I’ll tell you what Red Star Deli needs: A big ‘ol sign on the sidewalk. Even without one, sandwich lovers are finding their way to the tucked away Ice House location. But I worry that the small logo on the door isn’t enough to pull in the uninitiated. That’s a shame because James Mazzio‘s weeks-old deli shouldn’t be overlooked.

Go in the morning for the $3.95 breakfast sandwiches brimming with Colorado fresh eggs and your choice of cheese (pepperjack!), bread (wheat!), and pork (five-pepper bacon!).

Go midday for the sandwiches. You can build your own but why go to the trouble when you have options such as the slightly spicy, perfectly messy muffuletta (pictured) or the hefty herb-roasted prime rib tucked in with aged Wisconsin white cheddar, Coca-Cola onions, and horsey sauce. Whatever you choose, take a friend along and share the big-enough-for-two eats.

Tip: Don’t miss the pecan-caramel bars. My favorite in town is found at LoHi’s Living the Sweet Life, where owner Erika Cunha adds citrus zest for zip. Red Star’s caramel-forward rendition is a close second.

1801 Wynkoop St., Suite 175 (inside the Ice House), 303-226-9460

Amanda M. Faison
Amanda M. Faison
Freelance writer Amanda M. Faison spent 20 years at 5280 Magazine, 12 of those as Food Editor.