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Cuisine > Contemporary

The Kitchen Denver

Phone:
303-623-3127

This community bistro features consciously sourced ingredients and a raw seafood bar. Try the comforting tomato soup. Also try the Boulder location.

The Palate Food & Wine Bar

Phone:
303-771-5222

This sleek wine bar offers 150 vinos by the glass and an American-fusion menu featuring highlights like Colorado lamb ribs, roasted beet ravioli, and crab cakes.

Chook

Phone:
303-282-8399

Chook specializes in Australian-style, charcoal-grilled rotisserie chicken and fresh veggie sides. Try the charred broccoli salad.

Modern Market (Boulder)

Phone:
303-440-0476

Enjoy freshly prepared salads, soups, sandwiches and pizza made from simple and whole ingredients. Try a brick-oven baked pizza or the flatiron salad with steak, Gorgonzola cheese, and caramelized onions. Multiple locations.

Next Door (Stapleton)

Phone:
720-930-4366

This casual community pub focuses on nutritious and affordable cuisine. Select from small plates, bowls, and locally sourced burgers such as the Pineapple Express (topped with pineapple, arugula, and honey-Sriracha sauce). Multiple locations.

Chinook Tavern

Phone:
720-266-6000

Indulge in signature European-inspired dishes like Jaeger schnitzel and Wasabi Pea Crusted Halibut. Sit in the Zermatt Room for traditional Swiss fare such as fondue and raclette.

Next Door (Longmont)

Phone:
303-325-9690

This casual community pub focuses on nutritious and affordable cuisine. Select from small plates, bowls, and locally sourced burgers such as the Pineapple Express (topped with pineapple, arugula, and honey-Sriracha sauce). Multiple locations.

Modern Market (16th St. Mall)

Phone:
303-534-0190

Enjoy freshly prepared salads, soups, sandwiches and pizza made from simple and whole ingredients. Try a brick-oven baked pizza or the flatiron salad with steak, Gorgonzola cheese, and caramelized onions. Multiple locations.

Thyme on the Creek

Phone:
303-443-3850

Located in the Millenium Hotel, this hidden gem offers something for everyone in a casual dining environment, from burgers and pasta to steak and salmon.

Neighbors

Phone:
303-333-1149

Enjoy the feel of a cocktail party without the stress of being a host. With this small eatery's widespread array of tapas and appetizers, the atmosphere of this cozy restaurant ensures good conversation over a glass of wine or a cocktail.

Modern Market

Phone:
303-789-6096

Enjoy freshly prepared salads, soups, sandwiches, and pizza made from simple and whole ingredients. Try a brick-oven baked pizza or the flatiron salad with steak, Gorgonzola cheese, and caramelized onions. Multiple locations.

BookBar

Phone:
303-284-0194

Endearingly coined "a book shop for wine lovers, a wine bar for book shoppers," this cozy nook of an eatery offers house-made hors d'oeuvres as well as delicious cups of java from Method Coffee Roasters.

Bacon Social House (Sunnyside)

Phone:
720-550-7065

Chef Brian Crow brings the restaurant's beloved namesake ingredient, bacon, to the forefront of many of his dishes. You'll find bold flavors and plates crafted with fresh and local ingredients on the innovative menu.

Mizuna

Phone:
303-832-4778

Chef-owner Frank Bonanno's seasonal cuisine capitalizes on fresh ingredients, and service is prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable. Don't miss the decadent beef Wellington.

Next Door (Boulder)

Phone:
720-542-8159

This casual community pub focuses on nutritious and affordable cuisine. Select from small plates, bowls, and locally sourced burgers such as the Pineapple Express (topped with pineapple, arugula, and honey-Sriracha sauce). Multiple locations.

Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera House

Phone:
303-640-1012

A seasonal modern American menu, from braised beef short rib with a rhubarb jus to carrot risotto with tarragon leek butter, in the sleek ambience of the opera house.

Dead Battery Club

Phone:
303-477-2444

This all-day cocktail and food lounge has a fun and funky vibe. Try the Battery Buns, which come in five different flavors including spinach and artichoke.

Best Philly Steak

Phone:
720-667-4702

A fusion joint specializing in Korean-influenced Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. Try the K-Town Special with sweet bulgogi beef, onions, peppers, mushrooms, white American cheese, springs greens, and sesame seed dressing.

Flagstaff House

Phone:
303-442-4640

Located atop Flagstaff Mountain, this restaurant has a huge wine list and a spectacular view of Boulder. Try the seasonal foie gras plate.

The White Chocolate Grill

Phone:
303-799-4841

In addition to the house-made selection of white chocolates, enjoy classic American fare, such as grilled salmon or balsamic rib-eye.

Hideaway Kitchen + Bar

Phone:
303-526-0556

A chic yet comfortable mountain spot offering modern Southern comfort food with Asian flair. Favorites include crab macaroni and cheese, braised octopus with house-made Andouille sausage, and braised beef short ribs with hush puppies.

Solutions Lounge and Restaurant

Phone:
303-653-9183

Once you've made your way out of an escape room, celebrate by enjoying a meal at Solutions' steampunk-themed, cheese-centric restaurant. No need to puzzle over what to order: Try the mac n' cheese or Raclette.

Under the Sun Eatery & Taphouse

Phone:
303-927-6921

This eatery offers a casually upscale pub atmosphere. Try the roasted chicken, broccoli skillet, Palisade peach pizza, or one of the other artisan wood-fired pizzas. Find Mountain Sun and guest beers, wine, and margaritas at the bar.

Mercury Cafe

Phone:
303-294-9281

Enjoy live music and plenty of vegetarian options, as well as pasta dishes, Colorado fish, and grass-fed bison, lamb, and beef.

Mead St. Station

Phone:
303-433-2138

Guinness-battered fish and chips is the signature item. Also serving salads, burgers, pasta, sandwiches, and more.

The Kitchen

Phone:
303-544-5973

This community bistro serves seasonal, rustic classics. Head over during community hour for the green salad with chévre and hazelnuts, mushrooms on toast, and curry-spiced nuts; be sure to peruse the extensive beer and wine lists.

1515 Restaurant

Phone:
303-571-0011

Experience innovative, contemporary cuisine featuring local ingredients, plus fresh seafood, steak, and game. Stop by for lunch and try one of their popular burger options.

Limelight Supper Club & Lounge

Phone:
720-227-9984

Sleek, modern design, a wide variety of appetizers, and a location in the DCPA make this the perfect place to grab a bite before a show.

Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox

Phone:
303-993-8023

This Edible Beats restaurant features quirky design details and a stage for live music. The "gastro-brothel" menu encompasses globally inspired pub fare like flatbreads, small plates, and stone-fire skillets. Try the green chile cornbread with goat cheese.

Pony Up

Phone:
720-710-8144

This casual bar serves fantastic French dip sandwiches (try the smoked mushroom variety) and craft cocktails.

D Bar

Phone:
303-861-4710

Chefs Keegan Gerhard and Lisa Bailey produce exquisite desserts and modern comfort food. Bonus: Check out the grab-and-go coffee and pastries.

Modern Market (Glendale)

Phone:
303-757-1772

Enjoy freshly prepared salads, soups, sandwiches and pizza made from simple and whole ingredients. Try a brick-oven baked pizza or the flatiron salad with steak, Gorgonzola cheese, and caramelized onions. Multiple locations.

Root Down DIA

Phone:
303-342-6959

Globally inspired cuisine for an international airport. Dine there morning, noon, or night; but if it's breakfast you're after—choose the fried egg BLT, made with local Tender Belly bacon and served with home fries, and pair it with the blood orange mimosa.

Bar Max

Phone:
303-333-0003

Formerly known as Cafe Max, this European bistro offers a simple, curated menu. Pair the prosciutto, Brie, and fig spread sandwich with a glass of Prosecco.

The Bistro at Stapleton

Phone:
303-388-9463

Starting with a European-style continental breakfast, the Bistro's menu morphs into house-made charcuterie and cheese plates, tapas, and paninis as the day goes on. Try the rillettes or country pate, both made in house.

Hot Ticket Cafe

Phone:
303-455-9275

Located inside the DCPA, this restaurant is great for a pre-show hazelnut latte and cookie or an intermission bistro sandwich.

Duo Restaurant

Phone:
303-477-4141

With Duo, owners Stephanie Bonin and Keith Arnold have captured the true essence of the neighborhood restaurant: simple food, a low-key but polished ambience, and the hum of neighbors trading stories. The seasonal cuisine constantly surprises and comforts, and dessert is worth a visit in itself.

Crema Coffee House

Phone:
720-284-9648

At this hip cafe, you'll find beans from the country’s top roasters and an all-day menu that offers flavorful picks, like sweet potato waffles and a Korean reuben sandwich.

Palettes

Phone:
303-534-1455

After visiting the Denver Art Museum's galleries, make time to dine in the attached restaurant. Start the meal with something refreshing like the beef tenderloin carpaccio.

Marlowe’s

Phone:
303-595-3700

Casual favorite with a great patio on the 16th Street Mall. Seafood, chops, steaks, and a huge martini list. Stop in on a sunny for a weekend brunch.

Bistro Colorado

Phone:
303-670-3229

Chef Travis Smith serves upscale French-influenced cuisine made with the finest meats and freshest produce. Go for the butternut squash ravioli.

River and Woods

Phone:
303-993-6301

Settle into the cozy dining room for a relaxed dinner including dishes such as chicken-fried calamari steak. Chef Daniel Asher's eclectic menu features community-sourced comfort cuisine.

The Bindery

Phone:
303-993-2364

Linda Hampsten Fox's eatery, market, and bakery offers worldly fare inspired by her travels. Settle in for the smoked rabbit pecan pie with mustard gelato.

To The Wind Bistro

Phone:
303-316-3333

This cozy neighborhood restaurant offers a fresh, casual take on bistro fare and a top-notch craft beer selection. You'll find eclectic plates like cornmeal waffles with roasted pork shoulder, kampachi poke, and buttermilk chicken with pink banana squash.

Bar Helix

Phone:
720-449-8587

Guilty pleasures abound at this sexy RiNo bar. Try the Negroni cannoli.

Next Door (Glendale)

Phone:
303-757-0878

This casual community pub focuses on nutritious and affordable cuisine. Select from small plates, bowls, and locally sourced burgers such as the Pineapple Express (topped with pineapple, arugula, and honey-Sriracha sauce). Multiple locations.

Salt The Bistro

Phone:
303-444-7258

Try the Teton Waters pasture-raised rib-eye steak with butternut squash and potato gratin and garlic-seared escarole.

Root Down

Phone:
303-993-4200

Located in a refabbed 1950s service station, this hip restaurant serves globally inspired cuisine, with a focus on veggies and sustainable meats. Order the lamb porterhouse. Also try the DIA location.

Honor Society

Phone:
720-420-0614

At this fine-casual eatery, guests pick their protein of choice (options include gluten-free chicken and sustainable Scottish salmon) to be enjoyed in a salad, sandwich, or plate.

Indulge Wine Bar

Phone:
303-991-1994

Sip both Old and New World wines while snacking on dishes like green-lipped mussels and braised pork shank.

25 Best Restaurants

The Wolf’s Tailor

Phone:
720-456-6507

Basta chef Kelly Whitaker fuses Asian and Italian techniques and ingredients at this hip Sunnyside eatery. The results, such as 7x brisket braised in dashi and red wine and house-extruded mafaldine pasta with koji tomatoes, are unique and delicious.

Modern Market (Lakewood)

Phone:
303-278-8284

Enjoy freshly prepared salads, soups, sandwiches and pizza made from simple and whole ingredients. Try a brick-oven baked pizza or the flatiron salad with steak, Gorgonzola cheese, and caramelized onions. Multiple locations.

Ivy at the Glenn

Phone:
303-730-7200

Settle in with a glass of wine by the fireplace for a romantic evening meal. Try the cherry glazed crisp duck served with a seasonal vegetable and risotto or the garlic-rubbed lamb chops with mint and cured lemon.

Uncorked Kitchen

Phone:
720-907-3838

This one-of-a-kind space offers interactive cooking classes in a wine bar setting. After you're done with your class, you can enjoy your culinary creation over a glass of wine.

Modern Market

Phone:
303-534-0190

Enjoy freshly prepared salads, soups, sandwiches and pizza made from simple and whole ingredients. Try a brick-oven baked pizza or the flatiron salad with steak, Gorgonzola cheese, and caramelized onions. Multiple Locations.

The Family Jones Spirit House

Phone:
303-481-8185

Denver's first distillery/restaurant features eclectic small plates and handcrafted spirits. Snack on a smoked trout tea sandwich while you sip on the vesper martini.

Onefold

Phone:
303-954-0877

This eatery does early-day dining justice. Pair the bacon fried rice with house-made bone broth, Vietnamese iced coffee, or a local IPA.

Assignments

Phone:
303-778-6625

A student-operated restaurant affiliated with the culinary program at the Art Institute of Colorado. Three-course tasting menus offer regional American as well as international dishes.

Run for the Roses

Phone:
720-573-9155

You’ll find 52 classic cocktails and gourmet parlor snacks at this underground bar in the Dairy Block. Pair the absinthe-and-vermouth Loftus cocktail with affordable caviar service ($20 per person).

Death & Co. Denver

Phone:
720-330-2660

The famed New York City bar offers top-notch cocktail service and an inventive menu in the lobby of the Ramble Hotel. Try the Japanese eggplant with crispy rice.

Blooming Beets Kitchen

Phone:
303-443-3479

This Boulder restaurant is dedicated to serving Paleo-diet friendly bites. Try the aerie nest: sweet potato bacon cakes, made with mashed sweet potatoes, bacon, and poached eggs topped in Hollandaise.

Next Door (Union Station)

Phone:
720-460-3730

This casual community pub focuses on nutritious, affordable cuisine. Select from salads, sandwiches, and locally sourced burgers. Multiple locations.

Beau’s Kitchen & Tavern

Phone:
720-963-2055

La Cave—located inside the Sheraton Denver West Hotel—is a wine-centric restaurant that riffs on upscale continental cuisine. Order up the filet mignon or the shrimp and polenta.

Avenue Grill

Phone:
303-861-2820

A mainstay of the Uptown neighborhood, this restaurant offers an eclectic menu that includes seafood, steak, and more. Try the Colorado lamb and bacon burger with boursin cheese and harissa mayo on a brioche roll.

Modern Market (Greenwood Village)

Phone:
303-220-9961

Enjoy freshly prepared salads, soups, sandwiches and pizza made from simple and whole ingredients. Try a brick-oven baked pizza or the flatiron salad with steak, Gorgonzola cheese, and caramelized onions. Multiple locations.

North End at 4580

Phone:
303-448-1500

Weekly specials, all-night Sunday happy hour, small and large plates, gluten-free options, and weekend chef-choice dishes keep this local joint interesting. Best bets include the red wine-braised short ribs, bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with chorizo, and pan-seared salmon.

Del Frisco’s Grille

Phone:
303-320-8529

A more casual iteration of the beloved steak house, this venue serves up classic dishes with modern twists and local ingredients. Don't miss the cheesesteak egg rolls.

Crú A Wine Bar

Phone:
303-708-8053

With 50 wines by the glass and 250 more by the bottle, the greatest challenge at this chic locale is narrowing your choices. Try the pan-seared scallops or Australian lamb.

Poppies

Phone:
303-756-1268

Ribs, fresh seafood, and traditional Mexican dishes.

Potager

Phone:
303-832-5788

This family-owned restaurant specializes in fresh, seasonal food. The menu changes once a month. Dine in the back garden.

Crú A Wine Bar (Downtown)

Phone:
303-893-9463

WIth 50 wines by the glass and 250 more by the bottle, the greatest challenge here is narrowing your choices. Try the pan-seared scallops or Australian lamb.

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