Suburban Oasis
By Elisabeth True

Ocotillo

5960 S. Holly St., Greenwood Village
720-200-6755

The Draw
Southwestern-inspired dishes topped with flavorful sauces; great service; warm, sociable atmosphere; enormous range of tequilas; patio with fire pit.

The Drawback
If you're driving from central Denver, you'll have to tackle I-25 at rush hour.

Don't miss
Tableside guacamole, cedar-plank salmon, loin of lamb, pork tenderloin, bunuelos.

Vegetarian options
Guacamole, wild mushroom turnover, warm queso trio, all salads, Rio Grande ravioli, and pepino tomate on grilled focaccia.

A Rocky Romance
By Carol W. Maybach

The Manor House Restaurant

1 Manor House Road, Littleton
303-973-8064

The Draw
A stunning Southern mansion set against one of the most romantic backdrops in Colorado.

The Drawback
Uneven service; inconsistent complexity in the food.

Don't Miss
Scallops with sweet-corn lobster sauce, herb-crusted halibut with mango beurre blanc.

Vegetarian Options
Zesty gazpacho, Maytag Blue and Bibb lettuce salad, baby greens salad.