MAKfam
Chinese restaurant · Baker
39 W 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80223
Highlights
Bold flavors & creative Chinese American dishes, great cocktails
Bold flavors & creative Chinese American dishes, great cocktails
"In the tagline of this quick-casual mom-and-pop hot spot, “tradition-inspired Chinese cuisine,” the word “inspired” is doing a bit of heavy lifting, as the kitchen takes liberties with ingredients like corned beef, mozzarella, and ranch dressing. But whether classic or creative, the results make for a good-time group feast. Make sure it includes at least one order of crab rangoon and the sizzling spicy noodles, which hit the spot alongside a cocktail laced with galangal, salted plum, or Sichuan peppercorn." - Ruth Tobias
"Cheerfully quirky, neon-splashed decor sets the tone for a menu that pays sincere homage to the Cantonese food husband-and-wife owners Kenneth Wan and Doris Yuen ate growing up while boasting a few cheeky modern twists (case in point: the happy hour–only málà mozzarella sticks). Not to be missed are the crab-and-cheese wontons, the corned-beef fried rice with egg and pickled mustard greens, and the salt-and-pepper chicken and rice plate — all of which shine alongside cocktails tricked out with everything from five spice and Sichuan peppercorns to chili oil and even pork belly (in the form of a fat wash)." - Ruth Tobias
"Cheerfully quirky, neon-splashed decor sets the tone for a menu that pays sincere homage to the Cantonese food husband-and-wife owners Kenneth Wan and Doris Yuen ate growing up while boasting a few cheeky modern twists (case in point: the happy hour–only málà mozzarella sticks). Not to be missed are the crab-and-cheese wontons, the corned-beef fried rice with egg and pickled mustard greens, and the salt-and-pepper chicken and rice plate — all of which shine alongside cocktails tricked out with everything from five spice and Sichuan peppercorns to chili oil and even pork belly (in the form of a fat wash)." - Ruth Tobias, Eater Staff
"In the tagline of this quick-casual mom-and-pop hot spot, “tradition-inspired Chinese cuisine,” the word “inspired” is doing a bit of heavy lifting, as the kitchen takes liberties with ingredients like corned beef, fries, and mozzarella — but whether classic or creative, the results make for a good-time group feast. Make sure it includes at least one order of the crab-and-cheese wontons and the sizzling spicy noodles, which hit the spot alongside a cocktail laced with chili oil, Chinese plum brine, or Sichuan peppercorns." - Eater Staff
"This 2024 Denver Bib Gourmand entrant, which began as a scrappy pop-up in New York, delivers playful takes on Chinese American fare at an approachable price-point. Find smaller plates like lip-numbing málà wings; crispy, skinny fries served with airy whipped tofu; and a flaky, golden-fried scallion pancake. Larger-format dishes to share include corned beef fried rice, a salt-and-pepper chicken and rice plate, and a stacked steak and egg “jian bing” sandwich. The drinks are just as irreverent; happy hour runs daily from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m." - Annie Harrigan
