628915 Wed Jun 17 17:42:48 -0700 2009 6 6 Southwest 0 4782817 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! Wed Jun 17 17:42:48 -0700 2009 222511 croissantkelly 1 4782843 There can't be a greater contrast from South Florida than the Buckhorn Exchange. Catch the piano bar upstairs for a nightcap, after dinner. Wed Jun 17 17:56:42 -0700 2009 4782817 57170 Veggo 2 4783788 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 Thu Jun 18 06:18:49 -0700 2009 4782843 11106 tatamagouche 3 4784142 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. Thu Jun 18 08:18:36 -0700 2009 4783788 57170 Veggo 4 4784482 Cool—elk it is next time, because I'd really like to return. I love the place itself. Thu Jun 18 09:44:07 -0700 2009 4784142 11106 tatamagouche 1 4792511 Thanks guys for the advice. I'll let you know where we end up. Sun Jun 21 12:48:22 -0700 2009 4782817 222511 croissantkelly 2 4795387 I have to through Bastiens out there. It is on East Colfax a few miles from Downtown, but worth the trip IMO. Mon Jun 22 12:28:36 -0700 2009 4792511 273664 jdm40