2013 was a fantastic year for the Denver dining scene. With many highly anticipated restaurant openings and plenty of surprises in and out of the kitchen, the last 365 days was anything but boring. We here at 303 spent all those crazy days and nights eating our way through everything Denver has to offer. Whether it was for new restaurants, dinner dates, happy hour, brunch or even food trucks, we’ve probably tried it. So sit back and take a look at our concluding thoughts on this wonderful year in eating:
Best Brunch(es): Linger and Shells & Sauce
Shells & Sauce’s Chicken and Waffles and Linger’s Squid ink bun sliders. Photos by Caitlin Savage
Denver has a seemingly never-ending selection of places to brunch, so picking favorites takes some serious research. But Linger and Shells & Sauce both have killer drinks, food that I (seriously) dream about on a regular basis and friendly, attentive service. Basically they’ve got the brunch trifecta, making them Denver’s best of 2013… Read the full review here. – Molly Martin
Best Food Trucks: Quiero Aerpas, Hey PBJ and PinkTank
The Dog About Town at PinkTank. Photo by Jerusalem Gebreziabher
There are plenty of options on the streets of Denver, but some trucks are just in a league of their own. Hey PBJ and PinkTank are definitely in that stratosphere. Check out our thoughts on their fine cuisine with our full review here. -Alyse Bradway
Best Happy Hour: Root Down
Root Down Mussels. Photo by Caitlin Savage
The Happiest Hour has never been about the cheapest place to get PBR or cheesiest of chili fries. Instead, I’ve hunted for good value and the sweet trifecta of great drinks, delicious food, and happening ambience. My top pick of the year has these qualities and then some. Root Down opened under the direction of Chef Justin Cucci in 2008 and has never looked back. Consistently rated one of the top restaurants in Denver, the restaurant proves that even after 6 years in business, they deserve the award for Denver’s best happy hour…Read the full review here – Megan Barber
Best Dinner Date: Vesta Dipping Grill
House Made Tagliatelle at Vesta. Photo by Adam Ripplinger
To say that I’ve been on a lot of dates this year is an understatement. Not only have I gotten to know my boyfriend better, but I’ve also gotten to know the Denver date night scene. And just like in a romantic movie, I just can’t quit Vesta Dipping Grill and have named it as the best Denver date spot of 2013…Read the full review here -Kelly Miller
Best New Restaurant: Session Kitchen
Smokey and the European Cocktail at Session Kitchen. Photo by Brittany Werges
From every angle, Session Kitchen is a work of art. Adorned with graphic murals and intricate installations, this new Denver restaurant will dazzle you the second you walk in the door. It is nothing like the tranquil and minimalist Izakaya Den that once occupied the building. According to Lisa Ruskaup, Concept Director for Breckenridge-Wynkoop, that was their intention. Their goal was to literally reshape the space, taking all the hard, straight lines and masculine modernity and replacing it with “the curves of a woman”. However it is not to say Session Kitchen is soft and romantically feminine. Rather, the two-story complex exudes sexual prowess that aims to allure you like the proverbial moth to a flame. And allure you it does…Read the full review here. -Brittany Werges