Food can serve as a universal language that transcends borders. As such, it is a great way to explore various cultures. Each dish can tell a story filled with the traditions and histories of the people who created them. Recipes once only shared through the passing down from generation to generation, are now providing ways for new generations to share and connect with others and create and build a business doing what they love.
As we transition from celebrating the Lunar New Year and highlighting the great local culinary contributions of those within the AAPI community, we bring you another guide to local restaurants to support during Black History Month.
Q’s Cuisine
Where: 5428 S Parker Rd., Aurora
When: Monday closed, Tuesday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
The Lowdown: With over 160 languages spoken in Aurora, it is one of the most diverse cities in Colorado and, as you can imagine, where you are bound to find food from various cultures to explore. If you’re a lover of BBQ or are due for some southern cooking, you will want to check out Q’s Cuisine. The menu offerings will leave you salivating and wanting to try a little bit of everything. Brisket, catfish, hotlinks, ribs, collard greens, dirty rice, sweet potatoes, mac & cheese and hot water cornbread are just a few of the tasty items that line the menu. For dessert, you’re in for the classics like peach cobbler and banana pudding. If you are planning an event, inquire about Q’s Cuisine’s catering service.
African Grill & Bar
Where: 955 S Kipling Pkwy., Lakewood
When: Monday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday Closed
The Lowdown: For authentic and great-tasting African food west of Denver, visit the African Grill & Bar. We suggest the kelewele (contains peanuts), Ghanian samosas (vegetarian and meat options) and the plantains, all of which were delicious. If you have a nut allergy and would rather have the samosas and plantains as appetizers, check out their beef suya kebob, jerk curry stew, cabbage stew, Ghana wakye (vegetarian and meat options) and more. Accompany your dinner with a drink from the bar. The African Queen Cocktail, a unique blend of mint and aromatic spices creates an exotic and refreshing drink.
TK’s Surf & Turf Kitchen
Where: 10890 E Dartmouth Ave., #13, Denver
When: Monday – Tuesday closed, Wednesday – Friday 11 a.m. – 10:30 p.m., Saturday – Sunday 1:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
The Lowdown: For all of you steak and seafood lovers – TK’s Surf & Turf Kitchen should be at the top of your list. If you plan an annual trip to the South for one of the many crawfish festivals, you will be happy to know that TK’s Surf & Turf Kitchen serves up a pound of crawfish daily. In addition to their top sirloin steak, you will find other items on their menu like their lobster bisque, lobster roll, and various alfredo dinners (e.g. basic, salmon, chicken, shrimp, steak, lamb and lobster).
Nola Jane
Where: 1435 Market St., Denver
When: Daily 11 a.m. – 2 am.; Kitchen Open Sunday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 12 a.m. Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.
The Lowdown: With this next one, we highly suggest making a reservation and not mistakenly thinking that you will easily walk in to find a table on a Saturday night (especially after a game) as we did. When the place is packed, and people are willing to wait for the next available table, you know the food is good. Nola Jane is our next spot for a dining experience with a great atmosphere and Cajun flavor. On the menu, you will find jambalaya, shrimp and grits, gator sausage po-boy, Catfish Plate, crawfish étouffée, southern fried okra, jalapeño hushpuppies and more.
Mimosas
Where: 2752 Welton St., Denver
When: Monday closed, Tuesday – Saturday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Lowdown: We know that all of you die-hard brunchers probably have all of the local hot brunch spots marked for repeat, but for those who do not, we are cluing you into Mimosas in Five Points. Mimosas is serving up brunch with a Southern flair. Start with your choice (or get a few for the table to share) of beignets, House-Made Drop Biscuits, fried okra, bourbon maple sticky buns and fried green tomatoes. Continue to try its shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles and crab cake benedict.
Swirk Soul Food – Southern Catfish & BBQ
Where: 2205 S Peoria St., Denver
When: Sunday closed, Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Friday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
The Lowdown: Those of you familiar with Southern corner stores and gas stations with a kitchen as well as the grocery deli with a mini buffet and a line of people on their lunch break, will get the take-out-only dining concept at Swirk Soul Food – Southern Catfish and BBQ. Place your order online with a plethora of bites to choose from like catfish nuggets, gizzards, fried pork chops, catfish sandwich, hotlink sandwich, the Southern King Platter Dinner, greens, macaroni and cheese, peach cobbler and sweet potatoe pie.
Cuba Bakery & Cafe
Where: 15028 E Mississippi Ave., Aurora
When: Monday – Saturday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Lowdown: We’re heading back to the burbs to tell you about Cuba Bakery & Cafe. Serving both Cuban and Caribbean dishes, we found this hidden neighborhood treasure which was an absolute flavorful delight. We tried the Jamaican curry chicken and jerk patties, plantains and Congri rice. All were delicious. They have many made-from-scratch pastries to select from. The key lime tart was the perfect ending to this meal.
Nola Voodoo Tavern
Where: 2222 Bruce Randolph Ave., Denver
When: Monday closed, Tuesday 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Wednesday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Superbowl Sunday Only)
The Lowdown: If you are looking to enjoy a good meal while watching the game, head on over to Nola Voodoo Tavern. Hush puppies, Cajun cheese fries with red beans or crawfish étouffée are a few of the starters to get you into game day mood while you wait on your entree to come. Choices like the Original New Orleans Muffuletta, oyster po’boy, Nola Sampler Trio and jambalaya are just a few items on the menu.
Akwaba West African Restaurant
Where: 16251 E Colfax Ave., Aurora
When: Monday closed, Tuesday – Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The Lowdown: If you have been looking for a restaurant that serves authentic West African and Afro-Caribbean dishes, then Akwaba West African Restaurant is where you want to be. Get your jollof rice, fufu, chicken yassa and so much more.
Welton Street Cafe
Where: 2883 Welton St., Denver
When: Monday – Tuesday closed, Wednesday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
The Lowdown: Now, if you do not know about Welton Street Cafe, honey where have you been? We wrap up this list with one of the most iconic and loved Five Points neighborhood treasures. The Welton Street Cafe has been around since 1986 and is symbolic of the resilience that is a common thread amongst those within Black history that we celebrate every day. While you can find them at its new location, the dishes that you have grown to love over the years. If you are a fan of Guy Fieri’s Drive-Ins and Dives, you will have seen the Welton Street Cafe featured. There is so much on their menu that you will enjoy. The smothered pork chops and cabbage, Catfish Plate with yams, greens and cornbread and jerk chicken, just to name a few, will not leave you disappointed.
