Top Restaurants In Denver's Highlands
(credit: Z Cuisine)The Denver Highlands refer to the two North Denver neighborhoods of Highland, and West Highland. The district has made quite a name for itself over the last few years with a plethora of exceptional restaurants offering plenty of variety with convenient proximity to downtown and its pricey real estate. Even if you don't live in this posh neighborhood, you can still navigate the district like a local with this handy list.
1600 W. 33rd Ave.
Denver, CO 80211
(303) 993-4200
www.rootdowndenver.com
As their name implies, Root Down works to connect The Denver Highlands neighborhoods with creative food that feeds the senses. Root Down is an artful restaurant built inside of an old, converted filling station. They have a terrific, bright and breezy outdoor space and a decent amount of comfortable booth and table seating inside. The American-fusion, small plates style restaurant is open for dinner, happy hour, and weekend brunch. Start off with the carrot and Thai red curry soup for dinner. Then whisk yourself off to the next course and try their Colorado ranch meatballs with hazelnut-sage pesto and cranberry molasses. Their extensive dessert and digestif menu promises something for everyone with decadent listings like the chocolate-currant truffle and the banana creme brulee pie. Stop by for their weekday happy hour at the bar and try the best the menu has to offer for a deal with $5 cocktails and appetizers like cranberry chipotle wings, also $5.
3160 Tejon St.
Denver, CO 80211
(303) 997-8886
www.williamsandgraham.com
If you're looking for variety, Williams and Graham is a must. Their eclectic menu and speakeasy vibe make it the quintessential spot for a fun night out with friends or a cozy date-night. Belly up to the bar for one of their signature cocktails or enjoy a cozy booth while sharing tasty savories from the kitchen. The bone marrow appetizer is a daring choice and the Papardelle entree is perfect for sharing. The food here is adventurous and spectacular but Williams and Graham is a bar. What gets most people in the door first is their impressive list of libations. From hand-crafted cocktails to Japanese whiskey, they have it all. Be aware, this is a small eatery with only seven tables, so there may be a wait but it is more than worth it. Come early to put your party's name on the list. Only patrons 21 and older are allowed in.
2643 W. 32nd Ave.
Denver, CO 80211
(303) 862-8461
www.parkburger.com
For a little more casual atmosphere, but by no means lacking in the flavor, check out Park Burger. The hand-crafted masterpieces come in an array of sizes from the heaping double park burger with two juicy quarter-pound patties to the fresh ahi burger with pickled slaw, guacamole and ginger aoli, and the more manageable mini park burger and the adorable little sliders. The innovative sides add to the excitement. Try the fries with the works or the blue cheese kettle chips. There is a decent drink list with refreshing cocktails, beer and wines. To satisfy your sweet tooth, try a huge chocolate malt or even a mudslide shake made with alcohol.
2239 W. 30th Ave.
Denver, CO 80211
(303) 477-1111
www.zcuisineonline.com
Z Cuisine Parisian Bistrot and A Cote Absinth Bar have been making quite a stir in the Highlands district. This Zagat rated bistro doles out some of the best French food in Denver, all made with naturally sourced ingredients. A cote means next door or close by in French and the intimate locale prides itself in providing farm to fork delicacies like their foie gras made with Hudson Valley duck and the cassoulet made with duck confit and pork belly. Wet your whistle at the Absinth bar. They offer everything for the connoisseur from Absinth cocktails to shots. The bar menu is equally as impressive as the restaurant's. Stop by the bar Wednesday through Saturday nights to try Ingrid's special mussels.
1575 Central St.
Denver, CO 80211
(303) 561-3354
www.masterpiecedeli.com
Masterpiece Delicatessen, another Zagat rated eatery, may be a casual counter-service style joint but the bill of fare is full of creative culinary creations like the seared ahi tuna served on an English muffin with Asian slaw and wasabi aoli. Investigate one of their hand-layered salads like the Greek with piquillo peppers, garbanzo beans and feta, served with a side of crispy pita. They feature an ever changing daily special like the braised DBC bacon sammy with pickled mustard seed, apple cider gastrique and wild mushrooms served on a baguette with provolone and black pepper aoli, or the roasted leg of lamb with hummus and arugula. Breakfast sandwiches are also served daily with opuses like the Taylor pork roll breakfast sandwich or the corned beef, all made with an heirloom egg and your choice of cheeses. Come early for their lunch specials as they often sell out.
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