Funky Denver Recs?

[croissantkelly]

Hello all! I am planning a trip to Colorado in August. I have 2 days scheduled in Denver, we're staying downtown. We are looking for restaurants that reflect the city itself and have a good dose of local flavor. Is there anything that is "Authentic Denver"

We live in South Florida and have a selection of great restaurants here, so we are looking for something that we couldn't get at home if you know what I mean...

I appreciate any suggestions - at any price point. Thanks in advance!

[croissantkelly]

Thanks guys for the advice. I'll let you know where we end up.

[jdm40]

I have to through Bastiens out there. It is on East Colfax a few miles from Downtown, but worth the trip IMO.

[Veggo]

There can't be a greater contrast from South Florida than the Buckhorn Exchange.
Catch the piano bar upstairs for a nightcap, after dinner.

[tatamagouche]

True indeed, although IMO you have to be careful about what you order. I understand the steaks etc. are good, but a lot of the apps you get so excited about—Rocky Mountain oysters etc.— are a drag. Here's a taste.

http://www.denveater.com/denveater/2008/06/the-dumbest-thing-i-ever-heard-its-relation-to-buckhorn-exchanges-rocky-mountain-oysters.html

However, I'd trust any specific menu recs Veggo can give.

Denver Mex is very different from Florida Mex, so you might do a board search for that—lots of great recs.

When it's on, Beatrice & Woodsley is a unique & worthy place—not cheap though. Its sister bar downtown, Mario's Double Daughter's Salotto is also a bit of a trip.

http://www.denveater.com/denveater/2008/10/putting-pete-on-the-a-list-brunch-at-beatrice-woodsley.html

A couple of other useful threads:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/609998
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/617494

[Veggo]

At the Buckhorn exchange, the elk and buffalo are very good, and I like the elk-quail combo. The quail are partially de-boned and not difficult to navigate. As tata suggests, the hyper-exotic stuff is for unremarkable tourist experiences.
Steaks there are good, but ubiquitous in Florida, also. Colorado spring lamb is good stuff, but a bit pricey there.

[tatamagouche]

Cool—elk it is next time, because I'd really like to return. I love the place itself.