Every neighborhood has its go-to hangout: Congress Park has Madison Street, Wash Park has the Pub on Pearl, and Highland has Mead St. Station. And now RiNo, Five Points, and Globeville can lay claim to Jake's Food & Spirits, an almost two-month-old bar and grill that lies on the border of all three neighborhoods.

The spot serves a reliable menu of bar favorites: Buffalo wings (order them extra crispy), crisp fried-pickle chips, stacked burgers and sandwiches, and a handful of Mexican, Italian, and Southern dishes. Of the items I've tasted, I'll go back for the French dip, which comes with melted provolone, prime rib sliced extra thin, and a not-too-salty jus.

The comfortable spot has begun to see regulars stop in three or four times a week—a result, no doubt, of the vibe, the food, and general manager Ty Hubbard's charisma.

Tip: When driving to Jake's, look for the spot's cartoon wall mural as opposed to the hard-to-find sign.

3800 Walnut St., 303-295-3800