So we have lived here for 18 months now and still haven't found a favorite restaurant. We just keep going to the chains because we don't know where to start with the local restaurants. I would love trying a few little mom and pop restaurants that are just known in Colorado. Do any of you have any favorite local places to eat? We live in Westminster, but it can be anywhere in the area that is within about 20 minutes of us. BTW- We don't go out all that much, in case my message sounds like we do. :) I love to cook and I love good food. We just like going out about once a week and trying something new. Thanks for you suggestions!
Thanks so much! You ladies are great! I can't wait to try out some of these places! They sound great! I appreciate you all taking the time to help me out with suggestions!
Papa Frank's is a great local Italian place in Broomfield. It's on 120th just east of Main St. Great spaghetti with the large noodles and good sauce! We also really like the Rumbi Island Grill on 104th and Federal.
Crachovia (Just past 88th on west side of Wadsworth) european, nice, clean & super yummy) Vietnamese Cafe (104th & Colorado) La Loma (26th & Bryant) Oh my... La Placita (Hwy 7th/ Bridge & ??? , In Brighton). El Taco Loco-Hole in the wall but awesome (Main Street, Brighton) Boulder has awesome places. Tuk Tuk by promenades in Westminster. Great sushi place on wadsworth & 52nd (Namiko's) Sushi den??? Yummy. Hope this helps!!!
Gunther Toodu's is great, and on Monday nights kids eat free. Really family friendly environment. Its a burger joint, and they have the BEST breakfast. There's one in Arvada, ithink around 58th and Ralston, and there is also one off of 104th and I-25
Cafe Brazil and BANG are great in NW Denver! For local Mexican--los carboncitos, la casita and patzquaro all in NW Denver are great.
Wynkoop brewery and Wazee Supper club also good and very family friendly (downtown).
Hi T.! I recommend using Yelp.com, if you haven't already. Or sign up for their emails. They always have local reviews and for small places that you may have never heard of. I, unfortunately, don't get a chance to try them that often but I love learning about new or unknown places.
Good luck and welcome to CO!
Hi T.,
If you like Mex, try Tia Maria on Pecos just south of Hwy 36 (it's the red restaurant on the East side). They are family owned and have always been good to us and of course good food too :) Also the Chinese buffet place on 84th and Federal in the Safeway parking lot (always good for kids who like choices). Have fun!
Hi! I have to suggest The Jewel of India - it is seriously the best Indian food I have ever had. Try their chicken tikka masala. They are in the King Soopers shopping center on the corner of 104th and Federal. Also further east on 104th is drive through Santiago's - great quick Mexican food. Lastly, The Egg and I for breakfast/brunch off of 120th and Huron (I think). Enjoy!!
I am the author of two books that might be of help to you. One is a Denver guidebook and you can see my blog, http://moondenver.blogspot.com for more details. The book includes a restaurant chapter with recommendations and a big emphasis on locally-owned places. The blog updates the book noting who is out of business, who is new since the book came out in spring. There are also Boulder restaurants. I also co-wrote Colorado Organic, and you can learn more about that book at www.seasonalandlocal.com or www.mindysink.com. Bon appetit!
Hi T.-
I'll give you my favorites in Boulder--a quick trek in from where you are.
Here are my favorite "nice" ones--more expensive, but delicious and worth it:
Frasca (considered the best restaurant in Colorado by many--it's expensive, but they have a 4 course meal for $45 on Monday nights. It's fresh & incredible. Try the Frico Caldo--it's one of my favorite appetizers anywhere): www.frascafoodandwine.com
The Kitchen: also fresh & amazing, lots of local produce. They do a Monday night community dinner for $35--I highly recommend you go! www.thekitchencafe.com
Radda: Radda is a great neighborhood restaurant and it's prices are reasonable. Our daughter loves the penne here. The food is simple and delicious: www.raddatrattoria.com
Turley's is a great family restaurant--huge menu and it's been there forever. Lots of delicious comfort foods and local foods. Their breakfasts are tasty too. http://turleysboulder.com/
I've brought my 3 year old to all these places, but a baby sitter would be nice for Frasca, because it's fancier. (They did invite her to see the kitchen & give her a chef hat last time).
A couple other good family places with good pub-style include the Hungry Toad: www.thehungrytoad.com & the Walnut Brewery: www.walnutbrewery.com. The salmon fish & chips and mac & cheese are favorites, but the food & beer are great at the Walnut--and it's loud!
I'm a big foodie, so if you tell me what you're looking for, I can give you some places to go. Hope this helps!
