Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

The Rio Grande got its start in 1986 in Fort Collins, where college students came to rely on the incredibly strong margaritas — limit three per customer, and no revealing the secret recipe — and big plates of gringo Mexican fare. Today, inspired by owner Pat McGaughran’s early trips to the Yucatan peninsula, the menu […]

Bud’s Cafe & Bar

Bud’s does burgers. Bud’s does cheeseburgers. Bud’s does doubles of each. And that’s it. Bud’s motto — “We don’t have no damn fries” — is spelled out right on the menu, and because Bud’s has done nothing but burgers since the place opened in 1948, Bud’s has gotten pretty good at making them. As a […]

Il Fornaio

Founded in Milan, Italy, in 1972 as a baking school, Il Fornaio is a national chain offering upscale Italian cuisine and an extensive dessert menu. The Colorado location, in the Denver Tech Center, has a roster that features wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas made in-house daily, rotisserie meats and, of course, plenty of baked treats. Il […]

Maggiano’s Little Italy

This branch of Brinker International, which also owns Chili’s, is fancier than its corporate sibling — and it’s definitely several steps above Olive Garden in the Italian chain-food world, with items priced accordingly. The extensive lunch and dinner menus offer traditional and specialty pastas, chef’s favorite plates, and various preparations of shrimp, chicken, beef, pork […]

Arap’s Old Gun Shop

Modernity is not a virtue at Arap’s Old Gun Shop, where mounted game heads hold court over day-drinkers and night-crawlers. A classic Englewood dive hunkered down in an old gun-supply store, Arap’s offers inexpensive no-frills swill and bar snacks, such as jalapeno poppers, wings and pizza. If you want fancy, you obviously didn’t heed the […]

Colorado Horse Park

Colorado Horse Park in Parker has established itself as a destination for world-class equestrian athletes. It is the largest horse park west of the Mississippi, serving amateurs, juniors and Olympians; the premier boarding facility features over a hundred heated stalls. The park is also dedicated to preserving Colorado open space – and both entertaining and […]

Lollipop Park

Formerly known as Funtastic Fun, Lollipop Park is an indoor children’s amusement park serving Denver ten-and-under crowd. A popular birthday party destination, the indoor facility includes a full-size ferris wheel, carousel and bounce house, as well as many more activities. Unlike other amusement centers, Lollipop Park does not require a minimum number of kids, nor […]

South Suburban Ice Arena

Littleton’s South Suburban Ice Arena is open year-round and features two ice rinks. Leagues of all ages skate here; lessons are also available. And the price is hard to beat — for less than $5, Littleton residents can take part in the year-round free skate. (The cost is $6.75 for non-residents.)