The recently opened Oak at Fourteenth [2] is another notch in Boulder's culinary belt, further proving that Boulder is indeed “America’s foodiest town [3]." The restaurant's New American menu combines innovative cocktails, beer, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages (don't miss the refreshing cucumber soda or the robust, brewed-by-the-cup java from Boulder-based Boxcar Coffee Roasters [4]) with exquisitely prepared, rustic cooking.

Owned by mixologist and Frasca Food and Wine [5] alum Bryan Dayton, talented executive chef Steven Redzikowski (also of Frasca [5], Montagna [6] at the Little Nell, Cyrus Restaurant [7], Jean Georges [8], and Le Cirque [9]), and general manager Annie Polk, Oak hits all the right notes of upscale but cozy. The updated space (once the home of 14^th Street Bar & Grill) blends the well-worn feel of Salt Bistro [10] with the patina of The Kitchen [11]—and it's lovely.

The food follows suit with dishes like the crispy rock shrimp—a delicate starter of tender, lightly battered crustaceans touched with a drizzle of sweet-and-spicy basil sauce—or the addictive, fried, farm pickles served with a green goddess aïoli. Another don't-miss  appetizer is the earthy, wood-oven-roasted cauliflower with a caper-and-raisin vinaigrette. Entrées, including the succulent wood-fired Colorado lamb T-bone, are finessed and satisfying.

Bonus: Save room for desserts. We recommend the playful root beer float served with chunks of rich chocolate brownie.

1400 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-444-3622