Our Top 10 Favorite Restaurants in Denver - Part 2

If you missed part one of our list of favorite restaurants in Denver, then we highly recommend checking it out first. (It includes the Denver restaurant that has been our absolute favorite for years!)

But with so many fantastic restaurants popping up around town, we couldn’t narrow it down to just five. So here is the second part of our series on our favorite restaurants in Denver!


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Chocolate Lab

This somewhat secret spot on East Colfax is a sweet tooth’s dream! While their menu hosts everything from pulled pork, to scallops, to curry, chocolate plays a starring role in almost every dish. Just picture that pulled pork with their house-made bourbon chocolate barbecue sauce slathered on top… delicious.

The dessert options are incredible at Chocolate Lab, but don’t shy away from their traditional menu or creatively crafted cocktails. They also have a chocolate shop attached, so you can always bring some of the sweetness home with you, too.

Top picks: We highly recommend trying the Pulled Pork and Tortellini, with the S’mores for dessert. (Hint, you’ll get to roast your own marshmallows at the table. Yum!)

TAG Group Restaurants

We had difficulty picking just one TAG restaurant, so we’ve picked them all!  This group of restaurants, originally started by the well-known Troy Guard, is full of restaurant concepts that are incredibly well done – good food, great service, unique settings, and constantly evolving menus that keep their patrons interested.

Picture Guard & Grace, Mister Tuna, Los Chingones, and TAG Burger Bar, just to name a few of their concepts, all currently Denver-based with an expansion to Houston planned for this year. All of their concepts are based on Guard’s life and travels, becoming a completely immersive experience for those in attendance. If you’ve tried one, you know… you’ll want to try them all.

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Euclid Hall

Located right next to historic Larimer Square, Euclid Hall is high quality pub fare with a unique twist. Their menu features specialties from all across the globe, such as poutine, German sausages, and po’ boys.

When you’ve finished enjoying your craft beer and pub food, be sure to walk around the Euclid Hall space, too.  Originally built in 1883, aptly named after the building it lives in, Euclid Hall has been home to the Masons, Maudie’s Flea Market, Soapy Smith’s Eagle Bar, and more over the years. It’s full of historic flare to really give the authentic, old Denver vibes we frequently crave.

Top picks: Poutine (both the mushroom & duck are incredible) and the Beef Short Rib Kielbasa are our favorites if you’re looking for something more filling, though the Melon Gazpacho is our pick if you prefer something on the lighter side.

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Acorn

Located right inside The Source on Brighton Boulevard, Chef Ian Palazzola has created an eclectic, yet approachable restaurant concept that blends contemporary American cooking with old favorites to remind you of home.

Picture candied pecans and a double cheeseburger, right next to half dry aged duck and heirloom polenta. And don’t walk out the door without trying Acorn’s uniquely crafted cocktails and mocktails that have been custom created by beverage director/owner Bryan Dayton – they’re some of the best we’ve ever enjoyed!

Top picks: The Wagyu Beef Tartare is an unexpected delight of flavor, while the Red Beets will surprise. For entrees, the Aged Duck is our favorite and has become an absolute must every time we step foot in Acorn.

North Italia

While North is a chain, the location in Cherry Creek is the only North in Colorado and it absolutely deserves a mention. The menu is full of handcrafted favorites made with fresh ingredients and creative combinations that will leave you drooling for more.

Primarily filled with large family style sharable options, the vibrant energy in the space provides a fun, festive atmosphere that is welcoming to all.  Affordable dishes, family-friendly service, and delicious food make this an Italian spot we absolutely recommend.

Top picks: The Short Rib Radiatori is one our favorites, with a surprisingly delicious zest for an extra touch of freshness and the pizzas.  While traditional, the Pizzas are incredibly well done and are perfect for sharing with the table.

Let us know if we missed any of your favorites. We can’t wait to try them all!