Executive chef-owner Blake Edmunds creates refined renditions of Latin American–inspired country cuisine at Señor Bear—each plate of mussels or pig tail or heirloom beans pops with color, acid, and heat—and he nails it, every single time. The bar menu transports you somewhere tropical with rum-, tequila-, and pisco-based drinks starring fresh juices and Tiki-esque garnishes. The room is cozy and casual, and the service is attentive. But Señor Bear is truly special thanks to the magic that the Culinary Creative Group—of soon-to-open Morin and Bar Dough—imbues into its restaurants. As a guest, you’ll recognize it in the dynamic vibe you feel when you arrive, and in the reliably high-level execution that follows. In other words, Señor Bear just works—really, really well. $$, 3301 Tejon St., 720-572-5997

Denise Mickelsen
Denise Mickelsen
Denise Mickelsen is 5280’s former food editor. She oversaw all of 5280’s food-related coverage from October 2016 to March 2021.