Annie's Café
4012 E. 8th Ave., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/355-8197
Under $25
Denver
American/Casual

Annie's is housed in an old-fashioned drugstore east of downtown, with retro advertisements on the walls and classic 1950s music playing all day long. Burgers, Mexican specialties, and shakes are favorites here. The café is non-smoking. D, MC, V. No dinner Sun.

Aubergine Café
225 E. 7th Ave., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/832-4778
Over $25
Denver
Mediterranean

The creative menu at this tiny café draws on the cuisines of many Mediterranean regions. Try specialties that come from Provence, Tuscany, Morocco, or Greece. In warm weather, enjoy open-air dining on the sidewalk patio. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Mon. No lunch weekends.

Baby Doe's Matchless Mine
2520 W. 23rd Ave., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/433-3386
Over $25
Denver
American

This large, comfortable restaurant west of downtown re-creates Leadville's Matchless Mine. An extensive collection of photographs and memorabilia is on display, and the views are fantastic. The restaurant is known for pasta, seafood, and steak, and a Sunday brunch is served. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Barolo Grill
3030 E. 6th Ave., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/393-1040
Over $25
Denver
Italian

This restaurant looks like a chichi farmhouse, as if Martha Stewart had gone gaga over an Italian count: There are dried flowers in brass urns, hand-painted porcelain, and straw baskets everywhere. The food isn't precious in the least, however. It's more like Santa Monica meets Santo Stefano - bold yet classic, healthful yet flavorful. Choose from duckling stewed in red wine, mesquite-grilled ostrich, and gnocchi, all well-made and fairly priced. Reservations essential. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch.

Bistro Adde Brewster
250 Steele St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/388-1900
Over $15
Denver
Contemporary

This busy basement bistro in Cherry Creek is sleek and stylish, and the menu is diverse, with heavy Swiss and Swedish influences. Try Wiener Schnitzel, the salmon salad, a bistro burger, or Swedish gravlax. Open-air dining can be had on the patio. The restaurant is non-smoking. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun.

Bluebonnet Café and Lounge
457 S. Broadway, Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/778-0147
Under $15
Denver
Mexican

Its location out of the tourist loop, in a fairly seedy neighborhood southeast of downtown, doesn't stop the crowds (mostly tourists) from lining up early for this restaurant. The early Western, Naugahyde decor and fantastic jukebox set an upbeat mood for killer margaritas and some of the best burritos and green chili in town. Reservations not accepted. MC, V.

Brittany Hill
9350 Grant St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/451-5151
Over $25
Denver
Continental

Antiques and fireplaces fill this hilltop Victorian house, and wraparound windows offer lovely views of the city. Try the prime rib or the coconut shrimp. Sunday brunch is served. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

The Broker
821 17th St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/292-5065
Over $35
Denver
Continental

Set in the vault of the old Denver National Bank building, this fine restaurant has dark, cherry-wood furnishings. You receive a complimentary bowl of steamed gulf shrimp to begin your meal. The restaurant is known for its prime rib and fillet Wellington. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch weekends.

Buckhorn Exchange
1000 Osage St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/534-9505
Over $35
Denver
Steak

If hunting makes you queasy, don't enter this Denver landmark, a shrine to taxidermy where 500 Bambis stare down at you from the walls. The handsome men's-club decor - with pressed tin ceilings, burgundy walls, red-checkered tablecloths, rodeo photos, shotguns, and those trophies - probably looks the same as it did when the Buckhorn first opened in 1893. Rumor has it Buffalo Bill was to the Buckhorn what Norm Peterson was to Cheers. The dry-aged, prime-grade Colorado steaks are huge, juicy, and magnificent, as is the game. For an appetizer, try the smoked buffalo sausage or navy bean soup. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch weekends.

Cafe Brazil
3611 Navajo St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/480-1877
$15 to $25
Denver
Brazilian

Worth the chase to an outlying neighborhood known as Highlands (just over the viaduct from LoDo), this humble, always-packed, not quite hole-in-the-wall spot is the place for shrimp and scallops sautéed with white wine, garlic, and cream; feijoada completa, the Brazilian national dish of black bean stew and smoked meats; and grilled chicken breast in a sauce of ginger, raisins, shallots, and coconut milk. This festive, unpretentious spot is favored by locals in the know. AE, MC. Reservations essential. Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch.

Chez Thuy Hoa
1500 California St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/623-4809
Under $15
Denver
Vietnamese

This simple downtown eatery draws a big lunchtime crowd. The decor isn't much - a few plants, old-fashioned ceiling fans, and pink table linens - but the savory food keeps it packed during lunchtime (you can usually walk right in at dinner). Try the squid in lemongrass; Dungeness crab salad; or egg rolls bursting with ground pork or shrimp, mint, sprouts, and cucumber. AE, MC, V. No lunch weekends.

Chipotle Mexican Grill
745 Colorado Blvd. , at 8th Ave., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/333-2121
Under $25
Denver
Mexican

South-of-the-border fast food is served in this airy loftlike space east of downtown. In warm months, enjoy open-air dining on the patio. MC, V.

Cliff Young's
706 E. 17th Ave., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/831-8900
Over $35
Denver
Contemporary

Although Young no longer oversees operations here, this refined Art Deco restaurant is still run with meticulous care. Head chef Roberto Ravara adds Asian and Southwestern touches to his dishes, with such specialties as pinwheels of Chilean sea bass with saffron tomato ragout and pistachio couscous or wild boar loin with potato pancakes. New American standbys, including Colorado rack of lamb and buffalo carpaccio, are also available. Reservations essential. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch.

Coos Bay Bistro
2076 S. University Blvd., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/744-3591
$15 to $35
Denver
Contemporary

Dried vines and stone archways fill this trendy restaurant next to the University of Denver. A creative menu offers tapas, seafood, and homemade pastas. AE, DC, MC, V.

Denver Chophouse & Brewery
1735 19th St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/296-0800
Over $35
Denver
American

This is the best of the many LoDo brew pubs and restaurants surrounding the ballpark. Housed in the old Union Pacific Railroad warehouse, the restaurant has a clubby atmosphere, with dark wood paneling and exposed brick. The food is basic American, and plenty of it: steaks, seafood, and chicken served with hot corn bread and honey butter, and "bottomless" salads tossed at the table. AE, DC, MC, V.

Empress
2825 W. Alameda Ave., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/922-2822
$15 to $35
Denver
Chinese

Cantonese preparations, and good seafood and dim sum are served in an elegant dining room decorated with Chinese art. AE, D, MC, V.

European Café
1060 15th St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/825-6555
$15 to $35
Denver
Continental

On the main floor of the Brooks Towers Building, in a space gleaming with polished brass and crystal, the European Café is a mainstay of fine dining in Denver. Many of chef Lupe Gonzalez's dishes pay homage to such French master chefs as Georges Blanc and Paul Bocuse, and all are beautifully presented. Try the lamb chops with roasted garlic sauce. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch weekends.

The Fort
U.S. 285 and Rte. 8, Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/697-4771
Over $35
Denver
Steak

This adobe structure, complete with flickering luminarias and a piñon bonfire in the courtyard, is a perfect replica of Bent's Fort, a Colorado fur-trade center. Buffalo meat and game are the specialties; the elk with huckleberry sauce and tequila-marinated quail are especially good. Intrepid eaters might try the buffalo bone marrow appetizer, jalapeños stuffed with peanut butter, or Rocky Mountain oysters. Costumed characters from the fur trade wander the restaurant, playing the mandolin and telling tall tales. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Fresh Fish Company
7800 E. Hampden Ave., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/740-9556
Over $25
Denver
Seafood

In the Tiffany Plaza Shopping Center, southeast of downtown, this family-friendly place serves straightforward preparations of marine fare flown in from all over. Kids especially like the 19 aquariums. A brunch is served on Sunday. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch Sat.

Highland's Garden Café
3927 W. 32nd Ave., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/458-5920
Over $25
Denver
American

Housed in two Gay Nineties Victorians, this restaurant features hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, lovely murals, and extensive gardens. The rotating menu emphasizes the freshest seafood, fish, lamb, and veal, not to mention fresh herbs from the garden. Make reservations at least one week in advance. Reservations essential. AE, MC, V. Closed Sun.-Mon. No lunch.

Hotcakes
1400 E. 18th Ave., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/830-1090
Under $15
Denver
American

This jumping Capitol Hill spot is a breakfast and lunch hangout. Weekend brunch draws crowds of bicyclists and newspaper readers in search of the croissant French toast, "health nut" pancakes, colossal omelets, and scrumptious skillets. D, MC, V. No dinner.

Hugh's New American Bistro
1469 S. Pearl St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/744-1940
Over $25
Denver
Contemporary

The dining areas here are decorated with the work of local artists and feature large windows overlooking South Pearl Street. Try the Argentine grass-fed beef, the roasted ostrich, or the wild Alaskan salmon. The restaurant is non-smoking. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun.-Mon.

Imperial Chinese
431 S. Broadway, Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/698-2800
$15 to $25
Denver
Chinese

Papier-mâché lions greet you at the entrance of this sleek Szechuan stunner, probably the best Chinese restaurant in a 500-mile radius. Seafood is the specialty. Try the steamed sea bass in ginger or the spicy, fried Dungeness crab. AE, DC, MC, V. No lunch Sun.

India's
3333 S. Tamarac Dr., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/755-4284
$15 to $25
Denver
Indian

You'll find exceptional Indian cuisine at this casual and intimate space in the Tarmarac Square Mall in southeast Denver. Try the samosas and the lamb with spinach. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch Sun.

Japon
1028 S. Gaylord St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/744-0330
Over $25
Denver
Japanese

Steel fixtures give this busy restaurant an industrial look. Eat at the sushi bar, or order from the full menu. The soy sauce is house-made. The restaurant is non-smoking. AE, D, MC, V. No lunch Sun.

Le Central
112 E. 8th Ave., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/863-8094
$15 to $25
Denver
French

This homey bistro calls itself "Denver's affordable French restaurant." The cozy dining room serves excellent mussel dishes; French onion soup; and provincial French specialties, including beef bourguignonne, salmon en croûte, and steak au poivre. Local meat and game are featured. Le Central is a real find. You can depend on fabulous food, great service, and a surprisingly low tab. MC, V.

McCormick's Fish House and Bar
1659 Wazee St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/825-1107
$15 to $35
Denver
Seafood

In the historic Oxford Hotel (on the National Register of Historic Places) in LoDo, this formal seafood restaurant, with silver chandeliers, dark oak paneling, and white-jacketed waiters, has a top-notch menu of exceptionally fresh fish. A full bar is available and a Sunday brunch is served. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Mel's Bar and Grill
235 Fillmore St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/333-3979
Over $25
Denver
Contemporary

The food at this North Cherry Creek spot is simple, straightforward bistro cuisine. Try the goat-cheese salad with walnuts and dried cherries or the grilled pork tenderloin with achiote sauce. The wine list is more extensive than you might expect. There's a covered patio in front for open-air dining in summer and a pianist entertains nightly. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch Sun.

Morton's of Chicago
1710 Wynkoop St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/825-3353
Over $35
Denver
Steak

Across from Union Station, this outlet of the upscale chain has an elegant, dimly lit dining room and an adjacent lounge. Expense account holders and steak eaters flock here for the consistently good cuts of beef. AE, DC, MC, V. No lunch.

Normandy French Restaurant
1515 Madison St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/321-3311
Over $25
Denver
French

This Victorian house decorated with period furnishings is a little stuffy, but folks come for consistently well-prepared classics, such as rack of lamb, filet mignon, châteaubriand. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Mon. No lunch weekends.

Old Spaghetti Factory
1215 18th St. , at Lawrence St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/295-1864
Under $25
Denver
Italian

This old-time family favorite is in an antiques-filled vintage commercial building downtown. Your best bets are the pasta dishes. Kids are drawn to the full-size replica trolley car. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch weekends.

Palace Arms
321 17th St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/297-3111
Over $35
Denver
Continental

The fanciest, most formal restaurant in Denver is in the Brown Palace Hotel. Try the rack of lamb, lobster, or buffalo. If you fancy wine, ask for the expert help of the sommelier. Jacket required. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch weekends.

Palm Restaurant
1672 Lawrence St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/825-7256
Over $35
Denver
Steak

The Denver outpost of New York City's popular Palm steak house serves dinner and weekday lunch - meat, seafood, and other American dishes à la carte. The steaks are juicy and the portions grand. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch weekdays.

Papillon
250 Josephine St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/333-7166
Over $25
Denver
Contemporary

This warm café has a varied menu with Asian and French influences. Try the lobster ravioli or the ahi tuna. The restaurant is non-smoking. AE, DC, MC, V.

Pasquini's Pizzeria
1310 S. Broadway, Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/744-0917
Under $15
Denver
Italian

Come to this informal, popular spot to indulge in fresh, homemade pastas, pizzas, and calzones. Individual pizzas are the house specialty. Don't miss the bakery's fresh Italian breads. D, DC, MC, V. No dinner Sun.

Qdoba
550 Grant St. , off Speer Blvd., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/765-5878
Under $15
Denver
Mexican

Vintage photographs of Mexico decorate this outlet of the local fast-food Mexican chain, which can be crowded during lunch. The burritos are giant; the poblano pesto burrito is the best of the lot (the pesto's green comes from the chiles and cilantro). MC, V.

Rocky Mountain Diner
800 18th St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/293-8383
Under $15
Denver
American

Conveniently located in the heart of the downtown business district, the diner lets you sample all-American fill-ups of cowboy steak, pan-charred rib eye served with crisp onions, or the very popular buffalo dishes. Don't miss the real mashed potatoes, gravy, and all the fixins'. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Starfish
300 Fillmore St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/333-1133
Over $25
Denver
Seafood

A reliable place in North Cherry Creek, east of downtown, Starfish serves good fish dishes, creatively conceived. Try the Caesar salad with fried oysters, lobster bisque, or seared salmon. There's open-air dining on a patio, and a pianist plays nightly. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun.

Strings
1700 Humboldt St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/831-7310
Over $35
Denver
Contemporary

This light, airy restaurant with its wide-open kitchen resembles an artist's loft. It's a preferred hangout for Denver's movers and shakers as well as for visiting celebs, whose autographs hang on the walls. The food is billed as casual contemporary; specialties include pan-roasted sea bass in a citrus-cashew crust and penne with chicken, mushrooms, and broccoli in a tomato-cream sauce. Reservations essential. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch Sun.

Tante Louise
4900 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/355-4488
Over $35
Denver
French

This longtime Denver favorite, just 15 minutes from downtown by car, resembles an intimate French country home. Fireplaces, candlelight, and classical music attract a mostly over-50 crowd. One-third of chef Michael Degenhart's menu is French, one-third is New American, and one-third features low-fat dishes. Try the Maine sea scallops served with carmelized foie gras butter or any of the superlative lamb specials. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch.

Tommy Tsunami's
1432 Market St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/534-5050
Over $25
Denver
Pan-Asian

This hip Larimer Square establishment has a happening singles scene and a sometimes deafening sound level. Try the grilled Hawaiian swordfish or the macadamia-crusted Chilean sea bass. Tables sprout on the sidewalk in summer. The restaurant is non-smoking. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch weekends.

Trinity Grille
1801 Broadway, Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/293-2288
Over $25
Denver
Seafood

This downtown favorite across from the Brown Palace Hotel is modeled after a traditional English men's club, with lots of dark wood and brass accents. Highlights include crab cakes, fresh seafood, and bread pudding. Trinity Grille is a popular spot for business lunches. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.

Tuscany
4150 E. Mississippi Ave., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/782-9300
Over $25
Denver
Italian

Fresh flowers, a glowing fireplace, and frescoes adorn this peaceful and romantic dining room in the Loews Giorgio Hotel. One of the finest restaurants in Denver, it is known for pasta, seafood specials, steak. In good weather, dine outside on the cobblestone piazza. There is a pianist on the weekends, and a harpist on Sunday. Breakfast is available daily, and there is a Sunday brunch. The restaurant is non-smoking. Reservations essential Sun. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Wahoo's Fish Taco
1521 Blake St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/623-0263
Under $15
Denver
Mexican

California surf decor is the motif at this spot with taqueria (taco stand) style. Burritos and soft tacos are made with grilled or blackened fish of the day (or pork, chicken, beef, or grilled vegetables) and served with black beans and fresh salsa with plenty of cilantro. Order at the counter and seat yourself. The margaritas wash it all down nicely. Reservations not accepted. MC, V.

Wazee Supper Club
1600 15th St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/623-9518
Under $15
Denver
American

Denverites flock to this hip hole for hot jazz and the best pizza in town - crisp yet gooey and bursting with flavor. Some grouse that the Wazee has less ambience since it moved down the street, but the exposed brick walls, jet-black tables, and maroon Naugahyde chairs still convey its ultracool tone. AE, MC, V.

Wellshire Inn
3333 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/759-3333
Over $25
Denver
Continental

This opulent restaurant is in a Tudoresque former country club south of downtown. Try the marinated rack of Colorado lamb, spice-crusted New York steak, or one of the seasonal specials. Breakfast is available on weekdays, and there is a Sunday brunch. In warmer months, open-air dining is available on the golf course patio with a mountain view. The restaurant is non-smoking. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

The Wynkoop Brewing Co
1634 18th St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/297-2700
Under $15
Denver
American

This trendy yet unpretentious local institution was Denver's first brew pub, and it's still the best. Try the terrific shepherd's pie or charbroiled elk medallions with brandy peppercorns. Wash it down with wilderness wheat ale or sagebrush stout. Then check out the gallery, pool hall, and cabaret for a full night of entertainment. AE, DC, MC, V.

Zaidy's Deli
121 Adams St., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/333-5336
Under $25
Denver
Delicatessens

Cherry Creek's New York-style deli offers both sit-down and take-out service. Signature homemade soups include matzoh ball and vegetable barley. Eat out front on a small open-air patio. AE, MC, V. No dinner Mon.-Tues.

Zenith
815 17th St. , between Champa and Stout Sts., Denver, CO, USA
Phone: 303/293-2322
$25 to $35
Denver
Southwestern

A cool high-tech look unusual among Denver restaurants sets the scene here. The creative southwestern fare includes a smoked sweet corn soup with barbecued shrimp and macadamia-crusted sea bass over pepper stir-fry. The restaurant is non-smoking. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch weekends.