USA Today picks Denver's top ten foodie spots -- but eat fast!

Last week USA Today came out with its "10 Best Foodie Spots in Denver." But you'd better move fast if you want to hit two of them: D Bar is closing this coming weekend in anticipation of a move, and Restaurant Kevin Taylor is closing for good at the end...

By Patricia Calhoun

March 17, 2014

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Last week USA Today came out with its "10 Best Foodie Spots in Denver." But you'd better move fast if you want to hit two of them: D Bar is closing this coming weekend in anticipation of a move, and Restaurant Kevin Taylor is closing for good at the end of March. And two others -- the Cherry Creek Farmer's Market and Civic Center Eats -- are on hiatus until spring and summer, respectively. Keep reading for Denver's other six "hottest dining spots and underground favorites" -- at least according to USA Today. See also: Restaurant Kevin Taylor closing at Hotel Teatro Here are the six USA Today picks that are actually open, and the paper's descriptions:

Central Bistro Dotted with vintage pieces from Denver's past, Central Bistro is a true community eatery. Its famous "HOT" sign frames the kitchen entrance - a relic from the once great Regency Hotel where both Elvis and the Pope spent a Denver night. The Central Street restaurant offers patrons unpretentious gourmet dishes and a long list of American whiskeys to enjoy alongside their unobstructed views of the city skyline.
Denver Biscuit Company An inventive take on traditional biscuits and gravy, Denver Biscuit Company and its famous food cart, The Biscuit Bus, has brought Southern breakfast to Denver in a very buttermilk-way. Try the hearty Franklin breakfast sandwich, stacked high with fried chicken, Tender Belly bacon, cheddar cheese and topped off with sausage gravy. Or, to satisfy your sweet tooth, dig in to their Strawberry Shortcake, biscuit-style.

Root Down Truly embodying their "field to fork" philosophy, Root Down serves up dishes made with organic, natural and local ingredients. Its dynamic menu is updated with seasonal ingredients, and even features vegetables out of the sustainable eatery's own urban garden. Featuring truly global cuisine, patrons can choose from dishes such as Roasted Kashmiri Chicken and Lemon Ricotta Gnocchi, or grab a happy hour drink Monday-Friday from 4:30-7 p.m.

Lao Wang Noodle HouseCome early and expect a wait at Lao Wang Noodle house. Owned by a husband and wife duo, the pair prepares and serves their mouthwatering pot-stickers and soup dumplings to hungry patrons. Don't leave without trying the Lao Wang Lager, brewed exclusively for the restaurant with the same secret spices that give Lao Wang specialties their unforgettable flavor.

TAG Grab your closest friends and a bright red booth at Tag for an interactive dining experience. Described as Continental Social Food, Tag's globally-inspired eats are meant to share. Embark on a culinary adventure with fresh, and sometimes raw, innovations such as Taco Sushi or Miso Black Cod with edamame salsa.

Rioja Rioja has it all: Best Chef Southwest award-winner Jennifer Jasinski behind the helm, the perfect Larimer Square location, delectable Mediterranean dishes made with the freshest, local ingredients, including hand-made pastas. It's no wonder it is ranked as one of Denver's top restaurants year after year and a top 5 tourist attraction in the city. Needless to say, reservations are recommended.

What do you think of USA Today's picks? What would you include on a list of Denver's top foodie destinations?

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Patricia Calhoun is editor-in-chief of Westword, the alt-weekly she co-founded in September 1977. She’s been inducted into the Colorado Press Association Hall of Fame, the Association of Alternative Newsmedia Hall of Fame and the Colorado Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. She’s also received dozens of local, state and national awards for writing, including first place for feature writing and first place for column writing with the Society of Professional Journalists. Patricia is a weekly commentator on Colorado Inside Out, PBS 12's public affairs roundtable, which has won two Emmys.

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