Denver's 25 best restaurants (Durango, Palmer Lake, Keystone: hotels, home, college)

[DenverLawGal]

Originally Posted by Mike from back east

Don't feel bad; I've never even HEARD of any of these.

But I need to keep in mind that any list of "bests" is subject to the same zaniness as are those "best places to live" lists, i.e., YMMV.

haha, ya, prolly. We went to one of the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives restaurants (http://www.foodnetwork.com/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/index.html) and it was soooo meh.

Originally Posted by otterprods

Rioja's is the only one on that list that I HAVE eaten at, and it was very good. I wouldn't call it amazing, but then I wouldn't use that word to describe any restaurants, except maybe this one. (and yes their food and service is as good as their ambience and location)

Grand Hyatt in Kauai!!

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by DenverLawGal

We went to one of the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives restaurants (http://www.foodnetwork.com/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/index.html) and it was soooo meh.

I understand. We went to a place in L.A. featured on "Burger Land" and were really disappointed with the burger.

So, how disappointed were we? Well, the In-N-Out Burger chain proved far better than the featured place. No kidding.

I've learned to take "best" lists or shows with a leery eye. I'm a growing believer in Yelp, Trip Advisor, or this site.

[otterprods]

Originally Posted by DenverLawGal

Grand Hyatt in Kauai!!

Yes. And the thatched roof structure below it is Tidepools restaurant. No place like it in all the world (so far).

I hate to sound like a snob, but I've lived in Colorado for several years now and I haven't had that many great meals. Rioja's was one of the better ones, although we were just there for brunch. Amuze Bistro in Palmer Lake was excellent for continental fare but it no longer exists. (they moved to the Fine Art Museum but I haven't tried it there) Also I remember a very tasty meal in Durango but I can't remember what the place was called.

[suzco]

I have to admit that Frasca in Boulder has been the restaurant where I've celebrated many special occasions with family and friends since they opened almost 10 years ago, in 2004 or so, if I remember. It's always a good experience, sometimes it's extraordinary.

I've been to most of the rest on the list - some I enjoy and have gone to several times, some I was underwhelmed and would never choose to eat at again.

[NorthSDLifer]

Originally Posted by Mike from back east

I'm a growing believer in Yelp, Trip Advisor

Say it ain't so.

[Count David]

I've never been to any of them either, and I'd like to keep it that way.

Denny's
Griff's
Village Inn
Tom's Diner
Crown Burgers
Del Taco
Country Buffet
Greenfield's Bar
KFC
Tacos Rapidos
El Tapatio
Viva Burrito
Wendy's
Jack In The Box
Chili's
Hamburger Stand
Pete's Kitchen
Lil Ricci's
Mile High Vienna Stand
Denver Diner
Taco Star
Illegal Pete's
Giorgio's NY Pizza
Casa Vallarta
Texas Roadhouse

[SouthXSW]

Some of my favorite Colorado restaurants are not in Denver but in Keystone. Alpenglow Stube (highest gourmet restaurant in the world at over 11,000 ft), Ski Tip Lodge (in an old inn that dates back to the 1880's) and Keystone Ranch are great restaurants in beautiful settings. Keystone is about an hour and 15-30 min depending on I-70 traffic from downtown Denver.

Bones and Mizuna are right by where I live but I haven't tried them yet. I've been to a handful of the others. Bittersweet is really good, and Cholon is a favorite. The Kitchen, Charcoal, Capital Grille and Cuba Cuba are other personal favorites that didn't make the list.

[SkyDog77]

Originally Posted by David Aguilar

I've never been to any of them either, and I'd like to keep it that way.

Meh. Some people are proud to drink Keystone light too. I'd rather have a good beer. Takes all kinds.

[DenverLawGal]

Originally Posted by Mike from back east

I understand. We went to a place in L.A. featured on "Burger Land" and were really disappointed with the burger.

So, how disappointed were we? Well, the In-N-Out Burger chain proved far better than the featured place. No kidding.

I've learned to take "best" lists or shows with a leery eye. I'm a growing believer in Yelp, Trip Advisor, or this site.

In-N-Out? ahahahahaha!!

This site is great for local, TripAdvisor is WONDERFUL and helped ensure many of my great trips.

Well, this list has so many I've never heard of I've just got to start trying them. After checking Yelp. hahahaha

[DenverLawGal]

Originally Posted by SouthXSW

Some of my favorite Colorado restaurants are not in Denver but in Keystone. Alpenglow Stube (highest gourmet restaurant in the world at over 11,000 ft), Ski Tip Lodge (in an old inn that dates back to the 1880's) and Keystone Ranch are great restaurants in beautiful settings. Keystone is about an hour and 15-30 min depending on I-70 traffic from downtown Denver.

Bones and Mizuna are right by where I live but I haven't tried them yet. I've been to a handful of the others. Bittersweet is really good, and Cholon is a favorite. The Kitchen, Charcoal, Capital Grille and Cuba Cuba are other personal favorites that didn't make the list.

I have been dying to try Capital Grille!!!

Cuba Cuba was disappointing to me. Rice and beans should not cost over $10. I've been spoiled by traveling to surrounding countries and have had the real thing. Samba Room used to really do it right but they closed. : (

Originally Posted by suzco

I...some I was underwhelmed and would never choose to eat at again.

Like????

David A.: Pete's Kitchen - yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!