PRICE KEY (Average Entrée)
$ UNDER $15 ▪ $$ $16 TO $20 ▪ $$$ $21 TO $30 ▪ $$$$ $31 AND HIGHER.
SYMBOL KEY
NEW
Indicates a restaurant featured in 5280 for the first time (though not necessarily a restaurant that has just opened).
25 BEST
Indicates inclusion in 5280’s 2022 list of Denver’s best restaurants. These selections are at the discretion of 5280 editors and are subject to change.
A
25 BEST A5 Steakhouse $$$$
LoDo / Steak House The team behind Forget Me Not and Tap and Burger offers a refreshing chophouse experience with a stellar lineup of steaks in a hip, delightfully funky bar and dining room. Reservations accepted. 1600 15th St., 303-623-0534. Dinner
Acreage by Stem Ciders $$
Lafayette / Seasonal Stem Ciders’ ciderhouse and eatery pairs its drinks with sustainably sourced cuisine. Save room for the cider doughnuts. Reservations accepted. 1380 Horizon Ave., Lafayette, 720-443-3007. Lunch, Dinner
American Elm $$$
Berkeley / American Elevated American fare and classic cocktails anchor the menu at this neighborhood spot. Start with raw bar options like oysters and shrimp cocktail, then order the rib-eye French dip. Reservations accepted. 4132 W. 38th Ave., 720-749-3186. Dinner, Brunch
25 BEST Annette $$$
Aurora / American Caroline Glover brings a warm dining experience to Stanley Marketplace with Annette. Enjoy a family-style menu featuring seasonal salads, toasts, and wood-grilled fare. Reservations accepted. 2501 Dallas St., Suite 108, Aurora, 720-710-9975. Dinner
Ash’Kara $$$
LoHi / Middle Eastern Chef Daniel Asher offers a playful take on Middle Eastern cuisine at this plant-bedecked eatery. Order the falafel. Also try the Boulder location. Reservations accepted. 2005 W. 33rd Ave., 303-537-4407. Dinner, Brunch
Attimo $$
Ballpark / Italian At this urban winery, Snooze co-founder Jon Schlegel is serving vino from artisans in Northern Italy with light, thoughtful fare. Reservations accepted. 2246 Larimer St., 720-287-4988. Dinner
B
Banh & Butter Bakery Cafe $
Aurora / French Thoa Nguyen crafts French pastries inspired by her Vietnamese heritage at this East Colfax cafe. Go for the dazzling crêpe cakes, each made with 25 to 30 layers, and the strawberry croissants. Reservations not accepted. 9935 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora, 720-513-9313. Breakfast, Lunch
25 BEST Bellota $$
RiNo / Mexican Go for elevated regional Mexican fare like shrimp tacos basted in butter infused with shrimp shells and the popular fried quesadilla de requesón. Also check out the Boulder location. Reservations not accepted. 3350 Brighton Blvd., 720-542-3721. Lunch, Dinner
PAN-ASIAN HOT SPOT
Since the second location of Seattle’s Reckless Noodle House debuted in Capitol Hill in December, the neon-lit restaurant has become a fixture for creative eats that are, in reflection of chef Kenny Lee’s Chinese Cambodian heritage, influenced by cuisines from across East and Southeast Asia. Try the bo la lot—grilled, chopped rib-eye rolled in betel leaves and served with rice vermicelli, toasted chile and lime fish sauce, veggies, and fresh herbs—alongside a tequila-based, chile-salt-rimmed Dirty Sanchez cocktail infused with blood orange and tamarind.
25 BEST The Bindery $$$
LoHi / Contemporary 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. Reservations accepted. 1817 Central St., 303-993-2364. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
25 BEST Blackbelly $$$
Boulder / American Chef Hosea Rosenberg’s carnivore-friendly menu focuses on charcuterie, small plates, and daily butcher specials. Try the crispy pig ears with red pepper jelly.
