33 Best Restaurants in Denver

"“A square meal and a stiff drink at a fair price.” That’s been the tagline of Work & Class since day one, and chef-owner Dana Rodriguez (along with her now-retired partner, Tony Maciag) has been living up to it with gusto ever since. The "square meal" part takes shape in the vibrant Mexican-meets–heartland American menu, which is centered on meats by the pound; the "stiff drink" part manifests in a creative-yet-unfussy beverage list. As for the "fair price" part: Even heavy eaters and drinkers might struggle to drop much more than $50 apiece. Rodriguez's centerpiece selection of à la carte meats changes a little from time to time; brisket marinated in whiskey and Coke one day might morph into red wine–braised short ribs the next. But to remove the lemon–brown butter chicken or coriander-roasted lamb would be to rip out the beating heart of the menu. So don’t be shy—get some of each, along with housemade tortillas for scoops." - Ruth Tobias