Dining Guide
SYMBOL KEY
NEW
Indicates a restaurant featured in 5280 for the first time (though not necessarily a restaurant that has just opened).
25 BEST
Indicates inclusion in our annual list of Denver’s best restaurants, released each October. These selections are at the discretion of 5280 editors and are subject to change.
PRICE KEY (Average Entrée)
$ under $10
$$ $11 to $15
$$$ $16 to $25
$$$$ $26 and higher
A
25 BEST
12 at Madison $$
Congress Park / American With a menu offering 18 small plates meant for sharing (plus one large-format dish meant to feed two to four people), Jeff Osaka’s cozy restaurant is ideal for dining with a small group. Don’t miss the French dip. Reservations accepted. 1160 Madison St., 720-216-0190. Dinner
Abejas $$$$
Golden / Seasonal The ever-changing menu features farm-fresh produce, sustainable fish, and organic meats, and the bar highlights small wineries and local brewers. Order the bone-in pork porterhouse. Reservations accepted. 807 13th St., Golden, 303-952-9745. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
25 BEST
Acorn $$
RiNo / New American Contemporary American cuisine with Southern and Moroccan notes is served from an oak-fired oven and grill at this mainstay inside the Source. Don’t miss the bar’s inventive cocktails. Reservations accepted. The Source, 3350 Brighton Blvd., 720-542-3721. Lunch, Dinner
Acreage Restaurant $$
Lafayette / Seasonal Stem Cider’s ciderhouse and eatery pairs its drinks with house-grown produce and sustainable sourcing by chef Eric Lee. Save room for the cider doughnuts. Reservations accepted for parties of nine or more. 1380 Horizon Ave., Unit A, Lafayette, 720-443-3007. Lunch, Dinner
American Elm $$
Berkeley / American Elevated American fare and classic cocktails anchor the menu at this neighborhood spot, where you can get $2 oysters and $3 shrimp cocktail every day. Reservations accepted. 4132 W. 38th Ave., 720-749-3186. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
American Grind $$
Speer / American This sustainably-minded burger joint serves satisfying burgers, fries, and ice cream made with locally sourced ingredients. Reservations not accepted. 81 S. Pennsylvania Ave., 719-368-3847. Lunch, Dinner
25 BEST
Annette $$$
Aurora / American Acorn’s former sous chef, Caroline Glover, brings a warm dining experience to Stanley Marketplace with Annette. Enjoy a family-style menu featuring seasonal salads, toasts, baked goods and wood-grilled fare. Reservations accepted. Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Ste. 108, Aurora, 720-710-9975. Dinner, Brunch
25 BEST
Arcana $$$$
Boulder / American This charming Boulder restaurant aims to explore the roots of American heritage through food. Pair a cider with the Colorado lamb or the farmer’s cheese toast. Reservations accepted. 909 Walnut St., 303-444-3885. Dinner, Brunch
Ash’Kara $$$
LoHi / Middle Eastern Chef Daniel Asher offers a playful take on Middle Eastern cuisine at this plantbedecked eatery. Reservations accepted. 2005 W. 33rd Ave., 303-537-4407. Dinner, Brunch
Avanti Food & Beverage $$
Highland / International Current tenants of this hip food hall include Street Feud, Brava! Pizzeria Della Strada, QuickFish Poke Bar, Quiero Arepas, the Rotary, and Bistro Georgette. 3200 Pecos St., 720-269-4778. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
B
Bamboo Sushi $$$
LoHi / Sushi This Portland-born sustainable sushi spot will make you feel good about each bite of sashimi you take. Reservations accepted. 715 17th St., 303-284-6600. Dinner
Bar Dough $$$
Highland / Italian Tuck into wood-fired pizzas and comforting pastas from chefowner Max Mackissock and executive chef-owner Carrie Baird at this casual gathering spot. Reservations accepted. 2227 W. 32nd Ave., 720-668-8506. Dinner, Brunch
25 BEST
Barolo Grill $$$$
Cherry Creek / Italian Dedication to authenticity translates to the food and extensive wine menu at this elegant eatery focused on the cuisine of northern Italy’s Tuscany and Piedmont. Reservations accepted. 3030 E. Sixth Ave., 303-393-1040. Dinner
Basta $$$
Boulder / Italian This wood-fired eatery offers bold flavors and interesting wine. Try the lasagna with seasonal ingredients or the clam pizza with panchetta. Reservations accepted. 3601 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303-997-8775. Dinner
25 BEST
Beast & Bottle $$$$
Uptown Area / Seasonal A sustainable-sourcing mantra permeates a menu featuring everything from local lamb to cod collars. Reservations accepted. 719 E. 17th Ave., 303-623-3223. Dinner, Brunch
25 BEST
Beckon $$$$
RiNo / Scandinavian Chef Duncan Holmes brings an elevated, intimate dining experience to Larimer Street. The Scandinavian-influenced menu changes seasonally, and excellent, thoughtful wine pairings are available. Reservations required. 2843 Larimer St., 303-749-0020. Dinner
Big Mac & Little Lu’s $$$
Westminster / Seafood Big Mac & Little Lu’s
