Green chili is a popular ingredient in Denver, and a must-try ingredient for lovers of spicy food. Whether it's topping a plate of nachos, stuffed in a burger, or made into Denver's popular chili with pork, tomatoes, and onions, local restaurants are always looking for new ways to use the crop.
Central Business District
The Central Business District is not all about high-rise buildings and big corporations. There's a busy cultural and arts scene, and it's also one of the best destinations for fine dining, from a romantic to a celebratory dinner. Rioja has a cozy ambience, serving Mediterranean dishes with a modern twist, and you'll enjoy dishes with goats cheese, olives, fresh tomatoes, and baked flatbreads, with a wide choice of wines, especially velvety varieties from Spain. Just down the street you'll find the Capital Grille with its traditional steakhouse vibe, complete with its dark wooden chairs and white linen tablecloths. The dry aged steaks are perfectly grilled to your liking, and can be preceded with a fresh lobster, or juicy jumbo shrimp.
• Rioja, 1431 Larimer Street, Denver; • The Capital Grille, 1450 Larimer Street, Denver;
Cherry Creek
The busy shopping district of Cherry Creek is full of casual, laid back restaurants where you can grab a quick bite in-between stores, or enjoy a relaxing dinner after a long day on your feet. Cherry Cricket is a retro-style diner and bar, with a simple menu of Tex-Mex, burgers, and other favorites, all served in a colorful, shabby chic atmosphere. Meanwhile, Piatti Denver offers a stylish option for a quick, Italian lunch, with pizzas, pastas, and salads, or you can book a patio seat in the evening, watching the sun go down while you enjoy a glass of Italian wine.
• Cherry Cricket, 2641 E 2nd Ave, Denver; • Piatti Denver, 190 Saint Paul Street, Denver;
Capitol Hill
The up and coming Capitol Hill area is home of artists and bohemian style, and the gentrification of the district has meant a wider choice of restaurants. Potager matches the style of the area, with a rustic, open plan interior, and laid back atmosphere. Take a seat in this buzzing restaurant and you'll enjoy a broad menu, with fresh and sustainable ingredients, from locally bred pork and beef, to vegetables from the chef's favorite farms. You'll spot the hip CityGrille by the colorful murals outside, and inside you can grab a cozy booth, choosing between their popular burgers, steaming cups of green chili, and generously stuffed burritos.
• Potager, 1109 Ogden Street, Denver; • CityGrille, 321 E Colfax Ave, Denver;
City Park
The charming neighborhood of City Park centers around green spaces, with outdoor attractions and a laid back vibe. It's where you'll find some of Denver's coolest eateries, like the Delectable Egg – it's a breakfast and brunch hotspot, and this cute diner also has plenty of non-egg based American favorites. In the evenings, a visit to a cozy bistro such as Parallel Seventeen is a great way to unwind after a stroll in the park, and you'll enjoy hearty favorites such as steak frites, chicken pot pie, and burgers made from local beef.
• The Delectable Egg, 1625 Court Pl, Ste 2, Denver; • Parallel Seventeen, 1600 East 17th Avenue, Denver; Tel: +1 303 399 0988
