Dining Guide

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 our annual list of Denver’s best restaurants, released each October. These selections are at the discretion of 5280 editors and are subject to change.

PRICE KEY (Average Entrée)

$ under $10

$$ $11 to $15

$$$ $16 to $25

$$$$ $26 and higher

A

25 BEST 12 at Madison

$$

Congress Park / American With a menu offering 18 small plates meant for sharing (plus one large-format dish meant to feed two to four people), Jeff Osaka’s cozy restaurant is ideal for dining with a small group. Reservations accepted. 1160 Madison St., 720-216-0190. Dinner

Ace Eat Serve

$$

Uptown Area / Asian This Uptown restaurant and ping-pong hall features Asian-inspired cuisine and 11 ping-pong tables. Try the Szechuan shrimp wontons or the duck confit bao bun. Reservations accepted. 501 E. 17th Ave., 303-800-7705. Dinner

25 BEST Acorn

$$

RiNo / New American Contemporary American cuisine with Southern and Moroccan notes at this mainstay inside the Source is served from an oak-fired oven and grill. Don’t miss the bar’s inventive cocktails. Reservations accepted. The Source, 3350 Brighton Blvd., 720-542-3721. Lunch, Dinner

Acreage Restaurant

$$

Lafayette / Seasonal Stem Cider’s ciderhouse and eatery pairs its drinks with house-grown produce and sustainable sourcing by chef Eric Lee. Order something from the charcuterie menu and save room for the cider doughnuts. Reservations accepted for parties of nine or more. 1380 Horizon Ave., Unit A, 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. Also try the Green Valley Ranch location. Reservations not accepted. 955 S. Kipling Pkwy., 720-229-7778. Lunch, Dinner

NEW American Elm

$$

Berkeley / American Elevated American fare and classic cocktails anchor the menu at this neighborhood spot, where you can get $2 oysters and $3 shrimp cocktail every day. Reservations accepted. 4132 W. 38th Ave., 720-749-3186. Lunch, Dinner

American Grind

$$

Speer / American This sustainably-minded burger joint serves satisfying, well, burgers, fries, and ice cream made with locally sourced ingredients. Reservations not accepted. 81 S. Pennsylvania Ave., 970-420-8484. Lunch, Dinner

25 BEST Annette

$$$

Aurora / American Acorn’s former sous chef, Caroline Glover, brings a warm dining experience to Stanley Marketplace with Annette. Enjoy a family-style menu featuring seasonal salads, toasts, and woodgrilled fare. Reservations accepted. Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Ste. 108, 720-710-9975. Dinner, Brunch

25 BEST Arcana

$$$$

Boulder / American This charming Boulder restaurant aims to explore the roots of American heritage through food. Pair a cider with the Colorado lamb or the farmer’s cheese toast. Reservations accepted. 909 Walnut St., Boulder, 303-444-3885. Dinner, Brunch

Ash’Kara

$$$

LoHi / Middle Eastern Chef Daniel Asher offers a playful take on Middle Eastern cuisine at this plant-bedecked eatery. Try the falafel and king salmon crudo. Reservations accepted. 2005 W. 33rd Ave., 303-537-4407. Dinner, Brunch

These listings are in no way related to advertising in 5280. If you find that a restaurant differs significantly from the information in its listing or your favorite restaurant is missing from the Dining Guide, please let us know. Write us at 5280 Publishing, Inc., 1675 Larimer St., Suite 675, Denver, CO 80202 or dining@5280.com.

Avanti Food & Beverage

$$

Highland / International Current tenants of this food hall include Street Feud, Brava! Pizzeria Della Strada, QuickFish Poke Bar, Quiero Arepas, the Rotary, and Bistro Georgette. 3200 Pecos St., 720-269-4778. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

B

Bamboo Sushi

$$$

LoHi / Sushi This Portland-born sustainable sushi spot will make you feel good about each bite of sashimi you take. Reservations accepted. 715 17th St., 303-284-6600. Dinner

Bar Dough

$$$

Highland / Italian Tuck into wood-fired pizzas and comforting pastas from chef-owner Max MacKissock and executive chef-owner Carrie Baird at this casual gathering spot. Reservations accepted. 2227 W. 32nd Ave., 720-668-8506. Dinner, Brunch

25 BEST Barolo Grill

$$$$

Cherry Creek / Italian