MAKfam
Chinese restaurant · Baker
39 W 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80223
Highlights
Cantonese comfort food with modern twists & creative cocktails
Cantonese comfort food with modern twists & creative 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
"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
"What began as a pop-up back in NYC, where owners and married couple Doris Yuen and Kenneth Wan first met, and then became a stall in a Denver food hall, is now at last a full-service restaurant. The winsome, colorful space and the compact menu both celebrate the pair's Chinese American roots, both having been raised by immigrant families who worked in restaurants. Fried crab and cheese wontons and hand-shaped chicken and chive potstickers are inspired by Chinatown favorites and takeout staples, made with particular care and big flavor. Chicken wings with a spicy, tingly málà seasoning are favorites with good reason, and larger dishes, like the familiar-yet-inventive corned beef fried rice or spicy garlic butter rice cakes, impress as well." - Michelin Inspector
"A casual, fun neighborhood place where discount daiquiris meet bao buns and scallion pancakes for a playful cross-cultural happy-hour menu." - Ruth Tobias
