PRICE KEY (Average Entrée)
$ UNDER $10
$$ $11 TO $15
$$$ $16 TO $ 2 5
$$$$ $ 26 AND HIGHER.
SYMBOL KEY
NEW Indicates a restaurant featured in 5280 for the first time (though not necessarily a restaurant that has just opened).
A
Ace Eat Serve $$$
Uptown Area / Asian This Uptown restaurant and ping-pong hall features Asian-inspired cuisine and 11 ping-pong tables. Try the Sichuan shrimp won tons and don’t miss the Peking duck, which is served family-style on Thursdays and Sundays. Reservations accepted. 501 E. 17th Ave., 303-800-7705. Dinner
African Grill & Bar $$$
Lakewood / African Head to this cheery African restaurant for rich stews, fried fish, rice dishes, and friendly service. Get the chakalaka, a traditional vegetarian South African stew. Reservations not accepted. 955 S. Kipling Pkwy., Lakewood, 720-229-7778. Lunch, Dinner
American Elm $$
West Highland / American Elevated American fare and classic cocktails anchor the refined menu at this neighborhood spot, where you can get $3.50 oysters and shrimp cocktail every day alongside crispy “animal crackers” of chicharones and chicken skin. Reservations accepted. 4132 W. 38th Ave., 720-749-3186. Dinner, Brunch
AOI Sushi and Izakaya $$
Boulder / Japanese This Boulder staple from Sushi Zanmai veterans Keiko and Yuki Aoi serves expertly crafted sushi and comforting Japanese pub fare in an intimate setting. Reservations accepted. 3303 30th St., Boulder, 303-449-5394. Lunch, Dinner
Ash’Kara $$$
Highland / Middle Eastern Chef Daniel Asher offers a playful take on Middle Eastern cuisine at this plant-bedecked eatery. Order the falafel or king salmon crudo. Also try the Boulder location. Reservations accepted. 2005 W. 33rd Ave., 303-537-4407. Dinner, Brunch
Avelina $$$$
Downtown / American This upscale Downtown restaurant offers a sleek atmosphere and beautifully composed plates with worldly flavors. Sample everything from charred octopus and tuna tartare to short ribs with a yuzu glaze. Reservations accepted. 1550 17th St., Ste. 120, 720-904-6711. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
B
Bar Max $$
Congress Park / Contemporary This European bistro offers a simple, curated menu. Pair the prosciutto, brie, and fig spread sandwich with a glass of prosecco. Reservations not accepted. 2412 E. Colfax Ave., 303-333-0003. Dinner
Bastien’s Restaurant $$$$
City Park / Steak House Enjoy hearty, homestyle cooking and signature sugar-rubbed steaks at this local favorite, which has been family-owned for over 80 years. Reservations accepted. 3503 E. Colfax Ave., 303-322-0363. Dinner
Bellota $$$
RiNo / Mexican Chef Manny Barella cooks elevated regional Mexican fare inspired by his Monterrey childhood inside the Source. Don’t miss the fried quesadilla de requeson. Reservations accepted. The Source, 3350 Brighton Blvd., 720-542-3721. Lunch, Dinner
Blackbelly $$$
Boulder / American Chef Hosea Rosenberg’s meaty menu focuses on charcuterie, small plates, and daily butcher specials. Also visit the grab-and-go market next door. Reservations accepted. 1606 Conestoga St., Boulder, 303-247-1000. Dinner
Blue Bonnet Cafe and Lounge $$
Baker / Mexican Killer margaritas, house-made chips and salsa, and chiles rellenos make this fun, casual spot a favorite. Reservations not accepted. 457 S. Broadway, 303-778-0147. Lunch, Dinner
Bonnie Brae Tavern $$
Washington Park / American This tavern has been dishing up all-American eats, including fried chicken, green chile, and apple pie, since 1934—but it’s most famous for its golden-crusted pizza. Reservations not accepted. 740 S. University Blvd., 303-777-2262. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
Brasserie Brixton $$$
Cole / French Pair the likes of steak frites, pâté with house-baked sourdough, and other comforting French specialties with a glass of wine at this romantic neighborhood bistro. Reservations accepted. 3701 N. Williams St., 720-617-7911. Dinner, Brunch
Brider $$
Highland / American Go for high-quality, fastcasual dining. Be sure to try the rotisserie chicken. Reservations not accepted. 1644 Platte St., 303-455-3084. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Bronze Empire $$$
Cory-Merrill / Asian This comfortable restaurant specializes in Chinese hot pot, an Asian fondue that features an aromatic, bubbling broth for cooking fresh ingredients right at your table. Dip everything from ramen noodles to steak into the savory, steaming
