Metro Denver’s culinary scene has never been more vibrant than it is today. Denver Post restaurant writer Lily O’Neill and the rest of The Know staff know that well. That’s why we get out into the city whenever we can. Every month, we’ll share our recommendations for some of the dishes we’ve tried over the past few weeks. Want to be the first to know? Subscribe to our Stuffed newsletter, which will feature one of these dishes every Wednesday.
Kings of Wings has opened its second location in Golden with three new specialty sauces for its grilled wings. (Photo by Brian Lanzer, Lanzer Productions) Kings of Wings
Just because Sunday football is over doesn’t mean Sunday wings are gone. I still love unwinding after a long weekend with some grilled buffalo wings from King of Wings. The restaurant has locations in Wheat Ridge and Golden.
The charring of the wings gives them a whole new flavor that’s not found in regular fried wings. If you’re looking to try something different, try the Thai barbecue, blueberry or tangy golden sauce for the adventurous. I always order the onion rings as a side. 7741 W. 44th Ave., Wheat Ridge; 1100 Arapahoe St., Golden; kingofwingstaphouse.com.
Steuben’s Uptown deviled eggs (Photo: Lily O’Neill – The Denver Post) Steuben’s Uptown
After a long day in the sun, my friends and I were looking for a hearty meal to refuel us for the weekend, we went to Steuben’s as it was close by and we were totally satisfied.
We all ordered something different: Nashville fried chicken sandwich, pot roast dinner, lobster roll, smash burger, patty melt. I also recommend the deviled eggs, my favorite in town. I told you I was hungry.
This upscale restaurant always welcomes you with open arms and leather booths. Ordering a shake brings a nostalgic feel: In addition to an old-fashioned glass with a bendy straw, they bring you a mixing cup with leftover ice cream. (Everyone was blown away by the Fruit Loops milkshake, which tasted like cereal milk.) 523 E. 17th Ave., Denver; steubens.com.
Chef Ron Simensma grates fresh cheese into tiramisu at Gusto during a media preview before the restaurant opens next week in Denver on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Chef Ron Simensma has combined Denver favorite Cholon with his newest Gusto to open a joint location on West 17th Street, just south of Sloan Lake Park. (Photo by Aaron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) Gusto
For a friend’s birthday over the weekend, we enjoyed a late-night meal on the patio at Gusto, across from Sloan’s Lake.Chef Ron Simensma, owner of Cholon, opened a new Italian restaurant in March on the first floor of the luxury condominium building, Lakehouse.
We started with wagyu meatballs and a crispy Caesar salad, then shared everything our eyes could reach on the menu, from spicy spaghetti to margherita pizza to caramel stuffed with pesto and ricotta, tiramisu and limoncello olive oil cake. We’re still hungry. 1671 N. Raleigh St., Denver; cholonconcepts.com/locations/gusto.
Hillstone’s French Dip in Cherry Creek (Photo: Lily O’Neill – The Denver Post)Hillstone
Whenever I’m craving a good French dip, I always go to Hillstone. This upscale chain is known for its consistency, which makes it a great choice for patrons who want to order their own take, even though the menu is oddly half sushi, half New American. I used to frequent Hillstone’s sister restaurant, Houston’s in Kansas City, a swanky place to take me for upscale chicken tenders before the father-daughter dance.
This is my go-to order: spinach and artichoke dip (I like to have this with toasted chips instead of tortilla chips) and deviled eggs, then prime rib dip on a French roll with hot au jus sauce.
Hillstone is a popular spot in Cherry Creek, but you can always find a seat at the bar.
303 Josephine Street, Denver; hillstonerestaurant.com/locations/denver/
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