$$$Contemporary, Fusion
Perched above Tennyson Street, Hey Kiddo stands out as the hippest of Denver powerhouse Chef Kelly Whitaker’s empire. The third-floor venue encompasses a rooftop bar area and a bespoke cocktail lounge in the back (referred to as “Ok Yeah”) but the restaurant is the heart of the operation. The playful menu centers around broadly Asian-inflected shareable plates like an exceptionally crunchy take on Korean fried chicken, or tender pork ribs with a salted plum barbecue sauce, accompanied by compelling sides like crispy potato pavé with a trout roe gravy, or an assortment of house-made pickles and
$$Japanese, Contemporary
Housed in a brick building that was once a firehouse, this unconventional izakaya from Chef Bill Taibe offers approachable Japanese cooking by way of Connecticut (home of the original location). To match the freewheeling cuisine, the vibe is lively and relaxed, with an ample bar reserved for walk-ins that offers an ideal spot to nibble while tippling an assortment of sakes and cocktails. The menu has a bit of everything, from creative shareable plates like a scallop crudo with grapefruit, ginger, and dill, or a kung pao chicken karaage; more substantial dishes of noodles, as in a carbonara-lik
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 80 reviews
Kawa Ni in East Windsor offers contemporary Japanese and Asian fusion cuisine. Reviews frequently praise the fresh, flavorful food, highlighting ramen, crab, and salads, though some note the menu caters heavily to Western tastes. Service is generally described as friendly and accommodating, particularly for families, but isolated incidents of poor attitude occur. The ambiance is cozy and appealing. Opinions on value are mixed; while many find the experience worthwhile, others consider the prices high relative to the portion sizes and quality. Overall, it is a popular spot with strong positive feedback on food and atmosphere, despite occasional inconsistencies in service and perceived value.
Suitable for families or friends seeking a cozy atmosphere and fusion Japanese cuisine.
$$$Contemporary
Tucked inside the Gravity Haus hotel in the LoHi district, step past two sets of doors to find this moody-eclectic spot with a vintage vibe and a contemporary, plant-forward menu. Whether you order a la carte or choose a customizable tasting menu, expect bold and creative dishes with plenty of personality and character. Take the butternut squash soup that's far from a typical bowl. Here, butter-poached Dungeness crab takes center stage in a bowl with a ginger and pepita crumble and sunchoke chips, plus a tableside pour of soup. Salmon is sided by a crispy fennel cake with sunchoke puree and ro
$$$American
They may have their own entrance, but it's worth the walk through Union Station to arrive at this handsome spot complete with wood floors and tables, tufted leather banquettes and a soothing palette of brown and blue. The elevated take on American cuisine is inflected with global touches with plenty of appeaing choices. There's even a lunch prix fixe with two courses (plus the option to add a wine pairing if you’re in the mood). Go for the roasted broccoli Caesar, followed up by the fried chicken banh mi for a treat.
$$$$Steakhouse, American
With its prime corner location, large picture windows and beautifully framed doors, A5 Steakhouse beckons diners with an instant warmth. Inside, an attractive bar is particularly welcoming, especially at happy hour, while the dining room shares a retro vibe complete with kitschy artwork. The kitchen is headed by Partner/Chef Max MacKissock who doles out classic steakhouse favorites with slight variations, as in a wedge salad with cubes of avocado, tomato confit, pickled red onion and crisp guanciale doused in Roquefort dressing. The Denver steak does its namesake proud, with anterior chuck fro
$$$$Japanese, Fusion
Tucked in the basement of a restaurant and only accessible through an unmarked alleyway door, Ukiyo has a classic speakeasy feel. With just two seatings nightly, this secretive spot serves a multicourse tasting menu rooted in Japanese technique but layered with bold influences from Southeast Asian and Peruvian cuisines. Global influences are seen in starters like focaccia bread with tom yum butter and dishes like raw black seabass with Peruvian pepper sauce atop a shiso leaf. Nigiri is at once traditional (think otoro with scallion and ginger) and iconoclastic (minced chicken with lemongrass a
$$Pizza
Set in the shadow of Coors Field, Marco's takes pride in being the only spot in Colorado to be certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana—a stamp of approval from the Italian birthplace of this beloved foodstuff. The crust alone makes a strong case, made with flavorful, hand-stretched dough, expertly fired in a traditional oven, with beautifully blistered, flame-kissed edges, but the quality of the toppings impresses as well, from San Marzano tomatoes, to prosciutto di parma, to aged pecorino. No substitutions are allowed on the Neapolitan pies, but non-traditional offerings will gi
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 80 reviews
Marco's Coal-Fired is noted for its coal-fired pizza, praised for its Italian-style charred crust and generous portions. Food quality is generally high, though some report undercooked or burnt items. Service is mixed; while many appreciate attentive staff, others cite slow pacing or unfriendly attitudes during peak times. The atmosphere is lively and popular for pre-game dining, but can be noisy. Value perceptions vary significantly, with some finding lunch affordable and others citing high prices and extra surcharges. Overall, the culinary experience is strong, but consistency in service and ambiance depends on the visit time.
Ideal for diners seeking authentic coal-fired pizza who can tolerate a lively atmosphere; visiting during off-peak hours may improve service consistency.
$$Barbecue, American
This counter service fast-casual concept in the Source Hotel may have an approachable, no-frills ambiance, but Chef Bill Espiricueta, an Austin native, is clearly serious about barbecue. From succulent brisket to jalapeño sausage links studded with oozing cheddar cheese, the restaurant's namesake is deployed skillfully, pervading the food with a subtle, savory aroma that doesn't overpower. Typical sides like slaw and mac & cheese are passable, but shouldn't distract from the meaty main event—fried fare like sweet potato tots and French fries might tempt those with truly outsize appetites, and
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.9/5 · 80 reviews
Smok in Valdosta holds an average TripAdvisor rating of 3.9/5 based on 80 reviews. Food quality is polarizing; while smoked chicken, pulled pork, and brisket are often praised, some diners report dry, bitter, or artificially flavored meat, alongside mixed opinions on sides like baked beans and the salad bar. Service is inconsistent, with highlights on friendly staff like Natalie and Jo, but complaints regarding slow attention, inattentiveness, and payment protocol issues persist. The atmosphere is generally described as cheerful and energetic, though bathroom cleanliness varies. Value perceptions differ, with some finding portions generous and prices fair, while others feel the experience does not justify the cost. It remains a convenient stop for travelers on I-75, though expectations should be managed.
Suitable for travelers stopping on I-75, with managed expectations regarding food consistency.
$$$Israeli
Safta may mean "grandmother" in Hebrew, but there's nothing old school about this restaurant, Chef Alon Shaya's first outside Louisiana. Instead, this hot spot is located in the trendy Source Hotel. At first glance, it looks like you’re walking toward a coffee counter (and you are), but it wraps around to the restaurant and the kitchen. It's all airy and upbeat, just like the Israeli menu that lists many favorites but feels original and interesting. There must be hummus, of course, but here it's given a fresh take with roasted chanterelle mushrooms and chermoula butter served with freshly bake
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Safta, located in Arvada, specializes in Israeli and Mediterranean cuisine. Most guests praise the fresh and flavorful food, particularly recommending the Whipped Feta, Lamb Ragu Hummus, and the Sunday Brunch buffet featuring malawach and various meats. The restaurant boasts a bright, modern, and airy design, though some diners note that the open layout creates noise issues and lacks coziness. Service is generally friendly, but occasional inconsistencies arise with meal pacing and billing accuracy. The primary point of contention is value; while food quality is widely appreciated, many reviewers consider the pricing high relative to the overall experience.
Ideal for diners seeking high-quality Mediterranean cuisine who are less price-sensitive, with advice to book ahead and be mindful of ambient noise.
$$$Japanese
Temaki Den is nestled within The Source Hotel + Market Hall. It's an open space, tucked among other vendors, and a dark color palette lends a modern, if moody, feel to this spot. As the name suggests, it is all about temaki, or handrolls, though they do feature aburi (flame-seared) nigiri as well. Begin with broccolini goma-ae, a nicely balanced dish of blanched bright green broccolini dressed in a sesame dressing, before moving on to temaki, available à la carte or as a set. Rolled for guests, one at a time, the Scottish salmon belly with yuzu kosho and crispy shallots is a standout. Don't sk
$$Italian, Contemporary
Chefs/owners Spencer White and Alex Figura have a background in fine dining, but this popular fast-casual concept thrives on an accessible, laid-back format. Creativity and a clear understanding of flavor go hand in hand on a small, seasonal menu, with house-made forming the centerpiece of the operation (both literally and figuratively—a pasta production table is visible at the heart of the kitchen), from tradition-adjacent mafaldine cacio e pepe, boosted with pink peppercorn, to totally iconoclastic combinations like casarecce with shrimp, dill and toasted parmesan.
$$$$Steakhouse, American Contemporary
Guard and Grace occupies an enviable location at the base of the 56-floor Brookfield Building in downtown Denver. Expectations at this restaurant in one of the city's tallest skyscrapers are deservedly high, as this ultra-sleek space delivers day and night. The vast space is stunning, with an oak fire roaring in the open kitchen, a floor-to ceiling wine room and a sophisticated blend of modernity and rusticity. Steaks are the obvious draw but a full seafood bar is a close second. Artichoke and spinach dip is a rich and flavorful starter before tucking in to filet mignon with lime smashed potat
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Guard and Grace is an upscale American contemporary steakhouse in Arvada, holding a 4.5/5 average on TripAdvisor. Food quality is generally praised, with standout items including Wagyu New York steaks, octopus, and fish dishes, though some guests reported tough meat or salty sides. Service is largely commended for being attentive and celebratory, yet criticized for slow pacing or intrusive behavior. The atmosphere is lively and bustling; while the main dining room can be loud with techno-style music, back rooms offer quieter settings. Value perceptions vary significantly, with some finding it worth the cost while others deem it overpriced given the inconsistent experience.
Ideal for diners seeking high-quality steaks and a vibrant atmosphere, but booking off-peak hours or private rooms is recommended for a better experience.
$$$French
The owners of this cozy spot in North Denver drew its inspiration from their love of the casual bistros and wine bars of Montreal, resulting in a certain approachable charm that makes it a neighborhood restaurant par excellence. It also comes through both in the rustic aesthetic, and moreover in the small menu of staples like steak frites with creamy pepper sauce, rib-sticking chicken fricassee with Boursin pomme purée, and comforting French onion soup, alongside more inventive items like blood sausage fried wontons with tamari vinaigrette. There's also an excellent burger. Well-crafted cockta