Tables: Comforting Elegance

Charm and comfort pervade Tables, a one of a kind restaurant in Denver that embraces the eclectic as much as it does quality. The space's unique warmth is apparent even upon entering through the screen door and into a space full of salvaged tables. This loose assemblage of mismatched furniture is enchanting, and will put you right at home as the kitchen sends out elegantly composed dishes. The menu is full of incredible choices like lamb loin with fava beans and bacon, or try the crispy chicken with parmesan-corn bread waffles and buttermilk gravy. It's fine dining that will blow you away while making you feel right at home. This combination is what makes Tables a restaurant that you should by no means miss. Full of charm and subtle, fine flavors, it's a meal that you won't soon forget.

Tables
2267 Kearney Street
Denver, CO 80207
(303) 388-0299
http://www.yelp.com/biz/tables-denver


 

Steuben’s: The Classic Diner, Recreated

Named after the famous restaurant and nightlife hotspot in Boston, Steuben's commands a presence on the other side of the country in Denver. Exuding a classic diner vibe, the restaurant sports a retro decor revamped with sleek leather seating and modern lighting. Steuben’s serves American cuisine, and the menu is packed with comfort food classics like macaroni and cheese, spaghetti and meatballs, Memphis ribs, and a to-die-for Maine lobster roll with fries. There are also nightly specials, which vary with each night of the week. Kids 12 and under can order from their very own menu, which lists all meals for only $7 and comes with a beverage and cupcake or ice cream.

If you’d rather have your meal to go, feel free to order from Steuben’s retro-cool, diner-like takeout area, or if the weather is nice, request a seat on one of the eatery’s two outdoor patios. Steuben's also hosts a lively bar, which serves classic drinks to accompany any classic dish.

Steuben's
523 East 17th Avenue
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 830-1001
www.steubens.com

Basic Kneads Pizza: Pie In The Sky

The food truck craze continues to flourish in Denver and some unlikely offerings are doing very well. A pizza oven isn’t the kind of thing that you’d peg for portability, but the folks at Basic Kneads have assembled a high-tech way of cooking their artisanal pizzas on the street, providing fresh, hot slices all over town. The Bakken brothers designed and built Baisc Kneads's oven from scratch, and it’s proven very popular among Mile High City gourmands. Using primarily locally sourced ingredients, Basic Kneads's pies take a daring step of incorporating whole wheat flour for a little more density in the dough, perfect for some unique topping combinations. Their fresh red sauce is great but they also offer pesto, high-quality olive oil and more. You can even customize your pie from the range of ingredients they have available. Basic Kneads's website lists where the truck can be found throughout the day, so make sure to check there before you hit the road looking for it!

Basic Kneads Pizza
Denver, CO 80221
(720) 340-1066
basickneadspizza.com

Great Restaurants in the Neighborhood

Some of the best restaurants in Denver are in Riverfront Park and The Highlands (aka LoHi) area.

Just a couple of blocks south of The Manhattan is Zengo which boasts a Latin-Asian Fusion cuisine. Click here to visit their website and menu.

Across the Highlands Bridge you can try many different tastes ranging from all American food to fine French cuisine. You can indulge in “street food” from all over the world at Linger. Click here to visit their website!

Root Down serves “globally influenced seasonal cuisine”, which ignites all the senses to create a full dining experience. They prefer to stay as organic, natural and local as possible. For more information on Root Down, click here!

The Ale House “Good Food, Good Drink and Good Cheer” feast on handcrafted fare, explore Colorado’s best craft beers, sip on a fantastic glass of wine or a killer cocktail. Click here to visit The Ale House's website.

Z Cuisine offers authentic French bistro entrees, classic quiches, crêpes & galettes, assiettes de saisons, charcuterie, pastries & tartes, tartines, breads, cafes, & coffee drinks. To visit Z Cuisine's website, click here!

Dip Into a Fun and Delicious Meal at Vesta Grill

Take your dinner for a delicious dip at Vesta Dipping Grill—a restaurant that takes the idea of fondue to a unique, tasty new level. With more than 30 house-made sauces for dipping, Vesta has something for every taste and preference. Guests first choose a meal, and then select up to three dipping sauces to go with it, or go with sauces selected by Vesta that best complement the dish. Sauces are split into three categories—sweet, spicy and savory—and are bottled and sold for those who can't get enough. For little dippers, vesta offers a kids menu, which comes with three courses for only $8.

Though the night air may be cool, Vesta heats up the LoDo area of Denver with its unique design, which is inspired by Vesta, the goddess of hearth—so the restaurant's decor is warm, inviting, sensual, and cozy. Round booths and steel sculptures fill the space, including a concrete bar lined with blown glass flame lights. No detail is overlooked—down to the custom-made barstools, menus, skewers, and napkin rings.

Vesta opens at 5 p.m. every day, and serves dinner only.

Vesta Grill
1822 Blake Street
Denver, CO
(303) 296-1970
http://www.vestagrill.com/

 

Denver Restaurant Week!

Denver Restaurant Week will be taking place February 25, 2012 through March 9, 2012. This two week event is a celebration of some of Denver’s best restaurants. All participating restaurants will be offering multiple courses for a low fixed price. Two people can dine for $52.80 or one person can eat for just $26.40. For a complete list of participating restaurants and the menu’s they will be offering, please visit http://www.denver.org/denverrestaurant/. Make your reservation today because spaces are limited!

Cafe Jordano: An Italian Restaurant Your Family Will Love

For a dining experience filled with great food and equally wonderful service, visit Cafe Jordano, an Italian Restaurant where everyone is treated like family. Consistently named Best Family Restaurant in Denver, Cafe Jordano serves authentic Italian dishes for both lunch and dinner, and is a great spot to bring the kids. Guests can enjoy classic pastas like Lasagna, Manicotti, and Tortellini, prepared in a variety of delicious ways; paninis, or traditional dishes prepared with chicken, seafood, and even buffalo. Each dish is made with great attention, care, and hard work—the same ethic that was put into the restaurant, which owner Elisa Heitman started almost 20 years ago. Whether dining alone or with a large group, you'll feel welcome from the time you enter until you leave, well fed.
 
Café Jordano
11068 W. Jewell Avenue
Lakewood, CO 80227
(303) 988-6863
www.cafejordano.com

 

Root Down: You Can Dig It

A high-end New American restaurant, Root Down is one of the hottest places in Denver right now and tables are at a serious premium. Once you get into Root Down, the cuisine on offer will prove that it was worth the wait. Regulars recommend making reservations well in advance. Following a mentality described as “field to fork,” the uniquely seasonal menus will delight your tastebuds at a very reasonable price. Some of the dishes that come recommended include the unique sweet potato falafel, as well as the duck confit sliders, which take the microburger trend and give it a gourmet upgrade. The desserts at Root Down are also spectacular, with a deconstructed peanut butter cup proving popular. The house cocktails are spectacular, using interesting herbal ingredients. Root Down's décor is fun and funky, with just enough of a touch of class to make this converted garage someplace to take a date. There’s something here for everyone, from dedicated carnivores to vegans, gluten free eaters, and even raw foods devotees!

Root Down
1600 West 33rd Avenue
Denver, CO 80211
(303) 993-4200
www.rootdowndenver.com

Denver’s Top Choice for Sushi: Banzai

Banzai has been recognized as one of the top sushi restaurants in Denver by Channel 7’s A-list for four years in a row, and boasts over 100 combinations of sushi. From classic tastes like the California roll to innovative creations like the Tsunami roll—shrimp on the outside, stuffed with scallop, lime, jalapeno, cilantro, and avocado—there is something for everyone on Banzai's sushi menu. The menu also offers low carb rolls (without rice) if you’re watching your waistline, and conversely, there are several deep-fried rolls to sample if you want to indulge. Besides sushi, Banzai’s lunch and dinner menus offer a slew of appetizers, soups, and salads as well as entrees like teriyaki, tempura and katsu, so if raw isn't your thing, there are plenty of cooked specialties to enjoy.

Banzai is open for lunch Monday through Friday, and every day of the week for dinner.

Banzai
6655 Leetsdale Drive
Denver, CO 80224
(303) 329-3366
www.100rolls.com

 

Black Pearl Restaurant: A Natural Jewel

Black Pearl is a Denver eatery that has been winning raves from diners and critics since opening, and it’s easy to understand why. This is a top-notch New American restaurant and under the direction of head chef Mitch Mayers, it’s producing excellent food from fresh seasonal ingredients. Black Pearl's décor is beautiful. On clear days, try to get a seat on the spectacular outdoor patio, where a roaring fire pit adds great atmosphere. Black Pearl's interior dining room is equally well-apportioned. The menu is loaded from top to bottom with excellent dishes. Some that garner raves are the crispy duck confit salad, which perfectly pairs the expertly rendered fat of the duck with fresh vegetables. For a Southern taste, opt for the amazing shrimp and grits, which are as good as any you’ll get in Georgia. Mussels are also excellent. If you’re up early on the weekend, stop in for Black Pearl's brunch – it’s a great bargain for great food.

Black Pearl Restaurant
1529 South Pearl Street
Denver, CO 80210
(303) 777-0500
www.blackpearldenver.com