Best Chicken-Fried Steak 2001 | 20th Street Cafe | Best of Denver® | Best Restaurants, Bars, Clubs, Music and Stores in Denver | Westword
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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.
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.
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.
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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

Remember, time is money -- which is why so many businesspeople bank on the lunchtime buffet at 1876. The spread is a real deal: $10.99 buys all you can eat of whatever cuisine is featured that day (sometimes an assortment of Mexican dishes, sometimes Italian), as well as a pass by the make-your-own sandwich board and two soups. But the true marvel is the array of salads: inventive (try chunks of marinated ham with green peppers and onions), absolutely fresh (crisp leaves of grass-green romaine) and downright luxurious (hearts of palm). Although the attentive servers are careful to keep glasses full and dishes clear, there's no need to wait for a waiter to outline the specials or bring the check -- or to worry about that same waiter eavesdropping on your talk while you power munch. A favorite for moguls on the go.

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