Best New Restaurants

This year, the top eateries in the Mile-High City present more than just tasty cuisine. In uncertain times, these eight hotspots offer approachability, affordability, and a great excuse to have a little fun.

The Best of the Rest Our favorite highlights from Denver's newest eateries.

Redux
Billy's Inn
Thanks to a major overhaul, Billy's Inn—once a dark and dingy bar hanging on from the 1930s—is now northwest Denver's hottest gathering spot. We give high marks to the bright interior, fab burgers, and ever-changing specials. 4403 Lowell Blvd., 303-455-9733, www.billysinn.com

Craveable Eats
Jonesy's EatBar
Since we can't decide if we like Jonesy's mac-and-cheese fries or the Buffalo fries better, we get a split order—which means two mounds of fries, one covered in melted cheese and bacon, the other topped with blue cheese and Frank's Hot Sauce. 400 E. 20th Ave., 303-863-7473, www.jeatbar.com

Signature Dish
Locanda Del Borgo
Ward off winter's chill with Locanda's homemade ravioli, filled with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach. What ties this cozy dish together is the divine sage-and-cream sauce. 5575 E. Third Ave., 303-388-0282, www.locanda-del-borgo.com

Wine List
Tastes Wine Bar & Bistro
We appreciate a wine list that's ever-evolving, and Tastes' by-the-glass menu changes every couple of weeks. If available, don't miss the fruity Paro Pinot Noir from California that drinks like it's from Oregon's Willamette Valley. 1033 E. 17th Ave., 303-459-2311, www.tasteswinebar.com

Bang for the Buck
Boa on West 32nd Boa's Mexican and Asian comfort food—choose from the West or East side of the menu—comes at an excellent price. The generous entrées (our fave is the Korean bibimbap rice bowl with sliced meat, veggies, and a fried egg) cost an average of $10 and come with sides. Don't miss ordering the fideo, a Mexican vermicelli soup with green chile and tomato. 3464 W. 32nd Ave., 303-484-9628

Good for a Laugh
Little Man Ice Cream
Kudos to whomever came up with the witty sign at the ice cream shop's register: "Lactaid for sale, 50 cents." Of course, the homemade ice cream—in flavors ranging from classic strawberry to dulce de leche—is worth the extra 50 cents. 2620 16th St., 303-455-3811, www.littlemanicecream.com

Sinful Dessert
Indulge French Bistro
The chocolate lava cake has been replicated ad nauseam, but order the treat at Indulge and discover what this heavenly, chocolaty treat is supposed to taste like. Bonus: A scoop of mango sorbet comes on top. 4140 W. 38th Ave., 303-433-7400, www.indulgefrenchbistro.com

Eat at the Bar
Brasserie Felix
While a trip to Paris may be out of the question, opt for the French decor at Brasserie Felix. That, plus a bowl of Felix's mussels with hot frites, makes a visit feel like a mini-vacation. 3901 Tennyson St., 303-953-2401, www.brasseriefelix.net

Groovy Loo
Jing
Given the sinner-and-saint juxtaposition of Jing's decor (the black lounge is draped in sultry dark purples, while the restaurant is decked in heavenly whites), you'd expect the bathrooms to deliver similar drama, and they do. The super-modern space is fit with glass stall doors that are disconcertingly see-through—until they frost over when you turn the lock. 5370 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Village, 303-779-6888, www.jingrestaurant.com

Neighborhood Hotspot
Pajama Baking Company
Our favorite time to visit this South Pearl market is on nice days when the staff throws open the garage doors—all the better to see neighbors milling about, purchasing fresh baked goods and prepared foods (don't miss the meatballs in marinara), and standing in line for the unbelievably creamy homemade ice cream. 1595 S. Pearl St., 303-733-3622

Exploitation of a Trend
Lala's Wine Bar & Pizzeria
Thin-crust pizzas are everywhere you look, but that hardly matters because Lala's bakes its to perfection. Combos are inventive, but our fave is the Il David, a white pizza with three cheeses, herbed grilled chicken, artichoke hearts, oven-dried tomatoes, and roasted garlic and red peppers. 410 E. Seventh Ave., 303-861-9463

Bar Culture
Delite
An offshoot of Deluxe Restaurant next door, Delite is the perfect fit for the Broadway nightlife scene. The lounge-y space is trendy-cool with exposed brick and mod-gray walls, thumping beats, fresh-mixed cocktails, and a happy hour that runs 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Open Tuesday through Saturday) 32 S. Broadway, 303-722-1278

Appetizer
Encore Restaurant
Kick off a meal at Encore with an order of the fiery Telluride jalapeño poppers. Wrapped in apple-smoked bacon, these starters—made with red jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese—are as gorgeous to look at as they are hot. 2250 E. Colfax Ave., 303-355-1112, www.encoreoncolfax.com