Residents on the west side who've grown weary of chain restaurants are rejoicing over the arrival of Teller's Taproom and Kitchen in Lakewood. You can practically hear the relief when you walk in the front door: "Finally, a locally owned place to enjoy a mug of craft beer, a burger, some barbecue, or a bloody Mary brunch on Sunday."

The casual space, which was full and lively by 6 p.m. on a recent Saturday, features a long, marble-topped bar with 30 beer taps (13 of them from Colorado), a community table, several booths and four-tops, and garage-style doors that open onto a small patio on warm evenings.

Order a mug of Agave Wheat from Breckenridge Brewery and a platter of expertly spiced peel-and-eat shrimp (pictured) for happy hour, or settle in for dinner with a plate of pan-fried fish and a grilled artichoke. This is casual comfort food to be enjoyed with good friends from the neighborhood.

1990 Youngfield St., Lakewood, 303-237-1002