Every neighborhood has its go-to hangout: Congress Park has Madison Street [2], Wash Park has the Pub on Pearl [3], and Highland has Mead St. Station [4]. And now RiNo, Five Points, and Globeville can lay claim to Jake's Food & Spirits [5], an almost two-month-old bar and grill that lies on the border of all three neighborhoods.

The spot serves a reliable menu of bar favorites: Buffalo wings (order them extra crispy), crisp fried-pickle chips, stacked burgers and sandwiches, and a handful of Mexican, Italian, and Southern dishes. Of the items I've tasted, I'll go back for the French dip, which comes with melted provolone, prime rib sliced extra thin, and a not-too-salty jus.

The comfortable spot has begun to see regulars stop in three or four times a week—a result, no doubt, of the vibe, the food, and general manager Ty Hubbard's charisma.

Tip: When driving to Jake's, look for the spot's cartoon wall mural as opposed to the hard-to-find sign.

3800 Walnut St., 303-295-3800