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Between the winter chill that’s finally decided to descend and the steady stream of alarming news headlines, we could all use a little comfort right now. Fortunately, digging into a favorite dish can give us at least a momentary sense of relief. They make us feel good for as long as that bite lasts, sparking joy when joy can otherwise be difficult to spark.
With that in mind, we rounded up some of our favorite high-fat, high-salt, highly delicious classics, from mac and cheese to pozole to dumplings. But we didn’t stop there: Beyond offering the tasty but straightforward version of what you’re craving, we also deliver an option that takes that soul-warming dish you love to the next level. Go forth and be comforted.
Fried Chicken
What you’re craving: Blazing Chicken Shack II
The fried chicken at Blazing Chicken Shack II doesn’t just crackle. It downright hisses. That’s the sound you’re looking for when you bite through the crispy, salty skin and into all that juicy meat. The secret’s out on this eight-year-old Park Hill soul food restaurant, so be prepared to wait for your bird. (Especially since it’s fried to order.) But once it arrives at your table, your spirit will be warmed and your taste buds very, very satisfied. 5560 E. 33rd Ave., Denver
Next level: Duo
Don’t get us wrong, we love a pile of fried chicken served in a plastic red basket. But if you want your bird served with a side of sophistication, turn to Duo. The golden crust gives way to impossibly tender meat that’s soaked long enough in tangy buttermilk to stay juicy all the way through. The drumsticks are plated on a cloud of crema mashed potatoes, surrounded by sweet Anasazi bean succotash and caramelized butternut squash. The final, glorious touch? A pour of smoky Pueblo chile gravy. It’s the kind of dish that makes you slow down, savor, and immediately start planning your next visit. 2413 W. 32nd Ave., Denver
Dumplings
What you’re craving: Yummy Dumpling
We trust you’ll want to do a complete taste test of Yummy’s four different dumplings, so we’ll keep it brief. Just know that this two year-old dumpling paradise is wrapping up fillings like chicken soup and beautifully seasoned fried pork into chewy, steamy little pockets of deliciousness (or flash-fried pockets of deliciousness, if that’s more your style). 10350 Federal Blvd., Suite 400, Federal Heights
Next level: Bao Brewhouse
Let us introduce you to some of the dumplings you’ll find at the so-very-scene-y Bao Brewhouse in Larimer Square and its newer Berkeley sibling: Wagyu beef, caramelized onions, and cheddar cheese packed into the Philly Cheesesteak Dumpling; intensely flavorful shiitake mushrooms in mushroom dashi in the everything mushroom dumplings; and spicy pork folded, pleated, and drizzled with chile oil in an order of Big on the Pig. Go on a Tuesday night and get your fill with $30 all-you-can-eat soup dumplings in the upstairs tearoom. 1317 14th St. and 3973 Tennyson St., Denver
Mac and Cheese
What you’re craving: Sassafras American Eatery
There’s only one problem with Sassafras’ mac and cheese: You can only grab the bowl of ooey gooey cheesy heaven until 2 p.m. Other than the brunch restaurant’s hours, there’s not a fault to be had with the Tillamook-sharp-cheddar-loaded giant elbow noodles. You could also order your bowl topped with barbecue pulled pork, roasted mushrooms, or diced bacon, but why would you when the original mac is exactly what you want? 3927 W. 32nd Ave., Denver
Next level: Mizuna
Mizuna’s lobster mac and cheese isn’t just Denver famous; it’s Food Network famous. You can find chef-owner Frank Bonanno’s recipe on the Food Network’s website, but it’s way easier to pull up a stool at the bar and have Mizuna’s kitchen do the heavy whisking for you. Made with mascarpone, a generous pour of white wine, and, of course, all that lobster, it’s a buttery, crustacean-forward bowl of decadence. 225 E. Seventh Ave., Denver
Pozole
What you’re craving: Tarasco’s
Nothing heals like pozole. Whether you’ve got the flu, a broken heart, or a hangover, a hominy-studded bowl of smoldering chiles, garlic, and cumin is just what you need. Tarasco’s ladles up three different versions of the stew—verde, blanco, and rojo, the difference being the types of chiles and other seasonings used—all of which are pretty much guaranteed to lift your spirits, or at the very least, fill you up. 470 S. Federal Blvd., Denver
Next level: La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal
Not surprisingly, the city’s first restaurant dedicated to pozole, La Diabla, does the soup right. Or rather, it does five different versions of pozole right. From the bestselling northern Mexican verde style simmered with tomatillos and serranos, to the pozole negro (chef-owner Jose Avila’s favorite) rich with garlic and chiles, there’s a stew for every mood and affliction. Wash down your cure for what ails you with one of the restaurant’s 16 mezcals. 2233 Larimer St., Denver
Cheeseburger
What you’re craving: Bud’s Café & Bar
How far are you willing to drive to sate your carnivorous craving? If it’s about 25 miles south to Sedalia, then you’ll be rewarded with a single or double patty topped with melty American cheese. There’s nothing fancy here (not even French fries), just a greasy burger, that molten cheese, onion if you want it, and a couple of sliced pickles on a squishy bun with a side of Lay’s potato chips. And bring cash, as Bud’s doesn’t take cards. 5453 Manhart Ave., Sedalia
Next level: Brasserie Brixton
Like a fancy In-N-Out-style Double-Double, the Brixton Burger is made with fast-food soul but elevated ingredients. The chefs at Brasserie Brixton melt Gruyere cheese into two smashed, charred patties, and the accompanying call-the-cardiologist-salty matchstick fries are far superior to those found at any drive-thru. 3701 N. Williams St., Denver
Grilled Cheese
What you’re craving: Leven Deli Co.
Part deli, part neighborhood happy place, Leven Deli has amassed a cult following since its inception in 2018. Their grilled cheese is a case study in understated perfection: two thick slices of freshly baked sourdough wrapped around a gooey trio of provolone, cheddar, and chive cream cheese. Pair it with a crisp salad or a tangy macaroni side, and you’ll understand why Leven’s approach to deli classics has earned plenty of fans in the Golden Triangle. 123 W. 12th Ave, Denver
Next level: The Brutal Poodle
Anyone can slap a Kraft single on a piece of bread, so when you go out for a grilled cheese, you want something a little extra. Enter the Brutal Poodle’s Gwarled Cheese. Candied pork belly, tomato compote, and the trifecta of cheddar, American, and smoked gouda cheeses are all melted onto cheddar-Jack-crusted challah bread. It’s over the top, it’s indulgent, and it’s everything you want to be eating right now. 1967 S. Broadway, Denver
Matzo Ball Soup
What you’re craving: The Bagel Deli
When Guy Fieri rolls into town in his red Chevy Camaro, he’s going to the 59-year-old Bagel Deli for his matzo ball soup fix. This authentic Jewish deli has been family-owned for three generations, which means the secret to rolling up the ginger-tinged matzo balls has been passed down (and perfected) for years. The chicken stock simmers for at least three hours to develop its rich, soothing flavors—it’s no wonder the Deli goes through 15 to 20 gallons of the stuff daily. 6439 E. Hampden Ave., Denver
Next level: El Five
El Five ups the matzo ball ante by taking the beloved soup’s flavors, adding chicken sausage and lemon-spiked olive oil, and turning it into a dumpling. Yes, a dumpling. These matzo ball soup parcels wrap two of the planet’s most comforting foods into one, crossing borders, uniting cultures, and soothing Sunday scaries everywhere. 2930 Umatilla St., Suite 500, Denver
