Live plants, wood ceiling beams and hardwood floors add to the contemporary, urban décor. Select a premium Prime, Angus or grass-fed steak and top it with a rich foie gras butter, crab-heavy Oscar, or traditional brandy peppercorn sauce. Start with the perfectly balanced sweet-and-tart beet salad with charred cauliflower, pistachios, and a blood orange vinaigrette. Other standout starters include tuna from the raw bar and the charcuterie and cheese plate. Although tempting, try not to fill up on the pillowy potato rolls and save room for the lightly sweet Belgian waffles served with strawberries and a Nutella sauce.
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AAA / Inspector 37Mizuna
225 E. 7th Ave.
AAA Inspector 599: In land-locked Denver, it's rare to find a standout seafood dish. The butter poached lobster mac and cheese at Mizuna is my all-time favorite.
Locals head to this hot spot for cuisine prepared with an emphasis on flavors. The lobster macaroni and cheese lives up to the hype—it is truly sensational. The menu changes seasonally but often features duck, Colorado lamb and Chilean sea bass. Be sure to take advantage of the outstanding sommelier for wine recommendations. Accented with rich oil paintings and dark wood panels, the dining room's classy, intimate ambience enhances the experience.
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AAA / Inspector 599Steuben's
523 E. 17th Ave.
AAA Inspector 599: The heated patio is my favorite place to be at the coolest diner in town.
Locals head to this restaurant to indulge in comfort food, decadent desserts and interesting cocktails. The retro, casually upscale décor is slightly fancy for a diner, but it's still a diner. Menu options reflect a creative flair enhanced by higher quality ingredients. Fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and pot roast sidle up next to cayenne étouffée, trout amandine, and a lobster roll. It would be a sin to skip a milk shake, lemon icebox bar, or chocolate cake.
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AAA / Inspector 599Tavernetta
1889 16th St.
AAA Inspector 599: I have yet to find a pasta dish that isn't delicious, and I have tried a bunch. I don't mind keeping up the search!
Rather than centering on regional cuisine, the menu takes inspiration from the entire country of Italy at this stylish venue. In addition to the signature housemade pasta, dishes include grilled lamb, roasted quail and rotisserie chicken. The location at the edge of the rail canopy in the booming Union Station area attracts locals and travelers alike.
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