Denver

The small patio invites those walking through the LoDo neighborhood to stop for a Rioja “picnic” of artisan meats, cheeses, nuts and olives. — Travel + Leisure

Housed in an adobe replica of 5outheast Colorado's Bent's Fort, this Denver institution perches amid the area's famed red-rock terrain. — Michelin Guide

You can watch the line cooks shred pork for the tender cochinita pibil (a savory slow-roasted Yucatán favorite) or cut off haunches of citrus-zesty short ribs—meat comes priced by weight. — Fodor's

By day, the “hip”, “high-energy” space functions as a European-style market offering “superb” sandwiches and “top-notch” coffees. — Zagat

Chef Seidel has produced signature dishes like the Maple Leaf Farms duck breast served with carnaroli risotto as well as grilled arugula that was grown on the chef’s farm. — Travel + Leisure

The Alaskan reindeer or elk-jalapeño-cheddar dog transformed this place from a humble street cart into a brick-and-mortar institution. — Condé Nast Traveler

An upscale sanctuary of pristine seafood in Denver's Union Station. — Gayot

The soup dumplings, plump with sweet onions and melted Gruyère, are just plain brilliant. — Tasting Table

New American fine dining at a hotel. — Zagat

Chef-owner Frank Bonanno knows how to transform butter and cream into comforting masterpieces at this cozy eatery with warm colors and intimate seating. — Fodor's

If you’ve been waiting to try Rocky Mountain oysters, you’re in the right place. — Lonely Planet

Organic-inclined herbivores commune over buckwheat pancakes, tofu, tempeh and seitan at this campy Uptown health food hangout. — Gayot

Really yummy noodle bowls and a good vibe Really yummy noodle bowls and a good vibe Really yummy noodle bowls and a good vibe. — Afar Magazine

Across the street from sister eatery Rioja , Bistro Vendome serves splendid interpretations of Gallic standbys (dubbed “French soul food”) in an intimate space on Larimer Square. — Frommer's

Duo’s open kitchen plates up a variety of dishes that start with tradition but exude creativity in terms of both presentation and flavor. — Frommer's

Table 6 balances a hip but unpretentious sensibility, great food, and one of the best wine lists in town, offered on a tableside stand in an antique photo album. — Frommer's

Los Chingones is the taco the town. — Gayot

Main dishes, most notably the Moroccan-style snapper rubbed with lemon, cumin and coriander, are worth coveting. — Gayot

Denver's finest dive? This may be it. A 24/7 schedule and a short-order menu loaded with diner classics make it a legitimate greasy spoon for a wide-ranging clientele of foodniks. — Gayot