PRICE KEY
Average Entrée
$ under $15
$$ $16 to $20
$$$ $21 to $30
$$$$ $31 and higher
Taco The Town
Fans of Kiké’s Red Tacos no longer need to devour their orders while perched on the hoods of their cars. This past May, the three-year-old food truck, which previously parked at locations in north Denver, debuted a brick-and-mortar with plenty of seating in West Highland. There, you can upgrade the brand’s signature quesabirria tacos, stuffed with cheese and your choice of meat and fried to a crisp on the flat top, with a rainbow of sauces from the salsa bar and a flight of cucumber, spicy, and strawberry margaritas.
SYMBOL KEY
● Indicates a restaurant featured in 5280 for the first time (though not necessarily a restaurant that has just opened).
★ Indicates inclusion in 5280’s 2023 list of Denver’s best restaurants. These selections are at the discretion of 5280 editors and are subject to change.
★ A5 STEAKHOUSE $$$$
LoDo / Steak House This unfussy chophouse by the team behind Forget Me Not and Tap and Burger features perfectly seared steaks, hearty sides, and draft cocktails. Never pass up the beef tartare katsu sando and the chickpea fries to start your meal. Reservations accepted. 1600 15th St., 303-623-0534. Dinner
ABEJAS $$$$
Golden / Seasonal Enjoy seasonal new American plates at this community restaurant. The ever-changing menu features farm-fresh produce, sustainable fish, and organic meats, and the bar highlights small wineries and local brewers. Reservations accepted. 807 13th St., Golden, 303-952-9745. Dinner, Brunch
ACE EAT SERVE $$$
Uptown / Asian This Uptown restaurant and ping-pong hall features Asian-inspired cuisine and 10 ping-pong tables. Try the Sichuan shrimp wontons. Reservations accepted. 501 E. 17th Ave., 303-800-7705. Dinner, Brunch
ACOVA $$$
LoHi / American A diverse menu of American classics and dishes spotlighting international flavors are the draws here. Try the honey-drizzled fried chicken. Reservations accepted. 3651 Navajo St., 303-736-2718. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
ACREAGE BY STEM CIDERS $$
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 $$
Lakewood / African Explore a bevy of dishes from across Africa at this warm and inviting restaurant run by the Osei-Fordwuo family. Peanut soups, fried fish, samosas, and jollof rice are just some of the crave-worthy options you’ll order again and again. Reservations accepted. 955 S. Kipling Parkway, Lakewood, 303-985-4497. Lunch, Dinner
AJ’S PIT BAR-B-Q $$
Overland / Barbecue This wood-fired, Texas-style barbecue joint welcomes the public to savor lip-smacking dishes, such as tender beef brisket, house-cured and smoked pastrami, pit beans, and farm slaw. Reservations not accepted. 2180 S. Delaware St., 720-815-5571. Lunch, Dinner
AMERICAN ELM $$$
Berkeley / American Elevated American fare and classic cocktails anchor the menu at this neighborhood spot. Order the rib-eye French dip or the roasted half chicken. Reservations accepted. 4132 W. 38th Ave., 720-749-3186. Dinner, Brunch
ANGELO’S TAVERNA $$
Speer / Italian This neighborhood nook dishes up tasty grilled oysters as well as pastas and pizzas. Try the lobster gnocchi. Also try the Littleton location. Reservations not accepted. 620 E. Sixth Ave., 303-744-3366. Lunch, Dinner
★ ANNETTE $$$
Aurora / American James Beard Award–winning chef Caroline Glover’s Annette delivers a lineup of seasonal salads, pastas, wood-fired proteins, and other comforting bites in a modern, inviting space. Don’t skip dessert, particularly if pecan pie is on the menu. Reservations accepted. 2501 Dallas St., Suite 108, Aurora, 720-710-9975. Dinner
AOI SUSHI AND IZAKAYA $$
Boulder / Japanese This neighborhood spot from Sushi Zanmai veterans Keiko and Yuki Aoi serves expertly crafted sushi and comforting Japanese pub fare. Reservations accepted. 3303 30th St., Boulder, 303-449-5394. Lunch, Dinner
ARABESQUE $$
Boulder / Mediterranean Sip house-made chai and sample Middle Eastern delights in this charming spot. Reservations not accepted. 1634 Walnut St., Boulder, 720-242-8623. Breakfast, Lunch
ASH’KARA $$$
LoHi / Middle Eastern Chef Daniel Asher offers a playful take on Middle Eastern cuisine at this plant-bedecked eatery. Order the falafel and a shareable tagine. Reservations accepted. 2005 W. 33rd Ave., 303-537-4407. Dinner, Brunch
ATTIMO $$
Ballpark / Italian At this urban winery, Snooze co-founder Jon Schlegel serves vino from artisans in Northern Italy with light, thoughtful fare. Reservations accepted. 2246 Larimer St., 720-287-4988. Dinner
AUDREY JANE’S PIZZA GARAGE $$
Boulder / Pizza Expect perfect New York–style sourdough pies featuring inventive toppings at this joint. Try the Hot Honey Disco Pie with salami picante, mushrooms, and Calabrese honey. Reservations not accepted. 2675 13th St., Boulder, 303-442-2032. Lunch, Dinner
AVANTI FOOD & BEVERAGE $$
LoHi / International Current tenants of this food collective include Gorlami Pizza, Bowls by Ko, Quiero Arepas, Knockabout Burgers, and Pho King Rapidos. 3200 Pecos St., 720-269-4778. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AVELINA $$$
LoDo / American This upscale restaurant offers a sleek atmosphere and beautifully composed plates with worldly flavors. Try the Colorado bison ribs. Reservations accepted. 1550 17th St., 720-904-6711. Dinner
BACON SOCIAL HOUSE $$
Littleton / Contemporary This fun, casual restaurant’s beloved namesake ingredient is at the forefront of many of its dishes. Also try the Sunnyside location. Reservations accepted. 2100 W. Littleton Blvd., Littleton, 720-750-7107. Breakfast, Lunch
BAMBOO SUSHI $$$
LoHi / Sushi This Portland-born sustainable sushi spot will make you feel good about each bite of sashimi you take. Try the dashi scallop with chive oil. Reservations accepted. 2715 17th St., 303-284-6600. 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 $$$
LoHi / Italian Tuck into wood-fired pizzas, comforting pastas, and Italian-style cocktails from chef Russell Stippich at this casual gathering spot. Reservations accepted. 2227 W. 32nd Ave., 720-668-8506. Dinner, Brunch
BASTA $$$
Boulder / Italian This wood-fired eatery offers bold flavors and interesting wines. Try the clam pizza. Reservations accepted. 3601 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303-997-8775. Dinner
BB.Q CHICKEN $$
Aurora / Korean Discover finger-licking goodness at BB.Q Chicken, a fast-casual, Korea-born chain serving crunchy-juicy wings tossed in your choice of more than 12 sauces. Multiple locations. Reservations not accepted. 2495 S. Havana St., Suite H, Aurora, 720-882-6736. Lunch, Dinner
BECKON $$$$
RiNo / Contemporary Chef Duncan Holmes brings an elevated, intimate dining experience to Larimer Street. The seasonal menu changes frequently, and excellent, thoughtful wine pairings are available. Reservations accepted. 2843 Larimer St., 303-749-0020. Dinner
BEST PHILLY STEAK $$
Arvada / American A fusion joint specializing in Korean-influenced Philly cheese steak sandwiches. Try the Steak N’ Bacon with deep-fried bacon, onions, and cheese. Reservations not accepted. 6350 Sheridan Blvd., Arvada, 720-667-4702. Lunch, Dinner
BIG MAC & LITTLE LU’S $$$
Westminster / Seafood Big Mac & Little Lu’s brings Florida beaches to the Centennial State with carefully sourced seafood and thoughtfully paired beverages. Go for one of four po’ boy sandwiches. Reservations accepted. 2851 E. 120th Ave., Westminster, 303-404-2722. Lunch, Dinner
BIKER JIM’S GOURMET DOGS $
Ballpark / American This spot’s unusual menu includes rave-worthy dogs in adventurous varieties (think: ostrich sausage and elk jalapeño). Reservations not accepted. 2148 Larimer St., 720-746-9355. Lunch, Dinner
BISTRO LEROUX $$$$
LoDo / French Lon Symensma’s upscale, European-inspired eatery features tableside preparations. Don’t miss the desserts. Reservations accepted. 1510 16th St., 720-845-1673. Dinner, Brunch
★ BLACKBELLY $$$
Chef Hosea
