I have a three day business trip to Denver this Sunday. What are the best restaurants, not just stylish but the best food(funky atmosphere is good), and some things to do/see in the late afternoon/evening? Someone I work with recommended the Elkhorn Exchange. Is it good or just an oddity? I will be staying in the Englewood area. Also, is the smoke still bad from the fires? Thank you.

Hi Flex, I topped another thread with resturant ideas. As to the Elkhorn, LOTS of dead animals on the walls, I had a hard time eating with all those "eyes" looking at me. Nasty old dusty, flea-bittin dead animals do not make for a nice dining expierence to me.

Not familar with Englewood resturants.

Thanks Kima. I am not limited to the Englewood area. Any suggestions for any where in Denver are welcome. Thanks again.

I thought it was Buckhorn Exchange. Did they change the name-I don't eat out much.
There are some great rib places in town. One on Arapahoe Road and one off of I470 and Broadway. There is a large Thai and Vietnamese population and they have many restaurants on S. Federal. My favorite is the New Saigon. Some people rave about Little India on 6th Ave. Downtown. Amd a lot of people seem to like PF CHange near Park Meadows mall. There hasn''t been much smoke lately. There are quite a few fires still burning, but I think all are contained, and we've had some rain, so the smoke in the air finally has been grounded somewhat. Try to get a hold of a Friday paper. Lots of restaurants have write ups.

I would suggest checking out a local papers "Best Of" section on their website. Every year they judge the "best of" nearly all types of restaurants and there are some great ones listed in there. The website is:

http://www.westword.com/bestof/index.html

I don't really know what you are looking for but Del Frisco's is excellent but fairly exensive. And no, the smoke is not really noticeable at all aside from helping us have some great sunsets.

GB you maybe right. Buckhorn, Elkhorn? Whatever I am referring to the one by the light rail tracks with the dead animals on the walls.

Flex if you like sushi try Sushi Den, its pretty close to Englewood.

Downtown I like Vesta's, midtown try 17th Ave Grill. Actually for a three-night stay those 3 would give you a pretty good feel for Denver Neighborhoods. Another restaurant that gets little attention is The Painted Bench. I personally stay away from Park Meadows area, as most of those are chains that you can eat at anyplace.

Thanks for the suggestions Kima.

The Elkhorn is good but not great food. If you want better food and a little more stylish I would go to The Fort. Great food, great view of the city at night. The fourth story that is in a book store is also good and interesting food.