1:49 pm, Apr 25, 2013
The DrawAn energetic Uptown restaurant/bar/ping-pong palace perfect for groups seeking an inexpensive and entertaining night out.The DrawbackSome of the dishes lack balance (oversalted, underseasoned), and getting a table (both for dining and pong) on busy nights requires patience.Don’t MissLo Pan’s Ruin and Mission Orange cocktails, spicy pork...
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5:53 am, Mar 27, 2013
Basta3601 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303-997-8775, pizzeriabasta.com3 stars______The DrawArtful wood-fired appetizers, entrées, pizzas, and desserts whose simple presentations belie their inherent complexities.The DrawbackOn busy nights, the timing can suffer—cocktails are tardy, pizzas arrive too soon.Don’t MissChicken liver mousse, the Cart-...
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1:42 pm, Feb 22, 2013
3 Stars_____The DrawElevated Mexican street food bolstered by a strong list of tequilas, mezcals, sotols, whiskeys, and creative cocktails.The DrawbackCrowds pack the bar and restaurant nightly, so waits are long and the dining room is noisy.Don’t MissQueso a la plancha tacos, pork belly agrodolce tacos, queso fundido con tequila, chicken...
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4:12 pm, Jan 24, 2013
Al Lado1610 Little Raven St.303-572-3000richardsandoval.com/allado_____The DrawA romantic wine bar in Riverfront serving traditional Spanish tapas that are perfect for sharing.The DrawbackOn busy nights, both table service and valet parking can be unreliable.Don’t MissTuna crudo, tortilla Española, fideos chorizo y almejas ahumandas, patatas...
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3:52 pm, Dec 18, 2012
The Squeaky Bean - 3 1/2 Stars 1500 Wynkoop St., #101 303-623-2665 thesqueakybean.com_____The Draw A nothing-quite-like-it menu that takes seasonal, ingredient-driven cuisine to a creative new level. The Drawback This is a place for diners who seek novelty, adventure, and a bit of theater with their meal. Those looking for familiar...
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3:18 pm, Nov 27, 2012
Charcoal - 3 stars 43 W. Ninth Ave.303-454-0000charcoaldining.comThe Draw A satisfying contemporary American menu enlivened with European touches and presented by an attentive waitstaff. The Drawback The main dining space lacks warmth and cheer. Don’t Miss Lamb meatball, braised oxtail ragoût, grilled pork chop, french fries....
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11:43 am, Oct 24, 2012
The Kitchen Denver 1530 16th St.303-623-3127thekitchencommunity.com The Draw An inviting and energetic modern space in the heart of LoDo; an unpretentious menu that emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients. The Drawback On busy nights, both the kitchen and waitstaff are easily overwhelmed. Don’t Miss Cold-smoked mussels,...
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4:39 pm, Sep 20, 2012
CafeBar - 2 1/2 stars295 S. Pennsylvania St.303-362-0227cafebarcolorado.com The Draw A casual neighborhood restaurant with an inviting patio, a small but energetic bar with kitchen-view seating, and a menu that relies heavily on seasonal, local ingredients. The Drawback Spotty service; many dishes suffer from carelessness. Don’t...
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3:55 pm, Aug 27, 2012
Trillium - 3 1/2 stars 2134 Larimer St. 303-379-9759 trilliumdenver.com ______The Draw: Clean, ingredient-driven dishes influenced by the cuisine of Scandinavia; an open, modern space in the Ballpark neighborhood. The Drawback: Parking can be a challenge; occasionally, the noise level rises to the point of distraction; and a couple...
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7:59 am, Jul 25, 2012
Oak at Fourteenth, 1400 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-444-3622, oakatfourteenth.com3 StarsThe Draw A bright, open space just off the Pearl Street Mall; a diverse, ever-changing seasonal menu; wood-fire cooking that adds depth of flavor. The Drawback Cooking over an open flame is tricky and can create inconsistencies in execution. Don’t...
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2:43 pm, Jun 26, 2012
Phat Thai • 2900 E. Second Ave., 303-388-7428, phatthai.comThree Stars The Draw Creative Southeast Asian cuisine that’s designed for sharing and is served in an energetic Cherry Creek space. The Drawback If you’ve come for traditional Thai you might be disappointed; execution can be inconsistent. Don’t Miss Crisp pork with...
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11:48 am, May 22, 2012
The Wooden Table, 2500 E. Orchard Road, Greenwood Village, 303-730-2152, thewoodentablerestaurant.com -2 1/2 stars-The Draw A low-key Greenwood Village restaurant whose Italian-influenced menu goes beyond stereotypical suburban fare. The Drawback The pasta dishes are impressive, but the entrées lack finesse. Don’t...
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10:14 pm, Apr 22, 2012
Coohills, 1400 Wewatta St., 303-623-5700, coohills.comThe Draw A gorgeous, grown-up space in LoDo that shows just how sophisticated downtown dining has become. Its location alongside Cherry Creek alone is worth a visit.The Drawback Though well designed, the menu is not well executed. Flavors and textures compete rather...
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12:46 pm, Mar 28, 2012
District Meats, 1625 Wazee St., 303-623-1630, charliepalmer.com/Properties/DistrictMeats 3 out of 4 Stars The Draw A modern steak house menu whose bright flavors, nontraditional combinations, and colorful presentation create a long list of crave-worthy dishes. The Drawback The enormous televisions and distracting music can...
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10:01 pm, Feb 20, 2012
THE VILLAGE CORK, 1300 S. Pearl St., 303-282-8399, www.villagecork.comThe Draw A cozy, inviting space that encourages intimate conversation over glasses of wine, small plates, and comforting seasonal entrées such as beef bourguignonne and mac and cheese.The Drawback Service can be unreliable, especially on busy nights, and some...
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