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The 38 Essential Denver Restaurants, October '13

by Emily Hutto
15 comments / new
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by Emily Hutto
15 comments / new

Today Eater updates the Eater 38, our list of Denver's essential restaurants. This list is our answer to any question that begins with "Can you recommend a restaurant?"

This group of eateries covers the metro area, spans over many cuisines, and collectively satisfies all of your restaurant needs. Every few months, we add pertinent restaurants that were omitted or have recently become eligible (restaurants must be open at least six months). Older restaurants that have stepped up their game may be added back to the list. Very important: this list is presented in no particular order.

Without further ado, we made some changes. Williams & Graham, Spuntino, and Uncle joined the list. With new additions, also come some subtractions: The Squeaky Bean, Pinche Tacos, and Cafe Brazil have left the ranks of essential restaurants.

If your favorite restaurant is not here and you want to make your preference heard, please use the comments below to make your case, or send your thoughts in the tipline.


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Sushi Den

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It's hard to deny that Sushi Den has some of the best fish and sushi masters in town. It's been over 25 years since Sushi Den opened and there's still a wait every night. That's some real staying power, folks.
1487 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210
(303) 777-0826
(303) 777-0826

bittersweet

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Bittersweet is one of the few places in Denver where you can actually dine in the restaurant's garden. It's all about the seasons here, and chef/owner Olav Peterson does a fine job orchestrating seasonal flavors.
500 E Alameda Ave, Denver, CO 80209
(303) 942-0320
(303) 942-0320

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Fruition Restaurant

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It's hard not to adore this place. Food and service are consistently on point here. Alex Seidel's menu changes with the season, and each plate that comes out of the kitchen sings with balance and precision. Plus, Seidel sources from his own farm.
1313 E 6th Ave, Denver, CO 80218
(303) 831-1962
(303) 831-1962

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Potager

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Potager is one of Denver's quintessential farm-to-table restaurants. You can rest assured that everything here is super fresh and handled with care.
1109 Ogden St, Denver, CO 80218
(303) 832-5788
(303) 832-5788

Table 6

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Between chef Scott Parker's playful menu and the trendy decor, Table 6 is the right place for a casual dinner, a boozy brunch or a romantic date. There's a great wine list here too.
609 Corona St, Denver, CO 80218
(303) 831-8800
(303) 831-8800

The Cherry Cricket

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Duffy's Cherry Cricket is a burger institution in this city — hell, it's been around since 1945. Not only does this place provide a comfortable dive atmosphere in the center of Cherry Creek, but it has elevated less traditional burger toppings like peanut butter, cream cheese and wing sauce to new heights.
2641 E 2nd Ave, Denver, CO 80206
(303) 322-7666
(303) 322-7666

Elway's

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Founded by John Elway, a Denver Bronco's legend, Elway's doesn't disappoint. Ok, yea, it's a steakhouse, but it's the crema of steakhouses. With a locations in Cherry Creek, downtown at the Ritz-Carlton, and in Vail, Elway's is a Colorado staple.
1881 Curtis St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 312-3107
(303) 312-3107

El Taco De Mexico

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One word: Authentic. El Taco De Mexico is the quintessential taqueria, offering a plethora of tacos (pork, beef, chicken, tongue, cheek, etc.) and some of the best green chili in town. It's not a show-stopper of restaurant where decor is concerned, but you don't come here for the aesthetics — you come here to eat, and eat you will.
714 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204
(303) 623-3926
(303) 623-3926

Star Kitchen

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For anyone who hasn't had the dim sum experience at Star Kitchen, now is probably a great time to start planning your visit. If you're not into dim sum, Star Kitchen also has a large menu. The value here is insane.
2917 W Mississippi Ave, Denver, CO 80219
(303) 936-0089
(303) 936-0089

New Saigon

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New Saigon is a land of options, and they're all awesome. The food is just solid here. Twenty-five years in business and a new bakery next door that should not be missed.
630 S Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219
(303) 936-4954
(303) 936-4954

Mizuna

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As the first of eight Frank Bonanno establishments, Mizuna represents what Bonanno is all about. It's the perfect place to dine when looking for an intimate atmosphere and attentive service. Expect to drop some money here, but fear not — it's not likely that exec chef Stephen McCary will disappoint.
225 E 7th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
(303) 832-4778
(303) 832-4778

Bones

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If you've experienced the joys of pork buns, noodle bowls and soft serve ice cream all under the same roof, Bones is right up your alley. Sit at the chef counter, sip on some sake and watch your food from start to finish. Sharing is encouraged here.
701 Grant St, Denver, CO 80203
(303) 860-2929
(303) 860-2929

Rioja

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Chef Jennifer Jasinski has transformed Larimer Square with her restaurants, and it all started with Rioja. This Mediterranean gem is a Denver staple, and Jasinski is constantly keeping her menu fresh.
1431 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 820-2282
(303) 820-2282

Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen

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For anyone who appreciates an impressive beer list and fun food, this is the place. Chef Jorel Pierce elevates bar food to new and exciting levels. The music here is always great and Euclid is open late. What's not to love?
1317 14th St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 595-4255
(303) 595-4255

Fuel Cafe

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Bob Blair's Fuel Café is everything a diner with a conscious for sustainability could ask for. Blair's dedication to sustainable energy and locally sourced creative food is evident from the very second you walk into his restaurant. Don't miss the desserts.
3455 Ringsby Ct, Denver, CO 80216
(303) 296-4642
(303) 296-4642

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Spuntino

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This Italian-inspired café owned by chef John Broening and pastry chef Yasmin Lozada-Hissom quickly became a neighborhood favorite. With a major update to the space and a well-appointed menu that ranges from sandwiches to pastas and pastries, Spuntino has continued to wow patrons.
2639 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 433-0949
(303) 433-0949

Z Cuisine & A Cote

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You don't feel like you're dining in Denver at Z Cuisine. Rather, Z Cuisine makes you feel as though you've been transported to France, and frankly, you don't want to leave. Chef Patrick Dupays really delivers the full European experience. The dining room is very small and reservations aren't accepted, so be prepared to wait. Definitely check out A Cote next door for pre-dinner.
2239 W 30th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 477-1111
(303) 477-1111

Uncle

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The Momofuku-esk dishes at Tommy Lee's LoHi noodle shop are still just as popular as they were when the restaurant opened last year. Ramen is a challenging food to master, let alone various styles of it, but Uncle has it down. Must try: kimchi ramen.
2215 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 433-3263
(303) 433-3263

Williams & Graham

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Denver can't get enough of the gastro-fare and exceptional cocktail program at Sean Kenyon's popular Williams & Graham, especially now that former Squeaky Bean chef Max MacKissock has joined the team.
3160 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 997-8886
(303) 997-8886

Linger Restaurant

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Linger is almost too hot for its own good. Reservations can be hard to nab, but once you're in, you'll be hooked. Between the dining room and the menus, the innovation at Linger is exceptional. Linger also has the best patio in the city. This is a great spot for lunch, dinner, happy hour and late night cocktails.
2030 W 30th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 993-3120
(303) 993-3120

Masterpiece Delicatessen

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Sure, Denver is home to some fantastic sandwiches places, but Steve Allee and Justin Brunson's sandwiches at Masterpiece Delicatessen are superior. It really is "fine dining between bread," people.
1575 Central St, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 561-3354
(303) 561-3354

Colt & Gray

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Colt & Gray is a place of intrigue. While it's definitely a classy joint with a professional and knowledgeable service staff, it's not stuffy. Chef/owner Nelson Perkins emphasizes the nose-to-tail concept at Colt & Gray, offering one of the city's best selections of charcuterie and offal.
1553 Platte St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 477-1447
(303) 477-1447

Sushi Sasa

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Chef/owner Wayne Conwell's acclaimed Sushi Sasa sits near the Platte River, right in the middle of LoDo and LoHi. Sushi Sasa offers traditional Japanese food and borrows influences from other global cuisines. With a simplistic decor and attentive service, Conwell's refined food truly shines.
2401 15th St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 433-7272
(303) 433-7272

My Brother's Bar

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Locals from all areas of the city folk to My Brother's Bar because it's not only legendary, but it's one of the absolute best places in Denver to grab some classic pub food with a cold beer or a fine cocktail. It's also an industry favorite, and it's open 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Monday-Saturday. Plus, there's year-round Girl Scout cookies here — score!
2376 15th St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 455-9991
(303) 455-9991

Root Down

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Ah, Root Down. Not only is this place totally hip, but vegetables have never looked so sexy. Though the menu is colored with seasonal produce, carnivores will also love Root Down. Chef Daniel Asher also hosts a monthly raw dinner, if you really love vegetable. Drinks are super awesome too. Don't you dare miss those.
1600 W 33rd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 993-4200
(303) 993-4200

ChoLon Bistro

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ChoLon is a fantastic Asian fusion restaurant. Chef Lon Symensma, who was the exec chef at Buddakan in NYC before moving to Denver, creates truly memorable and extremely beautiful dishes.
1555 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 353-5223
(303) 353-5223

Trillium

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This Scandiavian-inspired eatery in the Ballpark neighborhood attracts diners with unique yet familiar offerings. In an urban bistro environment, chef Ryan Leinonen creates small plates like the carrot custard or toast Skaken and large dishes like the pan-roasted Steelhead trout.
2134 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80205
(303) 379-9759
(303) 379-9759

Curtis Park Delicatessen

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While still relatively new to the sandwich landscape, this deli made its mark. Proof is the speed at which it sells out on a daily basis- don't be shocked if it's sold out when you get there. Try the Curtis, the deli's signature sandwich - made on freshly baked ciabatta bread with corned beef, sauerkraut, swiss cheese, all dressed in housemade thousand island.
2532 Champa St., Denver, CO 80205

Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs

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Biker Jims Dogs just can't be missed. His wild game sausages are all the rage, and most likely, they will be for a very, very long time.
2148 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
(720) 746-9355
(720) 746-9355

Twelve Restaurant

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Chef Jeff Osaka changes the menu monthly here, which is great news for those who tire of the same o'l thing. There aren't tons of options here, but if you trust your chef, you'll be in good hands.
2233 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
(303) 293-0287
(303) 293-0287

Tom's Home Cookin'

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A Denver staple of Southern comfort food, Tom's Home Cookin' makes the best meatloaf, fried chicken, and all the must sides that come with it. Genuine sweet tea is a treat.
800 E 26th Ave, Denver, CO 80205
(303) 388-8035
(303) 388-8035

Steuben's

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Steuben's is a dream come true for those who appreciate a classed-up diner. The retro eatery is known for some of the best comfort food in the city, including green chili cheeseburgers, lobster rolls and fried chicken. Everything is hip about this place.
523 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
(303) 830-1001
(303) 830-1001

Tables

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This family-owned restaurant, tucked in the Park Hill neighborhood, does away with the fuss and prepares simple yet inspired food with seasonal ingredients. The space is eclectic and the attention to detail acute.
2267 Kearney Street, Denver, CO
(303) 388-0299
(303) 388-0299

OAK at fourteenth

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This Boulder restaurant co-owned by chef Steve Redzikwoski and bartender Bryan Dayton draws guests with its new American cuisine and well-curated drink program. With a stylish neighborhood restaurant vibe, Oak at Fourteenth features local and seasonal dishes, many cooked in the wood-fired oven that shines in the dining room.
1400 Pearl St., Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 444-3622
(303) 444-3622

Frasca Food and Wine

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By many standards, Frasca is Colorado's top restaurants. The Northern Italian-inspired eatery has an outstanding wine list curated by Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey. The food, under the direction of Chef Lachlan Patterson, always impresses. This is a classic restaurant and a must on any diner's list.
1738 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 442-6966
(303) 442-6966

Pizzeria Locale

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From the rockstar team behind Frasca Food and Wine, Pizzeria Locale brings Neapolitan pizza to pie fanatics who submit themselves to cutting their own slice for the sake of authenticity. The space is contemporary, the wine list superb, and the service very attentive.
1730 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 442-3003
(303) 442-3003

The Kitchen Boulder

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The Kitchen changed the farm-to-table landscape in Colorado by emphasizing local sourcing and relationships with farmers and other purveyors. The restaurant has been open for over eight years and a Denver outpost opened recently to great reviews.
1039 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 544-5973
(303) 544-5973

Pizzeria Basta

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Tucked away in the Peloton complex on East Arapahoe in Boulder, Basta is a wood fired eatery that dishes out a variety of items from handmade pastas and Neapolitan pizzas to oysters and hearty dishes like short ribs cooked sous vide. There is a small but carefully picked wine list, a few special cocktails, and incredible coffee from LaMill.
3601 Arapahoe Blvd, Boulder, CO 80303
(303) 997-8775
(303) 997-8775

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Sushi Den

1487 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210
It's hard to deny that Sushi Den has some of the best fish and sushi masters in town. It's been over 25 years since Sushi Den opened and there's still a wait every night. That's some real staying power, folks.
1487 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210
(303) 777-0826
(303) 777-0826

bittersweet

500 E Alameda Ave, Denver, CO 80209
Bittersweet is one of the few places in Denver where you can actually dine in the restaurant's garden. It's all about the seasons here, and chef/owner Olav Peterson does a fine job orchestrating seasonal flavors.
500 E Alameda Ave, Denver, CO 80209
(303) 942-0320
(303) 942-0320

Fruition Restaurant

1313 E 6th Ave, Denver, CO 80218
It's hard not to adore this place. Food and service are consistently on point here. Alex Seidel's menu changes with the season, and each plate that comes out of the kitchen sings with balance and precision. Plus, Seidel sources from his own farm.
1313 E 6th Ave, Denver, CO 80218
(303) 831-1962
(303) 831-1962

Potager

1109 Ogden St, Denver, CO 80218
Potager is one of Denver's quintessential farm-to-table restaurants. You can rest assured that everything here is super fresh and handled with care.
1109 Ogden St, Denver, CO 80218
(303) 832-5788
(303) 832-5788

Table 6

609 Corona St, Denver, CO 80218
Between chef Scott Parker's playful menu and the trendy decor, Table 6 is the right place for a casual dinner, a boozy brunch or a romantic date. There's a great wine list here too.
609 Corona St, Denver, CO 80218
(303) 831-8800
(303) 831-8800

The Cherry Cricket

2641 E 2nd Ave, Denver, CO 80206
Duffy's Cherry Cricket is a burger institution in this city — hell, it's been around since 1945. Not only does this place provide a comfortable dive atmosphere in the center of Cherry Creek, but it has elevated less traditional burger toppings like peanut butter, cream cheese and wing sauce to new heights.
2641 E 2nd Ave, Denver, CO 80206
(303) 322-7666
(303) 322-7666

Elway's

1881 Curtis St, Denver, CO 80202
Founded by John Elway, a Denver Bronco's legend, Elway's doesn't disappoint. Ok, yea, it's a steakhouse, but it's the crema of steakhouses. With a locations in Cherry Creek, downtown at the Ritz-Carlton, and in Vail, Elway's is a Colorado staple.
1881 Curtis St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 312-3107
(303) 312-3107