Taste Of Brazil
Empanadas aren’t the only South American pastries available to Denverites, thanks in part to Paula Lowery. In 2021, the Brazil native opened Padoca Bakery & Market in the Montclair neighborhood. There, she serves pão de queijo (cheese bread), savory croquettes, brigadeiros (fudgelike truffles), and other tasty treats she grew up eating. Pair a latte made with beans from Boulder-based Bona Coffee Roasters with a pão de frango: shredded chicken, hearts of palm, and cream cheese wrapped in a flaky pastry.
SYMBOL KEY
● Indicates a restaurant featured in 5280 for the first time (though not necessarily a restaurant that has just opened).
✪ 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.
✪ 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 house-grown produce and sustainable sourcing. Save room for the cider doughnuts. Reservations accepted. 1380 Horizon Ave., Lafayette, 720-443-3007. Lunch, Dinner
AFRICAN GRILL & BAR $$$
Lakewood / African Head to this cheery African restaurant for rich stews, fried fish, rice dishes, and friendly service. Get the chakalaka, a traditional vegetarian South African stew. Reservations accepted. 955 S. Kipling Parkway, Lakewood, 303-985-4497. Lunch, Dinner
AJ’S PIT BAR-B-Q $$
Overland / Barbecue This wood-fired, Texas-style barbecue joint welcomes the public to savor lip-smacking dishes such as beef brisket, housecured and smoked pastrami, pit beans, and farm slaw. Reservations not accepted. 2180 S. Delaware St., 720-815-5571. Lunch, Dinner
✪ 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
AUDREY JANE’S PIZZA GARAGE $$
Boulder / Pizza Expect perfect New York–style sourdough pies featuring inventive topping combos at this eatery. Try the Hot Honey Disco Pie. Reservations not accepted. 2675 13th St., Boulder, 303-442-2032. Lunch, Dinner
BANH & BUTTER BAKERY CAFE $
Aurora / French Thoa Nguyen crafts French pastries inspired by her Vietnamese heritage at this East Colfax cafe. Go for the dazzling crêpe cakes, each made with 25 to 30 layers. Reservations not accepted. 9935 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora, 720-513-9313. Breakfast, Lunch
BAR DOUGH $$$
LoHi / Italian Tuck into wood-fired pizzas, comforting pastas, and Italian-style cocktails from chef Russell Stippich at this casual gathering spot. Reservations accepted. 2227 W. 32nd Ave., 720-668-8506. Dinner, Brunch
✪ BELLOTA $$
RiNo / Mexican Go for elevated regional Mexican fare like shrimp tacos basted in butter infused with shrimp shells and the popular fried quesadilla de requesón. Also check out the Boulder location. Reservations not accepted. 3350 Brighton Blvd., 720-542-3721. Lunch, Dinner
BEST PHILLY STEAK $$
Arvada / American A fusion joint specializing in Korean-influenced Philly cheese steak sandwiches. Try the Steak N’ Bacon. Reservations not accepted. 6350 Sheridan Blvd., Arvada, 720-667-4702. Lunch, Dinner
BIKER JIM’S GOURMET DOGS $
Ballpark / American This spot’s unusual menu includes rave-worthy
