Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 303-455-1117;
www.bangdenver.com
; 3472 W 32nd Ave; mains $9-15; 11am-9pm Tue-Fri, 10am-9pm Sat;
; 32, 28 RTD)
One of Denver's reigning kings of comfort food, bang! goes full-on
for cuteness. The place has a funked-out garden in the summer, winsome and chatty wait
staff, and the menu has tater tots. And you know it's clean - there's a window onto the
street with the chefs on display.
Root Down
MODERN AMERICAN
$$$
(
303-993-4200;
www.rootdowndenver.com
; 1600 W 33rd Ave; small plates $7-17, mains $18-28;
5-10pm Sun-
Thu, 5-11pm Fri & Sat, 10am-2:30pm Sat & Sun; )
In a converted gas station, chef Justin Cucci
has undertaken one of the city's most ambitious culinary concepts, marrying sustainable
'field-to-fork' practices, high-concept culinary fusions and a low-impact, energy-efficient
ethos. The menu changes seasonally, but consider yourself lucky if it includes the sweet-
potato falafel or hoisin-duck confit sliders.
Unlike the troupe of restaurants jumping on the sustainable bandwagon, Root Down is
largely wind-powered, decorated with reused and reclaimed materials, and recycles
everything. It's conceptually brilliant and one of Denver's most thrilling dining experien-
ces. It has a restaurant also at DIA Airport.
Z Cuisine
FRENCH
$$$
(
303-477-1111;
www.zcuisineonline.com
;
2239 & 2245 W 30th Ave; mains $19-29;
5-10pm Wed-Sat;
;
32, 44 RTD)
It'd be better if you could look at the bill before you ate at this self-
styled neighborhood bistro, because when your mouth is overwhelmed by any variety of
braised lamb dishes or a simple, perfect steak-and-fries combination, you'll forget it.
There's no better place around for (fancy) casual French fare, a fact well noted by national
critics.
MODERN AMERICAN
$$$
(
303-477-4141;
www.duodenver.com
; 2413 W 32nd Ave; brunch $8-12, mains $19-24;
5-10pm Mon-Fri,
10am-2pm & 5-10pm Sat, 10am-2pm & 5-9pm Sun; 32 RTD)
This cozy bistro-style eatery with
exposed brick walls and well-worn stylings is poised, elegant, confident and, at times,
simply remarkable. The seasonal menu focuses on locally sourced meats and greens.
