Colorado Restaurant Compendium

[pechelman]

alright
sounds like theres not much need for this anyway as most everyone seems to be dirtbag foodies instead

[Pegleg]

Cantina Laredo $$-$$$
1680 29th Street (in the 29th Street Mall)
Boulder, CO 80301
(303) 444-2260

It's a chain restaurant. An expensive, trying-to-look-like-it's-not chain, but that's what it is, and everything about the food screams "chain restaurant." Their parent company is called "Consolidated Restaurant Operations," for chrissake.

Like the fact that not one, not two, but THREE employees enthusiastically "recommended" the table-prepped guacamole to us using almost the exact same words. At $9 for two avocados and some seasoning, the profit margin on this has to be astronomical, and the staff is clearly given a script and told to push it. In fact, the profit margin in general must be up there - most of the entrees are in the $20 range, and we're not talking high-end ingredients here.

I got a chile rellano stuffed with shrimp, mushrooms and cheese, and ... wait for it ... wrapped with a hanger steak (carne asada), for $21. The meat was OK, but how do you make poblano chile, shrimp, cheese, and mushrooms taste like absolutely nothing? Ditto for my dining companion's food - looked nice, but almost flavorless (unless "greasy" is a flavor). And the sides... who thought that having every plate come with identical green beans and bland orange rice on the side was a good accompaniment?

For equal or less money, you can get way, way, way better and more inspired southwestern/mexican food a block away at locally-owned Zolo Grill. Go there before your movie instead, and you'll be a happier maggot.

[Danno]

Hmmm, that doesn't seem to fit in this thread. But brings up an interesting point. This thread should have a section of restaurants to avoid.

[Pegleg]

You're probably right, Danno. Sorry 'bout that. I just figured that it's new, so I'm sure other folks are thinking that they ought to give it a try, and I'd say save yer pennies.

Maybe think of it as a recommendation of Zolo?

[pechelman]

damn
you just owned the shit out of that place

im all in favor of negative reviews of warramted

but in all honesty, Im always weary of places that use the words "Gourmet" and "Mexican" in their mission statement

[Rontele]

Hmmm, that doesn't seem to fit in this thread. But brings up an interesting point. This thread should have a section of restaurants to avoid.

Sunrise Cafe, 4390 Sheridan, Denver, CO. Breakfast $-$$. Usually a staple around major metropolitan areas, greasy spoons can range from the sublime to the sickening. Falling closer to the sickening end of the spectrum, the Sunrise Cafe on Sheridan is one those types of greasy spoons. Long a downtown Denver landmark, Sunrise moved to its new location roughly 10 years ago. 10 years ago is likely the last time they've mopped the floors. Decor and dirt aside, you are also greeted by a clientele that has probably the highest per capita chronic disease ratio you've ever seen. No joke, multiple folks on oxygen, multiple candidates for Type II diabetes, and fleet of motorized scooters.

The clientele is on par with the food, which is primiarly large portion nastiness. Being a suckor for both glutton and pain, I ordered the pork chop and eggs. The pork chops were each the size of a small child, but both were likely rejects of the Department of Corrections. If you like grizzle and incredibly tough pork, ORDER these.

I forced myself to shower after eating there and promised myself to forget. Unfortunately, Danno awoke a dark memory.

[Danno]

Sunrise Cafe, 4390 Sheridan, Denver, CO. Breakfast $-$$. Usually a staple around major metropolitan areas, greasy spoons can range from the sublime to the sickening. Falling closer to the sickening end of the spectrum, the Sunrise Cafe on Sheridan is one those types of greasy spoons. Long a downtown Denver landmark, Sunrise moved to its new location roughly 10 years ago. 10 years ago is likely the last time they've mopped the floors. Decor and dirt aside, you are also greeted by a clientele that has probably the highest per capita chronic disease ratio you've ever seen. No joke, multiple folks on oxygen, multiple candidates for Type II diabetes, and fleet of motorized scooters.

The clientele is on par with the food, which is primiarly large portion nastiness. Being a suckor for both glutton and pain, I ordered the pork chop and eggs. The pork chops were each the size of a small child, but both were likely rejects of the Department of Corrections. If you like grizzle and incredibly tough pork, ORDER these.

I forced myself to shower after eating there and promised myself to forget. Unfortunately, Danno awoke a dark memory.

I lol'd.

[lemon boy]

A shit list? We can do that as well I think. Once I get around to adding it.

Although…to be fair, I won't be adding to the "shit list" any chain restaurants cause they're definitionally shit and as such, you should already know enough to avoid them.

Sunrise…heh. I've been there and yeah it does teh suck. The best "shitty diner" breakfast place in D-town is clearly - the Breakfast King. I heart that place

[Pegleg]

If Rontele wants to create a happy memory to erase his diner experience...

Village Coffee Shop $
1605 Folsom St.
Boulder, CO
(303) 442-9689

Damn good breakfast. There is nothing "Boulder" about this place - we're talking eggs, bacon, toast, watery coffee, and the best hash browns you've ever tasted. Also, killer pancakes and french toast - one piece is more than enough, but two is always better. Pay no attention to the squirt bottles of grease the line cooks are basting everything on the griddle with (it's a mix of vegetable oil and butter). Service is incredibly fast, but on weekends there's usually a line and no hostess to seat you (keep your eyes peeled for a table opening up).

I'm pretty shocked that they have a website, but it's a pretty good representation of the place. No frills.

[Pegleg]

Personally, I think a shit list is a great idea - even more fun to read about crappy restaurants than good ones.

Although…to be fair, I won't be adding to the "shit list" any chain restaurants cause they're definitionally shit and as such, you should already know enough to avoid them.

But what constitutes a "chain"? The Mountain Sun just opened its third pub, is that a chain (for the record, they don't think so)? How about Dave Query's empire of 6 restaurants and counting (including Jax and Zolo, two places that have gotten high marks on this list)? There are also at least 4 Lucille's that I know of that are all identical, and all spectacular.

Several people I talked to didn't know that Cantina Laredo was a chain; yes, it's in a mall, but Laudisio right across from it in the same mall has a similar vibe and is a long-time local restaurant (and has gone downhill since it moved to the mall). If I didn't research it, I wouldn't know which was the chain.

Not to give LB too much shit - this is a great thread, and clearly requires much effort to upkeep. Much appreciated.

[lemon boy]

I'll refer you back to the 1st post:

Ground rules:
NO CHAINS. I'll probably let local/regional only chains fly, like say Illegal Pete's (just to pick an obvious example) but I'm not gonna let something like Maggiano's fly. It's not an exact science but I don't think anybody really needs to hear how great you think the Awesome Blossom at Chilie's is.

Much like porn, I know it when I see it.

[Pegleg]

Duly noted.

[Rontele]

Lb,

You should take Tula off the list as it closed.

[lemon boy]

done.

I fucking hate when places that are good close.

with that and pegleg's boulder breakfast callout....here comes my recurring lament:

Mother's = the absolute ZENITH of breakfast establishments and there isn't a week that goes by that I'm not reminded of just how badly every other breakfast joint FUCKING SUCKS! Goddamn. I miss that place so much.

pegleg no worries on the callout. Chains are my personal hangup and since I started the thread y'all are stuck with it.

[Rontele]

done.

I fucking hate when places that are good close.

with that and pegleg's boulder callout....here comes my recurring lament:

Mother's = the absolute ZENITH of breakfast establishments and there isn't a week that goes by that I'm not reminded of just how badly every other breakfast joint FUCKING SUCKS! Goddamn. I miss that place so much.

pegleg no worries on the callout. Chains are my personal hangup and since I started the thread y'all are stuck with it.

Yup. The Tula closure sucked hard. They had excellent sangria and good appetizer happy hour.

[pechelman]

Mother's = the absolute ZENITH of breakfast establishments and there isn't a week that goes by that I'm not reminded of just how badly every other breakfast joint FUCKING SUCKS! Goddamn. I miss that place so much.

wow
do they have 4$ bottomless mimosas too on weekends?

[lemon boy]

no, didn't even have a LL. didn't need it.

And say what you will, 4 buck bottomless mimosas pays for a LOT of food sins IMVHO.

[pechelman]

ha
i jest

and yea, that is\was a huge perk for that place
id probably go back just for those

[Danno]

where are these bottomless mimosas? if i took my gf there, she'd probably never want to leave.

[pechelman]

where are these bottomless mimosas? if i took my gf there, she'd probably never want to leave.

Breakfast on Broadway

Bway & Baytes
look for the big skillet and eggs and whisk
its their sign

and yea, bottomless
weekends
4$
FOUR$



pretty decent food too
the bene's and hash which we ordered were pretty good.
i like their potatoe cakes too

[AbsolutStoli]

ill fix the format tomorrow, when i have some time to find the links, etc., but here are some places i've enjoyed thus far:

cafe 7 (seven on pearl) - asian/latin fusion. $$-$$$$
http://sevenonpearl.com/ (the menu is not totally current, i think. i definitely know that grouper is no longer being served)
its right on pearl, between the tequila tasting place and the kitchen. very interesting flavors, and the food is really good. the chef is a real cool guy. try the crab cakes. the pork dish is FANTASTIC! also if the tiger shrimp are on the menu, those are good.

braserie 10 10 - on walnut, accross from st. julien hotel. french bistro. $$-$$$
www.brasserietenten.com
typical french bistro fare, not uppity french food. the duck is good. the duck crepes are a must try. the beignets were also pretty tasty.

jimmy and drews. jewish deli, imports H&H bagels from NYC $-$$
2855 28th st. (no website)
they have awesome sandwiches! decent corned beef.

chy thai*
http://www.chythaicuisine.com/
canyon blvd at 28th st. (next to einstein bros bagels area). $-$$
decent thai food. cant decide if i like this place or khow thai better.

khow thai*
http://www.khow-thai.com/cms/
1600 broadway $-$$
been here a couple of times, not bad. the complimentary soup they give you as you sit down is awesome. service is nice and prompt. worth checking out.

*disclaimer - definitely not the best thai ive had, but so far the best ive found in the boulder area.

dushanbe tea house - mixed cuisines/middle eastern/russian/turkish/asian/fusion $$-$$$
www.boulderteahouse.com
1770 13th st.
definitely worth checking out. just dont go when its cold out because theres a nasty draft through the dining room every time the front door opens. the outdoor seating area is really pleasant when its warn out though. the tea is great. the plov and kabobs are also very good. the poke was tasty, but awkward to eat out of a martini glass. desserts are also a must, i think they have a tea cake thats a pretty big deal.

rioja - mediterranean(ish)
www.riojadenver.com
denver. $$$-$$$$
great food. went there for restaurant week and was not disappointed. the skate was very good. desserts were also pretty incredible.

i think thats it for now.

PS - lemon boy, glad you liked the corner bar and Q's. thats where i work.

[squatch]

Do you guys still have that all-you-can-drink thing? (At q's)

[lemon boy]

Breakfast on Broadway

Bway & Baytes
look for the big skillet and eggs and whisk
its their sign

and yea, bottomless
weekends
4$
FOUR$



pretty decent food too
the bene's and hash which we ordered were pretty good.
i like their potatoe cakes too

agreed! I need to add it but am lazy. and somewhat surprisingly, the champagne is yellow tail (okay, sparkling wine) instead of cold duck.

Stoli- thanks for adding the b-town list! (note: i've never been to either place, they were recco'd by somebody else)

[Danno]

Stoli- thanks for adding the b-town list! (note: i've never been to either place, they were recco'd by somebody else)

It was me.

As for stoli's list, I can second Khow Thai (like he said, maybe not star quality but good, definitely good for Boulder), Brasserie 1010 (nothing super special, but a decent place), and the Teahouse (food is good and very affordable, sometimes a little hit or miss, and the atmosphere and building are really unique).

I have never been to 7 (even though I work on the same block) but have heard spotty things. Also haven't been to Jimmy and Drew's (which, with my New York roots, growing up 8 blocks from H&H, is surprising) but I hear it's great.

[Pegleg]

You have not lived until you've had the reuben at Jimmy & Drew's. Instead of bread, it's served on two giant potato latkes. It hurts, but the pain is soooo gooooood...

Also, their Chicken Lickin' sandwich (tongue and chicken livers) is a combination of flavors I remember from growing up in my uncle's jewish deli. Not for everyone, but glad to see that it's available.