We will be spending a week in Denver soon, visiting our son who has moved there. He works nights so we'll probably only be able to take him out for lunch. Any recommendations? We'd like to avoid chains. Also, if you have any favorite dinner spots for my husband and myself, that would be great. Nothing too pricey.
Thanks,
Laurie

www.shishkabobgrill.com is across the street from the state capitol, on the corner of Grant and Colfax, and has wonderful Middle Eastern food.

Lee Ann

Need a little more help. Where is he living - what part of the city? Where are you staying?? Likes, dislikes, bars OK? too pricey has no meaning. Give us something to work with.

He lives near Coors Field. He probably would like just good, basic breakfast/lunch type food -- eggs, sandwiches, etc. My husband and I like non-chain, locally grown, fresh food. Casual. We aren't into the bar scene. A nice view or atmosphere would be great. I may pick up 5280 magazine when we get there -- unless you have a better suggestion.
Thanks.

Zengo is a fun place. Also, look at Vesta Dipping Grill. Both are in LoDo area

The 5280 web site will have an evaluation of nearly every restaurant. My guess is that your son would also know the places around him. The Egg Shell on Market west of 16th St Mall is an old time establishment. Snooze is a hot new in spot for breakfast -- don't go on the weekend. South of the downtown area on Santa Fe is El Taco de Mexico. The breakfast will satisfy lunch and dinner.

For lunch try Biker Jim's Hot Dog stand around Arapahoe on the Mall. You wanted local and he is an institution with really great hotdogs. After that places like Osteria Marco and Limes in Larimer Sq would met the moderate requirement. A hot new neighborhood is the Highlands just north of LoDo and walkable with Venue Bistro. Also a nice ice cream shop in a giant dairy can in the same area along with a couple of other good restaurants that I cannot remembers the names. Vesta Grill is great but expensive. We are big fans of Wazee Supper Club on Wazee (where else) with some great pizza and salads. Someone else has been recommendation a coal fired pizza place near Coors Field that we have not tried but will do so soon. And if you really want a local feel, try Buckhorn Exchange. Holds first liquor license issued in Denver. Buffalo Bill hung out there and more than one guy died at the bar on in street outside. Mostly steaks and wild game, local rocky mountain oysters, and expensive but worth it for one visit.

You could also hit the Tattered Cover in LoDo and read Gabby Gourmet which is the chief local guide for restaurants.

That should get you started.

Wow. Thanks! Really appreciate it.
Laurie

We like The Chophouse, right by Coors Field, because it is in a cool historic building and its menu is reasonably priced. I think you can order sandwiches for dinner, in addition to their high-priced dinners. A standby of ours is the Avenue Grill, on 17th street, just east of downtown. Nice atmosphere, excellent service and very good prices.

Your son will probably know the places he wants to take you.

P.S. Fmpden and I disagree on Lime in Larimer Square. We have had bad experiences there. Our friends left in disgust last week, after they waited awhile for their food, and then were told their order was lost and they would need to wait some more! They left.

Big second on Osteria Marco and the Egg Shell! Also, for a yummy continental breakfast or lunch, try the Market on Larimer St.

Wynkoop's is a good local brewpub, but there are several others in the area also, like Flying Dog which is a bit further out. There are a lot of good choices, it depends on what kinds of food you like to eat, not just cost.

Gabby Gourmet, which fmpden mentions, has a good website with a deliciously detailed commentary on many if not most Denver restaurants.