Here’s a handy list of memorable eats from my Denver (and surrounding area) dining in 2023. These dishes are worth ordering any day of the week. Many of these restaurants are open during the day for lunch, so it’s time to put down your sad salad and treat yourself to a tasty mid-day meal. You also get to support a local business in the process!
The criteria for the list included:
- Dish is regularly available (no specials)
- 2023 was the first year I tried this particular dish
- Restaurant does not appear on my Denver’s Best New Restaurants of 2023
Hey Bangkok!
Wash Park West
Open Sun-Thu: 11am – 8pm, Fri-Sat: 11am – 9pm
Pad Thai. A classic done well.
Lucina Eatery & Bar
Park Hill
Open Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri: 3 – 10pm, Sat: 5 – 10pm
Tlacoyo Cochinita. Slow-roasted pork perfection with garlic crema and spicy undertones.
Taco Uprising
Five Points
Open Mon – Thu: 9am – 2pm & 4:30pm – 8 pm, Fri – Sat: 9am – 2pm & 4:30pm – 8:30pm
The Early Bird taco. A brunch delight with buttermilk fried chicken, scrambled eggs, and chorizo gravy on a housemade flour tortilla.
Phờ-natic
Civic Center
Open Mon – Fri: 10am – 8pm, Sat: 11am – 8pm
Pho Đậu hủ. A vegetarian pho featuring fried tofu strips, firm (but not undercooked) broccoli, and a solid broth base. Pro tip from Tran Wills: Ask for the lemongrass “bomb”, an off-menu item that’ll add extra umami.
Kini’s
Cherry Creek
Open for DINNER – Sun & Mon: 5-9pm, Tue-Sat: 5-10pm
WEEKEND BRUNCH: Fri-Sun: 11am-3pm
Spanakopita Manti. Central Asian dumpling with a crisp exterior, filled with spinach, cheese, and tzatziki.
The Porklet
Aurora
Open Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat: 11am – 8:30pm
Closed: 3 – 4:30pm
Tornado Fried Rice. Ok, so technically not in Denver – just over the line in Aurora, but I could not NOT include this fancy omurice with a perfectly cooked, paper-thin egg layer and savory sauce.
Lucky Noodles
Capitol Hill
Open Wed – Fri: 11am – 2pm and 3:30 – 8pm
Sat and Sun: 12 – 8pm
Khao Soi. Formerly on the “Ploy’s Secret Menu,” now regularly available. Crispy chicken and noodles with killer broth.
Poulette Bakeshop
Parker, CO
Open Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat: 8am-12pm (or earlier if they sell out)
Smoked Turkey Sandwich with Tarragon Aioli sandwich special. OK, slightly cheating here on multiple fronts: 1. Because the sandwich changes daily. However, no matter what the special that day, it never fails to impress. 2. This shop is in the Denver suburb of Parker.
El Taco de Mexico
Santa Fe Arts District
Open every day: 7am – 9pm
Marinated Pork Tacos. A Denver classic with tender, tasty meat and solid rice and beans.