On Friday, in an open thread format, Eater asked readers what are Denver's most underrated restaurants. Readers were encouraged to nominate the restaurants that don't get enough love from the press and those that deserve a fuller dining room for their exceptional food and service. Nominations submitted by email and through comments were compiled into a map of Denver's Most Underrated Restaurants As Nominated by Readers. Comments made with each nomination were included in the listing. Where no comments were provided, an editorial note was added for context.
Have something you want discussed or a question you want answered among the fine Eater readers, as a Friday Open Thread? Send it this way.
"Lunch is a must! Great sandwiches and salads - quick, friendly service."
"Being a newcomer to the Highlands area, I've had several people tell me about this place a couple of months ago. Finally I listened, and I was blown away. Now I eat there at least two or three times a week. The food is always fresh and vibrant, outstanding from start to end and the staff makes me feel right at home every single time. Selfishly, I'd like to keep this place a secret."
"Trillium is the undisputed champ of underrated restaurants! It's 5280 Restaurant Week's biggest secret. The food and service are flawless, and the cocktails are some of the most inventive in the city. There's not a single restaurant in LoDo that is more consistent (except for Squeaky Bean)."
"I know Twelve is on your 38 essential list, but I believe it is also underrated since one of the qualifications is not being full all the time. I had dinner at Twelve this evening (Saturday night, a typically busy night), prime time 7:30, and by 8:30 the restaurant was only 50% full. I believe the food is some of the best in town!"
"AOBA in lodo is consistently getting good customer reviews but is consistently empty."
"It's my favorite downtown sushi spot but never seems to have the crowd it deserves.
I wonder how much the Sushi Hapa that opened 2 doors down is hurting them. Sushi Hapa has the more well known name but Aoba blows them away on quality."
Editorial note: the Asian noodle restaurant owned and operated by Frank Bonanno serves some of Denver's most sought-after steamed buns and noodle bowls.
Editorial note: this classic American bistro, serves a selection of seasonal dishes that include highlight like tater tots, chicken liver mousse, mussels, and duck confit. The menu change menu often, the staff is attentive, and the wine list carefully selected.
Editorial note: this Denver institution may not be fancy but the food never ceases to impress. Don't miss the tacos de carne asada, chile relleno burrito, and huevos rancheros.
"Quaint little shop with lots if character and charm. They offer 20 panini sandwiches, salads, soups and ice cream. A gem! The owners put lots if heart into the shop."
Editorial note: this 16th Street Mall sushi bar and sake lounge serves sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri as well as small bites and happy hour specials like shishito peppers, rangoons, gyoza.
"I'm from Chicago and when I crave a deep dish pizza, Denver Deep Dish makes the cut! Wymans #5 is good as well, but pricier compared to DDD."
"Incredibly accurate take on Chicago pizza."
"Lunch is a must! Great sandwiches and salads - quick, friendly service."
"Being a newcomer to the Highlands area, I've had several people tell me about this place a couple of months ago. Finally I listened, and I was blown away. Now I eat there at least two or three times a week. The food is always fresh and vibrant, outstanding from start to end and the staff makes me feel right at home every single time. Selfishly, I'd like to keep this place a secret."
"Trillium is the undisputed champ of underrated restaurants! It's 5280 Restaurant Week's biggest secret. The food and service are flawless, and the cocktails are some of the most inventive in the city. There's not a single restaurant in LoDo that is more consistent (except for Squeaky Bean)."
"I know Twelve is on your 38 essential list, but I believe it is also underrated since one of the qualifications is not being full all the time. I had dinner at Twelve this evening (Saturday night, a typically busy night), prime time 7:30, and by 8:30 the restaurant was only 50% full. I believe the food is some of the best in town!"
"AOBA in lodo is consistently getting good customer reviews but is consistently empty."
"It's my favorite downtown sushi spot but never seems to have the crowd it deserves.
I wonder how much the Sushi Hapa that opened 2 doors down is hurting them. Sushi Hapa has the more well known name but Aoba blows them away on quality."
Editorial note: the Asian noodle restaurant owned and operated by Frank Bonanno serves some of Denver's most sought-after steamed buns and noodle bowls.
Editorial note: this classic American bistro, serves a selection of seasonal dishes that include highlight like tater tots, chicken liver mousse, mussels, and duck confit. The menu change menu often, the staff is attentive, and the wine list carefully selected.
Editorial note: this Denver institution may not be fancy but the food never ceases to impress. Don't miss the tacos de carne asada, chile relleno burrito, and huevos rancheros.
"Quaint little shop with lots if character and charm. They offer 20 panini sandwiches, salads, soups and ice cream. A gem! The owners put lots if heart into the shop."
Editorial note: this 16th Street Mall sushi bar and sake lounge serves sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri as well as small bites and happy hour specials like shishito peppers, rangoons, gyoza.
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