Dining in Denver
 

Had originally posted this in the West sub-folder but seems like everybody who goes out to eat in Denver doesn't frequent that forum very often. :-)

Here's the link to the original post http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=440604. Thanks.

When you say something different I assume you want to stay away from the Morton's/Ruth's Chris type high end steak houses? Here are a few thoughts...

Seafood (Yes, Denver actually has a couple of very good, fresh, seafood restaurants). McCormack's in LoDo is pretty good and they have an extensive menu of fresh seafood (flown in daily). Jax is right across the street is in an upscale raw bar type restaurant with a funky atmosphere. If you're looking for Northern Italian then there is Panzano. Its downtown in the Hotel Monaco. There's also Il Fornaio in LoDo. Yes, its part of a chain but you would never know it. Good Northern Italian food and a nice atmosphere. There are all sorts of good steak houses if that's what you are looking for (not all of them are chains). PM me if you have any other questions.

Here are a couple of recommendations depending on what type of food you are looking for:

Zengo - Asian/Cuban Fusion
Rioja - Northern Italian
Vesta Dipping Grill - Varied menu
Capital Grill - Steak
Tamayo - Upscale Mexican

All are either within walking distance or a very short cab ride from your hotel. Let me know if you have any questions, or want any more specific details.

Amateurs!!! ;)

You want The Fort if you have a car and a little time to drive. It is definitely different and a taste of Denver.

Bring the Platinum card.

Depending on how accustomed to fresh fish you are, Sushi Den is a pretty good sushi place in Denver.

Basically, if you are from the Bay Area, LA, Vancouver, Boston, or NYC, save your money b/c the place is pretty pricey for what you get. Otherwise, if you are from Texas or some other place not known for their fresh fish, this place is quite good and on par with restaurants in these other cities.

The reason, IIRC, is that Sushi Den owns interest in a Japanese fish shipper that buys their fish straight from the markets in Japan and flies it to various cities around the US. Allegedly the best cuts, of course, go to their home restaurant.
http://www.sushiden.net/

For cheap pizza and italian, I've always liked Pasquinis.
http://www.pasquinis.com/

I like several of the italian places in the Highlands (short drive)
and the Cherry Tomato East of City park (about 3 miles is our favorite)
Downtown, the samba room is good and I like McCormicks (at the other end of the 16th street mall (free bus on pedestrian mall)

Forgot one

If you like beer, the Wynkoop owned by the mayor is good also 16th street mall bus then 3 block walk (also has pool tables)

I enjoyed the Buckhorn Exchange when I was in Denver. They have a lot of your more exotic cuts from Venison to Buffalo to Elk.

The Broker was pricey but very nice as well. Hope you aren't allergic to shellfish. They give you shrimp instead of the usual bread and butter.

I'd have to second that one, as well as the prices. Fortunately for me, when I was there Microsoft was picking up the tab... :)

Beer?
 

Wynkoop's nice but if you're after beer walk a couple of extra blocks to the Falling Rock Tap House on Blake Street. It's much more of a dive with much less in the way of food than the Wynkoop brewpub, but it's got a superb collection of local micros and imports -- including hard to find Belgians.

See http://www.fallingrocktaphouse.com for more information.

We had a fabulous meal last week at Rioja, in Larimer Square in the LoDo district. We did not have a reservation, but walked in and took seats at the chef's counter. With my two kids, aged 10 and 15, the service was great, and the food was beyond words. If you are in Denver, stop whatever you are doing now, go to Rioja, eat, and enjoy! and tell me about it so I can relive the experience as well...

I'll put in a vote for Zengo. Had a great meal there a couple months ago.