In Westminster, there’s a barbecue joint worth the trek. Jason Ganahl, the proprietor of GQue, spent years tasting the country’s best smoked meats as a professional barbecue judge before setting off to compete himself. At GQue, he brings all the classic flavors of barbecue to life with dishes such as pulled pork, ribs, apple slaw, mac and cheese, and pit-smoked beans. He’ll also spin a fine yarn about the behind-the-scenes action at a bbq competition.

Sushi Den and Izakaya Den’s little sister, Ototo, often gets forgotten about in the shade of the other two wildly popular restaurants. But Ototo offers authentic Japanese meals from ramen to sashimi. It’s also one of the few local restaurants to offer robata grill options.

Gone are the days of meatless meaning flavorless rabbit food; City O’ City makes creative breakfasts (see kimchi pancakes), lunches (cauliflower chorizo tacos), and dinners (think fried “chicken” and waffles with a bourbon glaze), plus a well-curated cocktail list and late-night bites.

Park Hill’s jewel box of a restaurant only seats 30 guests, lies off the beaten path, and is often overlooked. Chef Jon Robbins previously worked as the chef de cuisine at Mizuna as well as at Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris. While there, he was inspired by the North African immigrants in his neighborhood, whose traditions melded well with French flavors. This is a perfect date-night destination, but happy hour is a true value.

Tucked away on Lincoln Street, this unassuming Greek diner has been a Denver staple for decades. Go for gyros, dolmas, falafel, souvlaki, and baklava, plus a handful of American dishes. See also a grocery section full of imported Mediterranean goods.

Dining at this Boulder French bistro feels like stepping into a Parisian eatery. Menu items include the classics such as French onion soup in a quaint crock, elegant cheese boards, and trout amandine. Brunch offers sweet crepes and savory mussels, omelettes, and croque madame sandwiches, plus unique twists on morning cocktails. Try the fraise du matin: pinot gris, simple syrup, and muddled strawberries.

Boulder’s Pearl Street has always been a hot spot for restaurants, and Zeal combines healthy, organic fare in a hip yet casual atmosphere. There are plenty of options for those with gluten or dairy sensitivities along with meat eaters and vegans alike. Offerings include meatballs and zucchini noodles in tikka masala sauce, build-your-own bowls, and kale and beet salad. Also try the cold-pressed fruit and vegetable juices.

Downtown’s Renaissance hotel used to be a bank. Its three-story atrium is full of hand-painted murals, adorned with Corinthian columns and coffered ceilings, and space for private parties in the former steel vaults. At Range, founding chef Paul Nagan created contemporary twists on Colorado cuisine, such as green chile shrimp and grits, Colorado white pozole, and the field and stream board, featuring a bison brat, duck prosciutto, Elevation chorizo, and trout dip.

Bittersweet is one under-the-radar gem in Denver, and it brings classic American bistro fare to the table. Lamb shank, scallops with agnolotti, smoked duck, panna cotta, and tagliatelle all make appearances in an elegant, creative, and upscale presentation.

This South Broadway eatery offers a menu that changes almost daily, with unique twists on familiar dishes. Suddenly, beef cheek empanandas, gnocchi mac and cheese, and fried red tomato caprese are approachable but offer something interesting, too.