a guide to ethnic & locally owned independent eats in Aurora About the writer…

Rebecca Caro is a freelance food and travel writer and author of the award-winning blog, From Argentina With Love. Rebecca teaches cooking classes at Whole Foods, The Seasoned Chef Cooking School, and Colorado Free University. She has appeared at the Museo de las Americas and on the Departure Time show on Studio 1430 AM. Her recipes have been featured on the Food Network UK and Wines of Argentina websites. Rebecca recently finished the second level of the diploma course at the International Sommelier Guild. She has written for a number of publications, including DRAFT magazine, 5280 magazine, Cookie magazine, and DiningOut magazine among others. Special thanks to the local food experts who were so helpful in the writing of this guide: Ruth Tobias, Adrian Miller and Joe Nguyen.

PRICING KEY $=$10 and under $$=$10-$20 $$$=$20-$40 $$$$=$40 and up

Location Information Each restaurant has a number next to it indicating where in the city the establishment is located. Please refer to the map on page 18 for location information.

The city of Aurora and Visit Aurora produced this guide in hopes that it serves as a resource to help you explore the many great ethnic and independent eateries in Aurora. Every effort was made to ensure that the information within is accurate. And, while we can’t guarantee that, we would love to know if we missed your favorite spot or something listed has changed. So, if you have helpful feedback, please drop us a note at [email protected]. Thanks and Bon Appetit!

Access Aurora ❘ 303-739-7000 ■ ■ TABLE OF CONTENTS FRENCH MEXICAN • Daniel’s of Paris ...... 7 • Ajuua ...... 12 • La Creperie ...... 7 ■ AFRICAN • Blue Agave Mexican Restaurant . . . . .12 • African Grill & Bar ...... 1 ■ GERMAN • Casa Vallarta ...... 12 • East African Restaurant ...... 1 • Bender’s Brat Haus ...... 7 • Don Emilio’s Mexican Restaurant . . . . 12 • Hessini Roots ...... 1 • Helga’s German Restaurant & Deli . . . . 7 • Dora’s Mexican Restaurant ...... 12 • Ifka Café ...... 1 • El Camaron Loco ...... 12 • Mandeeq Restaurant & Café ...... 1 ■ GREEK • El Lucerito ...... 12 • Athenian ...... 7 • El Parralito ...... 12 ■ AMERICAN • Dumitri’s Family Restaurant ...... 7 • Apple Creek ...... 1 • El Patron ...... 12 • Bean Tree ...... 1 ■ HAWAIIAN • El Pelicano ...... 13 • Bent Fork ...... 1 • L & L Hawaiian BBQ ...... 8 • Guadalajara ...... 13 • Bliss Cupcakes ...... 1 • Rumbi Island Grill ...... 8 • Guadalajara Authentic Mexican Buffet . . 13 • The Brew Hut ...... 1 • T & T Hawaiian BBQ ...... 8 • La Cueva ...... 13 • Brewery Bar IV ...... 2 • Las Hadas ...... 13 ■ INDEPENDENT (See American) • Brooks Smokehouse & Catering ...... 2 • Las Tortugas ...... 13 • Dads & Dudes Breweria ...... 2 ■ INDIAN • Los Farolitos ...... 13 • Dozens ...... 2 • Jai Ho Indian Kitchen ...... 8 • Los Toritos ...... 13 • Dry Dock Brewing Co ...... 2 • Masalaa ...... 8 • Lupita’s ...... 13 • Emerald Isle ...... 2 • Star of India ...... 8 • Emil-Lene’s Sirloin House ...... 2 • Neveria Las Chucheriaz ...... 14 • Jim ‘N Nick’s ...... 3 ■ IRISH (See British) • Puerta Vallarta No . 3 ...... 14 • Johnny’s Diner ...... 3 • Real de Minas Mexican Grill ...... 14 • Latta’s Bagels & Coffee ...... 3 ■ ITALIAN • Señor Miguel’s New Mexican ...... 14 • Meadow Hills Grill ...... 3 • Armando’s ...... 8 • Señor Ric’s ...... 14 • The Movie Tavern ...... 3 • Bent Noodle ...... 8 • Super Express ...... 14 • Carmine Lonardo’s Italian Deli ...... 9 • Murphy Creek Golf Course Tavern . . . . 3 • Tacos Y Salsas ...... 14 • Mama Alvino’s Pizzeria ...... 9 • The Rock Restaurant ...... 3 • Tequila’s Family Mexican Restaurant . . .14 • Rosie’s Diner ...... 3 • Wholly Cannoli Café ...... 9 • Titi’s ...... 14 • Royal Hilltop ...... 4 ■ JAPANESE • Saddle Rock Grill ...... 4 • Hana Sushi ...... 9 TACO TRUCKS • Sam’s No . 3 ...... 4 • Happy Teriyaki ...... 9 • El Costeño ...... 14 • Stampede ...... 4 • La Cascada ...... 15 • Summit Steakhouse ...... 4 • Mt . Fuji Sushi & Hibachi ...... 9 • Shinjuku Japanese Steakhouse . . . . . 9 • Tin Cup Bar & Grill ...... 4 ■ MIDDLE EASTERN • Sonoda’s ...... 9 • The Wine Experience Café & World Cellar . 4 • Café Paprika ...... 15 • Sushi Katsu ...... 9 ■ BRITISH • Tokyoya Bowl & Bowl ...... 9 • Tasty Kabob ...... 15 • English Tea Cup ...... 4 ■ RUSSIAN • McCabe’s ...... 5 ■ KOREAN • McDonough’s Pub ...... 5 • Al Bae Nae ...... 10 • Mirage Restaurant & Nightclub . . . . .15 • Café Sky ...... 10 • Royal International Cuisine ...... 15 ■ CHINESE • Dah Won Rice Cake ...... 10 • Solomon’s Grocery & European Deli . . . 15 • Chef Liu’s Café ...... 5 • Han Kang Korean ...... 10 • Teremok Russian Crepe Café ...... 15 • China Jade ...... 5 • Korea House ...... 10 ■ • Dragon Boat ...... 5 • Midopa ...... 10 SOUTH/CENTRAL AMERICAN • East China Asian Cuisine ...... 5 • O Bok Korean Rice Cake Bakery . . . . 10 • El Alamo Grande ...... 16 • Formosa Garden ...... 5 • Seoul BBQ ...... 10 • La Guatemalteca ...... 16 • Fortune Kitchen ...... 5 • Silla ...... 10 • Little Wagon Steakhouse/La Pradera . . .16 • Golden Phoenix ...... 5 • Golden Wok Asian ...... 5 ■ MARKETS ■ THAI • Joy Asian Cuisine ...... 6 • Aladdin Market ...... 11 • Ban Thai (formerly Sue of Siam) . . . . .16 • Paradise Asian Café ...... 6 • Arash Middle Eastern Market ...... 11 • Thai Flavor ...... 16 • Tao Tao Noodle Bar ...... 6 • Carneceria Guadalajara ...... 11 • Thai Garden ...... 16 • Tea Station ...... 6 • E Mart ...... 11 • Thai Landing ...... 16 • Tsai Shen Garden ...... 6 • Elite Deli Fruits & Vegetables ...... 11 • Thai Street Food ...... 17 • Wan’s Mandarin House ...... 6 • Europa Grocery ...... 11 • Ya Ting Asian Cuisine ...... 6 • Gomez Market ...... 11 ■ VIETNAMESE ■ ENGLISH (See British) • H-Mart ...... 11 • Egg Roll King East ...... 17 • Krungthai Imports ...... 11 • Golden Saigon ...... 17 ■ ETHIOPIAN • Mi Pueblo Market ...... 11 • Kim Ba Vietnamese ...... 17 • Addis Ababa of Colorado ...... 6 • Midopa Market ...... 11 • New Orient ...... 17 • Nile Ethiopian Café ...... 6 • Rancho Liborio ...... 11 • Selam Ethiopian Restaurant ...... 7 • Pho 79 ...... 17 • Sathvik Foods ...... 12 • Pho Duy II ...... 17 ■ FILIPINO ■ MEDITERRANEAN • Pho-Yo ...... 17 • SunBurst Grill ...... 7 (see Greek, Middle Eastern) • Taste of Saigon ...... 17

african restaurants 4 Ifka Café 5 Bent Fork 1535 S . Havana St ., #M 12191 E . Iliff Ave . 5 African Grill & Bar 303-535-1017 303-337-6600 • bentforkgrill .com 1010 S . Peoria St . Daily 8:30 a .m . to 10 p .m ,. $ Sunday through Thursday 11 a .m . to 9 p .m . 303-745-3423 • afrikangrill .com Ifka Café brings the café experience of Somalia Daily 10 a .m . to midnight, full bar, $$ Friday 11 a .m . to 10 p .m . to your doorstep . Try the sambusa (a fried Saturday 11 a .m . to 9:30 p m. ., full bar, $$ Osei Ford-Wuo and his wife Adwoa began by pocket of meat or vegetables) or the bajiye delivering West African food from a van, and in (lentil fritters) accompanied by shaah (traditional The Bent Fork is a casual, yet perfect place for 2010 settled in their Peoria Street location, spiced tea) . Ifka also offers more substantial a celebratory meal, and offers a diverse menu where they have fostered a family restaurant plates, like fouel, a tomato-bean stew served of time-honored favorites and modern classics atmosphere by welcoming everyone who walks with spongy anjera bread, or kalluun, a fried without being too spendy, all served in a trendy fish filet . Arrive early for the best selections . through the door and serving them authentic, space . Try the Green Chile Mac & Cheese or the made-to-order dishes . Happy to walk 4 Maandeeq Restaurant & Café Rocky Mountain Salmon, and finish with a newcomers through a menu and ingredients 1535 S . Havana St ., #H Crème Brulee or a Chocolate Martini for that may be unfamiliar to them, diners feel right 303-745-2355 dessert . at home ordering Ghanaian “chop bar” classics Daily 7:30 a .m . to 10 p .m ,. no alcohol, $ like Boforot (a type of fluffy donut), FuFu with Maandeeq is a meeting place for Somalian 9 Bliss Cupcakes goat, Jollof rice with fried plantains, and peanut expats in search of the comfort foods of home . 6205 S . Main St ., D101 soup . There’s no menu here—it changes daily 303-974-6440 • blisscupcakes .com 4 East African Restaurant according to availability, but those in search of Monday through Saturday 10 a .m . to 9 p .m . 2222 S . Havana St . a different eating experience won’t be Sunday 11 a .m . to 6 p .m ., no alcohol, $ 303-337-4476 • e-africanresturant .com disappointed . The Somali menu draws not only Daily 7 a .m . to 10 p .m ., no alcohol, $ traditional foods like hilib ari (roasted goat), but After an afternoon of shopping at Southlands also on the influences from those who have had mall, there’s no better treat than a stop at this East African Restaurant specializes, naturally, in contact with Somalia—like spaghetti and locally owned cupcake shop . Cupcakes at Bliss the specialties of East African countries, tomato sauce, a nod to the Italian presence are made fresh daily . Try one of the 10 (flavors especially Somalia, and all dishes are Halal, or there . Mango or guava juice round out the meal . made in accordance with Islamic dietary laws . like red velvet and strawberry buttercream) to Start with a watermelon or mango juice and americanAMERICAN restaurants eat on the spot, order from a menu of more than order Mid-East-inspired Kabobs . Or try the 70 cupcake flavors from chai to butter pecan, 4 Apple Creek Maraq—a vegetable soup studded with or create your own combination . With three 10600 E . Iliff Ave . pasta—an homage to the Italian colonial sizes and a myriad of flavors, a bite of one of 303-306-6300 presence in Somalia . East African Restaurant is Monday through Friday 11 a .m . to 9 p .m . their mouth-watering cupcakes, is, well, bliss! located in what literally seems to be a global Saturday & Sunday 8 a .m . to 9 p .m ,. full bar, $ village—in the same shopping area as Sushi 8 The Brew Hut Katsu, Dah Wan, Tana Market and Addis Ababa Apple Creek is a restaurant like those so 15108 E . Hampden Ave . Ethiopian Restaurant . popular in generations past, serving your 303-680-8898 • thebrewhut .com favorite American-style homemade classics Monday through Friday 10 a .m . to 6 p .m . 1 Hessini Roots International Café like fried chicken, pot roast and peach cobbler . Saturday 10 a .m . to 5 p .m . 2044 Clinton St ., Unit B Meal price includes salad and sides . 303-317-6531 • hessiniroots .com Sunday 11 a .m . to 4 p .m ., beer, $$ 5 Bean Tree Monday through Saturday 10 a .m . to 8 p .m ., 12101 E . Iliff Ave . Open since 1997, the Brew Hut is a $$ 303-396-6178 homebrewer’s haven—in part because of its Located next to a Ghanaian market, Hessini Monday through Friday 5 a .m . to midnight convenient locale next door to its sister store, Roots is owned by Nigerian immigrant Ifiok Etuk Saturday 6 a m. . to midnight the award-winning Dry Dock Brewery . While Sunday 7 a .m . to midnight, no alcohol, $ who came to the U .S . in 1987 . Before opening sipping a pint from Dry Dock, peruse the vast his own restaurant, Etuk worked at Taco Bell— The Bean Tree is a casual neighborhood coffee selection of homebrewing goods, such as hops, reflected by the Mexican foods available on shop, with comfortable places to read and barley and gadgets for beer making, and wares Hessini Roots’ menu . But the eatery also serves work, plenty of outlets, free wi-fi, and for wine and cheese making . The Brew Hut’s African family recipes like Egusi—a spicy caffeinated fuel from Boulder coffee roasters friendly and knowledgeable staff will assist melon-seed stew with goat fufu (pounded yam) Silver Canyon . Open early for the morning and jollof rice—right alongside soul-food crowd and stays open until midnight seven with gusto, whether you’re a seasoned brewer classics like fried catfish, chicken and waffles days a week . Regulars love their hot chocolate or new to zymurgy—ask for Duane, a .k .a . ‘the and mac n’ cheese . and espresso brownies . Dude .’

1 8 Brewery Bar IV 8 Dads & Dudes Breweria 8 Emerald Isle 6482 S . Parker Road 6730 S . Cornerstar Way, Ste . D 4385 S . Parker Road 303-669-1544 • brewerybar3 .com 303-400-5699 • breweria com. 303-690-3722 • emerald-isle .net Monday through Friday 11 a .m . to 9 p .m . Sunday through Thursday 11 a m. . to 11 p .m . Daily 11 a .m . to 2 a .m ,. full bar, $$ Friday and Saturday 11 a .m . to 10:30 p .m . Friday through Saturday 11 a m. . to 11 p .m . Sunday 11 a .m . to 9 p .m ., full bar, $$ Emerald Isle is a neighborhood bar that Delivery Saturday & Sunday 4 p .m . to 7 p .m ., The original Brewery Bar’s home was in the full bar, $$ features American-Mexican food like chile Tivoli brewery (now part of the Auraria campus) rellenos and fajitas, along with typical bar Dad & Dudes has combined all the favorites of and is now defunct, but the Lundstrom family fare—burgers, sandwiches and the like . Their a neighborhood pizzeria, including a full menu has been serving the metro area with award- patio is the perfect spot to watch the sunset of American classics, from their wings to winning Mexican food since the 1950s at their over Cherry Creek Reservoir and enjoy a cool sandwiches . Regulars love their East Side other locations . Regulars love the Green Chili drink in the summer months, and in winter, and their crispy Chili Rellenos . sandwich or Pizza Blanca, washed down with karaoke heats up the indoor lounge . some suds from local favorite Dry Dock 1 Brooks Smokehouse & Catering Brewery . 3 Emil-Lene’s Sirloin House 800 Oakland St . 720-949-0581 16000 E . Smith Road 4 Dozens Friday through Sunday 11 a .m . to 7 p .m ., no 2180 S . Havana St . 303-366-6674 • aurorasteakhouse .com alcohol, $$ 303-337-6627 • dozensrestaurant com. Monday through Saturday Don’t be put off by the fact that Brooks is only Daily 6:30 a .m . to 2:30 p m. ,. full bar (no beer 11:30 a m. . to 9:30 p m. . open weekends (for now) . If you’re looking for or wine), $$ Sunday 5 p .m . to 9 p .m ., full bar, $$$ the real deal in soul-satisfying barbecue, this is A metro-area favorite for more than 25 years, Emil-Lene’s is just as it was when it opened in the place to be . Ronald Brooks runs his authentic 1957—this venerable Colorado institution is barbecue and smokehouse out of an extension Dozens has been serving up fresh breakfasts of his Aurora home, and his enticing meals are and lunches with a local flare . Sit on the tree- right out of the days when the West was wild . what the Southern-style barbecue tradition is all covered patio and order the Brown Palace (a riff Servers wearing iconic Rockmount shirts recite about: Ribs, Slow-roasted Pulled Pork Shoulder on the classic BLT) or the Petroleum Club for the menu from memory, and the Formica® and Beef Brisket, alongside Dirty Rice, Sausages lunch . Breakfast favorites are the How the West tables and Naugahyde® seating haven’t and even Cajun-style Smoked Alligator . Was Won, which is Dozens’ homemade biscuits changed a bit since opening day—including and gravy plate, or an omelet smothered in their the corral for locals riding their horses on the 4 Caldonia’s 2252 S . Parker Road house-made green chile . Sand Creek Trail to hitch up . If you’re looking for 303-752-3829 • caldonias .com the type of dinner you get at chain steakhouses, 8 Dry Dock Brewing Co. Daily 11 a .m . to 2 a .m ., full bar, $$ 15120 E . Hampden Ave . you won’t find it here—but Emil-Lene’s is a For 30 years, this roadhouse barbecue joint has 303-400-5606 • drydockbrewing .com local tradition . been Aurora’s place to party . Daily drink Sunday through Thursday noon to 9 p .m . specials, live music, Bike Night, Bikini Contests Friday & Saturday noon to 11 p m. ., beer, no and drinks served in fishbowls, plus big screens food, $ to watch sports, a patio, and a full menu of American bar classics—including ‘recovery’ When he opened Dry Dock in 2005, owner fare . Kevin DeLange had already been brewing his own for years at the Brew Hut, his neighboring 5 Cinema Grill homebrewing supply shop . It didn’t take long 13682 E . Alameda Ave . 303-344-3456 • cinemagrill .com for the brewpub to become a local favorite— Daily 11 a .m . to 11 p .m ., full bar, $$ and to start racking up awards . From 5280 magazine and local alternative paper Westword Cinema Grill is ‘dinner and a movie’ on a whole to Channel 7’s A-list to the Great American Beer new level—the theater runs current feature Festival, Dry Dock has proven its quality and films, from the latest blockbusters to the new gotten kudos for what Aurorans figured out long animated flick junior’s dying to see—on the big screen while you leave the cooking to someone ago—that Colorado’s Best Brewpub is right in else . Cinema Grill is the ultimate date night or their own backyard . Get there early for their night out with the family . Start with nachos, packed Friday evening Happy Hour, and sample share a burger, and go for a dramatic finale with one of their expertly crafted brews: the Vanilla cheesecake—now that’s entertainment . Porter .

2 9 Jim ‘N Nicks 8 Meadow Hills Grill 9 The Rock Restaurant 24153 E . Prospect Ave . 3609 S . Dawson St . 22934 E . Smoky Hill Road 720-274-5300 • jimnnicks .com 303-993-6732 • meadowhillsgrill com. 303-800-3205 • therockrestaurantandbar .com Sunday through Thursday 11 a .m . to 9:30 p .m . Hours change seasonally: Summer months Friday & Saturday 11 a .m . to 10:30 p .m ., full 6 a .m . to 8 p m. . daily Other months Monday Monday through Thursday 9 a .m . to 10 p .m . bar, $$ through Friday 7 a .m . to 3 p .m ,. Saturday & Friday 9 a m. . to midnight Sunday 6:30 a m. . to 6 p .m ., full bar, $$ Saturday 9 a m. . to 11 p m. . One whiff of this Southern-style barbecue joint and you’ll know you’re in the right place . Jim ‘N Meadow Hills was a private country club when it Sunday 9 a .m . to 10 p .m . Nick’s may be an Alabama import, but this opened in 1957, and both golfers and non- Bar hours: Monday through Saturday 11 a .m . father-son Bar-B-Q shack does everything from golfers alike will enjoy the old-style green with to 2 a m. . mature trees, tennis courts and pool complex . scratch right here in Colorado . The pig-centric Sunday 11 a .m . to 1 a .m ., full bar, $$ décor is in homage to their pork shoulder— Grab a drink and a bite before or after a day on slow roasted with hickory smoke by the pit- the links, or rent the space for your special event . Grab a seat on the patio for the outstanding master for more than 14 hours . The rest of the 6 The Movie Tavern view, or stay inside to watch sports . This menu also pays its respect to the rich food 18605 E . Hampden Ave . relaxed space in the Southlands area offers a culture of the South—and has been at it for 25 Movie Line • 303-680-9915 vast menu of neighborhood American restaurant years . Start with a sweet tea and corn fritters Box Office 303-680-9913 • movietavern .com with honey butter, then order the JNN Bar-B-Q Hours vary according to showtimes, starting at fare from burgers to burritos and wings to plate—pulled pork shoulder with flavorful beef 9 a .m ., full bar, $$ salads, making it perfect for an evening after brisket on the side—with their classic southern work or while watching the game . slaw and baked beans . Another favorite: the The Movie Tavern features stadium seating (including their posh leather executive rockers) Karl’s Fried Catfish Plate, with generous sides 5 Rosie’s Diner with restaurant and bar service to table tops at of collard greens and Mac the Cheese . And 14061 E . Iliff Ave . don’t forget a side of ribs . Still have room? each seat while you relax and watch one of their selection of current feature films . Food 303-752-3663 • rosies-diner .com Splurge on some of their homemade pie for and drink orders are taken at each seat, served dessert . One more reason to love Jim ‘N Daily 6 a .m . to 9 p .m ,. full bar, $$ during the film (where a call button alerts your Nicks—they generously acknowledge the folks server to your needs) . There’s also a full-service Hey there, Daddy-O, head to this authentic behind their barbecue tradition, use local bar with flat-screen TVs showing sporting 1950s diner for a trip back to the era of poodle farmers, and support community outreach events in the lounge . Menu includes quesadillas, programs, including the Southern Foodways skirts and slicked back hair . Grab a seat at the sandwiches, burgers and wraps, hand-tossed Alliance . counter to order up your burger and shake pizzas, salads and desserts . Start with the before you pop a few quarters in the jukebox for 4 Johnny’s Diner Nachos Libre and finish with a slice of Red 2323 S . Havana St . Velvet cake . Best of all, Movie Tavern offers a nostalgic romp back in time . The menu varies 303-369-8307 midnight movies, includes Retro Cinema on from old-fashioned classics like meatloaf to Tuesday and Thursday nights (with old-time Daily 5:30 a .m . to 3:30 p .m ., no alcohol, $ modern day favorites like fajitas . Rosie’s hosts faves like “Back to the Future”), Breakfast and A South Havana Street fixture, Johnny’s has a Flick on Saturdays and Sundays, and even a Wednesday night cruise-in, where hip cats been serving up blue-plate specials with theater rental for your own private screening . show off their classic cars—bring along your generous helpings for years . Order the French best girl for a swell time . Toast or the Huevos Rancheros at this order-and- 7 Murphy Creek Golf Course Tavern pick-up-style greasy spoon with funky decor . 1700 S . Old Tom Morris Road 303-361-7310 • murphycreektavern com. 5 Latta’s Bagels & Coffee Monday through Thursday 11 a m. . to 8 p m. . 15290 E . Iliff Ave . Friday 11 a .m . to 9 p .m . 303-368-1821 • lattasbagels .com Saturday 8 a m. . to 8 p m. . Monday through Saturday 6 a .m . to 2 p .m . Sunday 8 a m. . to 7 p m. . Saturday 7 a .m . to 2 p .m . (Winter hours - closed Mondays Sunday 7 a .m . to 1 p .m ., no alcohol, $ through Feb . 26) Seemingly endless combinations of bagels, Hours may change due to weather . full bar, $$ cream cheese and even sandwiches abound at Murphy Creek is on what was a homestead at this family owned bagel and coffee shop . Top the turn of the century, and the green is spotted one of their New York-style bagels made fresh with rustic farm implements while the daily with one of their homemade cream clubhouse is a converted ranch house . Bring cheeses in flavors from jalapeño to caramel the kids for brunch, and order off the 3 footer apple . The combination makes Latta’s a home- menu before hitting the green at this historic run breakfast stop . site .

3 6 Royal Hilltop 4 Stampede 18581 E . Hampden Ave . 2430 S . Havana St . 303-690-7738 • royalhilltop .com 303-696-7686 • stampedeclub net. Daily 11 a .m . to midnight, full bar, $ Wednesday through Friday 5 p m. . to 2 a .m . Tina and James Pachorek (owners of local Saturday 6 p m. . to 2 a .m ., full bar, $$ mini-chain brew pubs Cheeky Monk) started The Stampede has been boot scootin’ since Royal Hilltop in 2002 as Aurora’s first British 1992 . This country bar and dance hall offers Pub, but early in 2011 converted to the religion pool, beer and its Mesquite Grill menu upstairs, of the craft brew, making Royal Hilltop Aurora’s with a prime view of the dance floor below . The first tap room . They say that Colorado is the dance floor is where all the action happens— Napa of the craft brewer’s movement, and from line dancing to west coast swing and Royal Hilltop is the perfect place for the suds country and western dancing . Even those 9 The Wine Experience Café & aficionado to sample both local favorites like among us with two left feet can get in on their World Cellar Avery, Dry Dock or Wynkoop and national dance classes . Wednesday night is Ladies 6240 S . Main St . legends Dogfish Head and Russian River . 303-690-1025 • wineexperiencecafe .com Night, drawing a crowd to hear not just country Tuesdays feature ‘buy a pint and keep the Lunch & dinner Tuesday through Saturday but a mix of contemporary favorites, too . Grab glass’ specials, while Firkin Thursdays are for beginning at noon . Sunday 10 a .m . to 2 p .m . your partner, get your boots on, and get ready meeting brewers while you sample their new Café closed Monday, full bar, $$$ craft brews . Royal Hilltop also serves pub fare for an unforgettable night . The Wine Experience is a unique take on like the Dutch Lunch, a platter of meats, 4 Summit Steakhouse dining—it combines eating and wine education . cheeses, and sauerkraut; build-your-own 2700 S . Havana St . The menu, served in their contemporary dining burgers and sandwiches . Their $5 .99 lunch 303-751-2112 • aurorasummit com. room, has been designed to pair with the 150 specials, served Wednesdays through Sundays, Monday through Thursday 11 a m. . to 10 p .m . wines available on the menu, while next door, are also a favorite . Friday 11 a .m . to 11 p .m . the cellar’s boasts more than 700 varieties to take home . It’s like having a winery tour and a 9 Saddle Rock Grill Saturday 4 p m. . to 11 p m. . dinner at a friend’s winery—whether it be a 21705 E . Arapahoe Road Sunday 10 a .m . to 9 p .m ., full bar, $$$ weekend brunch or an evening meal . Try the 303-699-3930 • saddlerockgrill .com The Summit is the place where Aurorans go for Bison Osso Bucco, and stay to learn about Daily 6 a .m . to 8 p .m ., full bar, $$ a special steak or seafood dinner by candlelight . international wines with a wine flight . Saddle Rock is one of Golf Digest’s Top 10 Their menu features classic steakhouse Courses, and also an Audubon Cooperative favorites—start with the Maryland Crab Cakes britishBRITISH Restaurants Sanctuary, so whether you’re in for a day of or the Escargot, followed by a Filet Mignon or birdies on the green or in the trees, the grill can Lobster Tail . Round the meal out with a bottle of 4 English Tea Cup offer breakfast, lunch or dinner to keep your Napa’s famed Silver Oak, and finish with Crème 1930 S . Havana St ., #5 game strong . Large covered patio space and Brulée and a selection from the Summit’s 303-751-3032 • englishteacup .com drink specials . renowned Scotch menu . The Cabin Bar, designed Store: Monday through Friday 10 a .m . to 5 p .m . Saturday 10 a .m . to 5:30 p m. ., closed Sunday 4 Sam’s No. 3 to look like a mountain cabin, offers its own Tea Room: Monday through Saturday 11 a .m . 2580 S . Havana St . menu and live music on Friday and Saturday to 4 p m. ,. no alcohol, $$ 303-751-0347 • samsno3 .com nights . Summer evenings are a perfect time to Monday through Thursday 6 a .m . to 9 p .m . enjoy the outdoor patio . The English Tea Cup has been around since Friday 6 a .m . to 10 p .m . before the era of Charles and Diana, selling a Saturday & Sunday 7 a .m . to 9 p .m ., full bar, 5 Tin Cup Bar & Grill selection of English goods—ranging from $$ 50 S . Peoria St . English memorabilia, bone china, and books to 303-364-8678 English teas, sweets, and meat pies . The shop Diner lovers will dig the chrome countertops No set hours; according to scheduled tee has a separate tea room, where lunch and tea and ’60s surrounds of one of the metro area’s times, full bar, $$ are served in high style . Choose from their huge best known breakfast joints . Award-winning selection of teas, and enjoy scones and clotted breakfasts (don’t miss the green chile) with Tin Cup is on the Aurora Hills golf course, and cream, finger sandwiches, and elegant pastries . colossal portion sizes and an equally big menu their pub-like atmosphere is the perfect place This Aurora fixture is the perfect place for a tea are what give Sam’s No . 3 its great reputation to relax after hitting some balls on the driving party, bridal or baby shower, or a daytrip to Jolly and staying power . range . Old England .

4 9 McCabe’s 8 Formosa Garden 6100 S . Main St . 16645 E . Smoky Hill Road 303-627-6234 • mccabesbistroandpub .com 303-693-6290 • formosagardenaurora .com Monday through Thursday 11 a .m . to 11 p .m . Monday through Thursday 11 a .m . to 9 p .m . Friday & Saturday 11 a .m . to 1:15 a m. . Friday 11 a .m . to 9:30 p m. . Sunday 10:30 a .m . to 10 p .m ,. full bar, $$ Saturday noon to 9:30 p .m . Sunday noon to 9 p .m ., full bar, $$ McCabe’s is an Irish pub complex . So, whether you want to have your stout served in a quiet Formosa Garden is a neighborhood restaurant wooden nook on a rainy night, enjoy the serving traditional American-Chinese favorites . 5 China Jade evening hours on the outdoor patio, or play 12203 E . Illiff Ave . Diners can eat-in, call for delivery or take out . billiards and darts with work buddies on a 303-755-8518 Lemongrass Shrimp, Chicken and Broccoli, and Friday night, McCabe’s has you covered . Live Wednesday through Monday Crab Cheese Wontons all come highly music on weekends and soccer matches on the 10 a .m . to 11 p .m . recommended, and a complete menu is big screen are also a draw, and McCabe’s Closed Tuesday, no alcohol, $$ available online . serves a large menu of pub food (burgers and 5 Fortune Kitchen wings), bistro food (salads, soups, etc .) and riffs China Jade has been called Colorado’s best 12120 E . Mississippi Ave . on Irish classics (Shepherd’s Pie, Fish N’ Chips) . Chinese restaurant The. restaurant has two 303-369-2675 • fortunekitchenonline .com The full bar features happy hour and drink menus: a yellow paper menu of American-style specials, plus Guinness and the like on tap . Chinese dishes, and a traditional menu of Monday through Saturday 11 a .m . to 10 p .m . Sichuan and Tianjin specialties . Start with the Sunday noon to 9:30 p m. ,. no alcohol, $$ 4 McDonough’s Pub wontons in spicy chili oil . Then try their famed 10395 E . Iliff Ave . This neighborhood Chinese joint relies mostly Spicy Boiled Fish Slices and the Ziran Beef— 303-369-9819 • mcdonoughspub .com on its delivery and takeout business, and only made with cumin and cinnamon—all served Monday through Friday 2 p .m . to 2 a .m . has a few tables for in-house dining . However, family style . If you’re a lover of spicy Sichuan Saturday 12:30 p .m . to 2 a .m . their menu is available online, making it cuisine, their Ma-la Sauce won’t disappoint . Sunday 10:30 a .m . to 2 a .m ,. full bar, $ convenient to order from the website, with Likewise, if you’re an adventurous eater, you’ll favorites like Beef and Broccoli, Sesame Tofu or McDonough’s is a family-owned bar featuring a find plenty of menu items—from Cilantro Crab Cheese Wontons . menu of traditional bar fare—wings, burgers, Intestines to Pigs’ feet—to satisfy your curiosity and fries—but the draw is the daily Happy Hour 5 Golden Phoenix 5 Dragon Boat from 2 to 8 p .m ., nightly drink specials, 15181 E . Hampden Ave . 13697 E . Iliff Ave . Wednesday night Poker, Ladies Night, live 303-693-2506 303-752-1050 • dragonboataurora .com music on the weekends, and karaoke . And it Monday through Friday 11 a .m . to 10 p .m . Monday through Friday 11 a .m . to 9:30 p m. . doesn’t hurt that the bartender is heavy handed Saturday 11:30 a m. . to 10 p .m . Friday & Saturday 11 a m. . to 10 p m. ,. with the pours . McDonough’s is “everybody’s Sunday noon to 9:30 p m. ,. full bar, $$ full bar, $$ favorite local hole-in-the-wall bar .” Golden Phoenix has been a neighborhood Serving an eclectic Pan-Asian mix of Sushi, staple for the past 20 years, serving a menu of chineseCHINESE restaurants American-style Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese both classic Chinese-American and Japanese favorites, from Crystal Rolls and Vietnamese favorites . Delivery, take out and eat-in are all 5 Chef Liu’s Noodles to Thai Peanut Curry, Chinese Drunken options . If you become a regular, you’ll get to 562 S . Chambers Road Noodles and California Rolls, it’s likely on the know the owner and become like one of the 303-369-2220 menu at Dragon Boat! Regulars love their lunch family . Try the Flaming Beef, Orange Chicken or Monday through Wednesday 11 a .m . to 9 p .m . specials and that they deliver . Twice-cooked Pork . Friday 11 a .m . to 9:30 p .m . Saturday noon to 9:30 p .m . 5 East China Asian Cuisine 8 Golden Wok Asian Sunday noon to 9 p .m ., full bar, $$ 15510 E . Centretech Parkway 15282 E . Hampden Ave . 303-363-6689 • eastchinaco com. 303-766-1489 • goldenwokasian .com Denver’s local alternative paper, Westword, Monday through Thursday 11 a .m . to 9:30 p m. . Monday through Thursday 11 a .m . to 9:30 p .m . named Chef Liu’s Denver’s Best Chinese Friday 11 a .m . to 10 p .m . Friday 11 a .m . to 10 p .m . Restaurant in 2011 . With menu choices like Saturday noon to 10 p .m ., full bar, $$ Saturday noon to 10 p .m . Tofu-skin Dumplings Stuffed with Shrimp, Sunday 4 p .m . to 9:30 p .m ., full bar, $$$ Ground Beef and Egg White Soup, and Beijing- East China has been voted as having some of style Pork with Bean Paste, it’s easy to the metro area’s favorite Chinese take-out time The restaurant features an upscale décor understand that diners in search of the genuine and again, and the place hasn’t changed much including a large salt-water aquarium . Prompt, article need look no further than Chef Liu’s . In since it opened decades ago . The Moo Shu friendly service from the Wong family makes addition to their authentic menu (in Chinese), Pancakes and Beef Mushrooms are Golden Wok a great date night choice or family Chef Liu’s has an American-Chinese menu . recommended . outing option .

5 5 Tea Station 5 Ya Ting Asian Cuisine 545 Sable Blvd . 15622 E . 6th Ave . 303-360-8989 • yatingchinese .com 303-343-0330 • teastation .webs .com Daily 11 a .m . to 9 p m. ., no alcohol, $$$ Monday through Thursday 11 a .m . to 9:30 p m. . Ya Ting’s owner, Peter Liang, has been cooking up Chinese favorites for 25 years in places like Friday & Saturday 11 a m. . to 10 p m. ,. New York and Atlantic City, and has brought his no alcohol, $ Asian fusion to the Denver metro area . While the menu features classics like Szechwan While Tea Station serves a full menu of Chicken and Fried Rice, others are made with 6 Joy Asian Cuisine American-Chinese faves from wonton soup to Liang’s own flair—dishes like Triple Delight in 1250 S . Buckley Road, Unit I lo mein, Fried Rice and everything in between Bird’s Nest (shrimp, chicken, beef and 303-695-8311 (lunch prices are especially reasonable), the barbecued pork with vegetables) or the Phoenix Monday through Saturday 11 a .m . real draw is their menu of Boba drinks . The and Dragon (chicken with snow peas and to 9:30 p .m ., no alcohol, $$ Szechwan shrimp) are unique and flavorful . Eat drinks, filled with big black tapioca balls, come in, or order online for take-out or delivery . Joy Asian Cuisine is a neighborhood American- in flavors from avocado to watermelon and can Chinese restaurant, where meals can be eaten be customized in slush, snow milk tea and tea ethiopianETHIOPIAN restaurants in house (you can watch the food being variations . Green tea and mango are longtime 4 Addis Ababa of Colorado prepared in their open kitchen) or delivered to favorites, while Lavender sounds intriguing— 2222 S . Havana St ,. #B2 your door . Egg Drop Soup, Sesame Chicken and regulars call this the best boba spot in town . 303-368-8021 • addisababarestaurantco .com Vegetables with Tofu are favorites, and the Daily 11 a .m . to 2 a .m ., $$ menu features a few Thai curries for variation . 5 Tsai Shen Garden Addis Ababa serves a menu of authentic 15200 E . 6th Ave ., Unit 2E 9 Paradise Asian Café Ethiopian classics, including dishes made with 303-366-8818 6180 S . Gun Club Road berbere—a thick paste made of paprika, Monday through Thursday ginger, garlic, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, 720-876-1808 • paradiseasiancafeco .com 11 a .m . to 9:30 p m. . allspice, coriander and other spices . Try the Tuesday through Thursday 11 a .m . to 9 p m. . Friday & Saturday 11 a m. . to 10 p m. . Awazy Tibes—lamb sautéed with vegetables in Friday & Saturday noon to 9:30 p .m . the aforementioned sauce . Dishes are served Sunday 4 to 9 p m. . beer and wine, $$ Sunday 11:30 a .m . to 9 p .m ., full bar, $$ with injera bread, a spongy flatbread made At Tsai Shen, Sesame Chicken, Mongolian Triple from fermented teff (an ancient Ethiopian grain) Bobby Giang brings old-fashioned American- flour that is used in lieu of utensils . Chinese food to the Southlands area . Start with Delight (beef, chicken and shrimp in a savory/ the dumplings and move on to favorites like the sweet sauce) and all your favorite Chinese 4 Nile Ethiopian Café 1951 S . Havana St . Shrimp in Lobster Sauce, Kung Pao Beef or dishes are standard orders (you can also have 720-748-0239 • nileethiorestaurant .com them deliver) . But if you’re looking to lighten up, Pineapple Chicken . Or opt for classics like Daily 11 a .m . to 2 a .m ,. full bar, $$ Wonton Soup, Sweet-and-Sour Chicken and they’ll gladly bring you steamed vegetables, Nile offers a menu of traditional Ethiopian food, Pork Fried Rice . Whichever best-loved dishes tofu and rice, fresh and made to order . and their vegetarian specialties are particularly you choose, Paradise makes them to order and worth a try . Their red lentil puree (yemisir we’t), 8 Wan’s Mandarin House to satisfy . yellow split peas (ye-kik alicha), greens 13710 E . Quincy Ave . (gomen) and chickpeas (shiro wat) are served 4 Tao Tao Noodle Bar 303-693-0825 • wansmandarinhouse com. on the vegetarian combination platter, and 10400 E . 6th Ave . Monday through Thursday eaten by hand with injera bread, a spongy, sour 303-366-1761 11 a .m . to 9:45 p m. . flatbread made from fermented teff flour . Daily 9 a .m . to 9 p .m ., closed Tuesday, no Friday 11 a .m . to 10 p .m . Gather around a mosseb (community tray) with alcohol, $$ family or friends at the Nile for an authentic Saturday noon to 10 p .m . Ethiopian dining experience . In Ethiopia, sharing Fans of the former Greenwood Village gem Sunday 4 to 9:30 p m. ., full bar, $$ food from the same plate signifies that the Chopsticks China Bistro will love chef David eaters will never betray each other . Likewise, Wan’s Mandarin House is a neighborhood Lee’s latest incarnation, Tao Tao Noodle Bar . feeding someone (close friends or family Serving noodles any time of day (they open in Chinese eatery that features all your traditional members) indicates a special connection, like time for breakfast), Tao Tao is known for their favorites, and they’ve been serving them at that of a mother and child . Try the yedoro we’t selection of homemade dumplings, including their family restaurant since 1982 . Start with a (chicken stewed in spicy berbere sauce with a hard-boiled egg, which is a dish symbolizing their renowned Xiao Long Bao, which are tasty, pot of piping hot tea, then order from their menu the union of parent and child . Nile also offers of classic American-Chinese dishes, whether it juicy pork dumplings . Tao Tao also features the unique Ethiopian coffee ceremony, where many favorites—both Chinese and be General Tao’s Chicken, Chow Fun Noodles or coffee is brewed at the table and served with Taiwanese—from Chopsticks . Peking Duck . fresh popcorn .

6 4 Selam Ethiopian Restaurant 9 La Creperie 1020 Havana St ., #B 23955 E . Plaza Ave . 720-274-5310 • lacreperiecafeco .com salemethiopianrestaurant .com Monday through Thursday 9 a .m . to 2 p .m . daily, full bar, $$ 10:30 a .m . to 9 p m. . Friday & Saturday 9 a m. . to 10 p m. . For great Ethiopian food, vist Selam Ethiopian Sunday 9 a .m . to 8 p m. ., full bar, $$ Restaurant . This Ethiopian restaurant offers a greek restaurants wide range of authentic Ethiopian dishes and La Creperie, as their name implies, serves everything inside that ubiquitous French delicacies . With a family-friendly and casual 5 Athenian pancake, the crepe . Their focus is on French- 15350 E . Iliff Ave . atmosphere, delicious food, and courteous style cuisine—the Poulet at Champignons 720-578-6011 staff, you are sure to have a memorable and crepe is filled with chicken and mushrooms in atheniangreekrestaurantco .com satisfying dining experience . a creamy white wine sauce—but they offer crepes from the global village, too, like the Monday through Friday 8:30 a .m . to 9 p .m . Salmon Lox crepe, filled with lox, crème fraiche, Saturday 8 a m. . to 9 p .m . filipinoFILIPINO restaurants dill, red onion and capers . For dessert, don’t Sunday 8 a .m . to 2 p m. ., full bar, $$ bother trying to resist the Nutella crepe or the 5 SunBurst Grill classic French favorite, Crepe Suzette . Athenian’s décor—faux Greek columns, plants 2295 S . Chambers Road, #M in urns, and Greek statuettes—may make you 303-752-6389 germanGERMAN restaurants feel like an extra on the set of ‘My Big Fat Greek Monday, Wednesday through Sunday Wedding ’. The Statnopoulos family will make 6 Bender’s Brat Haus 9 a .m . to 8 p .m . 700 S . Buckley Road, Unit A you feel right at home when serving you a pan Closed Tuesdays, no alcohol, $$ 303-872-3569 of flaming cheese, known as saganaki . bendersbrathaus com. Calamari, hummus with pita, spanakopita and SunBurst Grill is Colorado’s only Filipino Monday through Saturday 10 a .m . to 11 p m. ,. dolmades make great starters, and so does the restaurant, and whether you’re discovering beer, $ lemony chicken soup known as avgolemono . Filipino cuisine for the first time or relishing in Bender’s makes their sausages in house and Order the family style platters to share, or one old favorites, you won’t be disappointed here . fresh every day, without additives or preserva- of their classic Greek gyros . Athenian also SunBurst is family-run and all their traditional tives . A favorite with service men and women serves a menu of American and Mexican dishes are made from scratch . Those craving a stationed at nearby Buckley Air Force who have favorites, from chicken-fried steak to bulging Filipino fix will leave satisfied with the wide spent time in Germany, Bender’s menu also breakfast burritos . To drink, order from their serves deli classics like warm German potato selection of Greek wines, but save room for the variety of dishes on the menu . From the kare salad and freshly made desserts . Brats are the kare (oxtail, tripe, eggplant and green bean obvious choice from this Aurora dining icon, but complimentary shot of Ouzo (the famed Greek stew), the chicken adobo, or the lechon (roasted diners will also love the krautburger—a pastry liqueur flavored like black licorice) that comes suckling pig), SunBurst delivers authentic pocket stuffed with beef, cabbage and onion— at the end of the meal . washed down with a cold German beer . flavors . Finish with ube and mango ice cream 4 Dumitri’s Family Restaurant or share the halo halo with a friend . 5 Helga’s German Restaurant & Deli 1911 S . Havana St . 14197 E . Exposition Ave . 03-752-0553 • dumitris .com 303-344-5488 • helgasdeli com. FRENCH Daily restaurant from 6 a .m . to 3 p .m . french restaurants Sunday through Thursday 11 a .m . to 9 p .m . Lounge from 6 a .m . to midnight, full bar, $$ 5 Daniel’s of Paris Friday & Saturday 11 a .m . to 10 p .m ., full bar, $$ 12253 E . Iliff Ave . Dumitri’s is a cornerstone in the Aurora dining 303-751-6084 • danielsofparis .com Diners at Helga’s get a taste of Deutschland at scene, and has been serving a menu of favor- Tuesday through Friday 7 a .m . to 6 p .m . this German deli, market and restaurant . There ites in the same location for almost 20 years . are seven beers on tap to fill their Oktoberfest- Saturday 9 a .m . to 5 p .m ., no alcohol, $$ Regulars are greeted by name, and whether sized 2-liter beer boot, an all-you-can-eat you’re in the mood for breakfast, American fa- schnitzel night on Mondays, and live German Since 1992, Daniel’s has been bringing the vorites, or international cuisines from Greece or music Fridays and Saturdays once a month that flavors of Paris to the metro area with their packs the house . The menu features character- Mexico, there’s bound to be something for you decadent pastries and cakes . For special istic German fare like sauerkraut, potato pan- on their extensive menu . A bonus—anything occasions, Daniel’s genoise layer cakes, coated cakes and bratwurst (sourced locally from con- from the menu can be served all day, so if it’s in ganache and whipped cream, are sure to tinental sausage), while the deli features meats, soup you want at 8 a .m ., it’s soup you’ll get . cheeses, baked goods and a wide array of Euro- make them say ‘ooh la la!,’ while the everyday Don’t be afraid to mix it up, and save room for pean foods, magazines and gifts . Try wrapping the pie of the day . Sports fans will also enjoy offerings—fruit tarts, savory quiches and your mouth around the Rouladen Pfalzischer relaxing in the Dumitri’s Sports Lounge and award-winning croissants make even the Art—a beef cutlet stuffed with onions, bacon watching the game on any of the screens there, everyday magnifique . and pickle . Other specialties are their in-house soft pretzels, strudel, and any of the selection of open Monday through Friday at 11 a .m ., and multi-layered homemade tortes . Saturday and Sunday open at 9 a .m .

7 INDIAN indian RESTAURANTS 4 Star of India 3102 S . Parker Road, #A10 4 Jai Ho Indian Kitchen 303-755-1921 • starofindiadenver .com 3055 S . Parker Road Monday through Friday lunch 303-751-5151 • jaiho us. com. 11 a .m . to 2:30 p m. . Monday lunch 11:30 a .m . to 2:30 p m. . & Sunday through Thursday dinner 5 to 9 p .m . dinner 6 p .m . to 10 p m. . Wednesday through Saturday & Sunday lunch 11:30 a .m . to 3 p .m . Friday lunch 11:30 p .m . to 2:30 p m. . Friday & Saturday dinner 5 to 9:30 p .m ., full Friday dinner 6 p m. . to 11 p .m . bar, $$ Saturday lunch noon to 3 p m. ., dinner 6 p .m . Star of India is an Afghan/Indian, mom-and-pop to 11 p .m ., Sunday lunch noon to 3 p .m ,. restaurant, owned and operated by Gar Gill and dinner 6 p m. . to 10 p .m . his parents, Kapoor and Gurmukh . The Closed Tuesday, full bar, $$ restaurant has received numerous awards over HAWAIIAN the years, whether due to the heat of the curry hawaiian RESTAURANTS A departure from the typical Northern-Indian or the warm atmosphere, it’s hard to say . menu, Jai Ho offers a fusion of both Northern 5 L & L Hawaiian BBQ Regulars love the Wednesday lunch buffet, 14221 E . Cedar Ave ., #C and Southern-Indian specialties . You’ll find which features 25 of India’s favorite classics to 303-340-8824 • hawaiianbarbecueaurora .com familiar favorites like naan, samosas and sample from tandoori chicken and basmati rice Daily 10 a .m . to 9 p .m ., no alcohol, $ tandoori chicken tucked in alongside dishes to saag paneer and daal, accompanied by their like dosa (a large, spicy crepe stuffed with a famed, fresh-baked naan bread . L & L is part of the Honolulu-based chain that variety of fillings; we liked the potato and onion- brought the Hawaiian plate lunch—two scoops filled Masala Dosa) and the make-you-sweat italianITALIAN RESTAURANTS of white rice, a scoop of macaroni salad, and a spicy eggplant in tomato sauce, Karaikudi Ennai meat entrée—to the mainland . Try the Chicken 8 Armando’s Katsu—a breaded, fried chicken cutlet with Kathirrikai, from the Chettinad cuisine of 5428 S . Parker Road special sauce—or the Hawaiian Plate—kalua southern India . Their menu, though cryptic at 303-690-6660 • armandosristorante .net pork (smoked pork) and a serving of lau lau times (the Hydreabad Chilli Chicken is described Monday through Thursday 11 a .m . to 9 p .m . (pork chuck wrapped in a taro leaf and ‘From Hyderabad with love, that too spicy love!) Friday & Saturday 11 a m. . to 10 p .m ., full bar, steamed . nevertheless features appetizers, small $$ dishes—described at Jai Ho as tiffin,—lamb, 9 Rumbi Island Grill Stepping into Armando’s is like stepping into a chicken and seafood dishes, plus a wide range 23973 E . Prospect Ave . neighborhood Italian joint in New York City’s of vegetarian dishes . 303-766-2235 • rumbi .com Little Italy, with all your favorites on the menu— Monday through Thursday 11 a .m . to 8 p .m . gnocchi, penne with vodka sauce, homemade 4 Masalaa Friday & Saturday 11 a .m . to 9 p .m . 3140 S . Parker Road, #7 overstuffed calzones and baked ziti . Armando’s specializes in Italian-American classics like Sunday 11 a .m . to 7 p .m ., no alcohol, $ 303-755-6272 • masalaausa .com New York-style pizza, fettuccini alfredo, and Monday through Friday lunch 11 a .m . to 2 Rumbi Island is an island-themed fast-casual chicken parmesan . Grab a cannoli for dessert, joint, where the bars of reggae music and the p .m . & dinner 5:30 p m. . to 10 p m. . and badda-bing, badda-boom; it’s almost like feel of an island tiki bar can momentarily take Saturday & Sunday lunch noon to 3 p m. . & being on Mulberry Street with the Italian side of you away from land-locked Colorado . The menu dinner 5:30 p .m . to 10 p .m ,. beer and wine, the family . is based mostly on large teriyaki-type bowls, $$ where you have your choice of protein and a 4 The Bent Noodle selection of island-style sauces . Opt for Luau Masalaa has racked up award after award over 3055 S . Parker Road Pork with Jamaican Jerk sauce and a side of the years, and with their commitment to quality 303-337-2733 • bentnoodle .com Rumbi fries, made from sweet potatoes . food and service, it’s easy to see why . This Monday through Friday, 11 a .m . to 9 p .m . vegetarian restaurant specializes in Southern Saturday 4 to 9 p .m ,. full bar, $$ 1 T & T Hawaiian BBQ 11417 E . Colfax Ave . Indian-style food, a unique trait that brings in The Bent Noodle, a family owned neighborhood 303-364-9230 native Indians and non-natives alike . The menu Italian restaurant that’s been an Aurora staple Daily 11 a .m . to 9 p .m ., no alcohol, $ offers vegan and gluten-free options, as well as for years, offers classics like fettuccini alfredo Indo-Chinese selections—an interesting Indian and eggplant parmesan . But they also serve up T & T is a favorite spot among Hawaiians and riff on China’s cuisine . Start with staples like the a few twists, such as Insalata Misto topped with haoles to fill up on their favorite Hawaiian plate candied pecans, shredded vegetables and light and crispy Samosas or the paneer pakora lunches . Try the Moco Loco, which features the roasted shallot vinaigrette, a Tuscan Pot Roast (fried cheese in a chickpea-flour breading) . And quintessential scoops of rice and mac salad, braised in red wine and Cremini mushrooms, with a beef patty topped with two fried eggs don’t miss the house specialty, dosa—a huge and Salmone Repiene stuffed with rock shrimp and brown gravy . Or order the Musubi—a crepe made of fermented rice flour, filled with and fontina cheese and roasted in a creamy fusion of Japanese sushi and Spam—the vegetables and sauce . Try the Masala Dosa— Chardonnay sauce . Enjoy a piece of tiramisu for much-beloved potted meat of Hawaii . filled with fragrantly spiced potatoes . dessert over the strains of Sinatra .

8 JAPANESE japanese restaurant 5 Shinjuku Japanese Steakhouse 14045 E . Evans Ave . 8 Hana Sushi 303-750-7979 • shinjukuus .com 16911 E . Quincy Ave . Tuesday through Friday lunch 303-680-6099 • aurorasushi .com 11:30 a m. . to 2 p m. . Monday through Saturday 11 a .m . to 10 p m. . Saturday & Sunday lunch noon to 3 p .m . Dinner Monday through Friday 5 to 10 p .m . Sunday 4:30 to 10 p m. ,. beer and wine, $$ Saturday 3 to 10 p m. ,. Sunday 3 to 9 p .m ., Hana is known locally for its $1 per piece sushi $$$ happy hour, its clean, modern look, and its Hibachi fans will enjoy the variety offered at outstanding friendly service . Regulars will get Shinjuku, where diners sit at communal tables . 8 Carmine Lonardo’s Italian Deli Trained chefs prepare the meal with flair on the 15380 E . Smoky Hill Road to know owners Bob and Angie, who make table top grill while you look on . Shinjuku offers 303-699-4532 diners feel right at home . Try one of their a wide variety of options to choose from, Monday through Friday 9:30 a .m . to 6:30 p .m . specialty rolls, like their Valentine Roll, designed whether from their hibachi or sushi menus . Saturday 8 a .m . to 5 p .m ., no alcohol, $$ to change according to season or holiday . 4 Sonoda’s Carmine Lonardo’s is a treasure trove of an 3108 S . Parker Road 4 Happy Teriyaki Italian shopette—part deli, part butcher, part 303-337-3800 • sonodassushi .com 2495 S . Havana St ., #F10 sandwich shop and part bakery . It brings the Monday through Thursday 11 a .m . to 2:30 p .m . flavors of Italy to your doorstep . Either order 303-750-7085 • happyteriyaki .com & 4:30 to 9:30 p .m ., Friday 11 a .m . to 2:30 sandwiches or deli items to take home for the Monday through Saturday, 10 a m. . to 9 p m. ., p .m . & 4:30 to 10:30 p m. . perfect impromptu meal, or if you like to cook, no alcohol, $$ Saturday 11:30 a m. . to 2:30 p .m . & 4:30 to pick up a few traditional hard-to-find ingredients 10:30 p .m ., Sunday noon to 2:30 p .m . & 4 to (with a few cannoli for good measure) to make Happy Teriyaki is a neighborhood fast-casual 9:30 p .m . full bar, $$ your own Italian favorites at home . lunch-only restaurant serving Japanese and Sonoda’s sushi is renowned in the metro area, and they’ve been offering classic sushi and 1 Mama Alvino’s Pizzeria Korean fare . Lunch specials change daily, Japanese fare since they opened over 15 years 15179 E . Colfax Ave . Monday (Chicken Teriyaki and Three Gyoza) is a ago in their Aurora location . 303-364-1894 favorite, but options abound on their regular Monday through Friday 10:30 a .m . to 9 p .m . menu, as well . 4 Sushi Katsu Saturday 11 a .m . to 9 p .m . 2222 S . Havana St ., #H 303-368-8778 • katsusushi .net Sunday 11 a .m . to 8 p .m ., beer and wine, $ 9 Mt. Fuji Sushi & Hibachi Monday through Saturday 11 a .m . to 2:30 p .m . 6100 S . Main St ., H-101 This neighborhood pizza joint dishes out pizzas Monday through Thursday 11 a .m . to 2:30 p .m . from personal size to extra large, and whether 303-699-9388 • mtfujico com. & 4:30 to 10 p .m . Friday & Saturday 11 a .m to you order one of their combinations or build Monday through Friday lunch 11 a .m . to 3 p .m . 2:30 p .m . & 4:30 to 11 p m. . your own, you won’t leave hungry . Homemade Monday through Thursday dinner 3 to 10 p .m . Sunday, 4 to 10 p .m ., full bar, $$ calzones and deli sandwiches also satisfy . Friday dinner 3 to 10:30 p m. . Get to Sushi Katsu early if you want to get a table—their all you can eat sushi for $24 .95 9 Wholly Cannoli Café Saturday 11 a .m . to 10:30 p m. . draws quite a crowd . Order as many pieces as 22691 E . Aurora Parkway Sunday 11 a m. . to 10 p .m ,. full bar, $$ you can from the menu, which includes rolls, 303-400-4110 • whollycannolicafe .com sashimi and nigiri, and don’t forget the items Monday through Thursday 9 a .m . to 8:30 p .m . Southlands has its own hibachi house, where from their regular menu–gyoza, miso soup, diners can sit at large community-style tables Friday & Saturday 9 a .m . to 9 p .m . tempura and mochi . Sunday 11 a .m . to 7 p .m ., $ and have the hibachi chef prepare your shrimp, 5 Tokyoya Bowl & Bowl Wholly Cannoli serves homemade pizza, pasta meat, vegetables and rice in front of you and 2210 S . Chambers Road and pastries, including calzones, cheesecakes, your tablemates with a flourish by master level 303-368-1668 and of course, cannoli . Favorites include the chefs from New York City and Japan . Voted Monday through Saturday 10:30 a .m . to 9 p .m ,. full bar, $ eggplant parmesan sandwich and the rainbow Reader’s Choice Best Sushi and Best Japanese cookies, which are great to take home by the restaurant by the Aurora Sentinel’s Best of the Tokyoya serves up noodle and rice bowls fast dozen . Choose homemade meals such as and budget-friendly, and regulars love their Best in 2010 . For those not interested in the lasagna or chicken piccata, served with freshly JFC–Japanese Fried Chicken . It’s tender like no baked garlic bread . Enjoy them at the café or entertainment aspect of the meal, Mt . Fuji also other and comes with a dipping sauce that is take and bake them at home . serves sushi and teriyaki dinners . out of this world .

9 KOREAN korean restaurants 4 Han Kang Korean 4 O Bok Korean Rice Cake Bakery 1910 S . Havana St . 2720 S . Havana St ., #h 4 Al Bae Nae 303-873-6800 • hankangkoreancuisine com. 2040 S . Havana St . 303-369-3333 Monday through Saturday 8 a m. . to 10 p .m . 303-751-0014 Tuesday through Saturday 10 a .m . to 6 p .m . Sunday 8 a m. . to 9 p m. ,. full bar, $$ Daily 10 a .m . to 10 p .m ., closed Wednesday, Sunday 1 to 3 p m. ., $ no alcohol, $ Han Kang has won local awards year after year for its outstanding traditional Korean cuisine . O Bok serves up Korean rice cakes, both savory If you want large portions at reasonable prices, Freshness is everything with Korean cooking . At and sweet, made fresh daily, with alternating this is the place . Though Al Bae Nae doesn’t Han Kang you will taste the raw, bare, spicy varieties depending on the day . feature many of the ‘typical’ dishes found at flavors you get only when food is served other area Korean restaurants, the variety on straight from the stovetop to the table . While 4 Seoul BBQ their menu more than makes up for it . Try the standards like galbi ribs and bibimbap are 2080 S . Havana St . tonkatsu (fried pork cutlets) or the ddukbokki outstanding, try the ginseng chicken or the 303-632-7576 • seoulkoreanbbq .com (spicy rice cake) or the jangbong noodle soup spicy crab soup for a taste of what else Korean Daily 11 a .m . to 10 p .m ., beer and wine, $$ food has to offer . This family owned and and dumplings . Hot tea is on the house . operated restaurant serves Aurora a taste of This upscale Korean barbecue restaurant 4 Café Sky Korea with authentic homemade recipes . provides a peaceful escape from the daily grind . 2767 S . Parker Road The award-winning Seoul BBQ serves some of 4 Korea House 303-745-6262 10293 E . Iliff Ave . the metro area’s finest Korean-style dishes . The Daily 10 a .m . to 10 p .m ., American & Korean 303-696-0011 restaurant’s dining space is divided into private beer and wine, $ Monday through Sunday 11 a m. . to midnight rooms, so diners may enjoy reserving one for an Sunday 11 a .m . to 10 p m. ., full bar, $$ Located in the same shopping center as intimate, discreet meal . Waitstaff quietly serve H-Mart, Café Sky is known for its quick service This Korean barbecue hot spot has braziers using carts, first serving banchan, the and inexpensive meals . Most of their lunches built right into the table, so diners can grill their complimentary assortment of sides, including are under $5 and all their dinners stay beneath own meats as they please from the $18 .95 all- kimchi (fermented cabbage in chili sauce), the $10 mark . Opt for the rice cake dumpling you-can-eat barbecue . The spicy galbi soup, a roasted yams, scallion omelets, and various soup or the seafood soup . Choose from beef, sizzling pot of ribs and vegetables in a thick pickles . Try the soondubu jjigae (a seafood and pork or chicken bulkogi served with vegetables, tomato broth served with rice, is big enough to share, and the bulgogi, a plate of seared beef tofu hotpot), or the bibimbap, where rice meets or be adventurous and try the pajun, Korean with vegetables, is also delicious . Bibambap, a vegetables and meat in a clay pot; the mixture pancake with green onions and squid . rice bowl of meat with a fried egg on top, is a continues to cook while you eat . 4 Dah Won Rice Cake favorite for the lunch crowd . Meals are served 2222 S . Havana St . with a selection of bottomless sides called 4 Silla 303-369-7890 banchan, including marinated seaweed, tofu, 3005 S . Peoria St ., Ste . F Daily 8 a .m . to 5 p .m ., no alcohol, $ kimchi, broccoli in hot sauce, and mung bean 303-338-5070 sprouts . A complimentary sweet rice drink is Daily 11 a .m . to 10 p m. ., beer and wine, $$$ Dah Won Rice Cake is one shop among an served at the end of the meal . eclectic mix including Paris Baguette, Japanese Silla’s location is unassuming, and their 4 Midopa sushi house Katsu Sushi, Ethiopian Tana 2000 S . Havana St . clientele has been faithfully filling booths at this market, and Korean nightclub Havana . The shop 303-745-1373 Korean barbecue restaurant for more than 15 specializes in tteok, the Korean rice cakes that Beer and wine only, $ years . Order the bibim naeng myun, spicy cold can be either savory or sweet . Savory versions Home style Korean cooking is what you get at buckwheat noodles . The noodles come in a are stir-fried amongst noodles or something Midopa . If you are not familiar with Korean food huge bowl filled with icy broth, heaped in fresh similar, while the sweet versions are coated and but want to experience the atmosphere, order and marinated vegetables, beef and a hard- filled . The cakes come in a variety of bright bibibop, which is mixed vegetables with rice boiled egg . Meals come with cold, sweet barley colors, filled with bean paste, nuts, and fillings and beef . More traditional diners may order the water, known as sikhye, at the end . For larger (like honey-sesame), and coated in chestnut or Midopa naeng myun (cold buckwheat noodles) acorn flour . The family behind the counter can or the dot sol bibimbap, served in the pot it was parties, Korean barbecue standards bulgogi recommend something to try, and the tteok are cooked in . When considering traditional Korean and bibimbap won’t disappoint, one reason this best eaten fresh . food for your event, Midopa will cater for you . place has enjoyed such staying power .

10 MARKETS markets 5 Elite Deli Fruits & Vegetables 1 Krungthai Imports 15413 E . Hampden Ave . 11700 Montview Blvd . 4 Aladdin Market 303-400-9902 303-344-0705 10315 E . Iliff Ave . Monday through Saturday 10 a .m . to 8 p .m . Daily 10 a .m . to 8 p m. . 303-337-3121 Sunday 10 a .m . to 6 p .m ,. no alcohol Daily 9:30 a .m . to 8 p .m . Krungthai specializes in hard-to-find Asian Owned by a family from Ukraine, Elite stocks ingredients, especially Thai, and seafood . Aladdin specializes in Islamic goods, in delicacies from Russia and beyond, from particular Halal meats, but also specialties from sausage to spices to sauces (try the adjika, a 3 Mi Pueblo Market Morocco and North Eastern African countries Russian salsa) . Rosehip syrup, Kvas (Russia’s 15585 E . Colfax Ave . and South Africa including bulk spices and non-alcoholic wheat drink), and pelmeni (lamb 303-361-6123 flours, nuts, dried beans, oils, cheeses and or beef dumplings) are stocked alongside fruit Daily 7 a .m . to 9 p .m . baked goods, like Injera bread . Mixes for Falafel juices (Ya brand comes in unique flavors like Join the crowded bustle of this taqueria and and Mujaddarah line the shelves alongside whortleberry), and grass-flavored Mexican butcher & produce shop and stock up mulberry juice and apricot syrup, and the store Chernogolovka soda . Elite carries famed on Latin produce like cactus paddles (and their also sells hookahs for the Middle Eastern Finnish cheese Viola, a variety of Russian fruit), mamey, cherimoya and guava, and stay smoking ritual . They serve types of bread made candies and, for the truly adventurous—bear for lunch . The in-store taqueria offers classic sausage . daily . You can also enjoy lunch and dinner in the fare like chile verde, menudo, tacos, carnitas shop . 8 Europa Grocery and harder to find Salvadoran pupusas . 13728 E . Quincy Ave . 4 Arash Middle Eastern Market 4 Midopa Market 303-699-1530 • europaworlddeli .com 2720 S . Parker Road 2000 S . Havana St . Monday through Saturday 10 a .m . to 8 p .m . 303-752-9272 303-695-4803 Sunday 10 a .m . to 6 p .m ,. no alcohol . Monday through Saturday 9:30 a .m . to 8 p .m . Daily 9 a .m . to 9 p .m . Sunday 9:30 a .m . to 5 p .m . Europa has a wide selection of Eastern Specializing in Korean and Japanese goods, European goods, specializing in delicacies from Arash, pronounced awe-RASH, is a Persian- this mom and pop grocery is the place to stock Poland and Russia– both red and black caviar, operated grocer known for its rock-bottom over 100 types of imported cheese, European- up on organic tofu, nori, soy sauce, and asian- prices on fresh produce and Mediterranean and style coffees and English tea, and high quality style pickled vegetables . Order your shabu Middle-Eastern goods . Though the store carries chocolates and candies, most of which are shabu and galbi from the meat counter, and get plenty of dry goods, from candies to spices and around $6 per pound . Europa also carries pre-made side-dishes and pastries from other oils, jams, teas and coffees, visitors won’t want canned and jarred sauces and spreads, jams, counters to round out your meal . to miss their deli selections; fresh, creamy and pickled fish, and a cooler full of blintzes, hummus and a variety of fresh feta cheeses . 1 Rancho Liborio perogis, and verenikis–the ubiquitous Ukrainian 10400 E . Colfax Ave . Check out their olive bar, get some Colorado ravioli . Clean and well-organized, Europa is lamb from the butcher counter, and don’t forget 720-343-1210 • liborio com. your go-to shop when in search of your favorite Daily 7 a .m . to 10 p .m . the lavosh flat breads to round out the feast . European goods . This Latin superstore’s motto is “If they have it 1 Carneceria Guadalajara 4 Gomez Market there, we have it here,” a slogan they maintain 1544 Lima St . 354 Havana St . 303-313-0390 by offering myriad of goods from across Central 303-366-6859 and South America . Grab an agua fresca Daily 8 a .m . to 8 p .m. Daily 9 a .m . to 9 p .m . (Mexican water) in flavors like tamarind or This authentic Mexican butcher shop Gomez imports specialty items from Mexico, watermelon (or a snack from their café) before (carneceria) specializes in the hard-to-find cuts including dried peppers and spices, plus exploring the produce–everything from guaje called for in so many traditional recipes—tripe, bakery items like tortillas, pan dulce, and pods used in chile sauce to fresh banana leaves sweetbreads, pig feet, and the like . But the bolillo . for wrapping savory tamales, plus the usual store also sells very fresh cuts of beef, chicken, suspects–papaya, pineapple, avocado–at pork & goat that are familiar, alongside an in- 4 H-Mart excellent prices . The store sells familiar brands house taco bar, a selection of dry goods, 2751 S . Parker Road available south of the border, and includes an household products and fresh produce . 303-745-4592 • hmart .com in-house bakery, meat, cheese and seafood Daily 9 a .m . to 9:30 p .m . counters offering meats and cheeses used in 5 E Mart Latin cuisine . Peruse the housewares aisle, 14301 E . Exposition Ave . Part of the Korean Hanareum mega-chain, this where you’ll find tortilla warmers, molcajetes, 303-367-0626 Asian grocer stocks everything from household (for grinding spices and making guacamole) Daily 9 a .m . to 9 p .m . goods like chopsticks, rice cookers and even bedding, to fresh fish, meat and produce, and and molinillos (a wooden tool for frothing hot E Mart stocks Korean goods, but also those every other Asian product under the sun . Take chocolate) . There’s also an aisle dedicated to hard-to find ingredients from across Asia . The home a block of the tofu made right there in the goods from South America where you’ll find store has fresh produce, a butcher counter store, and stock up on all the other ingredients dulce de leche and Yerba Mate . Grab a dozen specializing in Korean cuts, and a Korean needed for your favorite Japanese, Chinese, fresh tortillas from their in-house tortilleria plus restaurant right inside the store . Reasonable Indonesian, Korean or Vietnamese meal . H-Mart all the fixins for a fresh and authentic taco night prices and friendly service are a plus . also has an outstanding bakery and a Boba bar . en casa .

11 4 Sathvik Foods 8 Casa Vallarta 2720 S . Havana St ., Unit I 4002 S . Parker Road 303-695-9077 • sathvikfoods .com 303-617-4957 • casavallartadining .com Thursday through Tuesday 10 a .m . to 9 p .m . Daily 11 a .m . to 10 p .m ., full bar, $$ Closed Wednesday Casa Vallarta offers an extensive menu of Sathvik is a family-run grocer stocking items American style Mexican favorites, from burritos from India and Pakistan, including a diverse to enchiladas, chiles rellenos and combination selection of spices, ghee, frozen goods, and plates . Try the fajitas or carnitas, recommended some British items like Horlicks malted drinks by regulars . Enjoy daily plate and drink specials, and Cadburys chocolates . For an impromptu Indian meal, ready-made items like naan and karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights and over 5 El Lucerito samosas are available . 120 types of tequila . 3088 S . Peoria St . 5 Don Emilio’s Mexican Restaurant mexicanMEXICAN restaurants 303-283-3517 • elluceritorestaurant .com 14050 E . Evans Ave . Monday through Thursday 11 a .m . to 9 p .m . 5 Ajuua 303-597-5151 • emiliosaurora .com Friday & Saturday 9 a m. . to 9 p .m ., full bar, $$ 14150 E . Illiff Ave . Monday through Friday 10 a m. . to 9 p m. . 720-747-0764 • ajuua .com Saturday & Sunday 8 a .m . to 9 p .m ,. full bar, $ El Lucerito has been serving up affordable Sunday through Thursday 11 a .m . to 10 p .m . American Mexican plates for years now, and New to the Aurora Mexican scene, Don Emilio’s Friday & Saturday 11 a .m . to 11 p .m ., full bar, regulars love their large home style serves Tex-Mex and American style Mexican $-$$ combinations and happy hour specials . Try the food . Live Mariachi and happy hour specials, 6020 S . Gun Club Road, Ste . E-3 tacos with carne adovada with a margarita (or plus televisions to watch sporting events, plus 303-766-0335 • ajuua .com one of their aguas frescas for an alcohol-free generous portions for reasonable prices on Sunday through Thursday 11 a .m . to 9 p .m . treat); take home a dozen of their homemade favorites like burritos, fajitas and the like . Friday & Saturday 11 a .m . to 11 p .m ., full bar, tamales to enjoy later . $$ 4 Dora’s Mexican Restaurant 6 El Parralito 2406 S . Parker Road Locally-owned chain Ajuua serves Mexican 830 S . Buckley Road food for the American palate . While north-of- 303-368-1527 • dorasmexican .com 303-377-9459 the-border favorites like build-your-own Monday through Thursday Monday through Saturday 9 a .m . to 9 p .m . burritos, fajitas, tacos and chimichangas make 10:30 a .m . to 9:30 p m. . Sunday 9 a .m . to 3 p m. ., full bar, $ up the bulk of the menu, there are a few Friday & Saturday 11 a .m . to 10 p .m ., full bar, specialties that won’t disappoint someone in $$ El Parralito serves familiar Tex-Mex style search of real Mexican flavor, like the Queso dishes–chiles rellenos, either soft or crispy, Dora’s has a long standing history in Denver, Fundido and the Camarones Mojo al Ajo . smothered in green chile, burritos packed with Excellent specials every night make this a great and after spending years leasing the kitchen of eggs, chiles and potatoes and the like, all at option for families, or drinks with friends, in a the Blue Bonnet, they opened Dora’s in its reasonable prices . The daily lunch specials clean atmosphere with friendly service . current location in 1994, Dora’s serves American Mexican food like rellenos, make it a popular stop for service men and 5 Blue Agave Mexican Restaurant chimichangas, smothered burritos and fajitas . women at nearby Buckley Air Force Base . Enjoy 12131 E . Iliff Ave ., Unit D a late day meal at happy hour with $2 303-755-1822 • www .eatblueagave .com 4 El Camaron Loco margaritas . Monday through Thursday 11 a .m . to 9 p m. . 513 Havana St . Friday 11 a .m . to 10 p .m . 303-326-6644 1 El Patron Saturday and Sunday 9 a .m . to 10 p m. ., Monday through Thursday 9 a .m . to 9 p .m . 14211 E . 6th Ave . full bar, $$ Friday & Saturday 9 a m. . to 10 p m. . 303-364-8066 Blue Agave is a family owned and operated Sunday 9 a .m . to 9 p m. ., $ Monday through Friday 10 a .m . to 9 p .m . Mexican restaurant offering just about Saturday & Sunday 9 a m. . to 10 p .m ., full bar, As its name suggests, the ‘Crazy Shrimp’ everything you could want in a Mexican $$ restaurant . Try the chimichangas, tacos, specializes in seafood . The fast-casual taqueria El Patron serves authentic Mexican food in their tampiquenas, or one of their more authentic serves favorites from Mexico’s coastal beach options like antojitos, mole poblano and towns at its walk-up counter—ceviche, fish casual and comfortable newly remodeled mojarra . Featuring fresh ingredients, Blue and shrimp tacos and shrimp cocktail, a spicy location . Their menu includes everything from Agave will satisfy your craving for authentic gazpacho-like soup full of seafood and fajitas to tacos al pastor (roasted pork stacked Mexican food . vegetables are a few of the house favorites . on a brazier), served in large portions .

12 3 El Pelicano 1 La Cueva 1 Los Farolitos 15355 E . Colfax Ave . 9742 E . Colfax Ave . 1593 Peoria St . 303-344-0488 • elpelicanoco .com 303-367-1422 • lacueva net. 303-367-2739 Monday through Saturday 10 a .m . to 10 p .m . Sunday 10 a .m . to 9 p .m ., full bar, $$ Monday through Saturday 11 a .m . to 9 p .m ,. Daily at 8 a .m ,. no alcohol, $ $$ The fiesta at El Pelicano begins with ceviche, Westword voted the tomatillo salsa at Los salsa and chips at your table, and their specialty The Nuñez family has been running this Aurora Farolitos Best Green Chile in 2011, but theirs is the seafood that coastal Mexico is so known cornerstone since 1974, serving Mexican isn’t the southwestern style green chile many for . Tableside grills, known as parillada are one favorites like chiles rellenos, mole poblano, and Coloradoans grew up with, it’s an authentic of the favorites; they come laden with fresh seafood, vegetables and fruits with portions shrimp fajitas to fans across the metro area . Mexican-style version . Los Farolitos specializes generous enough to share with a group . Shrimp Today, La Cueva serves 120 types of tequila and in the cuisine local to Mexico City, particularly tacos, seafood enchiladas, grilled tilapia cooked mescal alongside their generous combination guisados, or stewed meats—lamb and goat are with garlic or ‘al diablo’ are all great bets . plates, brining the tastes of their native their specialties . It’s one of the few places in Generous portions and reasonable prices make town you can find huaraches, the oblong fried El Pelicano a local favorite . Top off your meal Guanajato to Denver palates—one reason they with live Mariachis (see website for dates) and have won award after award in their nearly 40 corn dough piled in toppings named after a type $2 Mexican beers, and you’re a step away from years in the business . of sandal, and its barbacoa is unbeatable . Go for being on the beach . the buffet for a sampling of house favorites, or 8 Las Hadas 5 Guadalajara order off the extensive menu of traditional 15264 E . Hampden Ave . 1001 S . Abilene St . Mexican favorites . 303-696-0903 303-693 9519 Sunday through Thursday 11 a .m . to 10 p .m . lashadasmexicanrestaurant .com 4 Los Toritos Friday & Saturday 11 a .m . to 11 p .m ., Daily 7 a .m . to 10 p .m ., full bar, $$ 304 Havana St . full bar, $ 303-344-5984 Starting in the morning, Las Hadas (which Guadalajara has been called Aurora’s best Monday through Thursday 9 a .m . to 9 p .m . roughly translates as ‘the fairy tale’) begins Mexican restaurant time after time by its fans, Friday & Saturday 7:30 a m. . to 10 p .m ., $ and we know why—their fast, friendly service, serving breakfast, both American and Mexican comfortable dining space, and of course, their style . Work your way through their extensive 9405 E . Colfax Ave . food! Choose from an extensive menu of all menu of combination plates, chicken mole, 303-366-6381 your authentic Mexican favorites, from chicken chiles rellenos, chimichangas, and more, and Monday through Thursday 8 a .m . to 11 p .m . mole to steak fajitas, carne asada, to chicken Friday & Saturday 8 to 2 a m. . with their special pipian sauce (made from stay to hear the mariachi band on Friday nights . Sunday 8 to 12 a m. ., full bar, $ pumpkin seeds) . Just about every other classic 1 Las Tortugas dish from South of the border makes an With two locations in Aurora, Los Toritos’ appearance on their menu, too, and 712 Peoria St . generous portions of classic Mexican fare— Guadalajara’s generous portions come at 303-367-1123 reasonable prices . Sunday through Thursday 9 a .m . to 9 p .m . chimichangas, chiles rellenos, carnitas tacos, chicken enchiladas and the like, will leave you 1 Guadalajara Authentic Friday & Saturday 9 a .m . to 10 p .m ., no with enough to take home, all at a very Mexican Buffet alcohol, $ 11385 E . Colfax Ave . reasonable price . 303-344-3862 • mexbuffet .com Las Tortugas is a classic Mexican tortas shop— 1 Lupita’s Monday through Friday 10 a .m . to 9 p .m . long stainless steel countertops peppered with 11809 E . Colfax Ave . Saturday & Sunday 9:30 a .m . to 9 p .m ., beer napkin dispensers let you know you’re in for the 303-344-0020 • lupitasco com. and wine, $ most authentic tortas this side of Mexico City . Daily 6 a .m . to 9 p .m ,. full bar, $ Lovers of Mexican food, your haven is Fresh bolillo bread piled high in endless Guadalajara Authentic Mexican Buffet . The combinations of meats, cheeses and toppings Lupita’s is an East Colfax fixture, run by Betty buffet is a collection of bona fide south-of-the- keeps regulars returning for more . Fans favor Ortiz and her family, serving southwestern- border specialties, from salsas (try the tomatillo) to chiles (green is recommended) and posole to the hawaiiano, a pork and pineapple sandwich, style Mexican food . If you’re hungry for pollo adobado . Enchiladas, chiles rellenos, while brave souls with huge stomachs will try overstuffed burritos packed with chorizo, egg, tamales, ribs, a taco bar, and even beans and the cubano, a sandwich piled with egg, ham, and potatoes and smothered, stuffed sopapillas, rice are part of the line-up . Dessert selections hot dogs, steak, beans, cheese and toppings . or tamales, Lupita’s won’t disappoint . Live include rice pudding and flan . Guadalajara Wash it down with an agua fresca like their Tejano music on weekends and their kitschy Authentic Mexican Buffet has enough variety that those who want to try it all will have to crazy water, a combination of pineapple, year-round holiday décor add to the off-beat come back for more . orange and strawberry, blended fresh with ice . charm .

13 4 Neveria Las Chucheriaz 5 Señor Miguel’s New Mexican 4 Tequila’s Family Mexican 353 Havana St . 14583 E . Alameda Ave . Restaurant 303-990-3225 303-360-9284 2790 S . Havana St . Daily 11 a .m . to 7 p .m ., no alcohol, $ Monday 6:30 a .m . to 3 p .m . 720-748-1260 Tuesday through Friday 6:30 a m. . to 8 p m. . Monday through Friday 10:30 a .m . to 10 p .m ., Stop into this Mexican ice cream parlor on a Saturday 10 a .m . to 8 p .m ,. no alcohol, $ Saturday & Sunday 10:30 a .m . to 11 p .m ., full busy Sunday afternoon and join families bar, $$ enjoying the day and a variety of signature Senor Miguel’s brings you a taste of New Mexico right here in the metro area . Owner Mexican favorites: strawberries and cream, As its name might imply, Tequila’s serves Mike Morales and his family are local purveyors Mexican-style popsicles–in flavors like mango, of green chile and stuffed sopapillas . Their tequila, and a lot of it . The restaurant and bar coconut or refreshing homemade aguas frescas green chile is Aurora’s spiciest, and is made brings the beach party from the shores of (cucumber, pineapple, lime and strawberry daily in-house; their smothered breakfast Mexico to your backyard, from the hand- among them) . The house specialty is the burritos are a sure winner . painted tables and pressed copper wall décor, escamoche–the mother of all ice-cream to the happy hour 2-for-1 margaritas . Their 5 Señor Ric’s sundaes–fruit and cream stacked with scoops chips and salsa are accompanied by a tangy 13200 E . Mississippi Ave . of ice cream, all the toppings, and more cabbage slaw, pork carnitas and carne asada whipped cream . If you’re in the mood for 303-750-9000 • senorrics net. Sunday through Thursday 11 a m. . to 9:30 p m. . both come recommended; come on weekends something savory, the shop also serves up Friday & Saturday 11 a m. . to 10 p m. . for live mariachi . antojitos like pepihuates (peanuts, yams, Lounge hours daily 11 a m. . to 11 p m. ., $$ cucumber and Clamato) corn on the cob, and 3 Titi’s chilindrinas, a savory plate made with chicken . Family-owned Señor Ric’s has been a staple in 15490 E . Colfax Ave ., Ste . B Las Cucheriaz carries a selection of ice creams, Aurora since the mid-1980s, serving affordable 303-366-2228 • letseat at/titisrestaurant. fresh fruit with lime and chile and Mexican American-Mexican favorites like fajitas, Monday through Friday 10 a .m . to 10 p .m . candies . rellenos and chimichangas . Locals head there Saturday & Sunday 8 a m. . to 10 p .m ., full bar, for the daily happy-hour specials and $$ 1 Puerta Vallarta No. 3 bottomless chips and salsa in their fun fiesta 9538 Montview Blvd . atmosphere; stick around in Margaritaville and In a surprisingly elegant setting, Titi’s features a 303-364-5770 try their Pollo Magnifico, a deep-fried chicken fusion of Mexican, South/Central American and Call for hours, full bar, $$ burrito stuffed with melted cheese . Caribbean foods, serving breakfast and main plate options . Those with a Caribbean bent will Puerta Vallarta specializes in the seafood that’s 3 Super Express love options like mofongo and tostones, while so beloved in its namesake town in Mexico . The 1650 Tower Road those with a craving for Mexican will want the adventurous eater will want to try the octopus 303-363-4131 chilaquiles or the menudo . South/Central ceviche, and the shrimp mojo de ajo (served in Monday through Friday 5:30 a .m . to 9 p .m . American specialties include empanadas and garlic butter) or shrimp diablo are recommended . Saturday 5:30 a .m . to 8 p .m . Sunday 8 a .m . to 8 p .m ,. beer, $ arepas . 1 Real de Minas Mexican Grill Something akin to a Mexican convenience 11101 E . Colfax Ave . TACOTACO TRUCKS TRUCKS store, Super Express serves breakfast and 303-367-1504 • realdeminasrest .com lunch burritos and, on weekends, pan dulce and Monday through Friday 8 a .m . to 11 p .m . 4 El Costeño menudo . Regulars also love the traditional Saturday & Sunday 7 a .m . to 2 a .m ., full bar, 800 S . Havana St . Mexican snacks; the store also stocks fresh 720-975-6648 $$ produce . Daily 10 a .m . to 9 p m. ., no alcohol, $ 3855 Peoria St . 1 Tacos Y Salsas Mexico City’s beloved street food, Tacos de 720-374-3055 9103 E . Colfax Ave . Canasta, comes to Aurora at El Costeño . Tacos de Sunday through Thursday 9 a .m . to 1 p .m . 303-367-1046 Friday & Saturday 9 a .m . to 11 p .m ., $$ 2284 S . Chambers Road Canasta, or literally, basket tacos, are similar to 303-283-1616 tacos al vapor because of their method of 6775 Cornerstar Way Daily 8 a m. . to 11 p m. ., no alcohol, $ preparation—steaming—but unlike tacos al 303-766-2207 vapor, tacos de canasta come with a variety of A no-frills taco bar serving some of the metro Daily 9 a .m . to 11 p .m . filling options . This taco, a specialty of Mexico area’s most traditional Mexican flavors, from City (hence their annual Tacos de Canasta Fair), Real de Minas’ bright menu photos display their tacos al pastor (pork marinated and roasted on pantheon of Colorado-style Mexican entrees, a spit) to tongue and tripe . The taqueria also is typically sold out of a towel-lined basket from chilaquiles and breakfast burritos to serves sopes (fried corn dough patties piled mounted on a bicycle . At El Costeño they are sold combination plates, steaks, platters, and a few with meat, beans, vegetables and toppings), from a basket in the truck, with fillings like potato good American options thrown in for good tostadas, and tortas . Wash it down with a and chorizo and chicharron, and served with an measure, including green chile . Order a creamy horchata (rice water) to cool the spicy array of salsas, including guaje, made from the michelada to drink . flavors of the salsa bar . seed pods of the acacia tree .

14 1 La Cascada NE corner of Yosemite and Colfax no alcohol, $ 17th and Peoria (trucks are individually owned, so menus may vary, but have the same logo and truck design) La Cascada serves the meaty, greasy tacos loved by late night revelers from neighboring Shepe’s Rincon . The truck has paneled lighting near the counter, as well as a self-serve pantheon of condiments, from pickled radish, cabbage and limes to creamy avocado sauce, are red and green tomatillo salsa . Try their generously portioned carne asada tacos from this quintessential Colfax gem .

middleMIDDLE eastern EASTERN restaurants

5 Café Paprika russian restaurants 4 Solomon’s Grocery & 13160 E . Mississippi Ave . European Deli 303-755-4150 • cafeparika .com 4 Mirage Restaurant and Nightclub 1939 S . Havana St . Monday through Thursday 2648 S . Parker Road 303-337-6454 11 a .m . to 3 p .m . & 5 to 9:30 p .m . 303-750-4920 • miragerestaurant .net Friday 4 to 9:30 p .m . Tuesday through Thursday 11 a .m . to 8 p .m . Monday through Saturday 9 a .m . to 8 p .m . Saturday 11 a .m . to 3 p .m . & 5 to 9:30 p m. ., Sunday 10 a .m . to 6 p .m ., no alcohol, $ no alcohol, $$ Friday through Sunday 11 a m. . to 2 a .m ., full bar, $$$ Owner Chakib Marrakchi has been serving up Solomon Gurzhiev and family hail from the foods of his Moroccan homeland in the Mirage’s owner is an immigrant from Yerevan, Uzbekistan, and bring the flavors of their native same location for almost 20 years, transporting Armenia, and he brings the hospitality and land to their Russian-Jewish deli, where they diners to exotic Bedouin climes with tapestry- exotic feel of Russia to the metro area with sell a variety of Eastern European and Russian covered seating and desert-muraled walls at his Café Paprika . Guests are welcomed with a Mirage restaurant . The largely Russian clientele foods . Among the goods are jams, sauces and pot of mint tea served in jewel-colored glasses, adds to the feeling of being in a cozy, old-world candies, fresh deli meats and sausages, accompanied by plates of homemade hummus spot, as does the menu—chicken Kiev, beef smoked fish and pickles . Fresh European-style or baba ganouj, followed by harrira, a gently stroganoff and other Russian, Ukrainian and yogurts and cheeses, fresh-baked rye bread, spiced tomato soup of lentils and chickpeas . Georgian classics grace the menu . Friday and The menu features a number of traditional and hard to find ingredients like grechka Saturday nights, enjoy live music and something tagines—fragrant stews slow-cooked in a (buckwheat kasha) and bulk poppy seeds make from the extensive vodka menu while Mirage conical clay pot—and lamb is a house a trip to Solomon’s worthwhile . specialty . Chicken in apricot sauce, served over transforms itself into a nightclub with plenty of a bed of couscous, is also divine . For dessert, room for dancing . 5 Teremok Russian Crepe Café don’t miss the m’hencha, layers of phyllo dough 14561 E . Alameda Ave . wrapped around almond paste, flavored with a 8 Royal International Cuisine hint of rose water . 13736 E . Quincy Ave . 303-341-4115 • russiancrepes .com 303-617-6055 Monday through Friday 8 a .m . to 3 p .m . 5 Tasty Kabob 15493 E . Hampden Ave ., Unit D Wednesday through Friday 10 a .m . to 8 p .m . Saturday & Sunday 10 a m. . to 5 p .m ., $$ 303-680-3138 Saturday 10 a .m . to 8 p .m . Teremok, in Russian, means ‘cozy, rustic cabin’, Monday through Thursday 11 a .m . to 8 p .m . Sunday 10 a m. . to 6 p m. ,. no alcohol, $$ Friday & Saturday 11 a .m . to 9 p .m ., no the feeling the restaurant strives for when alcohol, $ Royal International is a café, serving some of serving the classic comfort food of the former the best Russian food in the state . Choose Tasty Kabob is a no-frills, family owned Soviet Union . Breakfast or lunch at Teremok between a salmon or chicken shashlik (kebab operation, but it serves some of the metro includes traditional favorites like hot homemade in a Georgian style), and zrazy (mushroom- area’s best Middle Eastern grub . Try their Beef borscht (served with a salad and homemade Shawarma—tender, juicy beef cuts, shaved off stuffed chicken cutlets) . Traditional favorites bread), or oladi—piping hot Russian-style the rotisserie, slathered in a delicious garlic like golubtsi (meat and rice-stuffed cabbage sauce and wrapped in a pita . Kabobs come on rolls) make an appearance, too, but save room pancakes served with sour cream and honey . skewers on a bed of fluffy saffron-infused rice, for their pastries and dessert pirozhkis–stuffed Their homemade vareniki—fluffy potato and alongside a salad, pita bread, and hummus . The cheese filled dumplings, covered in a tangy eggplant zalouk comes recommended . Tasty with apples or cherries . Royal International Kabob is known for its generous portions and uses fresh ingredients and also offers catering sour cream sauce spiked with dill and outstanding friendly service . for your next event . horseradish will also leave you feeling satisfied .

15 4 Thai Flavor 1014 S . Peoria St . 720-859-7648 Monday through Thursday 11 a .m . to 9 p .m . Friday & Saturday 9 a m. . to 11 p .m . Sunday 11 a .m . to 9 p m. ., beer and wine, $

Thai Flavor is a true gem in the metro area—a favorite among local food critics and non- critics alike . Voted Best Thai Restaurant of 2011 by alternative newspaper Westword, their outstanding menu of both northern and southern Thai favorites no doubt comes from owner Surin Thanon’s care to her recipes . Herbs and chiles used in Thai Flavor’s curry dishes come from Thanon’s own garden and SOUTH/CENTRAL AMERICAN are ground fresh in the kitchen’s mortar and South/Central American rest. 1 Little Wagon Steakhouse/ pestle . Favorite dishes include south Thailand La Pradera 5 El Alamo Grande specialty Massaman curry, tom yum goong 11701 E . Colfax Ave . 1708 S . Chambers Road (a soup delivered flaming hot to the table, 303-614-9806 • denvermexicanfood .com 303-343-0849 filled with shrimp, mushrooms, tomato and Monday through Saturday 11 a .m . to 9 p .m . Daily 10 a .m . to 9 p .m ,. full bar, $-$$ lemongrass), standard drunken noodles and Sundays 11 a .m . to 7 p .m ., full bar, $$ Little Wagon Steakhouse is a bonafide, old-west any of the stellar homemade curries, infused This family-owned restaurant serves Mexican style steakhouse, serving steak and potatoes . with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, lemongrass and food during the week, but its real specialties What Little Wagon is known for is importing the galangal spiked with coconut milk and kaffir come from its Peruvian menu, which is served Salvadoran and Honduran fare that keeps peo- lime leaves . only on weekends . Peruvian cuisine takes its ple moseying through with its partner restaurant influences from around the globe: China, Japan, La Pradera . Pupusas–thick corn tortillas, stuffed 8 Thai Garden Italy have all had a hand, alongside Peru’s own with a variety of fillings, are a staple in Salva- 16911 E . Quincy Ave . indigenous flavors . Try the tamal peruano, a doran kitchens, and one of the best bets at this 303-400-1173 • thaigardenasianfusion .com saffron-infused corn tamal stuffed with pork unique eatery . Some of the fillings include fish, Friday & Saturday 11 a m. . to 10 p .m . and hard-boiled eggs, wrapped in a banana leaf beans, pork, cheese and loroco, an edible herb Sunday through Thursday 11 a .m . to 9:30 and served with salsa criolla, a pepper relish . grown on a vine . The pupusa filled with squash p .m ., sake, wine & beer, $$ Peru’s classic-style ceviche, a fish salsa, and and melted cheese, and accompanied by the This former Thai Basil location was taken over parihuela, a seafood stew to share are like a trip tomato-y salsa roja and curtido (shredded cab- by an independent owner, and serves up nearly to Peru on a plate . And Peru’s classic soft drink, bage slaw), the pupusa queso con loroco– the same simple Thai standards as Thai Basil the hyper-sweet bubble gum flavored Inka Cola, melted cheese with herbs–is also recommend- is sold here, along with the hard-to-find Chicha ed . Adventurous eaters will want to try the pigs’ alongside the customary American-Chinese Morada, made from kernels of blue corn . feet and yucca tacos or the sopa de caracol dishes . You will be pleased by the clean (coconut-conch soup) . atmosphere and décor and prompt friendly 1 La Guatemalteca 10329 E . Colfax Ave . service . Take-out and delivery are also options . 303-343-2838 Thai restaurants 1 Thai Landing Monday through Friday 8 a .m . to 7 p .m . 1984 Nome St . 1 Ban Thai (formerly Sue of Siam) Saturday & Sunday 7 a .m . to 7 p .m ., no 303-340-1350 • thailandingcafe .com alcohol, $ 106 E . Del Mar Circle 720-949-1980 Daily 11 a .m . to 9 p .m ., no alcohol, $ While the front of La Guatemalteca is dedicated Tuesday through Saturday 11 a .m . to 8 p .m . Fresh and made to order curries, noodles and to all types of goods from Guatemala and other Sunday noon to 8 p m. ., no alcohol, $ authentic Thai dishes that can be customized parts of Central America, the cantina in the back mild, medium, or hot . Order any of their classic serves home-style Central American fare to When Sue of Siam changed hands, it also locals in search of the comfort foods of home . changed names, and revamped the menu, Thai dishes, but make sure to leave room for Sample menu items include sopa de pata de res giving more choices in the Thai pantheon of one of their ‘bubble cups’—their boba are (cow-foot soup) and puerco con frijoles blancos flavor . Tom Kha Gai, Pad Thai, papaya salad and made fresh daily . Choose a flavor from caramel (pork with white bean stew) . Pair with their Kao Pad Kee Mao are recommended; diners to mango (even green bean is on the menu), thick, homemade corn tortillas and a refresco can also add their own additional condiments which can be milk tea, slush bubble, or snow from the cooler . from the lazy susan featured at each table . bubble style .

16 1 Thai Street Food 4 Kim Ba Vietnamese 4 Pho Duy II 11650 Montview Blvd . 2495 S . Havana St ., #F31 1080 S . Havana St . 303-587-2293 303-745-1637 • kimbavietnamese com. 303-344-0752 Saturday only 11 a .m . to 9 p .m ., no alcohol, Monday through Thursday Daily 9 a .m . to 8 p .m ,. $ cash only, $ 11 a .m . to 9 p .m ., Friday 11 a m. . to 10 p m. . Saturday noon to 10 p m. ., $$ Pho Duy II is part of the mini-empire of pho Utumporn Killoran makes some of the best shops whose location on Federal is Denver’s Ba Forde has been running this cornerstone food in the metro area, hands down, which in the Aurora restaurant scene for over 20 oldest Vietnamese restaurant, and their menu is she slings from her food cart on 16th St . mall years now—and her staying power is a strictly Pho, save a few appetizers and drinks . Monday through Friday, and her fans will testament to the quality of the food . (Local But on our coldest winter days, nothing satisfies often wait an hour to get some of her grub . alternative newspaper Westword named Kim like a big bowl of hot, nourishing noodle soup, But her weekends are spent in Aurora, where Ba the metro area’s best Vietnamese four made to order with your choice of meats, herbs her brand new restaurant is open on Saturday years running ). There’s always a crowd at Kim and condiments . The adventurous will like to try and Sunday . Her menu serves the same eight Ba, where Goliath-sized noodle bowls are a the traditional drink called salty lemonade, specialty . Start with an order of Spring Rolls grades of heat (ranging from baby spice to fire) whereby slices of lemon are cured in salt for a with black bean peanut sauce, and order Bun that lovers of her cart’s fare will recognize, but month before becoming lemonade . she’s expanded her menu at her new location . Thit Noung—the lemongrass pork marinated noodle bowl topped with fresh sprouts, cilantro Her extraordinary dishes include curries, 4 Pho-Yo and mint . For dessert, a Vietnamese iced coffee noodles, stir-fried and salads, plus specialties 2719 S . Parker Road and a mango sorbet finish the meal off right . from Thailand’s Isaan region . You can’t go 303-735-3007 • pho-yo com. wrong with their moo yang (grilled pork 4 New Orient Sunday through Thursday 10 a .m . to 9 p .m . shoulder), green curry, drunken noodles or Pad 10203 E . Iliff Ave . Friday & Saturday 10 a m. . to 10 p .m ., $ Thai, washed down with a cooling Thai iced 303-751-1288 • neworientdining .com Frozen yogurt stand meets traditional tea . Nothing on the menu costs more than $7, Tuesday through Thursday Vietnamese noodle shop—and yet these so it’s just as street food should be—flavorful 11 a .m . to 2:30 p .m . & 5 to 9:30 p .m . Saturday & Sunday noon to 10:30 p .m . contrasts of hot and cold, savory and sweet and cheap . (Note: since this location is so new, Friday 11 a m. . to 2:30 p m. . & 5 to 10:30 p .m ., work in harmony at Pho-Yo . Juxtapose your they currently only accept cash) . $$ bowl of steaming, flavorful pho with a serving New Orient fuses the best of Vietnamese of fro-yo in unique flavors like pomegranate . vietnamese restaurants cooking—fresh, light flavors and delicate The shop, conveniently located by H-Mart, is spices—with the flavors of the West . Their known for its outstanding friendly service—just 8 Egg Roll King East specialty is seafood; start with an order of their 4217 S . Buckley Road one of the reasons it’s become a neighborhood crispy spring rolls, then opt for the traditional 303-699-2880 favorite . lemongrass shrimp, or New Orient’s take on an Monday through Saturday American classic—grilled salmon with a 1 Taste of Saigon 11 a .m . to 9:30 p .m . vinaigrette made from Colorado peaches . 11697 E . Colfax Ave . Sunday 4:30 to 9 p .m ., full bar, $$ 303-341-0566 4 Pho 79 As their name suggests, Egg Roll King East 1080 S . Havana St . Daily 11 a .m . to 8 a .m ,. beer and wine, $ serves some of the city’s best egg rolls, but this 303-344-0752 • pho79restaurant com. Taste of Saigon is a family-owned Vietnamese Daily 9 a .m . to 9 p .m ,. $$ area staple also serves a full menu of Thai, restaurant, with a charming, clean space . They Chinese and Vietnamese favorites . Regulars Pho 79 III isn’t heavy on atmosphere—think offer healthy and fresh favorites like spring enjoy sesame chicken and pad thai in portions cement block warehouse—but its tables, rolls, stuffed with fresh herbs, meats, and rice generous enough to share . some of them long and family style, are vermicelli noodles, plus a full menu of Pho always packed . As its name suggests, the 4 Golden Saigon choices, rice and noodle bowls . Try the bun cha menu focuses primarily on Pho, and they’ve 2648 S . Parker Road gio, a rice-noodle bowl topped with a crispy egg perfected the flavorful soup served in noodle roll and don’t forget your Vietnamese coffee on 303-671-7100 • goldensaigon .com shacks across Vietnam, whether it be morning, Monday through Friday 11 a .m . to 9:30 p .m . noon, or night . Savory pho is breakfast food the side . Saturday noon to 9:30 p .m ., Sunday 2 to 9 in its home country, and Pho 79 serves one p .m ., full bar, $$ of the most addictive soups around, whatever the hour . Pho is served with a heaping plate Family-owned Golden Saigon is a fixture in of fresh garnishes—basil, mint, cilantro, lime, Aurora’s restaurant scene, and regulars love fresh jalapeños and mung bean sprouts can all their reasonable prices, and relaxing find their way into the bowl, along with Sricha environment . Start with an order of their make- sauce, soy or hoisin sauce . For sides, try the your-own spring rolls, then follow with the spicy crispy egg rolls, served with their homemade lamb curry or one of their famed rice noodle Nuoc Mam (fish sauce), and wash it down with bowls . a glass of their Salty Lemonade .

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18 G R index Golden Phoenix ...... 5 Rancho Liborio ...... 11 Golden Saigon ...... 17 A Real de Minas Mexican Grill ...... 14 Addis Ababa of Colorado ...... 6 Golden Wok Asian ...... 5 Gomez Market ...... 11 Rosie’s Diner ...... 3 African Grill & Bar ...... 1 Guadalajara ...... 13 Royal Hilltop ...... 4 Ajuua ...... 12 Guadalajara Authentic Mexican Buffet . . . . .13 Al Bae Nae ...... 10 Royal International Cuisine ...... 15 Aladdin Market ...... 11 H Rumbi Island Grill ...... 8 Apple Creek ...... 1 H-Mart ...... 11 Arash Middle Eastern Market ...... 11 Han Kang Korean ...... 10 S Armando’s ...... 8 Hana Sushi ...... 9 Saddle Rock Grill ...... 4 Athenian ...... 7 Happy Teriyaki ...... 9 Helga’s German Restaurant & Deli ...... 7 Sam’s No . 3 ...... 4 B Hessini Roots ...... 1 Sathvik Foods ...... 12 Ban Thai (formerly Sue of Siam) ...... 16 Selam Ethiopian Restaurant ...... 7 Bean Tree ...... 1 I Bender’s Brat Haus ...... 7 Ifka Café ...... 1 Señor Miguel’s New Mexican ...... 14 Bent Fork ...... 1 J Señor Ric’s ...... 14 Bent Noodle ...... 8 Jai Ho Indian Kitchen ...... 8 Seoul BBQ ...... 10 Bliss Cupcakes ...... 1 Jim ’N Nick’s ...... 3 Shinjuku Japanese Steakhouse ...... 9 Blue Agave Mexican Restaurant ...... 12 Johnny’s Diner ...... 3 Silla ...... 10 Brewery Bar IV ...... 2 Joy Asian Cuisine ...... 6 Brooks Smokehouse & Catering ...... 2 Solomon’s Grocery & European Deli ...... 15 K Sonoda’s ...... 9 C Kim Ba Vietnamese ...... 17 Café Paprika ...... 15 Korea House ...... 10 Stampede ...... 4 Café Sky ...... 10 Krungthai Imports ...... 11 Star of India ...... 8 Caldonia’s ...... 2 L Summit Steakhouse ...... 4 Carmine Lonardo’s Italian Deli ...... 9 L & L Hawaiian BBQ ...... 8 SunBurst Grill ...... 7 Carneceria Guadalajara ...... 11 La Cascada ...... 15 Super Express ...... 14 Casa Vallarta ...... 12 La Creperie ...... 7 Chef Liu’s Café ...... 5 La Cueva ...... 13 Sushi Katsu ...... 9 China Jade ...... 5 La Guatemalteca ...... 16 Cinema Grill ...... 2 Las Hadas ...... 13 T Las Tortugas ...... 13 T & T Hawaiian BBQ ...... 8 D Latta’s Bagels & Coffee ...... 3 Tacos Y Salsas ...... 14 Dads & Dudes Breweria ...... 2 Little Wagon Steakhouse/La Pradera . . . . . 16 Dah Won Rice Cake ...... 10 Los Farolitos ...... 13 Tao Tao Noodle Bar ...... 6 Daniel’s of Paris ...... 7 Los Toritos ...... 13 Taste of Saigon ...... 17 Don Emilio’s Mexican Restaurant ...... 12 Lupita’s ...... 13 Tasty Kabob ...... 15 Dora’s Mexican Restaurant ...... 12 Tea Station ...... 6 Dozens ...... 2 M Dragon Boat ...... 5 Mama Alvino’s Pizzeria ...... 9 Tequila’s Family Mexican Restaurant . . . . . 14 Mandeeq Restaurant & Café ...... 1 Dry Dock Brewing Co ...... 2 Teremok Russian Crepe Café ...... 15 Masalaa ...... 8 Dumitri’s Family Restaurant ...... 7 McCabe’s ...... 5 Thai Flavor ...... 16 E McDonough’s Pub ...... 5 Thai Garden ...... 16 E Mart ...... 11 Meadow Hills Grill ...... 3 Thai Landing ...... 16 Mi Pueblo Market ...... 11 East African Restaurant ...... 1 Thai Street Food ...... 17 East China Asian Cuisine ...... 5 Midopa ...... 10 Egg Roll King East ...... 17 Midopa Market ...... 11 The Brew Hut ...... 1 Mirage Restaurant & Nightclub ...... 15 El Alamo Grande ...... 16 The Movie Tavern ...... 3 Mt . Fuji Sushi & Hibachi ...... 9 El Camaron Loco ...... 12 Murphy Creek Golf Course Tavern ...... 3 The Rock Restaurant ...... 3 El Costeño ...... 14 The Wine Experience Café & World Cellar . . . .4 El Lucerito ...... 12 N Tin Cup Bar & Grill ...... 4 El Parralito ...... 12 Neveria Las Chucheriaz ...... 14 El Patron ...... 12 New Orient ...... 17 Titi’s ...... 14 El Pelicano ...... 13 Nile Ethiopian Café ...... 6 Tokyoya Bowl & Bowl ...... 9 Elite Deli Fruits & Vegetables ...... 11 O Tsai Shen Garden ...... 6 Emerald Isle ...... 2 O Bok Korean Rice Cake Bakery ...... 10 Emil-Lene’s Sirloin House ...... 2 W P English Tea Cup ...... 4 Wan’s Mandarin House ...... 6 Europa Grocery ...... 11 Paradise Asian Café ...... 6 Pho 79 ...... 17 Wholly Cannoli Café ...... 9 F Pho Duy II ...... 17 Formosa Garden ...... 5 Pho-Yo ...... 17 Y Fortune Kitchen ...... 5 Puerta Vallarta No . 3 ...... 14 Ya Ting Asian Cuisine ...... 6 Know why you should spend time in Aurora? Because we’ve got tons for you to do. Aurora’s got plenty of great things to do, places to shop and events to enjoy. Take some time to find out about all the places, spaces and events that will let you truly experience all our city has to offer. For up-to-date information on all of Aurora’s hidden gems, visit the following sites regularly: AuroraGov.org Facebook.com/AuroraGov Twitter.com/AuroraGov VisitAurora.com Access Aurora, 303-739-7000 AURORA City of Aurora, Colorado