2:23 pm, Oct 26, 2010
(Food: 3.5 | Service: 2.5 | Ambience: 2)1235 Pennsylvania Ave., Boulder, 303-993-8131, www.cafeaion.comThe Draw Fresh, seemingly simple preparations that explode with flavor; a casual, elbows-on-the-table environment. The Drawback Although the menu is designed around small plates and platters meant for sharing, some of the dishes are difficult to...
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12:00 pm, Oct 1, 2010
2.5 out of 4 starsFood: 3 starsService: 1 star Ambience: 2.5 stars2700 E. Third Ave., 720-382-1117, argyllpub.com
The Draw A diverse burgers-to-duck-breast menu served in a relaxed pub environment; a solid list of European beers and single-malt Scotches.
The Drawback The service ranges from merely adequate to astonishingly bad.
Don’t...
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3:40 am, Aug 30, 2010
Satchel’s Market (out of 4) Food Service Ambience5021 E. 28th Ave., 303-355-2137, www.satchelsmarket.com The Draw A comfy-casual neighborhood cafe whose upscale cuisine rivals the best downtown has to offer. The Drawback Service is inconsistent, and the in-transition neighborhood might be a turnoff. Don’t Miss Gnocchi,...
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7:09 pm, Aug 28, 2010
Salt Bistro (out of 4) Food Service Ambience1047 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-444-7258 The Draw A casual, come-as-you-are bistro that emphasizes an ever-changing menu of fresh, seasonal ingredients and smart, flavorful preparation. The Drawback Because Salt doesn't take reservations for parties fewer than five, the wait—especially on weekends—...
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7:09 pm, Aug 28, 2010
Ondo's Spanish Tapas Bar (out of 4) (Food | Service | Ambience ) 250 Steele St., Suite 100, 303-975-6514 The Draw Satisfying, creative, and authentic Spanish and Basque dishes served as small, affordable plates that are meant to be shared. The Drawback The space lacks warmth and charm. Don't Miss Queso de cabra (goat cheese with strawberry and...
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7:09 pm, Aug 28, 2010
Colt & Gray (out of 4) (Food | Service | Ambience ) 1553 Platte St., #120, 303-477-1447, www.coltandgray.com The Draw Creative, playful dishes in a space that blends rustic farmhouse with modern chic. The Drawback The kitchen can have a heavy hand with salt; some of the seating can be confining. Don't Miss The tender braised Colorado lamb...
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7:09 pm, Aug 28, 2010
LoHi SteakBar (out of 4) (Food | Service | Ambience ) 3200 Tejon St., 303-927-6334 The Draw An affordable, high-quality neighborhood bar and steak joint where a wide range of diners feel at home. The Drawback Reservations aren't accepted, and the crowds can be overwhelming. Don't Miss Filet with blue-cheese butter, roasted chicken, anything...
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7:09 pm, Aug 28, 2010
(out of 4) 719 E. 17th Ave., 303-861-5050, www.olivearestaurant.com The Draw Creative upscale bistro cuisine and exciting wine list inspired by southern France, Italy, and Spain; attentive service. The Drawback Tables are crowded together, and conversations from nearby diners can interfere with your own. Don't Miss Jack Rabbit cocktail, fried...
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7:09 pm, Aug 28, 2010
(out of 4) 38 S. Broadway, 303-777-3505, www.beatriceandwoodsley.com The Draw A playfully romantic setting and a creative menu that's meant to be shared. The Drawback Flavors can be timid; some of the seating is awkward. Don't Miss The spicy Killer Bee cocktail with the Cheeky Bastard (braised veal cheek rillette encased in polenta); the...
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7:09 pm, Aug 28, 2010
TAG Restaurant (out of 4) 1441 Larimer St., 303-996-9985 The Draw Creative, multicultural dishes in a modern, urban space on Larimer Square. The Drawback Service can be absentminded and inconsistent. Don't Miss The vibrant cocktails, flash-seared kona kampachi, braised pork shoulder, Szechuan Colorado lamb. Price $$$ ($16-$25) There are...
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7:09 pm, Aug 28, 2010
Brasserie Felix (out of 4) 3901 Tennyson St., 303-953-2401 The Draw Classic French brasserie fare in a warm, casual environment. The Drawback Service can be spotty, and execution inconsistent. Don't Miss French martini, French onion soup, frisée salad, steak frites, crêpes suzette Price: $$$ (Average entrée $16-$25) About five years ago, on a...
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7:09 pm, Aug 28, 2010
India's Pearl (out of 4) 1475 S. Pearl St., 303-777-1533 The Draw Indian comfort food in a fine-dining setting. The Drawback While the menu is extensive and satisfying, few dishes stand out. Don't Miss Lamb sali boti, chana masala, mango chutney, Irish chai. Price $$$ (average entrée $16-$25) One of the best birthday presents I ever received was...
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7:09 pm, Aug 28, 2010
Root Down (out of 4 stars) 1600 W. 33rd Ave., 303-993-4200 The Draw Highly creative, seasonal eats served in a super-hip environment.The Drawback Service can be spotty, and execution is lacking on many dishes.Don't Miss Build your meal around small plates like organic beets three ways, the three-sided salad, and zucchini and goat cheese...
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7:09 pm, Aug 28, 2010
Arugula Ristorante (out of 4) 2785 Iris Ave., Boulder, 303-443-5100 The Draw An extensive modern Italian menu, contemporary environment, affordable wine list. The Drawback The strip-mall location is a bummer, but you'll forget about it once inside. Don't Miss Local beet and zucchini salad, house-made Vin Santo pâté, sausage and goat cheese...
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7:09 pm, Aug 28, 2010
Twelve Restaurant (out of 4) 2233 Larimer St., 303-293-0287 The Draw An ever-changing monthly menu built around seasonal ingredients; knowledgeable and attentive service. The Drawback The upscale food seems out of place in the understated saloonlike atmosphere—not to mention the transitional Ballpark neighborhood. Don't Miss Roasted mushroom soup...
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