The Black Pearl marked its third anniversary last week with a big bash that proved this polished place hasn't lost any of its luster. In fact, the restaurant has come into its own over the past few years, losing some of the self-consciousness that marked its early days and settling into a comfortable, upscale existence on South Pearl Street.

The kitchen continues to turn out the contemporary American cuisine that won Jason Sheehan over early on -- but the patio is also a major draw, with a fire pit that's just the thing to heat up conversations even as these summer nights cool off. Happy hour on the patio runs from 4-6 p.m. -- and the bar pours it on with bottomless mimosas at weekend brunch.

Black Pearl 1529 South Pearl Street 303-777-0550 www.blackpearldenver.com