The Original Rinaldi’s

Okay, we kept hearing about how we HAVE to try The Hat while we were visiting Cali. We tried The Hat. It was… okay. I honestly am not sure what everyone was hyping up.  It wasn’t worth the 30 minute drive in the wrong direction to find a location closest to us. I felt let down and in need of some good pastrami. We were headed towards the airport but wanted to grab a bite to eat.  We found ourselves in El Segundo and standing in front of a burger place. Sounded good to me.  We walked in and it reeked! Like someone needed to shower mixed with spoiled food. Disgusting! So, we immediately walked out and went into the restaurant right next door. Look! a cute deli! Deal! I started reading some of the reviews and articles that they had on the wall. One stated best pastrami sandwich in LA. OMG! I am in! So I got the Macho Mike. Pastrami with roast beef, mustard, lettuce, pickles, tomato and cheddar! DELICIOUS!! This is what I am talking about. For all of you Hat lovers… think again! Go toe The Original Rinaldi’s!! So worth it. Fantastic service! Nothing gets better at this place. Totally cute location, giant menu and super friendly smiling employees. I would love one of these in Denver.

Ignite Denver

For Valentine’s Day, my fiance and I wanted to check out Ignite.  We had heard that they had excellent juicy burgers and had to give them a try. We were seated and handed the menu. Immediately we saw man candy on the menu. Basically, it was some candied spicy bacon. We started with an order of that and then moved on to the burgers. I ordered the classic with cheese.  This is my go to for trying burgers at a new place.  If they can’t make a good basic burger, then I pretty much don’t need to go back. The burger looked like a tower.  It was so tall! I bit into the burger (which was difficult since it was so large) and it began dripping all over the plate. It was messy and delicious.  I fell in love. This was then put into my top 5 best burgers I have ever had. It was so juicy and packed full of flavor.  This made for a great Valentine’s Day. I will be back to try other burgers on the menu.

Bair’s All American Sports Grill

I was visiting my mom in Republic, Missouri for a few days and she kept swearing by Bair’s. I told her I had to try this place that she talks about all of the time. We stopped in for lunch at the location in Springfield. The waitress came by to take our drink order. I remembered seeing a sign for a Springfield brewery called Mother’s at the airport. I asked if they had anything from them and they did! I ordered the Tow Head American Blonde. Good smooth beer. I ordered a cheese burger and fries. I know, you are probably thinking I should have ordered something crazier, but I like to try to basics first. The burger came out and it was messy, delicious and juicy. Great burger! My mom got the sliders, which I think is a usual for her there. I ordered another Mother’s beer and tried the Three Blind Mice brown ale. Another good beer choice.  I decided then that we had to go to the Mother’s Brewery to try other beers that they offered. Bair’s has a great sports bar atmosphere. I love the food and the service was okay. I will be back when I visit Missouri again.

 

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar

A co-worker insisted I try Bad Daddy’s for an excellent burger. I cannot turn down such a request, so we stopped in to check this place out. The atmosphere is awesome. I like the look and feel of the place.  The staff were attentive and eager to assist at anytime during your visit. At one point I saw about 8 staff members in just the small area we were in checking on people, monitoring other staff members to make sure everything was up to par and running food/drinks. Great wait staff! We perused the menu and I settled with building my own burger.  On each table they have a pad of paper with all of the options and you can just check your life away on what toppings you want to make your burger yours. I went with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, american cheese, ketchup and garlic mayo. I ❤ garlic and when I saw that as an option, I had to check the box. Brian got the Oktoberfest Bratwurst burger. Holy cow! That thing was massive! And messy! Mine was messy as well, which of course is a good thing when it comes to a burger.  I liked my burger quite a bit, but felt that for the cost, it was just not the best.  They are a bit pricy for what you get.  I did love my experience there and the burgers were great, but not sure if this will become a frequent place for us.

 

Hamburger Mary’s

I had been to Hamburger Mary’s for drinks before, but had never eaten there.  I was taking a one day class in the area and really wanted to try their food.  I glanced over the menu the night before and knew exactly what I wanted. The LGBT. Yes, very politically correct, and an amazing sandwich. Amazing isn’t even the best word to describe it. It was pretty phenomenal. Lettuce, guacamole, bacon and tomato on toasted bread. It sounds so plain. It was nothing near plain. The guacamole was whipped together so well, it made the sandwich. Ozzing with this tasty guacamole, I was in heaven. It came served with well seasoned french fries on the side. The service was not the best I had ever had.  Especially for a not so busy weekday lunch. I saw a few people come in after me, get seated, order and get their drinks before I was even greeted at my table. The sandwich made up for it though. I now have dreams of this sandwich and will be back to enjoy it again.

 

Sams #3 in Aurora

A cousin was coming through town and I thought, what would the whole family like for dinner? Sams #3!! This was my first time at the Aurora location and it didn’t disappoint. I settled on a cheeseburger with green chili cheese fries. I thought I would be more excited about the fries, until the burger arrived. It was beautiful. It looked almost magical. I took one bite, and I was in love.  It was one of the best burgers I had eaten in a long time. I devoured the whole thing in just a few minutes.  Messy face and all. My family were using napkins and wiping my face.  Normally a person would be embarrassed by this, but the cheeseburger was so good, I didn’t care. It was juicy, cooked to a perfect medium rare, and dripping all of the plate. I think I have found something that I cannot stray from on the menu. I will probably always get the cheeseburger every time I go to Sams. The chili cheese fries were really good too, but I was too full from the burger so even make a dent in the fries. I can’t wait to go back and have another one.

 

Emerald Isle

The Platte Bar and Grill holds a place in my heart for numerous reasons. I love that bar and I love being on that patio. To my surprise, Emerald Isle is a weird replica of The Platte. The decor is similar and the patio almost mirrors it as well, with a great view of the mountains. I have stopped by for drinks a few times, but this time, I thought I should try their food. I was in the mood for tacos. Well, when I am not in the mood for tacos? I got the crunchy ground beef tacos and Brian got the Philly sandwich. Overlooking Cherry Creek reservoir, this patio is perfect. There was a guy playing some jams in the sun while everyone sweats under umbrellas enjoying the summer. The food arrived quickly and was piping hot. The tacos were really good, but seemed to lack something.  I can’t put my finger on it, but it was just lacking something. Brian really liked his sandwich, and seemed content with the flavors. The server was great and always attentive and ready to get more drinks for us.  I will be back to try other menu items and of course, to enjoy the awesome patio.

 

Armadillo in Aurora

Apparently the amazing Armadillo in Litteton closed, so I had to check out the Aurora location.  I checked out Yelp and heard horrible things. I wanted to go regardless. I have a good sense for these things and I was not wrong about this one.  It was great! The service was extremely fast, so not sure why so many people complained about it. The waitress was awesome! I ordered the combo with one chicken enchilada and two ground beef tacos. Brian got the molcajete which is basically a bowl full of different kinds of meat.  Weird, but taste really good.  Love the chips and salsa! Great margaritas, and they were cheap.  I will be back and rave about this place.  Stop listening to the bad reviews and go to this cutely decorated restaurant.

 

 

 

Hacienda Colorado

Tacos tacos tacos. I love tacos. Hacienda is home to my favorite tacos in Colorado. The ground beef is seasoned well and tickles my taste buds. Okay, maybe that is an extreme thing to say, but I do love Hacienda. Everything I have ever had there is amazing and prepared well. The charro beans have a great mix of beans and tomatoes, to where it is not just a blob of beans. I usually get extra charro beans because I like them so much. The staff seem to stay for a while and I don’t see a lot of turnover.  In fact, one of the bartenders has been there as long as I have been going about 7 years ago. They also have excellent margaritas.  A bit pricey, but well worth it for good Mexican food and drinks. Thanks for being so awesome Hacienda! You make it easier for someone from Arizona to enjoy Mexican food in Colorado.

 

 

Red Rocks Grill in Morrison

After a long day at Bandimere, I was starving for some great Mexican food.  Typically, we would go to Morrison Inn, but we had heard lately that they have gone down hill. So, we walked over to Red Rocks Grill. They are always consistently good and have great service. This occasion was no different. The waitress was on everything.  She was funny and helpful all at the same time. I got 4 crunchy beef tacos and Brian got one of the combos because he was being indecisive.  Great tacos! The only complaint I have it the pre made shells.  They should try making their own so that they are fresh. No frills on the looks, but taste make up for the presentation, or lack there of.