5280 Magazine

DINING GUIDE

PRICE KEY

(Average Entrée)

$ UNDER $ 10 ◾ $$ $ 11 TO $ 15 ◾ $$$ $ 16 TO $ 25 ◾ $$$$ $ 26 AND HIGHER.

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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 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 indulge in $3.50 oysters and shrimp cocktails every day alongside crispy Animal Crackers of chicharones and chicken skin. Reservations accepted. 4132 W. 38th Ave., 720-749-3186. Dinner, Brunch

Annette $$$

Aurora / American James Beard Award–finalist Caroline Glover brings a warm, intimate dining experience to Stanley Marketplace. Enjoy a family-style menu featuring seasonal salads, toasts, and wood-grilled fare. Reservations accepted. Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Ste. 108, Aurora. 720-710-9975. Dinner

Ash’Kara $$$

Highland / Middle Eastern Chef Daniel Asher offers a playful take on Middle Eastern cuisine at this plant-bedecked Highland eatery. Order the crispy falafel or the succulent king salmon crudo. Also try the Boulder location. Reservations accepted. 2005 W. 33rd Ave., 303-537-4407. Dinner, Brunch

Avelina $$$$

Downtown / American This upscale spot offers a sleek atmosphere and 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 bistro offers a simple, curated menu. Try the prosciutto, brie, and fig spread sandwich. Reservations not accepted. 2412 E. Colfax Ave., 303-333-0003. Dinner

Barolo Grill $$$$

Cherry Creek / Italian Dedication to authenticity translates to the food at this eatery, which is focused on the cuisines of northern Italy’s Tuscany and Piedmont regions. Reservations accepted. 3030 E. Sixth Ave., 303-393-1040. Dinner

Bellota $$$

RiNo / Mexican Chef Manny Barella cooks elevated regional Mexican fare inside the Source. 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. Try the crispy pig ears with red pepper jelly. Check out the butcher shop and grab-and-go market, Blackbelly Butcher, located 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

Blue Ocean $$

Hampden South / Chinese This no-frills Chinese restaurant, which also goes by the name Little Chengdu, specializes in hand-pulled noodles and Sichuan-chile-infused hot pot. Reservations not accepted. 8101 E. Belleview Ave., 303-220-0577. 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. Don’t miss the ricotta doughnuts served with miso caramel. 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 / Chinese This comfortable restaurant specializes

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