Lakewood in 1973 and has since added to its lineup a gift shop, petting farm, duck pond and entertainment stage. Don't miss the pickled beets; they are killer.
A classic Colorado restaurant with a deep history and stunning view close to Red Rocks. Opened in 1963, this Western-themed spot focuses on fine buffalo, beef, game and seafood,
No fuss, just great traditional Mexican food in a casual environment. El Taco de Mexico opened in 1985 and its cult following keeps growing. Don't miss the Chile Relleno Burrito smothered and the Huevos Rancheros.
The four decade old spot has witnesses the transformation of LoDo yet managed to survive and still remain a local and tourist attraction. Just last year, President Barack Obama ate pizza there during a Denver stop.
White table cloths, impeccable service, and a superb wine list are among the secrets to success of this restaurant. Open in 1992, Barolo Grill remains one of the best in the city.
In 1968, Arlene and Philip Mobell bought the Blue Bonnet, which one of the the first post-prohibition bars, and turned it into the classic Mexican eatery it is today. Still family-run, the restaurant is famed for its very friendly service and great Margaritas.
There is a lot to love about this century-old hotel in Downtown Denver. Whether it's tea in the lobby, a beer at Ship's Tavern, or a fancy meal at Palace Arms, there seems to be a spot for every occasion.
Restaurateur Johnny Hsu has owned the Imperial Chinese Restaurant, located at 431 S. Broadway, for 26 years. The spot is still a go-to favorite for classic Americanized Chinese fare.
Nearly two decades ago, much before the dining boom of LoDo, restaurateur Dave Query took a chance and opened a fish house at 17th and Wazee. Happy hour here is still one of the best in town.
When this restaurant changed hands last year, fans of its old school Italian food were fearful that this staple that began in the 1960s as Carbone's Bakery was going to close following in the steps of places like Pagliacci's and Longo's. That was not case; stuffed meat cannolis are still offered to guests.
Claimed as the oldest bar in Colorado, this spot is marked on Platte Street by only an address, no name on the door. Its staple is the J.C.B., a double burger laid spiked with a layer of jalapeño cream cheese.
Opened in 1987, this Vietnamese eatery on Federal is a Denver staple that seems always packed to the brim with guests. Don't miss the bakery addition next door.
Before farm to table was all the rage, chef Teri Rippeto opened Potager in the busy Capitol Hill neighborhood. 18 years later, the restaurant is still full every night. Don't miss the cheese souffle, it's great in every seasonal iteration.
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