Dining

Vegetarian

Editors' Choice

Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant

Everybody's got a salad on the menu somewhere, but when it comes to a straight-up, 100 percent nonmeat restaurant, this upscale Boulder eatery dominates. The tiny, plant-dotted space is a combo of earthy-meets-chic, and the food exceeds the typical not-quite-right-but-good-effort expectations of so many other meat-substitute options. The Jamaican jerk tempeh, a sculptural dish of exquisite black rice, subtle coconut plantain sauce, and nutty tempeh with fruit salsa, is almost too pretty to ruin with a fork. 2010 16th St., Boulder, 303-442-1485, www.leafvegetarianrestaurant.com

Readers' Choice

WaterCourse Foods

Even diehard carnivores walk away happy here. Any way you like your meat (or would like it, if you ate it)—barbecued, stir-fried, scallopini, blackened, country-fried, or fajita-style—WaterCourse can do it with something just as hearty and flavorful: seitan, tempeh, portobello, you name it. We recommend the blackened tofu with coconut cream sauce for a taste of the tropics. 837 E. 17th Ave., 303-832-7313, www.watercoursefoods.com

Cookie

Editors' Choice

Victory Love & Cookies

We're already smitten with Denver Bread Company's crusty boules and buttery focaccia, but over the past year we've discovered manager Kristy Greenwood's handmade, baked-on-the-premises cookies sold at the counter. These super-fresh goodies are made the right way, with real butter, fresh eggs, and Callabaut chocolate. Our favorites: Sunny in Seattle, a souped-up version of chocolate chip with dried fruit and a hint of espresso, and the Lemon Lucy, a chewy, giant, gumdrop-shaped sugar cookie laced with lemon. Caveat: These treats are expensive—more than $2 apiece—but we simply look at the prices as portion control. 3200 Irving St., 303-455-7194, www.thedenverbreadcompany.com/victory.html

Readers' Choice

Paradise Bakery & Café

Back in the '80s, when a tiny little cookie bakery named Paradise opened in Aspen, no one could have predicted its astounding success. Now those addictive ginger-molasses, chocolate chip, and white chocolate-macadamia nut desserts are available in 10 states. Multiple locations, www.paradise-bakery.com

Ramen/Noodle Bowl

Editors' Choice

Den Deli and Seafood Market

Given the success of sister restaurants Sushi Den and Izakaya Den, we've come to expect great things from co-owner and chef Toshi Kizaki—and here he delivers yet again. Dine in or take your noodles to go, but make sure you order Den Deli's signature Tonkotsu ramen (the noodle has origins in Kyushu, which is Japan's southernmost island) for a bowl of rich pork stock, curly noodles, and a tangle of veggies. 1501 S. Pearl St., 303-733-2503, www.dendeli.net

Readers' Choice

Bones

At Frank Bonanno's fourth restaurant, you can't go wrong with the voluptuous pork and egg udon, but our standbys are the ba mee (vegetarian) and the chilled soba—in whatever combos the kitchen cooks up. 701 Grant St., 303-860-2929, www.bonesdenver.com

Sushi

Editors' Choice

Sushi Sasa

Right off the surging Platte Street sits Sushi Sasa, a neighborhood joint if there ever was one. At lunchtime, area businessmen and shoppers perch at the bar, savoring fresh hand rolls and tempura; at night, it's a popular date spot for the trendy young professionals who live within a few blocks—and beyond. And though the rolls here are solid, the fresh nigiri (try the red snapper and unagi) is where Sasa really shines. 2401 15th St., 303-433-7272, www.sushisasadenver.com

Readers' Choice

Sushi Den

With their original restaurant packed wall-to-wall virtually every night of the week, Sushi Den's owners, the Kizaki brothers, have had to open up two new restaurants—Izakaya Den and Den Deli—just to satisfy Denverites' ravenous appetites. The fish here ain't cheap, but it's worth it. 1487 S. Pearl St., 303-777-0826, www.sushiden.net

Barbecue

Editors' Choice

Hog Wild BBQ

If you can't find a genuine (read: straight outta the South) roadside barbecue pit in your neighborhood, then you'll do right by yourself to pull into Hog Wild, a tiny 'cue joint at the corner of Evans and South Broadway. Slow-smoked by a true Southerner—North Carolinian Chris Robinson— the hickory-smoked pulled pork, shredded beef brisket, and apple-marinated pork ribs are to die for. But the real star of the menu is the hot link sausage—spicy, juicy, and downright heavenly— served with house-made sauce. 2103 S. Broadway, 720-570-0911; 223 S. Link Lane, Fort Collins, 970-493-6029, www.hogwildcolorado.com

Readers' Choice

Brothers BBQ

With five locations—plus a part-time cart on the 16th Street Mall—this local business done good is never too far away for a quick bite. If you're in one of Brothers' metro-area 'hoods, hunker down with a half slab of pork spareribs, barbecue beans, and mustard-based potato salad. Multiple locations, www.brothers-bbq.com

Patio Dining

Editors' Choice

The Squeaky Bean

The LoHi neighborhood has a monopoly on outdoor dining this year. 5280 readers still dig Lola's breezeway (see below), but we're keen on the roomy tables and chairs outside of the Squeaky Bean, which lies a few blocks away. The patio offers a canopy that makes for a perfect summer lunch—which just happens to be our meal of choice at this one-year-old eatery—while dinnertime al fresco begs for a crisp glass of Italian Pinot Grigio, a perfect way to cool down a warm July evening. 3301 Tejon St., 303-284-0053, www.thesqueakybean.net

Readers' Choice

Lola

You know it. You love it. And we totally agree. Lola's inside-outside bar draws in the after-work crowds on any patio-worthy evening, and you can enjoy a full meal on the patio, too. If a table along the outside railing is available, request it: You can sit back with your predinner cocktail (try the Dr. J coin margarita), order the chile-rubbed flatiron steak, and watch the fading sunset paint the sky over Denver's shimmering skyline. 1575 Boulder St., 720-570-8686, www.loladenver.com

Tapas

Editors' Choice

Ondo's Spanish Tapas & Bar

When Ondo's opened in the ill-fated French 250 space, we were concerned that diners might not find the subterranean zone. But then we tasted Curt and Deicy Steinbecker's menu, and our worries disappeared as quickly as the creamy goat cheese and brandied raisins, refreshing shrimp and avocado ensalada, and the doughnutlike croquetas de jamón. Oh, yes, people will find this place. And though you might need to ask for a knowledgeable staffer to help you, there are nice glasses of wine to be had. 250 Steele St., Suite 100, 303-975-6514, www.ondostapas.com

Readers' Choice

9th Door

Stop by this sexy LoDo spot for a pitcher of sangría and a quick bite, or make a night out of it. Either way, peruse the menu (divided into hot and cold tapas) and don't miss the fire-roasted piquillo peppers stuffed with fresh goat cheese and rosemary, or the savory albóndigas—lamb meatballs with a mint-almond sauce. 1808 Blake St., 303-292-2229, www.theninthdoor.com

Bargain Bite

Editors' Choice

Emilio's Mexican Restaurant

Everything's a deal at Emilio's. Tacos for $2.50? We'll have two. A five-spot (or less) for a breakfast burrito? Yes, please. The hefty menu at this laid-back Capitol Hill haunt tops out at $10. Grab some friends and stop in after 4 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, for a boisterous atmosphere and Sauza tequila margaritas—for just $1.75 apiece. Dangerous? Eh. We'll see you there at 4. 338 E. Colfax Ave., 303-832-2388, www.emiliosmexicanrestaurant.com

Readers' Choice

Chipotle

Hey, even though we hear rumors of Chipotle opening up shop in London (London!), Denver lays claim to the very first location (near the University of Denver), and there's a certain loyalty among Denverites. There's nothing better than a solid pound of burrito with the works for $6.43. With the user-friendly online ordering system (there's even an iPhone app) and enviable consistency, your burrito fix is at your fingertips. Multiple locations, www.chipotle.com

Deli

Editors' Choice

Jimmy & Drew's 28th Street Delicatessen

You can eat all of your daily meals (we've not done so, but it's good enough to consider) at this Boulder joint, which serves classic deli fare and spices it up with a roster of specialty sandwiches such as Jimmy's Favorite (a potato latke Reuben) and Drew's favorite (meatloaf, lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions, Russian dressing, and cheddar on an onion roll). The spacious, family-friendly spot also cooks up Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef, and gyros, plus the $10 Wednesday dinner special: rotisserie chicken with homemade mashers and country gravy. 2855 28th St., Boulder, 303-447-3354, www.jimmyanddrews.com

Readers' Choice

Heidi's Brooklyn Deli

A perennial favorite of our readers, this chain offers a back-to-basics selection of deli meats and cheeses, soups, desserts—even breakfast (the bacon, egg, and cheese bagel is a killer hangover cure). Check out the Coney Island Reuben or the Nova Scotia lox for an authentic taste of old Noo Yawk. Multiple locations, www.heidisbrooklyndeli.com

Fine Dining

Editors' Choice

Meadow Lark Farm Dinners

In this age of knowing where your food comes from, the ultimate dining experience is at the source. By that we mean farm dinners, where long tables, set with china, stemware, and candles, stretch among open fields. A handful of companies specialize in these culinary celebrations, but our favorite is Meadow Lark Farms, which travels to local farms from June through September in a school bus that's been retrofitted with a kitchen. The seasonal menus feature ingredients and crops grown in the fields surrounding you, and the actual dining experience is exquisite for that reason. Reservations (which usually open a month ahead of time) are a hot commodity, so check the website regularly. www.farmdinners.com

Readers' Choice

Fruition Restaurant

Since opening Fruition in 2007, chef Alex Seidel (who was recently named best new chef by Food & Wine) and maître d' Paul Attardi have made a big impression on Denver. Night after night, as Attardi smooths any ripples in the dining room, Seidel crafts seasonal dishes such as his pasta carbonara with house-cured pork belly and handmade cavatelli. Bonus: Much of the restaurant's produce and egg supply comes from Seidel's certified-organic farm outside Larkspur. 1313 E. Sixth Ave., 303-831-1962, www.fruitionrestaurant.com

Meatball Sandwich

Editors' Choice

Marco's Coal-Fired Pizzeria

OK, it's not a sub-size hoagie, but it is a steaming plate of three sliders that add up to the finest meatball deliciousness that D-Town has to offer. The perfectly formed, melt-in-your-mouth meatballs arrive dripping with caciocavallo cheese inside toasty-soft buns. Add the San Marzano tomato sauce (with some on the side for dippin') and you've got the most satisfying rush of Italian abbondanza in recent memory. 2129 Larimer St., 303-296-7000, www.marcoscoalfiredpizza.com

Readers' Choice

Carbone's Italian Sausage Market & Deli

You'll have to take your sandwich to go from this teensy 38th Avenue kitchen, but it's worth the effort. The jovial countermen serve up a savory meatball delight with provolone, peppers, and just the right amount of sauce, all folded into the kind of sublimely chewy roll that any good hoagie requires. 1221 W. 38th Ave., 303-455-2893

Mexican

Editors' Choice

Rosa Linda's Mexican Café

Since 1985, the Aguirre family has watched their neighborhood transform from fringe-y North Denver into mega-hip Highland. And through it all, they've stayed put with their buzzing kitchen. The lively vibe speaks to everyone, from the newly arrived coolios to the area's longtime families, all of whom flock to the cafe for a wide range of Mexican treats—including the much-lauded chile relleno (soft, not crispy), the light, flaky sopaipillas, and super nachos that once earned a "Top 15 Nachos in the Nation" designation from the Wall Street Journal. (You know a Mexican place is legit when "cactus" is one of the topping choices for those nachos.) 2005 W. 33rd Ave., 303-455-0608, www.rosalindasmexicancafe.com

Readers' Choice

Benny's

With a just-rambunctious-enough atmosphere, a vast menu that features Mexican mainstays and offbeat alternatives—try the carne tampiqueña or mole poblano—and margaritas that are rumored to induce strangely heightened feelings of, um, el amor, this longtime Cap Hill haunt is an easy choice for south-of-the-border fun. 301 E. Seventh Ave., 303-894-0788, www.bennysrestaurant.com

Burger

Editors' Choice

Park Burger

There's been a surge of fancy burger joints opening all over town, but the best is this tiny storefront on a quiet stretch of Old South Pearl. The burgers here, from the simple cheeseburger to the swanky croque burger (with ham, fried egg, and Swiss sizzling atop a juicy one-third-pound patty) are phenomenal and affordable: The priciest burger will set you back a paltry $8.25. Do yourself a favor and don't forget an order of the sweet-potato fries. 1890 S. Pearl St., 720-242-9951, www.parkburger.com

Readers' Choice

The Cherry Cricket

Around here, we call the Cricket the "New York Yankees"—and for good reason: The Cherry Creek burger spot has won Top of the Town honors a stunning 19 times, making it our most decorated "best of" business in the city. Unlike the Yankees, though, the Cricket's not constantly showing off the latest and greatest—they just crank out the same great burger day after day (not to mention a pretty sweet draft beer list). 2641 E. Second Ave., 303-322-7666, www.cherrycricket.com

Pizza

Editors' Choice

Pulcinella Pizzeria

Denver has become quite the pizza town, and we have absolutely no arguments with our readers' pick in this category (see below). But we're always more than willing to make the trek south to the new-ish Pulcinella in Cherry Hills—the classic Neapolitan pies (and slices!) are that good. We're partial to the diavola, with its spicy imported soppressata, but you can't go wrong with the margherita. The space itself may be a bit sterile, but the friendly service more than makes up for it. 1400 E. Hampden Ave., Suite 140, Cherry Hills Village, 303-761-9917; 385 Crossing Drive, Suite 105, Lafayette, 303-664-1599, www.pulcinellapizzeria.net

Readers' Choice

Marco's Coal-Fired Pizzeria

If we were to open up a pizza joint, Marco's would be the model: the warm space (despite the gritty block on which it's located); the servers who make you feel like a regular, even if you're not; and the sublime pizzas, with that tasty, chewy crust. There's not much to improve on at Marco's—which is why we find ourselves going back over and over again. 2129 Larimer St., 303-296-7000, www.marcoscoalfiredpizza.com

Kid-friendly Restaurant

Editors' Choice

Steuben's

Maybe it's just us, but when we go out with our kids, we'd like to be able to enjoy our meal—and the experience—as much as our children do (sorry Chuck E. Cheese's). Steuben's has admirably created a restaurant that makes us parents feel (somewhat) hip, and has our kids asking for return visits. And it's no wonder: Retro TV dinner-style trays are packed with decadent mac and cheese—and fresh fruit, for good measure—and topped off with a ridiculously huge bowl of soft-serve ice cream or a cupcake. What's not to like? 523 E. 17th Ave., 303-830-1001, www.steubens.com

Readers' Choice

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers

With 10-plus locations in metro Denver, there always seems to be a Red Robin within shouting distance when the kids go into meltdown mode. And the menu here is always a crowd pleaser for the tykes: Rad RobinBurger (no, that's not a typo), grilled chicken on a stick, carnival corn dogs, and more. With meals coming in at under $5, parents will leave with a smile, too. Multiple locations, www.redrobin.com

Chocolate Dessert

Editors' Choice

Salt Bistro

We almost—almost—rush through Bradford Heap's tasty farm-to-table dishes to get to the dessert menu. We just can't stay away from the sinful dark chocolate caramel salt tart. The rich chocolate, offset with buttery caramel and hints of salt, is the reason they invented the phrase "melts in your mouth." And the side scoop of coffee cocoa-nib ice cream pairs perfectly. 1047 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-444-7258, www.saltboulderbistro.com

Readers' Choice

D Bar Desserts

When a menu overflows with chocolaty concoctions, it's ridiculous to try to pick just one. So we don't. The hefty (and by now legendary) cake and shake holds a special place in our hearts, and the p.b. d bar is a choco-peanut butter combo like nothing else. But when we're feeling nostalgic, it's all about the baked-to-order chocolate-chip cookies dipped in ice-cold milk. 1475 E. 17th Ave., 303-861-4710, www.dbardesserts.com

Ice Cream/Gelato

Editors' Choice

Sweet Action Ice Cream

We can't decide what we like more about this parlor: the location (a row of stools has an open-air view—in nice weather, of course—of Broadway's hipster scene) or the innovative flavors (can't get enough of the Biscuits and Jam, a mix made with real buttermilk biscuits and raspberry jam). Thankfully, there's no need to choose—just order yourself a double (dare we say triple?) scoop. 52 Broadway, 303-282-4645, www.sweetactionicecream.com

Readers' Choice

Bonnie Brae Ice Cream

Standing in line is part of the fun at this Denver institution; we've done it a hundred times, and every time we're undecided on a flavor (Banana Nut? Peach Pie? Tiramisù?) when we reach the counter. The selection of nearly three dozen flavors is almost overwhelming...which is to say, no number of samples is too many. Indulge. 799 S. University Blvd., 303-777-0808, www.bonniebraeicecream.com

Chinese

Editors' Choice

Star Kitchen

You had us at ni hao. You kept us with the pork buns, shrimp won tons, hot pots, and those ridiculous lobster specials. Everything in this pit stop off Federal Boulevard oozes authenticity, from the live eel slithering in the tank in the dining room to the multigenerational Chinese families happily enjoying a meal around you. There's even something mystic about rolling up at this place: Tucked in a well-worn strip mall with graffiti near the roof, Star Kitchen's appearance is as unassuming and unpretentious as its eats. But this is food that doesn't need flourish. It's just that good. 2917 W. Mississippi Ave., 303-936-0089, www.starkitchendenver.com

Readers' Choice

Imperial Chinese Seafood Fine Restaurant

When it comes to Far Eastern cuisine, this institution delivers the goods better than most. Imperial has been slinging its brand of Chinese for 25 years, and in these parts that's pretty much what you'd call forever. The service is top-notch, the dining room is date-worthy elegant, and the sesame chicken is clean-your-plate good every time. 431 S. Broadway, 303-698-2800, www.imperialchinese.com

Tacos

Editors' and Readers' Choice

Tacos y Salsas

You put it out there, and we have to agree. Whether it's perfectly seasoned beef, strips of pork, or succulent, blackened chunks of chicken, there is no wrong way to build a taco here. For less than $6, you can get three tacos, served on floppy corn tortillas, and fixed with any assortment of veggies-slash-sauces you want to pack onto those bad boys. At Tacos y Salsas, a nice, simple taco is like its own fine-dining experience—even if you have to shake the juices off your fingers after each bite. Multiple locations

Indian

Editors' Choice

India's Restaurant

Tucked in the back of a strip mall off Hampden Avenue and I-25, and sharing an entrance with a budget movie theater, India's doesn't look like much from the outside. The fare inside, though, is as good as Indian food gets in Denver: expertly executed curries and masalas, spicy vindaloos (unless you've got taste buds of steel, don't order hotter than "medium"), and the very best garlic naan we've ever tasted. We only wish there was a location closer to downtown. 7400 E. Hampden Ave., 303-755-4284, www.indiasrestaurant.com

Readers' Choice

Little India Restaurant

There's a reason that Little India has won Top of the Town honors for a decade running: helpful service and great food, every single visit. Servers always patiently explain the difference between not just the saags and kormas, but also lesser-known dishes such as bhunas and jalfrazies. Little surprise that it opened a fourth location in Belmar just three months ago. Multiple locations, www.littleindiadenver.com

Steak

Editors' Choice

Elway's

If John Elway's legacy were confined to his steak house, we'd still consider him a god. The beef here is that good. The bone-in rib eye—the steak upon which all steak houses should be measured—is a massive 22 ounces and, when cooked to a temperature of medium rare, is nothing short of divine. Take your time, savor, and keep your eyes peeled— you just might get to see old No. 7 sitting in the corner. 2500 E. First Ave., 303-399-5353; 1888 Curtis St., 303-312-3107, www.elways.com

Readers' Choice

The Capital Grille

At most steak houses in Denver, you're going to get a good meal: Colorado knows beef. Then there's the Capital Grille, a place that makes much of its competition look like Burger King. We've never had anything but the finest service, and the food, from the starters (try the melt-in-your-mouth beef carpaccio) through the main courses (a porterhouse that would make a vegetarian drool), kills it every time. 1450 Larimer St., 303-539-2500, www.thecapitalgrille.com

Dim Sum

Editors' Choice

Star Kitchen

If you only have one dish to order here, make it the snow pea leaf dumplings with shrimp. The dumpling shell, infused with snow peas, has that hard-to-achieve chewy quality—we call it perfection—that's frustratingly elusive in so many other steamed goodies we've sampled, and the shrimp is cooked just right to retain its freshness. Bonus: If you don't know what you're looking at on those never-ending pushcarts, the gregarious staff is happy to explain everything in detail. Did we mention every dish is under $6? 2917 W. Mississippi Ave., 303-936-0089, www.starkitchendenver.com

Readers' Choice

Super Star Asian Cuisine

Sure, it might be a while before you're seated, but our readers know good dim sum is worth the wait. As cart after cart rolls by at lunch, filled with sticky pork buns, salty fried rice, and must-have shrimp dumplings, your biggest concern will be whether there's enough room on the table for everything you want to try. Luckily, the staff is all about stuffing you silly while you sit, explore the menu, and muster up the courage to try some chicken feet. 2200 W. Alameda Ave., Suite 5A, 303-727-9889

Street Vendor

Editors' Choice

Gastro Cart

Denver's food scene only got better when Bryan Hume and Mike Winston left Table 6 to start a downtown street cart. In almost nine months, Gastro Cart has garnered legions of fans who line up for creative, made-to-order eats that run the gamut—pot stickers with red curry and sweet Asian butter one day, pork belly sliders with Stranahan's whiskey apple jam the next. Find out what's cooking on Gastro Cart's Facebook and/or Twitter page. Bonus: The cart has a credit card machine at the ready. 18th and Curtis streets, www.gastrocart.com

Readers' Choice

Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs

There was a time when Biker Jim defined Denver's street food. The street cart scene has grown, but Jim Pittenger's gourmet sausages—don't miss the elk or reindeer—are still the biggest draw on the 16th Street Mall. Business is growing, too: You can now find two Biker Jim carts rotating through three locations. 16th and Arapahoe streets; 17th and California streets; and 760 E. Colfax Ave. (in the Argonaut Wine & Liquor parking lot), www.bikerjims.tumblr.com

Hot Dog

Editors' Choice

Mustard's Last Stand II

This DU favorite will make any Chicagoan nostalgic, with its Windy City-themed decor—maps, pics, and pennants—and of course its authentic grilled Vienna beef delights (although some transplants have complained about Mustard's lack of Chi-town's trademark neon-green relish). The food is simple, cheap, and delicious, and Mustard's even offers veggie dogs that get rave reviews from the tofurkey set. 2081 S. University Blvd., 303-722-7936; 1719 N. Broadway St., Boulder, 303-444-5841

Readers' Choice

Steve's Snappin' Dogs

A longtime reader standby, Steve's serves traditional Chicago-style dogs along with a roster of regionally themed pups, À la Dallas (chili), Memphis (barbecue sauce), and even Denver (essentially a burrito with bacon and a wiener in it). In the unlikely event that you're a health nut in search of a hot dog fix, Steve's got you covered with low-carb options—wrapped in a tortilla or even lettuce—though we're of the personal opinion that this is simply wrong. 3525 E. Colfax Ave., 303-333-7627, www.stevessnappindogs.com

Soup

Editors' Choice

Pajama Baking Company

Whenever we find ourselves on Old South Pearl, it's almost impossible not to tuck into this tasty bakeshop for the delectable soup of the day. The chefs have perfected the art of simmering; we recommend the zesty green chile chowder made with tender, fresh chiles, and the one-of-a-kind coconut curry vegetable, seasoned with colorful peppers and onions and a touch of peanut butter. Snag a stool by the floor-to-ceiling windows and slurp down some of Denver's best bisques with a hunk of fresh-baked artisanal bread. 1595 S. Pearl St., 303-733-3622, www.pajamabakingcompany.com

Readers' Choice

Panera Bread

If you're a soup-and-sandwich kinda luncher, check out Panera's impressive selection, which ranges from creamy broccoli cheddar—nothing like Velveeta here, thanks—to the vegetarian creamy tomato with Asiago croutons. The extra touches (pearled barley, nut-free basil pesto garnish, fluffy bread bowls) are especially enticing for a fast-casual spot. Multiple locations, www.panerabread.com

Cupcakes

Editors' Choice

The Shoppe

There was a time when we thought there was no better treat in all the land than a Girl Scout Samoa cookie. Until we bit into the Samoa cupcake at the Shoppe. Fair warning: This is a frosting fiend's kinda place; dazzling cupcakes in offbeat flavors (jitterbug perfume?) are piled high with frothy, whipped icing. They're garnished with fruit slices or cookie crumbles or glittery sprinkles, and it's hard to resist picking out a boxful—even if you stop by for just one. Tip: Order the mini version instead of regular size. Then if you eat three—not that we'd know—you won't feel so guilty. 3103 E. Colfax Ave., 303-322-3969, www.theshoppedenver.com

Readers' Choice

Happy Cakes Bakeshop

Of course the cakes are happy—they come in flavors like cosmo, Jack and Coke, and maple bacon. The shop is actually named after one of the owners' sons, who, as a toddler, would wish people "happy birthday" by declaring "happy cakes!" instead. Well said—and perfectly executed. 3434 W. 32nd Ave., 303-477-3556, www.happycakes.com

Brunch

Editors' Choice

Root Down

Perhaps it's the urban-yet-cozy neighborhood vibe. Maybe it's the appropriately lazy Sunday-morning chatter. Most definitely, it's the bottomless blood-orange mimosas. Whatever the case, we find it nearly impossible to turn down a weekend morning at Root Down. The often organic creations are artistic enough (duck confit crêpes with orange-ginger hoisin) to appeal to sophisticated palates, but grounded enough (house-made chorizo omelet) to work for the meat-and-potatoes crew as well. 1600 W. 33rd Ave., 303-993-4200, www.rootdowndenver.com

Readers' Choice

Snooze

We thought the brilliant addition of a second Snooze location last July might alleviate the hours-long wait at the original Ballpark eatery. No such luck. Now there are around-the-corner lines at both locations on Saturday and Sunday mornings. (We suspect as much at the newly opened outpost in Fort Collins, as well.) Our most recent visit found us inhaling a giant stack of cherry cobbler pancakes even as we eyed the breakfast pot pie with rosemary sausage gravy across the table. 2262 Larimer St., 303-297-0704; 700 N. Colorado Blvd., Suite A, 303-736-6200; 144 W. Mountain Ave., Fort Collins, 970-482-9253; www.snoozeeatery.com

Italian

Editors' Choice

Shells and Sauce

When we stumbled into this Congress Park staple during a swirling snowstorm one evening, it was like being welcomed into a friend's cozy kitchen. The food, like the atmosphere, is unpretentious. One bite of the lobster ravioli, swimming in Chardonnay cream sauce with Italian parsley, was enough to make us regulars, and the vongole alla puttanesca (spaghetti tossed with little neck clams in a tomato and white-wine sauce) transported us to the Italian seaside. This summer, we're excited to head back for our next meal al fresco on the restaurant's rooftop patio. 2600 E. 12th Ave., 303-377-2091, www.shellsandsauce.net

Readers' Choice

Carmine's On Penn

Carmine's does Italian the way it's supposed to be done: traditional, rich, and simmering with mouthwatering garlic. The family-style menu is stacked with classic Italian goodies—no shortage of parmigiana or Marsala dishes in this kitchen—though we're partial to the more creative pasta entrées, like the orecchiette basilicata. 92 S. Pennsylvania St., 303-777-6443, www.carminesonpenn.net

Un-Beef Burger

Editors' Choice

Diego Zhang's Burger Café

This order-at-the-counter joint serves up adorable slider-size burgers inspired by global cultures—and there's not just one "alterna-beef" option tacked onto the menu. For just the right combo of lean and decadent, order the Yellowstone (buffalo with crumbled bacon and blue cheese.) Italian junky? Try the Genoa (chicken with pesto, red peppers, and mushrooms). All the patties are a ground mixture of bright ingredients, so you're never eating a blah slab of fish or soy product drowning in toppings. In fact, they're so flavorful that you don't even need condiments. 12073 E. Arapaho Road, Centennial, 720-496-1020; 6851 S. Gaylord St., Unit 251 (the Streets at SouthGlenn), Centennial, 303-484-9802, www.diegozhangs.com

Readers' Choice

WaterCourse Foods

No surprise here: The wild rice tempeh burger, sizzling with caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms, comes with barbecue, teriyaki, or blackened seasoning. There's no automatic side of fries with that, but you can pick two extras—we suggest the quinoa salad and steamed broccoli. (Though you can order fries if you want...some things are just meant to be together.) 837 E. 17th Ave., 303-832-7313, www.watercoursefoods.com

Wine List

Editors' Choice

Olivéa

Just as Olivéa's menu pulls from Spanish, Italian, and French cuisines, so goes the wine list. The well-curated selection gently nudges diners to expand beyond the usual suspects (i.e., California Cabs, New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, and Chilean Merlots)—for a surprising new experience. Many of these lesser-known sips come at a lower price, and all complement the Mediterranean-influenced dishes. 719 E. 17th Ave., 303-861-5050, www.olivearestaurant.com

Readers' Choice

Caveau Wine Bar

Readers love Caveau Wine Bar's substantial by-the-glass list (60-plus!) and the stellar happy hour: $5 for glasses $12 or under, and half price for glasses $13 and up. If drinking prime-time isn't your style, simply wander in after 7 p.m. and have your pick of the list—be it a summery Albariño or an extra-special bottle of Fiddlehead Fiddlestix Pinot Noir. 450 E. 17th Ave., Suite 110, 303-861-3747, www.caveauwinebar.com

Bloody Mary

Editors' Choice

Olivéa

The indulgent, spicy Bloody Mary is technically only served at brunch, but those in the know can order it any time of day. The trick to making this Bloody stand out is twofold: First, the habanero spice is just right—enough kick to leave your lips tingling, but not so much that it will obliterate your palate—and second is the funky garnish, which, in this inspired case, consists of a cherry tomato, a slice of jalapeño, a fresh leaf of basil, and a small round of balsamic-marinated mozzarella. There's nothing better to kick off a lazy weekend morning. 719 E. 17th Ave., 303-861-5050, www.olivearestaurant.com

Readers' Choice

Lucile's Creole Cafe

You know it's gotta be good when they bottle and sell it, as they do with Lucile's Cajun Bloody Mary Mix. Order it online or, better yet, grab a glass of this spicy, substantial tomato-y goodness while waiting in line for Sunday brunch at the always-mobbed South Logan location. Multiple locations, www.luciles.com

Thai

Editors' Choice

US Thai Cafe

Tucked into a dive-y little spot on Edgewater's main drag is a true diamond in the rough. As in, it's rough around the edges—think plastic tablecloths and no-frills service—but the food here is to die for. Authentic, hot, and wonderfully satisfying, the drunken noodles, the pad see ew, and the masman curry—all of which are nothing short of extraordinary—bring us back time and again. Don't forget the earthy Thai iced tea, a perfect foil to the spicy cuisine. 5228 W. 25th Ave., Edgewater, 303-233-3345, www.usthaicafe.com

Readers' Choice

Thai Basil

With spots in Wash Park, West Highland, and near City Park (among others), Thai Basil has become the go-to destination for fast-casual Thai in the Mile High. You can't go wrong with standbys such as panang curry, pad Thai, and drunken noodles; even better, at the Highland location, you can grab domestic beers for 25 cents with a food order! Multiple locations, www.thaibasil.us