Denver's best eats

It would be difficult to starve in Denver; eateries of all kinds abound throughout the area. Here, however, is a list of local "best"s as compiled by the AG08 Web team.

Best Ice Cream

Bonnie Brae Ice Cream
799 S. University Blvd.
Denver CO 80209-4722

This locally owned ice cream stand is a cool stop for lovers of old-fashioned confections.

Best Pizza

Proto's Pizza
2401 15th St.
Denver CO 80202

Irresistible thin-crust, Italian country-style pizza packed with urban attitude and great flavor.

Best Cheap Eats Downtown

The Old Spaghetti Factory
1215 18th St.
Denver CO 80202

Kitschy Italian restaurant churns out heaping plates of pasta that won't break the bank.

Wahoo's Fish Taco
1521 Blake St.
Denver CO 80202

Take a refreshing break from fast food with fusion surf fare.

Best Brunch Downtown

Ellyngton's
321 17th St.
Denver CO 80202-4003

Diners sup on elegant brunches and lunches in the swanky Brown Palace Hotel (see below).

Best Really Nice, Really Expensive Restaurants Downtown...

Brown Palace
321 17th St.
Denver CO 80202
303/297-3111

Throughout its 114-year history, the Brown Palace Hotel has played host to presidents, princesses, kings and queens, and their entourage of followers. While most people associate the Brown Palace with President Eisenhower, who used the hotel as his summer headquarters during his administration, the hotel has a long history of hosting other dignitaries as well. There are several restaurants at the Brown Palace Hotel, from a ritzy bar to a ritzy evening restaurant. You can also get high tea there in the afternoon in the atrium.

Ruth's Chris Steak House
1445 Market St.
Denver CO 80202
303/446-2233

No special Denver points of interest, and it's a chain, but we like it.

...with Best Lunchtime Surprise

The Broker
821 17th St.
Denver CO 80202-3040
303/292-5065

This classic resides an old bank, where some of the tables are in the vault and birthday people get to eat free with ID. You also get a huge shrimp bowl with every meal. As nice as this place is, lunches are very reasonable.

Looking for the Best Barista, Best Sandwiches from a Gas Station or Best Taste of History? Denver Westword produces a plethora of local opinions on local cuisine (and everything else) every year. No establishment is too small, no detail too insignificant, to be unworthy of mention.

Ellyngton's photo courtesy of the Brown Palace Hotel