Best Martini 2001 | Blue 67 | Best of Denver® | Best Restaurants, Bars, Clubs, Music and Stores in Denver | Westword
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Best Martini

Blue 67

You'd think that with 67 martinis to choose from, we'd find one that we like. But the problem is, we like them all. In fact, we like everything about Blue 67, a hip, inviting spot with jazz in the background and decor that appears to be a Japanese decorator's take on the swinging '60s. The drink roster includes some martinis from that era, too: the .007, with Bombay Sapphire Gin and dry vermouth -- shaken, not stirred, and garnished with olives; the Presidential, clean and neat with Belvedere vodka and an olive. But as we go back to the future, Blue 67 gets a little kinky, so we pucker up for the Lemon Drop's citrus vodka, lime juice and Cointreau, or we wrap ourselves in a Black Tie, with Smirnoff Black and a splash of Chambord. Swallow two and call us in the morning...for a ride home.

Best Chicken-Fried Steak

20th Street Cafe

The 20th Street Cafe bills itself as a "working man's cafe," but this increasingly upscale area doesn't have many working men these days -- not the sort the café was originally designed to serve, at any rate. But everyone from day laborers to high-paid attorneys can appreciate the down-home cooking served in this storefront, including a great chicken-fried steak, pounded to perfection, battered, fried golden and smothered in a soothing gravy for the ultimate comfort food.

Best Chicken-Fried Steak

20th Street Cafe

The 20th Street Cafe bills itself as a "working man's cafe," but this increasingly upscale area doesn't have many working men these days -- not the sort the café was originally designed to serve, at any rate. But everyone from day laborers to high-paid attorneys can appreciate the down-home cooking served in this storefront, including a great chicken-fried steak, pounded to perfection, battered, fried golden and smothered in a soothing gravy for the ultimate comfort food.

Best Place to Nurse a Hangover

Jamba Juice

If the night was too long and you were too easy, head to this healthy juice joint for a quick pick-me-up. Order a Vitamin C-packed smoothie (Jamba Juice offers dozens of variations, including Berry Lime Sublime and Orange Berry Blitz) or straight juice (wheatgrass, carrot, ginger and the standard orange are among the choices), then add such boosters as echinacea, ginseng and ginkgo biloba. After a morning of seeing pink elephants, you'll soon be back in the pink. The next time you get juiced, remember Jamba Juice.

Best Place to Nurse a Hangover

Jamba Juice

If the night was too long and you were too easy, head to this healthy juice joint for a quick pick-me-up. Order a Vitamin C-packed smoothie (Jamba Juice offers dozens of variations, including Berry Lime Sublime and Orange Berry Blitz) or straight juice (wheatgrass, carrot, ginger and the standard orange are among the choices), then add such boosters as echinacea, ginseng and ginkgo biloba. After a morning of seeing pink elephants, you'll soon be back in the pink. The next time you get juiced, remember Jamba Juice.

Best Original Big Burrito

El Taco de Mexico

Molly Martin
Long before those new Mexican grills started popping up on almost every corner, featuring big, big burritos the size and weight of bricks, stuffed with quality meats and drapped with an assortment of nuevo salsas, there was El Taco de Mexico. At this very down-home, very authentic Mexican joint, the friendly servers take big, fresh flour tortillas and wrap them around a mound of rice, beans and your choice from some of the most exotic meats in town. The winner and still the chomp.

Best Original Big Burrito

El Taco de Mexico

Long before those new Mexican grills started popping up on almost every corner, featuring big, big burritos the size and weight of bricks, stuffed with quality meats and drapped with an assortment of nuevo salsas, there was El Taco de Mexico. At this very down-home, very authentic Mexican joint, the friendly servers take big, fresh flour tortillas and wrap them around a mound of rice, beans and your choice from some of the most exotic meats in town. The winner and still the chomp.

Best Tostada

Mexico City Lounge

Danielle Lirette
In honor of the new century and the ever-improving ballpark neighborhood, Mexico City Lounge has done a thorough house-cleaning -- right down to remodeled bathrooms and a tiny expansion that put two tables in the former kitchen -- and moved the kitchen to the back of the old Larimer Square storefront. The change in kitchen locations apparently necessitated an oil change, too, because everything coming out of that kitchen tastes much brighter and fresher -- even the notoriously greasy and great steak tacos. But the real health food here is an order of bean tostados: three crisp, oil-free corn tortillas topped by just-mashed refried beans, along with shredded cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. Squirt on some of Mexico City's special salsa, and olé!

Best Tostada

Mexico City Lounge

In honor of the new century and the ever-improving ballpark neighborhood, Mexico City Lounge has done a thorough house-cleaning -- right down to remodeled bathrooms and a tiny expansion that put two tables in the former kitchen -- and moved the kitchen to the back of the old Larimer Square storefront. The change in kitchen locations apparently necessitated an oil change, too, because everything coming out of that kitchen tastes much brighter and fresher -- even the notoriously greasy and great steak tacos. But the real health food here is an order of bean tostados: three crisp, oil-free corn tortillas topped by just-mashed refried beans, along with shredded cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. Squirt on some of Mexico City's special salsa, and olé!

Best Sunday Brunch Buffet

The 35th Avenue Grille at the Park Hill Golf Club

Sometimes you don't feel like getting all gussied up and heading out for a Sunday brunch that's going to require loosening your belt just to finish the meal and then downing seven Tums afterward. Sometimes it's enough to go somewhere that's easy on the eyes, heart and pocketbook. And those are the times we head to the newly remodeled 35th Avenue Grill at the Park Hill Golf Club. Get a table by the window for a view of the golf course, then amble over to the made-to-order stations, which offer omelettes and Belgian waffles. Add some fresh fruit, bacon and eggs, homemade pastries, and biscuits and gravy -- and don't forget the honey-baked ham or fried chicken. After you've hoovered through that, finish things off with a slice of made-from-scratch pie. The cost for all of this all-you-can-eat extravagance? A mere $9.95. For another three bucks, you can take advantage of the make-your-own Bloody Mary bar, which offers all the mixes and veggies you need to make an eye-opener -- if your eyes haven't already been opened wide by this unbelievable brunch deal.

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