Top of the Town 2011

For the second consecutive year, this joint off Federal Boulevard gets our nod for best Chinese because of its simple, authentic eats. We suggest dining in, warming up with some dim sum, putting down a couple of won tons, then sliding into a main course as diverse as the clientele. The spicy lobster is the tastiest east of San Francisco, and staples such as the kung pao chicken and sweet-and-sour pork can hold their own against any in the country. Bottom line: There’s no way you could be disappointed with a dish from the Star. 2917 W. Mississippi Ave., 303-936-0089, www.starkitchendenver.com