2012: The 25 Best Restaurants

From northern Italian sophistication to authentic street tacos—and just about everything in between—these restaurants are the very best of the Front Range dining scene. Make your reservation today.

Best Bites: The Squeaky Bean’s Carrot Appetizer

Event: Down South with Hugh Acheson

Best Bites: Wafflich’s Minion

Preview: The Populist

Order This: Uncle’s Crispy Calamari

Rant & Rave: Tattered Cover

Best Bites: Vesta’s Tomato-Avocado Salad

Pancakes: Birch Benders Griddle Cakes

Road-Trip Restaurant: The Meatball Shack

Best Bites: Coohills’ Pork Sandwich

Street Eats: Hey PB&J

Best Bites: Twelve’s Summer White Bean Stew

Take Out: Fried Chicken Taste Test

Julia Child: 100 Years, Le Grand, and a Personal Reflection

Food Lover’s Guide to Denver

“Local first, sustainable second, organic third.” Celebrity chef Hugh Acheson’s simple food philosophy can, and should, be a guiding light for all of us.

Sweet Stuff: Strings’ Strawberry-Rhubarb Panna Cotta

Best Bites: Olivéa’s Arugula and Red Endive Salad

Order This: Lucky Pie’s Summer Vegetable Spreads

Road-trip Restaurant: High Mountain Pies