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.

 

2 Penguins Tap and Grill

My fiance heard of this new tap house in Centennial and said we had to check it out.  We arrived and they were really busy. I wanted to sit outside, but the patio was overflowing with people, so we sat inside by the bar. The beer choices are all local and the liquor is  made local.  I already loved this placed based on that.  There were too many beers to pick from, so I was going to do several 4oz pours.  The server came up and mentioned that it was supposed to be an Epic Brewing firkin Friday, but they failed to send the kegs.  So in that case, Epic was buying everyone’s first beer.  The catch was, you had to pick from 4 beers. One was on my list, so I went with the Wit’s End Banana Hammock. We were a little hungry, so we figured some appetizers would be enough to fill us up.  Selected the crab cakes, calamari and  onion rings. All extremely great choices, even though not great with presentation.  The calamari was my favorite. Not too chewy, and covered in a tangy batter. The server was fantastic.  He was on the ball with suggestions and never let us have an empty glass.  I need to come back to try more local brews and other tasty items on the food menu.

 

 

 

The French Press

I couldn’t tell you how many people told me to have breakfast at The French Press.  I should have listened to them earlier. This place is great! A tiny restaurant located on the corner of Chambers and Iliff, this hidden gem is well worth the 30 minute wait to order your food.  The line goes out the door and you wait to order at the counter.  Once you order, you get a number and you can sit at any open table. I had a hard time making a decision and I must have changed it 15 times before getting to the counter. I finally settled on the build your own omelet. I had it filled with bacon, tomatoes, cheese, and onions smothered with pork green chili. Brian got the lox and bagel.  Both looked so amazing. There was so much green chili on my plate that I soaked my potatoes in it as well.  I can’t wait to go back and try everything they have on the menu.  A piece of advice, if you are going to frequent this cute place, then get a drink card.  You get a stamp for each drink you get. After 9 stamps, your 10th is free!

Racines for Brunch

Racines has a giant menu and a good choice of brunch cocktails. This is why we picked it for a lovely brunch with my girlfriends. They were very accommodating when making a large reservation and were ready for us when we arrived. The hostess was very friendly however, the server was not so much.  She seemed awkward and abrupt when taking our  order or bringing us drinks. Not sure if she was having a bad day, but I hope it got better for her. I was feeling eggs, so I got the Farmer’s Breakfast with two sunny side up eggs, hash browns, and sausage. When the meal came out, it was exactly what my stomach wanted. Tasty and priced well.  We all had a great meal, and a great time.  Thanks Racines!

 

 

Lola in the Highlands

I had only been to Lola for drinks prior to a friend’s birthday dinner.  Now was my chance to try their food that I kept hearing about. It took me what seemed like forever to pick my meal. I couldn’t seem to make up my mind. I finally had to just point at one and go with it. I selected the Tampiquena which is Kobe sirloin, smoked cheddar & mushroom enchilada,with heirloom pinto beans. To start, the table got guacamole and my fiance and I ordered some oysters. The guac was made tableside and was presented well.  It was extremely tangy and a good amount of spice. Excellent I would say.  The oysters were a bit small, but tasted good as well. The silver coin margaritas were especially potent and tasted awesome.  I will definitely be getting these in the future. The meals arrived for dinner and mine looked beautiful. I bit into the medium rare sirloin and was really happy. The beef was cooked and seasoned well. The enchilada tasted gross though.  It was the only part of the dish that I didn’t enjoy. The service was prompt and friendly from all staff. I love that they have valet as well! Sorry the pictures are so dark.  There isn’t much light in the restaurant.

 

 

Sushi Totoro

We walked in expecting to get a few rolls, some miso and maybe a drink.  We ended up getting all you can eat sushi with some awesome rolls and tons of nigri. The menu with all of the beautiful pictures, got us. They sucked us in and said, you must eat me! Or at least, that is how I felt. The server was awesome.  Very upbeat, asked questions, suggested different things on the menu. He was super helpful. We ordered a bit too much, but were able to scarf it down to avoid the cost of leftover pieces. The menu has a ton of special rolls that are included on the all you can eat menu. Great sushi, not the best nigri, but amazing rolls. I will definitely be back and I will be hungry!

 

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.

 

 

 

Dads & Dudes Breweria

Dads and Dudes is a good staple place for good beer and good pizza. This time we started with jalapeno poppers.  These aren’t just your normal poppers.  They are wrapped in spent grain pizza dough and served with marinara and creamy ranch. Delish! The jalapenos were hotter than Hades, but the ranch helped balance it out. Then we shared a Prohibition pizza. In my opinion, this is their best pizza.  I love it.  Covered in green peppers, onions, garlic and spicy Italian sausage. To keep with the spicy stuff, I got an order of wasabi cole slaw. The cole slaw actually tasted like it didn’t have any wasabi in it. I was a little disappointed, but the cole slaw was still really good. Also, a good tip, join their Speakeasy group.  It is their frequent visitor card, and well worth using.

 

Royal Hilltop

What did you do for National Burger Day? I went out and enjoyed a fantastic, juicy cheeseburger from Royal Hilltop.  If you haven’t been to this great establishment, then you should check it out.  They have an extensive beer list that has options for all. The food menu has a variety as well.  From burgers to grilled chicken to french dips. Knowledgeable staff as well.  The waitress always knows the details of every beer they have on tap. If you want a good bite to eat, and a cold tasty beer, hit up the Royal Hilltop. Totally worth it.