Mizuna
225 East 7th Avenue (Capitol Hill)
Tel. 303.832.4778
www.mizunadenver.com
Fine ingredients and the chefs own creative freedom make for some quirky yet delicious combination entrees. Macaroni and cheese with lobster, farm duck with balsalmic juice, and “liver and onions” that includes foie gras and a sweet onion tart are among the unusual adaptations of American classics. Reservations are essential.
The Fort Restaurant
19192 Highway 8
Morrison
Tel. 303.697.4771
www.thefort.com
This is the Old West dining experience that is casually elegant and not too touristy. Famous for its buffalo steaks and ribs, the adobe fort structure is a perfect reproduction of a Colorado fur-trading center. Make reservations here. Dinner at The Fort is a nice compliment to a concert at nearby Red Rocks.
McCormick’s Fish House & Bar
1659 Wazee Street (Lodo)
Tel. 303.825.1107
www.mccormickandschmicks.com
You will think the ocean is right around the corner after eating here. Fish and shellfish are airlifted each day: oysters, caviar, sturgeon, lobster and more. There is an in-house microbrewery and a lounge with superb martinis next door.
Buckhorn Exchange
1000 Osage Street
Tel. 303.534.0505
www.buckhornexchange.com
Denver's oldest restaurant sells steak (but of course) by the pound.
Ellyngton’s
321 17th Street
Tel. 303.297.3111
Located in the Brown Palace Hotel, this is the place for Sunday brunch! The servers pull out all the stops with a champagne buffet. Salmon, fresh cheeses, shrimp, fruit serve as sidekicks to the perfect little pancakes and splendid omelets.