OFC 2012 OUTstanding Awards: OUTstanding Restaurants

People – Places – Services – Shopping – Restaurants – Nightlife – Write-ins

OUTstanding Gayest Restaurant – Hamburger Mary’s
700 E. 17th Ave., 80203

Whether you’re kicking back and drinking a cocktail or two on the luxurious patio or joining rounds of karaoke and slut bingo with the Cycle Sluts, Hamburger Mary’s is the drag-queen’s-castle for Denver gays and gals. Mary’s mixes good deals on food and drinks with an atmosphere prime for Denver’s drag queens and queen wannabes.

OUTstanding Breakfast – Jelly
600 E. 13th Ave., 80203

Our favorite new breakfast and brunch spot in Capitol Hill is Jelly, the readers’ choice for a great cup of Joe, amazing jelly doughnuts and a wide variety of breakfast entrees that are sure to cure the Sunday morning hangover. The fresh and bright atmosphere attracts passers-by and has become the new hot hipster hangout for a good weekend brunch.
OUTstanding Brunch – Dazzle Restaurant and Lounge
930 Lincoln St., 80203

Noted as one of the top jazz clubs worldwide, this modern day supper club offers entertainment alongside an ethnically diverse menu that ranges from seafood like mahi-mahi to burgers, Italian, French and superb breakfast dishes. Don’t forget about Dazzle’s happy hours and specials like all-you-can-eat Prime Rib Mondays for under $20.

OUTstanding Liquid Brunch – X-Bar
629 E. Colfax Ave., 80203

OFC readers chose X Bar for their favorite spot to enjoy a brunch-minus-the-meal. With bottomless mimosas for $9 and $3 Bloody Mary’s, and of course a huge patio that looks out over the action of the famous Colfax strip, X Bar is a reader favorite for weekend festivities.
OUTstanding Lunch – Skoops
1209 E. 9th Ave., 80218

Our readers’ favorite place for lunch, conveniently located in the gayborhood near Cheesman Park, is the locally-owned and operated eatery Skoops. With homemade everything – sandwiches, crepes, breakfast and delicious desserts – Skoops gives the hungry diner a place to get a quick and healthy bite, or something to satisfy the sweet tooth. The patio allows for some great people-watching in a location well-known for sexy boys on a brisk midmorning jog or afternoon walks with Fido.
• PUBLISHER’S CHOICE: NIC GARCIA • OUTstanding Lunch – Randolph’s
1776 Grant St., 80203

There are hamburgers and French fries, and then there is Randolph’s French Disaster: the finest meat, boursin cheese, on a baguette. Under the taste buds of executive chef Jean Claude Cavalera, Randolph’s at the Warwick has morphed from a simple hotel restaurant to a class act eatery. And while dinner is superb – the Lamb, OMG! – we feel special attention must be paid to its lunch offerings. Oh, and did we mention there is free valet parking for that power lunch you’re running late for?
OUTstanding Dinner – Root Down
1600 W. 33rd Ave., 80211

Think roots as in fresh vegetables, not the Beastie Boys. The choice dinner spot is Root Down, a quaint yet elegant eatery boasting globally-influenced seasonal cuisine. They’ve got something for everyone, with rare options like a four-course raw vegan feast alongside their popular ‘Raw Tuesdays’ on the first Tuesday of the month.
OUTstanding Date Night – Linger
2030 W. 30th Ave., 80211

Complimentary valet parking, a romantic candlelit ambiance, intimate booths and an amazing view of the city marks Linger, OFC readers’ date night destination. Bringing back the “street food” style menu makes ordering from the diverse cultural selections an experience in itself. Here there’s no rush, linger at Linger over flirts and desserts for just a little longer.

OUTstanding Dessert – D Bar
1475 E. 17th Ave., 80218

D Bar is the perfect place for chocolate lava cake and a glass of Italian sparkling wine. OFC readers say dessert is at its finest at the intimate spot. With options like the ‘Malted Monkey Business’, the ‘Cha Cha Churro’ or the crème brulee, the decadent tasty desserts and socialites’ communal table fits the bill.
OUTstanding Bargain – Chef Zorbas
2626 E. 12th Ave., 80206

Chef Zorbas, between the Congress Park and Cherry Creek neighborhoods, is the perfect café for the thrifty diner. With a simple environment, fast but friendly servers and affordable plates, this Greek restaurant has options. Offering a four-page menu with classic tastes like gyro’s, tzatziki, falafel to traditional café breakfast plates to a full bar and sunny patio, Zorba is our readers’ fave’ for price and flavor.
OUTstanding Splurge – Elway’s
2500 E. 1st Ave., 80206

Elway’s was voted the best splurge spot in Denver – a top spot to impress your date on payday. With fantastic steaks, a raw bar and a menu created with quality in mind, Elway’s is the place to go for an elegant experience. Elway’s offers more than 350 bottles of wine ranging from an accessible $21 bottle, to a $2,00 choice for the connoisseur. Celebrate in style!
OUTstanding Vegetarian/Vegan – Watercourse
837 E. 17th Ave., 80218

Watercourse is the dining destination for our readers of the vegetarian and vegan variety. With a bright atmosphere and swanky touches like gourmet cheese platters, gaians feel good about going for a green, local, natural and fresh meal.
OUTstanding Mexican – Benny’s
301 E. 7th Ave., 80203

Capitol Hill’s popular tequila joint is a favorite for OFC readers. From salty margs and an affordable authentic Mexican array, to happy-hour get-togethers on the cool misty patio, Benny’s is always buzzing.
• PUBLISHER’S CHOICE: NIC GARCIA • OUTstanding Mexican – La Loma
2527 W. 26th Ave., 80211

Sometimes it’s the simplest things. What sets La Loma apart from so many other Mexican restaurants in Denver – and there plenty of them – is their homemade tortillas. Whatever you do, be sure to get you some of that. Friendly and attentive wait staff. Delicious margaritas.
OUTstanding Pizza – Marco’s Coal-Fired Pizza
8286 Northfield Blvd., 80266

Denverites are always in the mood for a good slice, and the raves for a great slice go to Marco’s. With an authentic handcrafted hickory-oven, imported artisan cheeses and locally grown produce, these pies taste like a slice of a rainbow.
OUTstanding Chinese – Imperial
431 South Broadway, 80209

When OFC readers have the hankering for Chinese, they turn to Imperial – voted best in town. With a sesame chicken dish that has become the standard for comparison and delightful and authentic options that won’t break your bank, this is a top pick for divine dining.
OUTstanding Seafood – Oceanaire
1400 Arapahoe St., 80202

OFC readers’ top choice for seafood is the sophisticated and delectable Oceanaire – for lobster, fresh fish flown in daily from around the world and the famous clam chowder. And with a friendly staff and an upscale dining room, you’ll be happy dining under the sea.
OUTstanding Italian – Panzano
909 17th St., 80202

For a classy meet-up spot for the business folk downtown, Panzano is the place to go. The Italian cuisine inspires the palette and the happy hours offer a decent deal. The wine list is what knocks our socks off, and although the bottles are pricey they’re worth the extra dough.
OUTstanding French – Le Central
112 East 8th Ave., 80203

For an authentic and affordable French cuisine, Le Central tops the list in Denver. Serving up their specialty, mussels, with unlimited fries and a killer happy-hour list, this eclectic and comfortable restaurant sits centrally located in Capitol Hill.
OUTstanding Japanese – Domo
1365 Osage St., 80204

This zen restaurant includes a traditional Japanese Garden and museum. OFC readers loved the country-style Japanese food with an aura of authenticity in both cuisine and ambiance. You’ll learn the true art of Asian dining at Domo. Skip eggs and bacon on next weekend and head toward Domo’s beautiful garden where you can sample some of the best, and healthiest dishes in town.

OUTstanding Sushi – Hapa
2780 E. 2nd Ave., 80206

When it comes to sushi, Hapa is OFC readers’ top choice. Melding traditional Japanese and American tastes with killer happy hour, Hapa is the sweet spot in Cherry Creek for an affordable lunch or dinner. There are four Metro area locations in total: Two in Boulder, and one more in Greenwood Village. Don’t miss the Multiple Orgasm roll, recommended as your meal’s finale. And it’s that good.
OUTstanding Steak House – Chop House
735 19th St., 80202

Readers chose the Denver Chop House as the prime spot for a prime rib. Offering seafood, some of the most succulent chops in town and an in-house brewery, we rally here for more than a great meal; it’s a destination spot for Avalanche and Broncos games and the mightiest Super Bowl party around.

Out Front Colorado’s 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

OUTstanding Awards Main page

People – Places – Services – Shopping – Restaurants – Nightlife – Write-ins