ACRL News Issue (B) of College & Research Libraries 172 / C&RL News ■ February 2001 A C R L N A T I O N A L CONFERENCE Crossing the forks Denver has restaurants for every taste by Thomas K. Fry and Kim S. Anderson W hen w e read in the D enver Post last spring that dow ntow n Denver had added 99 new res­ ta u r a n ts s in c e 1993 (that’s new, no replace­ m e n ts, p le a s e !), w e knew that w e had our w ork cut out for us in preparing a guide to restaurants for ACRL X on March 15-18, 2001. Dining out in D enver offers a w ide range o f choices. You’ll have an incredible variety o f cuisines and prices w ithin a few-block ra­ dius o f the convention center or your con­ ference hotel. Those of you from either coast will find our food o n a p ar w ith New York, D.C., Los Angeles, o r San Francisco, w ith al­ titude, not attitude! In this article w e ’ve tried to include our favorites, and the highest-rated restaurants. We start in the areas closest to the conven­ tion center and hotels, then include som e unique D enver spots, next is LoDo— easily reached by foot or the 16th Street mall shuttle (free)— and finally tw o areas noted for din­ ing (17th Avenue), strolling, and shopping (Cherry Creek North). You’ll need a car, cab, o r bus to reach the latter tw o locations, but the added expense is w orth it. Since restaurant hours change w ithout notice, w e ’ve included their p h o n e numbers for your convenience. Some, but not all, take reservations. All have non-sm oking sections. Restaurants w ith an asterisk are commonly ranked am ong the city’s ten best. Price key, fo o d only, p e r p erso n : $=less th a n $10, $$=$10-$20, $$$=$20-$30, $$$$=$30+. Three good restaurant Web sites worth vis­ iting are http://w w w .5280/.com /dining/htm l, w w w .w e s tw o r d .c o m , a n d h ttp ://w w w . restaurantshow .com . Downtown • Z e n ith , 8 1 5 1 7 th St. ( 3 0 3 ) 2 9 3 -2 3 2 2 . This is a reincarnation of the original Zenith, w hich som e o f you may rem em ber from ALA Midwinter 1993. Chef Kevin Taylor is still in tow n and prepares modern, innovative South­ w estern in a spacious an d inviting dining room. Consistently good, intensely flavored food, and always great service. Noted for their co m soup and pork tamales. $$$ • J o u j o u , 1 1 0 6 l 4 t h s t . ( 3 0 3 ) 2 28-0770. A nother of Kevin Taylor’s dow ntow n restau­ rants, jou jou serves u p classic American fare in a casual atm osphere. Roasted rosemary chicken with mashed potatoes is always good and comforting. C row ded after theater, but Thomas K. Fry is associate d ire c to r o f Penrose Lib ra ry a t th e Ubouosrhtua eht tAn iversity o f Denver, e-m a il: tfry@ du.edu; K im S. An d e rso n is M ou n ta in -P la in s re g io n a l m a n a g e r fo r Blackw ell's B o o k Services, e-m ail: kim .anderson@ blackw ell.com http://www.5280/.com/dining/html http://www.westword.com restaurantshow.com mailto:tfry@du.edu mailto:kim.anderson@blackwell.com C&RL News ■ February 2001 I 173 McCormick's Fish House and Bar easily a c c e sse d fo r lu n c h o r d inner, a n d very close to th e c o n v e n tio n center. $’$$ • S h i p T a v e r n a t t h e B r o w n P a l a c e H o te l, 3 2 1 1 7 t h St. ( 3 0 3 ) 2 9 7 - 3 1 1 1 . The least e x p e n siv e a n d m ost re la x e d o f th e Brown’s restau ran ts, serving g reat burgers, chicken p o t pie, a n d o th e r casual p u b fare. Great bar, im p e c c a b le service, terrific at­ m osphere. $$ • P a n z a n o , 9 0 9 1 7 t h St. ( 3 0 3 ) 2 9 6 - 3 5 2 5 . L o c a te d in th e H o te l M o n a c o , Panzano serves m o d e rn , light Italian in a beautiful room . Try th e S p in ach salad an d c a la m a ri a p p e t i z e r fo r a g o o d l u n c h . Reservations strongly re c o m m e n d e d . $ $ - $$$ • P a l e t t e s , 1 0 0 W. 1 4 t h A v e . ( 3 0 3 ) 6 2 9 - 0 8 8 9 . T h e re s ­ taurant in the D enver Art Museum, w hich is next do o r to the D en­ ver P u b lic L ib rary , serves u p w o n d e rfu l nou-velle in a bright, airy, d e c o n stru c tio n ­ ist room. The art o n the walls com es from the museum collection. Inventive salads, fish, and chicken dishes. O p en for lunch only. $$ (Palettes Express serves sandw iches, soups, and salads— cafeteria style. $) • I l i o s , 1 2 0 1 B r o a d w a y ( 3 0 3 ) 6 2 3 - 3 663. L ocated just a b lo ck s o u th o f the Denver P ublic Library, “F o o d o f th e su n n y M editerranean” is th e ir m otto. G en ero u s portions, a lw ay s fre sh , u p b e a t s e rv ic e , bright kitschy d in in g room . T he m en u fe a ­ tures m ostly G reek fo o d , b u t Italian an d Spanish are also re p re s e n te d . T hey excel at turning tab les efficiently, so y o u can get in and o u t fast if y o u ’re in a hurry. $-$$ T hese n e x t sp o ts a re a bit so u th o f the Denver P ublic Library o n Lincoln, w h ic h is a block east. T h e y ’re w ith in w alk in g d is­ tance, b u t a cab m ay b e a g o o d idea. • R a d e x , 1 0 0 E. 9 t h A v e . a t L i n c o l n (3 0 3 ) 8 6 1 -7 9 9 9 - Lively an d noisy, upscale, with-it c ro w d enjo y in g terrific a n d r e a s o n ­ ably p riced , in terestin g en tre e s. C h ef a n d owner R adek C erny (see P apillon) has cre ­ ated a le ss-e x p e n siv e a n d so m e w h a t less intricate m e n u , b u t still w o n d e rfu l tastes a n d m o s tly a tte n tiv e s e rv ic e . R o tisserie c h ic k e n w ith garlic m a sh e d p o ta to e s is a l­ w ays g o o d a n d a bargain; large p asta s e ­ lectio n . R eservations re c o m m e n d e d . $$ • L e C e n t r a l , 1 1 2 E. 8 t h A v e . a t L in ­ c o l n ( 3 0 3 ) 8 6 3 - 8 0 9 4 . D en v er’s reaso n ab ly p ric e d F ren ch re s ta u ra n t is a favorite w ith locals. C ountry F ren ch m e n u c h an g es fre­ quently, b u t th ey alw ays seem to have m us­ sels, if th a t’s y o u r thing. In e x p e n siv e w in e list. O k ay service. $$ • A u b e r g i n e C a fé * , 2 2 5 E. 7 t h A v e . ( 3 0 3 ) 8 3 2 - 4 7 7 8 . L o cated ju s t a c o u p le b lo ck s e a st o f Lincoln at 7th' A ubergine has in n o v ativ e M editerra­ n e a n -in sp ire d cuisine w ith a n oft-ch an g in g m e n u . A sm all, in ti­ m a t e d i n i n g r o o m m a k e s th is p o p u la r fo r c o u p le s a n d sm all g r o u p s . S m a ll, b u t q u a l i t y w i n e li s t , a f f o r d a b l y p r i c e d . R eservations strongly r e c o m m e n d e d . $$$ (T he M exican joint o n th e corner, B enny’s, is o n e o f D en v er’s best, to o , w ith g re a t c h ip s a n d salsa a n d e n c h i­ ladas. $) Local atm osphere—A tas te of Colorado • D e n v e r B u f f a l o C o m p a n y , 1 1 t h a n d L i n c o l n ( 3 0 3 ) 8 3 2 - 0 8 8 0 . B uffalo steaks, b u ffa lo p rim e rib, b u ffa lo chili, b u ffa lo burgers, buffalo ribs, buffalo m eatloaf, b u f­ falo sa u s a g e — all locally g ro w n , p lu s beef, c h ic k e n , a n d v e g e ta ria n . T his v e n e ra b le s p o t has lo ad s o f a tm o sp h e re a n d g reat service. Try th e re d a n d g re e n chili o r th e b uffalo p atty m elt. $$. • R o c k y M o u n t a i n D i n e r , 8 0 0 1 8 t h S t. ( 3 0 3 ) 2 9 3 - 8 3 8 3 . P ic tu re y o u r b asic d in e r m e n u w ith a S o u th w estern kick, in a W estern d in e r motif. Very close to th e co n ­ f e r e n c e h o te l s . D w ig h t Y o a k u m , Lyle Lovett, an d V ince Gil o n th e so u n d sys­ tem . Try th e ro ast d u ck enchiladas, chicken fried steak , ja la p e n o c o rn b re a d , a n d v e n i­ so n chili. $$ • B u c k h o r n E x c h a n g e , 1 0 t h a n d O s ­ a g e ( 3 0 3 ) 5 3 4 - 9 5 0 5 . D enver’s m ost historic 174 / C&RL News ■ February 2001 Tour the M ile High City T ake a d v a n ta g e o f y o u r trip to D e n ­ v e r fo r ACRL’s 10th N ational C o n feren ce, M arch 15-18, 2001, to e x p lo re D en v er a n d its environs! ACRL is o ffe rin g a v a rie ty o f to u r s o n W e d n e s d a y , M arch 14, a n d T h u r s ­ day, M arch 15. S c h e d u le d to u rs in c lu d e : • C o l o r a d o S p r in g s — T h e G a r d e n o f t h e G o d s a n d A i r F o r c e A c a d e m y , W ednesday, M arch 14, 2001, 8:30 a . m - 4:30 p.m . E x p e rie n c e th e b e a u ty o f in c re d ib le s a n d s to n e ro c k fo rm a tio n s a n d th e G ar­ d e n o f th e G o d s at th e U.S. Air F orce A cadem y V isit th e P lan etariu m , th e Ca­ d e t C hapel, a n d th e Cave o f th e W inds — a 200-m ilIion-year-old rare g e o lo g ical fo rm atio n th a t o c c u rs n o w h e re else o n e arth . Visit th e library at th e U niversity o f C o lo ra d o in C o lo rad o S prings an d e n d y o u r to u r w ith a sh o rt re c e p tio n . • D e n v e r H i s t o r i c a l T o u r — W ed n es­ day, M arch 14, 2001, 9:30 a .m .-4 :0 0 p.m . V is i t t h e s t a t e c a p i t a l — a l l s u r ­ r o u n d e d w ith m a r b le a n d ro s e q u a rtz w a lls a n d c o v e r e d w i t h a 2 4 - c a r a t d o m e . V isit tw o fa m o u s h o u s e s , M olly B ro w n ’s ( o f T ita n ic fa m e ) a n d th e B yers E v a n s h o u s e , a n e x q u is it e I t a li a n a te m a n s io n b u ilt in 1883. E njoy h ig h te a a t th e B ro w n P a la c e , a n a tio n a l h is to ric restaurant, since 1893, w ith Liquor License No. 1, th e B uckhorn isn’t w ithin w alking dis­ tance, b u t it’s a quick train ride aw ay o n Light Rail. It took us just five m inutes from the Auraria station to the first stop south, then it’s just across the street. Great steaks, chili; two could m ake a goo d sized m eal from the Dutch Lunch ($9.75) of bean soup, bratwurst, baby back pork ribs, b e e f brisket, G erm an potato salad, an d cole slaw. Terrific atm o­ sphere. Be sure to check out th e Buffalo Bill lookalike ph o to s along w ith the elk, bear, deer, rattlers, etc. $$-$$$ Cheap lunch Sure, y o u can g rab a b u rg e r at M cD onald’s, but y o u ’ll m iss o u t o n so m e in e x p e n s iv e la n d m a r k th a t is a re m a rk a b le e x a m p le o f V ictorian a rc h ite c tu re b a s e d o n the Italian R enaissance. S top at th e D en v er M int o p e ra tin g since 1862 a n d still w orks a ro u n d th e clock. • S h o p ’T i l Y o u D r o p D e n v e r T o u r — W e d n e s d a y , M a rc h 14, 2001, 10:00 a.m .-4 :0 0 p.m . H ere is y o u r c h a n c e to s h o p D e n v e r’s #1 a ttr a c tio n — th e p r e s tig io u s C h erry C re e k M all a n d N o rth C h e rry C re e k S hops, a sm all, fa s h io n a b le village w ith q u iet, tre e -lin e d streets, o u td o o r cafes, flo w e r g a rd e n s , a n d fo u n ta in s . W hile th e r e y o u w ill visit th e w o rld fam o u s T a tte re d C over B o o k sto re. If th a t’s n o t e n o u g h , th e n o n to P ark M eadow s Re­ tail Resort, h o m e to N ordstrom , D illard’s, Lord a n d Taylor, a n d m ore. • S k i T r ip s — W ednesday, M arch 14, 2001, 7:00 a.m .-6 :0 0 p.m . o r p la n y o u r o w n m u lti-d ay trip b e fo re o r after the c o n fe re n c e W hat w o u ld a trip to D e n v e r b e w ith ­ o u t skiing? M o u n ta in s a n d tall p in e s p u n c tu a te th e la n d s c a p e a n d th e a rea a ro u n d K eystone. O n e o f th e m o st p o p u ­ lar re s o rts fo r fam ilies is su re to b e a h it o n this d ay trip, w h e th e r y o u are a sk ier o r g o in g a lo n g fo r s h o p p i n g a t th e S ilv erth o rn e O u tle t Stores. a n d in te re s tin g g ru b . Y o u ’v e h e a r d th e m axim “g o o d , fast, c h e a p — p ick tw o ” w ell this d o e s n ’t a p p ly to th e fo llo w in g lunch sp o ts, m o st w ith in a few blocks o f th e c o n ­ v e n tio n c e n te r. Y ou g et all th re e attrib u tes w ith each. • C h i p o t le M e x i c a n G rill, C a lifo r n ia St. b e t w e e n 1 6 th a n d 1 7 t h ( 3 0 3 ) 6 1 5 -5 8 1 8 . D enver’s best know n and hom egrown healthy- Mex burrito joint. (O ther outlets all over the metro area.) Decon-structionist interiors con­ trast w ith the huge, one-pound-plus, made- to-order burritos. Ingredients include cilantro lime steam ed rice, black or pinto beans, grilled chicken, p o rk or steak, cheese, salsa, sour cream, guacamole; in a large steam ed flour tortilla. O ne burrito easily feeds two. $ C&RL News ■ February 2001 / 175 • L ib r a r y T o u r — T hursday, M arch 15, 2001, 8:30 a.m .-2 :3 0 p.m . Tour a jo in t-u se library— th e C ollege Hill Library at F ront R ange C om m unity College, a u n iq u e co m b in a tio n o f public and academ ic libraries o p e ra te d jointly by th e City o f W estm in ster a n d F ro n t Range C om m unity C o lleg e-W estm in ster Campus (FRCC). T h e n o n to th e Jerry Craíl Jo h n s o n E arth S ciences a n d Map Library, a n d n e x t th e m ain library at th e University o f C o lo rad o at B oulder. This tour in clu d es lu n ch at netLibrary. • L o w e r D o w n t o w n (L O D O ) T o u r — Thursday, M arch 15, 2001, 9:30 a.m .-2:00 p.m. D enver is a ch arm in g co m b in a tio n o f old an d new . This to u r delivers a glim pse of b o th w ith g re a t c o m m e n ta ry b y a k n o w led g eab le to u r g u id e as y o u r d e ­ luxe m otor coach drives by historic U nion Station an d th e O xford H otel. Stops will in clu d e C o o rs F ield a n d th e T a tte re d Cover B ookstore. • T a s te o f t h e R o c k i e s — T hursday, March 15, 2001, 9:00 a.m .-2 :3 0 p.m . Your visit to R ed R ocks P ark an d Am­ p h ith eater w ill surely b e a sig h t th a t you will b e talking a b o u t fo r a lo n g tim e as you sta n d am id st to w erin g cliffs o f re d sandstone, rising h u n d re d s of fe e t above • W a t e r C o u r s e F o o d s , 2 0 6 E. 1 3 t h Av e . ( 3 0 3 ) 8 3 2 - 7 3 1 3 . O p e n fo r b reakfast and lu n c h , W ate r C o u rs e s e r v e s u p a healthy v eg eta rian m e n u th a t’s delicious. The b u c k w h e a t cakes an d b a n a n a b re a d F ench to ast are terrific. $ • D o z e n s , 2 3 6 W. 1 3 t h A v e . at C h e r o ­ kee ( 3 0 3 ) 5 7 2 - 0 0 6 6 . Also o p e n for b re a k ­ fast an d lu n ch only, a n d p retty close to the convention c e n te r a n d th e D enver P u b ­ lic Library, this p la c e serves g reat p a n c a k e and egg dishes. F req u en ted by staffers from the City a n d C ounty B uilding, an d the o c ­ :asional p olitician. $ • P i n t s , 2 2 1 W. 1 3 t h A v e . a t B a n n o c k (3 0 3 ) 5 3 4 - 7 5 4 3 . A u th en tic E nglish P ub with p re tty g o o d b u rg e rs, b a n g e rs a n d you. You w ill also visit th e grave site an d m u seu m o f o n e o f th e O ld W est’s m ost fam ous characters, Buffalo Bill Cody, and y o u w ill visit th e fam ous C oors B rew ery. • PASCAL: T o u r o f R e m o t e S t o r a g e F a c i l it y — T hursday, March 15, 2001, 8:30 a.m .-12:3O p.m . Visit PASCAL (P reservation an d Access Service C en ter fo r A cadem ic Libraries), a n off-site facility for sto rag e o f research m aterials fo r th e B oulder, D enver, an d H ealth S ciences C en ter Libraries alo n g w ith th e libraries o f D en v er . • T h e G r iz z ly R o s e — Saturday, March 17, 2001, 7:00 p . m . - l l : 3 0 p.m . Enjoy this e v en in g o f g o o d o l’ c o u n ­ try fun at T he G rizzly Rose, v o te d the C ountry C lub o f th e Year b y th e C ountry M usic A ssociation. T ap y o u r feet to th e live c o u n try m usic a n d le a rn all th e lat­ est line d a n c e s from tw o to p d a n c e in ­ structors. Full descriptions of the tours, as well as reservation forms, are available on the Web at h ttp ://w w w .c e o -e v e n ts.c o m /a c tto u rs/ acrlturl.htm . C om plete details ab o u t the 10th N ational C onference are available on th e W eb a t h t t p : / / w w w . a l a . o r g / a c r l / denver.htm l. Questions? Call (800) 545- 2433, ext. 2515. See you in Denver, March 15-18, 2001! m a s h , n o n - t r a d i t i o n a l fis h a n d c h ip s (salmon!?). Right across th e street from the D e n v e r P u b lic Library. Play so m e darts w ith y o u r B lack an d Tan. $ • P l a y a A zu l, 1 5 0 0 C u rtis St. ( 3 0 3 ) 8 2 5 - 4 0 2 0 . This near-dive serves u p pretty good, traditional Tex Mex. Try the hom em ade ta­ m ales, if th e y ’re available. F resh h o m e co o k ed chips and su p erb salsa. The daily specials are a steal. Service is quick. $ • M t. E v e r e s t , 1 5 3 3 C h a m p a St. ( 3 0 3 ) 6 2 0 - 9 3 0 6 . N ep alese fare m eets th e w est. T h e lu n c h b u ffet is a big draw , b u t th e re g u la r m en u also has quality dish es, e s­ p ecia lly th e curries. $ • W a h o o ’s F i s h T a c o s , 1 5 2 1 B la k e St. L 0 D 0 ( 3 0 3 ) 6 2 3 - 0 2 6 3 . San D ieg o -b ased http://www.ceo-events.com/acttours/ http://www.ala.org/acrl/ 176 / C&RL News ■ February 2001 Those of you from either coast w ill find our food on a par w ith New York, D.C., Los Angeles, or San Francisco, w ith altitude, not attitude! an d B aja-in sp ired W ah o o ’s is ex trem ely p o p u la r for lu n c h w ith the m id -to w n o f­ fice crow d. G rilled m ahi m ahi on a steam ed co rn tortilla w ith sh re d d e d cab b ag e, a tart sau ce, salsa a n d s h r e d d e d c h e e se , w ith b lack b e a n s a n d rice o n th e side. Sprinkle o n th e T ap atio fo r m o re zip. S urf b u m d é c o r cro sses th e R ockies an d b eco m e s sn o w b o ard er. A bit m o re o f a w alk from th e co n v e n tio n center, as are th e fo llo w ­ ing tw o sp o ts, b u t w o rth it. $ • T h e M a r k e t , 1 4 4 5 L a r im e r St. L o D o ( 3 0 3 ) 5 3 4 - 5 1 4 0 . A casual, eclectic, caf­ eteria-sty le s p o t in th e h e a rt o f Larim er S quare. G reat lasagne, g o o d so u p s, an d salads. Always filled w ith A uraria students, faculty, an d staff. C ro w d ed b u t tab les turn quickly. $ • L in t’s M o n g o lia n BBQ, 1 5 3 0 B la k e St. ( 3 0 3 ) 8 9 3 -1 1 5 8 . T he local w eekly calls it “The best lunch under $5.” Piping hot skewers o f vegetables and m eat o r seafood from the iron grill, served w ith steam ed rice and a choice of sauces. The crabcheese w ontons are mighty tasty, too. $ LoDo LoDo is sh o rt for L ow er D o w n to w n , th e area just n o rth w e st o f th e co n fe re n c e h o ­ tels an d convention center. It’s a few blocks from ea c h a n d is also easily re a c h e d via the 16th Street Mall Shuttle. A favorite d e s­ tin a tio n o f D en v erites a n d F ront Rangers o u t fo r a n ight o n th e tow n, LoDo has lots to offer th e co n feren ce-g o er. • V e s t a D i p p i n g G r ill, * 1 8 2 2 B la k e St. ( 3 0 3 ) 2 9 6 - 1 9 7 0 . T he th e m e h e re is fusion o f a variety o f cuisines, w ith e v en m ore varied d ip p in g sauces. You pick th ree from thirty sauces. Try th e ceviche, w hich blends Asian w ith Mexican, or roasted half chicken w ith curry sau ce a n d b lack p e p p e r aioli. W ildly p o p u la r an d highly re g a rd e d . Res­ ervations strongly reco m m e n d e d . $$$$ • D e l h i D a r b a r , 1 5 1 4 B la k e St. ( 3 0 3 ) 5 9 5 - 0 6 8 0 . O n e o f D e n v e r’s finest Indian restaurants, a n d certainly the b est in d o w n ­ tow n. T h ere is th e trad itio n al in ex p en siv e b uffet lunch. The d in n e r m en u offers all y o u r favorite curries a n d m ore. R eserva­ tio n s re c o m m e n d e d . V egetarian item s. $$$ • D e n v e r C h o p H o u s e , 1 7 3 5 1 9 t h St. ( 3 0 3 ) 2 9 6 - 0 8 0 0 . D ine in th e sh a d o w of C oors Field. T he grilled steak s a n d ch o p s are p o p u la r w ith th e local sp o rts celebs. T h e re ’s also a lo b s te r p o t p ie y o u ’re not likely to find in yo u r gro cery ’s frozen foods section. R eservations reco m m e n d e d . $$$ • M c C o r m i c k ’s F i s h H o u s e , 1 6 5 9 W a z e e St. ( 3 0 3 ) 8 2 5 - 1 1 0 7 . L ocated in th e h i s t o r i c a n d r e s t o r e d O x f o r d H o te l, M cCorm ick’s offers 30 varieties o f fresh fish a n d seafo o d in a dark, clu b b y atm o sp h ere. G o o d b e e f an d p asta d ish es also available. A big d raw is h a p p y hour. $$$ • D i x o n ’s, 1 6 1 0 1 6 t h S t. ( 3 0 3 ) 5 7 3 - 6 1 0 0 . A m erican a n d S o u th w estern fare in a n u p sc a le a n d re la x e d atm o sp h ere . Mile H igh N achos w ith b lack b e a n s an d grilled ch ic k e n b reast, P o b lan o Chile p late, an d burgers; b re a k fa st se rv e d all day. N oted for w in n in g D e n v e r’s b e st m argarita th ree years ru n n in g , D ix o n ’s also has m ore than a d o z e n sin g le m alt sco tch es to taste and their o w n m ini m icro brew ery o n prem ises. $-$$ • L a s D e l i c i a s ILL, 1 5 3 0 B la k e St. ( 3 0 3 ) 6 2 9 -5 0 5 1 . A nother good, fast, cheap Mexi­ can joint. You can eat healthy as w ell as sin­ fully. Try the three tostadas plate for a quick, healthy, and inexpensive lunch, or splurge on one o f the com bos or great fajitas. They excel at turning tables quickly. $-$$ • W a z e e S u p p e r C lu b , l 6 0 0 1 5 t h St. a t W a z e e ( 3 0 3 ) 6 2 3 - 9 5 1 8 . D o n ’t b e intim i­ d a te d b y th e low life lo o k s o f this place. Stroll o n in for som e terrific pizza a n d two- fo r-o n e d rin k sp ecials at h a p p y h our. Be su re to ch eck o u t th e bar, w h ic h cam e out via w a g o n train from th e east 100 years ago. W hile m ainly a tav ern , the v entila­ tio n is g o o d e n o u g h to rem o v e th e ciga­ rette sm o k e an d n o t sp o il y o u r m eal. $-$$ • W y n k o o p B r e w e r y 1 6 3 4 1 8 t h St. ( 3 0 3 ) 2 9 7 - 2 7 0 0 . The W ynkoop is D enver’s original b re w p u b a n d rem ain s o n e o f our best. Y ou’ll en jo y th eir fresh b rew s and seaso n al b e e rs w hile you feast o n p u b fare C&RL News ■ February 2001 1 177 like shepherd’s pie, the ploughm an’s platter, and bangers and mash (a British colleague noted that the sausages w eren’t authentic, they had meat in them!). G ood beer batter onion rings, too. They also offer the state’s biggest single-malt scotch selection. If y o u ’re so in­ clined, you can go upstairs and smoke a cigar in the expansive billiard hall. $$ Cherry Creek N orth D enver’s chi chi sh o p p in g , strolling an d dining area, lo c a te d fo u r m iles s o u th e a s t of d o w n to w n , w ith 400 stores, 75 re sta u ra n ts an d 25 art galleries, is w o rth a visit. A n u m b e r o f D e n v e r’s best restau ran ts are in this area. If y o u d o ta k e th e time to stroll aro u n d , you w on’t b e d is a p p o in te d in any o f the restau ran ts, b u t we list a few o f o u r fav o r­ ites below . In ad d itio n to d ining, a good re a s o n to visit C herry Creek N orth is to e x p e ri­ ence th e w o rld -re n o w n e d Tattered C over B o o k sto re which started h e re a n d still has its m ain in v en to ry h e re (second sto re is in LoDo). The T attered C over B o o k ­ store is h o u se d in w h at w as originally a d e p a rtm e n t store. This g e n e r­ ous sp a c e allo w s it to carry m o re th a n 300,000 titles, a n d it is staffed by 400 e m ­ ployees (n o t all o f w h o m are w o rk in g at the sam e tim e), so if y o u ’re lo o k in g for selection a n d service, lo o k n o further. • F o u r t h S t o r y , 2 9 5 5 E. 1 s t A v e . ( 3 0 3 ) 3 2 2 -1 8 2 4 . T he T attered C over B o o k sto re ’s own restaurant, lo cated o n th e fo u rth story of their building, featu rin g reg io n al A m eri­ can fare, w ell p re p a r e d a n d se rv e d in a bookish a tm o sp h e re . I t’s n o t u n u su a l to find regulars read in g an d m u n ch in g a lo n g ­ side p o w e r lu n ch ers, and, in th e ev en in g , romantic co u p les. A g reat v iew so u th and west o v er th e city to th e R ockies. Large selection o f single m alt sc o tc h e s a n d o n e of the five b e st w in e-by-the-glass offerings in town. $$$-$$$$ • P a p i l l o n C a fé * 2 5 0 J o s e p h i n e St. (3 0 3 ) 3 3 3 - 7 1 6 6 . O n th e w e s te rn e d g e o f W ynkoop Brewery C herry C reek N orth, C hef R adek C erny has co n sisten tly p ro d u c e d a to p te n re sta u ra n t e v e r sin ce h e o p e n e d in 1996. N ew F rench w ith A sian in flu en ces d esc rib e s th e food, all b eau tifu lly p re s e n te d an d w ell-served. A ny o f th e fish d ish es are ex cellen t, b u t try th e R ocky M ountain trout. C o m p re h e n ­ sive a n d very e x p e n siv e w in e list. $$$$ • M e l ’s B a r a n d G r ill,* 2 5 5 F i l l m o r e St. ( 3 0 3 ) 3 3 3 - 3 9 7 9 . O n e of Cherry C reek ’s n o ta b l e s e e a n d b e s e e n s p o ts , M e l’s (n a m e d fo r o w n e rs Mel a n d J a n e M asters) is m uch im proved o v er last year. Terrific a tm o sp h e re , a tte n tiv e se rv ic e ; a C al- M ed m e n u w ith terrific ri­ so tto , g rille d m a h i m ahi, su p erb p o rk loin, an d great d esserts. T he b o o th s can b e noisy, so if yo u w a n t to do som e b usiness here, ask fo r a table. $$-$$$$ Also a v e r y r e a s o n a b l e l u n c h m e n u w ith m o st item s u n ­ d e r $10. • C h e r r y C r i c k e t , 2 6 4 1 E. 2 n d A v e . ( 3 0 3 ) 3 2 2 - 7 6 6 6 . T h e C ricket is so m e w h a t o u t o f p lace in this list. It’s alm ost a dive, b u t a really g re a t dive. It's a n e i g h b o r h o o d t a v e r n w ith 120 b eers and o n e ter­ rific burger; a p retty g o o d G reek salad, too. If y o u d o n 't lik e s e c o n d h a n d c ig a re tte sm o k e, d o n ’t go in, o r ask fo r th e back room , b u t y o u w o n ’t g e t th e local a tm o ­ sp h e re . (H o w d o th o s e p lu m b e rs d rin k a b u c k e t o f C oronitas a n d install y o u r w a te r h e a te r in th e afternoon?) $ O th e r s w o r t h a v is it: B is tr o A d d e B rew ster (p o w e r lu n c h e s), C ucina C olore (Italian T rattoria), P etras (C ajun), C hipotle M exican G rill (o n e p o u n d b u rrito s, local c h ain ), Chez Jo s e (d itto ), M odena (family- s ty le I t a lia n ) , P ia tti ( I ta lia n ) , B a n d e ra (A m e ric a n ), B o m b a y C lay O v e n , Little Ollies (C hinese), C hinook Tavern (G erm an, C o n tin en tal), E ggshell (b reak fast), 3rd Av­ e n u e E clectic B urgers. 17th Avenue Ju s t a b o u t a m ile ea st o f y o u r h o te l is th e start o f th e 17th A venue d in in g area. It’s 178 /C&RL News ■ February 2001 n e a r d o w n to w n , a n d m an y o f D e n v e r’s larg er h o sp itals, a n d h o sts m an y o f o u r city ’s fin er ea tin g ex p e rie n c e s. • S t r i n g s ,* 1 7 0 0 H u m b o l d t St. ( 3 0 3 ) 8 3 1 - 7 3 1 0 . C o n s is te n t ly r a t e d o n e o f D e n v e r’s b e s t. I m p e c c a b le se rv ic e a n d im aginative p re s e n ta tio n s k e e p this re s ta u ­ ran t am o n g th e m ost p o p u la r in tow n. T he m e n u offers m an y p astas, a large se le c ­ tio n o f seafo o d , an d also veal ch o p s. Res­ erv atio n s stro n g ly rec o m m e n d e d . F ree o n ­ stre e t p ark in g , v a le t p ark in g , v eg e ta ria n item s. $$$$ • P a s q u i n i ’s U p t o w n , 1 3 3 6 E. 1 7 t h A v e . ( 3 0 3 ) 8 6 3 - 8 2 5 2 . A cross th e stre e t from Strings a n d in a d ifferen t s o c io -e c o ­ nom ic class, this pizza joint also b a k e s an d sells, city-w ide, so m e terrific b re a d . N oted for terrific c alz o n es a n d pizzas. Very re a ­ so n a b le , d e c e n t service, alw ays in te re st­ ing local art fo r sale as d e c o ra tio n . Loud c ro w d o n w e e k e n d nig h ts. C h eap w in e list— a b o ttle o f M onte A ntico Rosso for $10 is o n e o f th e ir m o re e x p e n siv e se le c ­ tions! No reserv atio n s. F ree o n -stre e t p a rk ­ ing. $-$$ • T h e A v e n u e G rill, 6 3 0 E. 1 7 th A v e n u e ( 3 0 3 ) 8 6 1 -2 8 2 0 . O ne o f o u r favorite neigh­ b o rh o o d grills. You’ll find an engaging ’40s am bience an d a diverse m enu ranging from burgers (ranked as o n e of D enver’s ten best) to pastas to gourm et specialties w ith an em ­ phasis o n seafood. They have a great w ine list an d a com fortable back bar. Reservations accepted. Free parking across the street. Veg­ etarian items. $$$ • C a f é B e r lin , 2 0 0 5 E. 1 7 t h A v e n u e ( 3 0 3 ) 3 7 7 -5 8 9 6 . W hen’s the last time you had the perfect potato pancake to p p e d w ith applesauce an d so u r cream , or p erh ap s a sum ptuous schnitzel? This cozy little spot of­ fers authentic G erm an cuisine p rep ared w ith a lighter, healthier to u ch a n d features G er­ m an beers and w ines to com plim ent their fare. Reservations accepted. $$ • L a s M a r g a r i t a s , 1 0 3 3 E. 1 7 t h A v­ e n u e ( 3 0 3 ) 8 3 0 - 2 1 9 9 . A fine local M exi­ can sp o t w ith (su rp rise ) a w id e v ariety o f M argaritas. T h e p o rtio n s are large a n d the in g re d ie n ts fresh. Try th e h o m e m a d e ta ­ males! Fun, frien d ly a tm o sp h e re an d se r­ v ice. L ate -n ig h t m e n u a n d tw o -f o r-o n e d rin k sp ecials from 10 p.m . to 1 a.m . Sun­ d ay b ru n c h from 10:30 a.m . to 2:00 p.m . R eserv atio n s a c c e p te d . O u td o o r seatin g , free p ark in g , v eg e ta ria n item s. $$ M ore o f Denver's best w e couldn't bear to leave out • T a n te L o u is e , * 4 9 0 0 E. C o lfa x A v e n u e ( 3 0 3 ) 3 5 5 -4 4 8 9 . Tante Louise is not close to dow ntow n or 17th Avenue, but one review er a n d his wife love this place for very special evenings an d couldn't b ear not including it. You’ll find exquisitely p rep ared French food graciously served in a very intimate setting. It has b e e n called D enver’s m ost rom antic restaurant. T hey also feature a w onderful w in e list. R e se rv a tio n s s tro n g ly r e c o m ­ m ended. C losed Sundays. Valet parking, veg­ etarian items. $$$$ • B a r o l o G r ill, * 3 0 3 0 E. 6 t h A v e . ( 3 0 3 ) 3 9 3 - 1 0 4 0 . W o n d e rfu l N o r th e r n Ita lia n s e rv e d in a n u p b e a t Italian c o u n try sid e style room . E xpert service, c re a te d in p a rt by th e c h e f /o w n e r ’s h a b it of closing for tw o w e e k s ev ery su m m er a n d tak in g th e staff to Italy fo r a le a rn in g vacatio n . Very ex ten siv e Italian w in e list. Valet o r free o n ­ stre e t p arking. R eservations req u ired . $$$$ • H i g h l a n d s G a r d e n C a fé , * 3 9 2 7 W. 3 2 nd A v e . ( 3 0 3 ) 4 5 8 - 5 9 2 0 . L ite ra lly a n e ig h b o rh o o d re s ta u ra n t— it’s in tw o c o n ­ v erted h o u se s— this p lace u se d to b e called T o d ay ’s G o u rm et, a n d it still is gourm et. I m a g in a tiv e , lig h t, a n d h e a lt h y m e a ls se rv e d in an intim ate lo catio n . T h e fo o d has b e e n co n sisten tly e x c e lle n t fo r a d e ­ ca d e a n d th e re g u la r clien tele k e e p c o m ­ ing back. R eservations req u ire d . $$$$ • B a n g ! * 3 4 7 2 W. 3 2 n d A v e . ( 3 0 3 ) 4 5 5 - 1 1 1 7 . Terrific A m erican favorites like m e a t lo a f a n d m a s h e d p o ta to e s, catfish, g re a t d e s s e rts , re a s o n a b le p ric e s. T hey recen tly m o v ed across the stre e t to a cco m ­ m o d a te in c re a se d d e m a n d . O p e n only for dinner, T uesday th o u g h Saturday, 5-10p.m . No reserv atio n s. B eer a n d w in e only. $$ • M y B r o t h e r ’s B a r , 2 3 7 6 1 5 t h St. ( 3 0 3 ) 4 5 5 - 9 9 9 1 . N o ted for g o o d a n d in­ e x p e n siv e b u rg ers, this is a fav o rite spot fo r lu n c h w ith d o w n to w n w o rk e rs and A urarians. It’s a h ik e, e v en from LoDo, but it is w alkable. Right a ro u n d th e c o rn e r from th e n e w REI F la g s h ip s to re in th e old F orney R ailroad M useum b u ild in g . Worth the w alk, w h ich takes y o u across th e Platte River. $ ■ C&RL News ■ February 2001 / 179 180 / C&RL News ■ February 2001