Favorite Colorado Restaurants

These are some of my favorite restaurants in Colorado, with most being in the Denver/Boulder area (Updated Mar. 2011).

** My top favorites in each the Boulder area and in Denver are marked with stars. And, it's not always about the food only, it's the whole experience.

For seven years, I went on restaurant reviews with the dining critic from the Rocky Mountain News, so I'm very lucky to have tried many wonderful restaurants (along with a few losers - which were fun to review too). Eat a lot of food for free and talk...it's a tough job, but someone's got to do it. So, I added his grades to the restaurant when I have them. [Note: They were linked to the actual reviews, but the Rocky went out of business and the links broke so I deleted them.]

LINKS TO RESTAURANT LISTS ETC.

Westword's Best of Denver, 2012

Fried chicken: I've been on a quest to get Boulder chefs to add home-made fried chicken to their menus for years now. Here's my Yelp post on the subject.

Eater's 38 Essential Restaurants of 2012

BOULDER

Aji - This South American restaurant has wonderful tapas as well as main dishes and specialty infused rum drinks. It's a lively crowd. (1601 Pearl Street - 303-442-3464 - ajirestaurant.com) review. B+

Boulder Cork - This is a surprising gem. It's been around forever and everyone just thinks of it as a steakhouse. But, my friend Jim, the chef, uses lots of local, fresh, farmer's ingredients and has an amazing knowledge of food (he teaches me stuff and told me where to pick wild asparagus). He's an avid mushroom hunter too. There are a variety of lovely dishes - in particular, the specials. Check out his herb garden hidden out back - some of the stuff was probably in your dinner. (3295 30th St. - 303-443-9505 - bouldercork.com)

Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse - I'm not very fond of their execution of international food, but the building is amazing. It's a gorgeous, ornate traditional tea house sent to Boulder by our sister city in Tajukistan. Go for the great variety of teas, not the food. (1770 13th St. - 303-442-4993 - boulderteahouse.com)

Chautauqua Dining Hall - The new American food's not quite as exceptional as it used to be, although the atmosphere and the views of Boulder and Chautaqua park are absolutely lovely and can't be beat. Especially in the summer, but prepare for lines and make reservations and go for brunch on the weekend. (900 Baseline Road - in Chautauqua Park - 303-440-3776 - chautauquadininghall.com)

Chez Thuy - Nothing fancy, just good Vietnamese food. Inexpensive, lots of variety, good for groups, easy to find, get seats etc. One of my favorite non-fancy places to go. The Pho is excellent! (2655 28th St. - 303-442-1700 - chezthuy.com)

Flagstaff House - Long thought of as THE special occasion restaurant in Boulder. On the mountain side with views of Boulder that can't be beat, this expensive restaurant has one of the 10 best wine lists in the world (according to Wine Spectator) at 160 pages. The new American food is great too and my friend Mark, the chef/owner, is a lovely person too. He makes the BEST polenta (truffled with cream) so if you see something with it on the menu, get it. If you can't afford a whole meal, go later for for desert and coffee or go for drinks and appetizers and sit on the patio in the summer is a good option to enjoy the experience. (1138 Flagstaff Road - 303-442-4640 - flagstaffhouse.com)

**Frasca - The hottest reservation in Boulder, opened by three people from the famed French Laundry restaurant in Napa Valley. Fresh local ingredients make this northern Italian food amazing. Although the wait can be a month for reservations, the community atmosphere, gracious host Bobby Stuckey, and wonderful wines add to the experience to make it all worth it. The service is amazing and I always see someone I know when I go in there. Secret - go at 5pm and stand in line for some of the few tables and bar stools saved for "walk ins". (1738 Pearl St. - 303-442-6966 - frascafoodandwine.com) Review. A.

**The Kitchen - Another spot loved by the local community co-owned by a great chef I like to support, Hugo Matheson. They are serious about locally grown fresh ingredients and natural meats. They even run the place on wind-powered electricity and save the oil for biofuel. The food is French and New American and some of the best in town. They also have an upstairs wine and tapas bar that is a hot spot. If you go late, there are lines. Go early for a seat. (1039 Pearl St. - 303-544-5973 - thekitchencafe.com) review. B+

** L'Atelier - Although the chef can be a bit challenging (and loves to serve mashed potatoes on every plate), the food and presentation is amazing - and he certainly is an artist with Contemporary French food. I've had some of my favorite dishes in Boulder right here. Small and cozy, this is a place for exquisite food. (1739 Pearl St. - 303-442-7233 - latelierboulder.com) review. A-

Leaf - This is part of, and annexed to Aji, although you'd never know it. It's serene and the food is amazingly creative for a vegetarian restaurant. Think saffron risotto with strawberries, English pea and ricotta ravioli, and organic infused vodkas. (2010 16th St., - 303-442-1485 - leafvegetarianrestaurant.com) review. B

Luciles Creole Cafe - My absolute favorite breakfasts...and the lines at brunch attest to that. Super fattening creole specialties, but wonderfully flavorful and unique for breakfast. Along with the yummy main dishes, you can get beignets and chicory coffee. Breakfast and lunch only. Long lines on weekends, get there early. (2124 14th St. - 303-442-4743 - luciles.com) A-

** Oak at Fourteenth - This is my current favorite restaurant as of 2014. Everything I've had, both food and drink, has been inspired and wonderful. Definitely get reservations as it gets crowded. Local and seasonal American cuisine and great mixologists. (1400 Pearl St., 303-444-3622, http://oakatfourteenth.com/)

Pizzeria da Lupo - Love this place for lunch. Wood-fired Neopolitan pizza. The Saliche pizza is wonderful, the burrata killer, and other side dishes delicous too. Their salad pizza specials look interesting...gotta try it one day. (2525 Arapahoe Avenue, 303 396 6366-www.pizzeriadalupo.com)

Pizzeria Locale - Frasca's Wood-fired Neopolitan pizzeria. Extremely authentic and hip with fabulous service, just like Frasca. (1730 Pearl

St., 303-442-3003 - www.pizzerialocale.com)

Riff's Urban Fare - John Platt's small plates restaurant in the annex of the Boulder Book Store. "Boulder foodbar featuring moderately priced, liberal appetizer portions of chef John Platt’s artfully prepared diverse cuisine." (1115 Pearl St. - (303) 440-6699)

Salt the Bistro - Although I enjoy everything, I'm all about the salted caramel tart and having drinks in the Salt Cellar - love the atmosphere. Bradford knows how to do it right. Seasonal, farm to table. (1047 Pearl St., - 303.444.SALT)

CLOSE TO BOULDER

Busaba Thai Restaurant - My favorite Thai restaurant in the are. Creative, modern, and classic. Unique dishes you don't see at the other restaurants. Nice cocktail options too. (133 McCaslin Blvd, Louisville - 303-665-0330 )

Empire Lounge & Restaurant - Just great, fresh, local new American food in a casual fun atmosphere in a town I'm growing to love hanging out in. They have the best mac & cheese I've had (next to mine, of course). I think I'm a bit enamoured with their retro sign too. (816 Main Street, Louisville - 303-665-2521)

Spice China - My favorite Chinese restaurant in the area (although not as authentic as some in Denver like JJ's Chinese). There's a large menu including authentic Shanghai specialties in the back section. The tofu hot pot is the best tofu I've had (even better with the shrimp!). They have the only tripe dish I've ever liked. (269 McCaslin Blvd., Louisville - 720-890-0999 - spicechina.com) review. A-

Sushi Kaiten - This is one of those conveyor belt sushi restaurants, so you can grab something as soon as you sit down. But also order off the menu (as opposed to on the menu). The chef has some amazing items. Try the smoked salmon. This is NOT lox. They lightly smoke it in house and its amazing. Inexpensive and quite a gem where you'd least expect it. (2055 Ken Pratt Blvd. Ste A, Longmont -303-485-9848)

Sushi Yoshi - This hidden gem is hard to find, but easy to love. It's my favorite sushi bar in the Boulder area and is small, unpretentious and calm, unlike many Boulder sushi bars that cater to students. The presentations are beautiful, the fish impeccable, and the menu creative...think ostrich tenderloin carpaccio, edible wild plant salad, and Osaka-style sushi, which you don't usually see. I hope it survives in such a weird location. (406 Center Drive, Superior, in the Superior Market Place next to the driveway turnabout going into Costco - 720-304-0300; superiorsushi.com) review. A-

** Tortugas - One of my favorite local restaurants that always pops in mind if I'm not trying to go fancy. Low key and comfortable, in a small house with a delightful holiday-light lit patio. Lots of fresh fish with either Cajun or Caribbean treatments. Good portions, good prices and good food. (218 S. Coffman St., Longmont - 303-772-6954)

DENVER

Note: The lovely 32nd Street "Highlands" neighborhood has a number of wonderful restaurants (Bang, Highland's Garden Cafe, Julia Blackbird's, Trattoria Stella, Coral Room). Head there for a good choice and some fun window shopping - it's a cute part of town.

**Barolo Grill - An institution for the Cherry Creek neighborhood. Fantastic northern Italian food. The best creme brulle in Denver! (3030 E. 6th Ave. - 303-393-1040, www.barologrilldenver.com) review. B+

Bistro Vendome - This lovely French bistro has already won many awards and has now been taken over by Jennifer Jasinsky (of Rioja), so I can only imagine is even better! (1424-H Larimer St., Denver - 303-825-3232) John's review. B- http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/dining/article/0,2792,DRMN_24_3604425,00.html

Buckhorn Exchange - Actually, I think the food is pretty poor. But, it's a must-see spot. Go in for a game appetizer and a drink. There are guns and stuffed animal heads everywhere. They serve buffalo, elk, Rocky Mountain oysters, yak and more. They are Denver's oldest restaurant and have the first liquor licence (#1). review. B+

**Colt & Gray - A new favorite. "Simple, clean, and unexpected." There's a good reason it was one of Denver's top 25 restaurants in the 2010 5280 dining edition. I want to check out more of the 1920s cocktail...my favorite martini ever with my favorite gin, Plymouth, and house-made buddah-hand citron bitters.

Domo Restaurant - Step right into Japan when you step into this restaurant specializing in Japanese Country Food. This is not your average sushi bar. An amazing decor and beautiful outdoor Japanese garden are the setting for some unique foods (some you'll have no idea what they are). There's also a museum and dojo on the premises. But beware! The customer service can be awful and they have "rules" that can't be broken. They believe the customer is always wrong and will likely say "no!" if you think something isn't good and ask for a remedy. (1365 Osage St. - 303-595-3666 - domorestaurant.com) review. A-

Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen - Another restaurant by Jennifer Jasinsky. This comfortable American tavern focuses on high quality and innovative pub food from around the world including housemade sausages, po' boys, poutine and schnitzels. An extensive beer selection and creative cocktails drive the beverage program. (1317 14th Street in Larimer Square, 303.595.4255, http://euclidhall.com/).

**Fruition - One of Denver's new best restaurants (opened 2007). The chef of this New American Bistro is Alex Seidel, formerly of Sweet Basil in Vail and Mizuna in Denver, one of my all-time favorites. Such attention to detail and flavors! Every dish is exquisite. The place is small but worth every inch. (1313 East 6th Ave. in Denver. 303-831-1962 - fruitionrestaurant.com) review. A

Green Russel - OK, so this is just a bar, but my favorite one in Denver...and they take reservations like a restaurant (they don't let people stand around the bar). It's all about mixology here. Get a seat at the bar, facing the back-bar's greenhouse where they grow the herbs for the drinks. It's a speakeasy, so you enter through a "secret" door inside of Russel's Smokehouse, downstairs on Larimer Square. Classic, retro atmsophere. Love this place! Drinks are expensive, but you are paying for them to hand-cut your ice and to create whatever your little heart desires. (1422 Larimer St. 303-893-6505, http://greenrussell.com/)

** Highlands Garden Cafe - This remains one of my all-time favorites. I love the atmosphere. It's in a cozy house, with trompe loeil paintings on the brick walls, amazing New American food, and a beautiful garden during the summer. It's hard to because it's a house. (3927 W. 32nd Ave. - 303-458-5920 - highlahdsgardencafe.com) review. A-

**Lao Wang Noodle House - A tiny strip-mall space with the best potstickers we've ever had! Inventive, and cravable noodle dishes prepared and served by an older couple as if you're in their home. A delicious, inexpensive, hearly meal in a casual cultural atmosphere. Don't mind the slow service and respect your elders. review. A-

Luca d'Italia - Impeccable regional Italian dishes - no spaghetti in red sauce. It's comfy and classic and absolutely delicious. The sister restaurant to Mizuna below. House-made meats and cheeses and other goodies courtesy of the talented Frank Bonanno - two-time Food Network Challenge winning chef! (711 Grant St. - 303-832-6600, www.lucadenver.com) review. A-

** Mizuna - Owned by the same chef as Luca (above) and right next door, this is also amazing. His New American comfort food includes a sinful mac & cheese with lobster. The place has a pretty simple atmsophere though, but that's OK. I think I spent the most I've ever spent on myself in a restaurant at this place (much of the $ in fine wine) and it was worth it. (225 E. 7th Ave. - 303-832-4778 - www.mizunadenver.com) review. A

New Saigon - The most popular Vietnamese restaurants in Denver, and well-deserved. There's an immense menu. Try the Cua Lot Chien Bo (fried soft shell crab appetizer with fried onions and garlic butter wrapped in lettuce) and don't forget to order an avocado shake! (630 South Federal Blvd. - 303-936-4954 - newsaigon.com) Review. B

Panzano - I thought this was one of the best hotel restaurants when it was run by chef Jennifer Jasinski, and I still like the Regional Italian food, but she opened her own place, Rioja. (909 17th St. (in the Hotel Monaco) - 303-296-3525 - panzano-denver.com) review. A

Potager - A very quaint, French bistro atmosphere with fantastic contemporary new American food focusing on seasonal and fresh.. (1109 Ogden St. - 303-832-5788) review. A-

Racine's - Inexpensive, open late, always a seat, great for large parties and a versatile menu. This comfortable neighborhood eatery is my old standby to satisfy everyone and for a late night bite. I always seem to order their great coconut shrimp, or their Monte Christo sandwich - because it's hard to find most places. (650 Sherman - 303-595-0418 - racinesrestaurant.com) review. (No grade listed)

Rioja - Jennifer Jasinski's new place after Panzano's (and after working for Wolfgang Puck). The Mediterranean menu is pulled off beautifully by the all-female staff. (1431 Larimer St. - 303-820-2282 - riojadenver.com)

Sushi Den - Had always been my favorite Denver sushi bar until Sushi Sasa came along. I still love it, but the crowded, noisy and sometimes pretentious atmosphere drops it to 2nd place in my book. With extremely fresh and unique fish - flown in directly from Japan - it's always delicious...but hard on the pocketbook. Make sure to spring for the fresh wasabi. (1487 S. Pearl St. - 303-777-0826 - sushiden.net) review. A-

Sushi Sasa - My new favorite Denver sushi bar. Small, more serene than Sushi Den (although lately they've been turning up the music a bit too high for those over 20-something). Beautiful presentation of impeccably fresh fish. In addition to sushi they have other small plates and I love the way they do their light, non-greasy tempura. You order the fish/meat/vegi you want and get two sticks of each so you can mix and match your favorites - including lobster and oyster. Try the zensai, a chef's choice selection of dishes (2401 15th St. - 303-433-7272, sushisasadenver.com). review.

Vesta Dipping Grill - It's fun! You order your meat, fish etc. and choose your dipping sauce(s) and go for it. The food is delicious and the experience is unique. Loud though. (1822 Blake St. - 303-296-1970 - vestagrill.com) Review. A-

MOUNTAINS AND OTHER

Fat Cat Cafe - I've only been here for their weekend brunch, but "English Sally" is a wonderful baker and lovely woman and host. The spread is unlike others, with lots of pies, cookies, specialty egg dishes, and a few English touches like lemon curd and English scones. The online reviews say it! A bright spot in an otherwise gray zone of restaurants in Grand Lake. (916 Grand Avenue, Grand Lake, (970) 627-0900)

Fawnbrook Inn - This cozy, rustic mountain lodge serves some amazing food. I have to admit, I haven't been since the 1980's, but I remember it very fondly, and remember the deer walking through the snowy parking lot when we got there. (Highway 7 Business Loop, Allenspark - 303-747-2556, www.fawnbrookinn.com) review.

The Fort - I don't think their Southwestern food's anything to write home about, but they have a good variety of game meats and a very fun atmosphere - great for a celebratory dinner. It's fashioned after an old fort and the wait staff is costumed accordingly. (19192 Hwy 8, Morrison - 303-697-4771 - thefort.com)

Grand Lake Lodge - THE LODGE IS CLOSED now but I'm leaving this on here in hopes someone buys it and opens a good restaurant. Although not amazing, the food here is probably the best you can find in Grand Lake. As much as I love the area, the restaurants are awful. But, this place has an amazing view and reasonably good food. Sit on the porch, overlooking the lake and have a drink. (15500 US Hwy 34, Grand Lake - 970-627-3967 - grandlakelodge.com)

Hog Heaven Pit Barbecue - My favorite barbeque in the Denver area. It used to be in an old caboose, and I miss that, but they expanded and built a new building. Great sides too. (63658 Hwy 285, Bialey, at the top of Crow Hill) - 303-838-8814 - hogheavenbar-b-que.com) B+

Devil's Thumb Ranch - There are very few restaurants I like in the ski/tourist towns - but this is a gem. They use fresh, local, natural ingredients when possible and prepare them beautifully. The location is gorgeous too! (Tabernash (near Winter Park) 970-756-5632 or 800-933-4339 - devilsthumbranch.com)