Top Spots For Dining In Golden
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The city of Golden is less than 20 minutes from downtown Denver, but the small-town ambiance and local color you'll find is almost like traveling much further. It is a classic Western city with that small-town flair, and there are a lot of great local restaurants to enjoy while you are there. From some very upscale spots to low-key, laid-back eateries, you can find something great for anyone and any palate. There is also a wide variety of different types of ethnic cuisine as well, so you can sample flavors from all over the globe. Here are some of the best restaurants to visit in Golden.
Ali Baba Grill
109 N. Rubey Drive, Suite F
Golden, CO 80403
(303) 279-2228
www.alibabagrill.comIf you enjoy hummus, falafel, shawarma and baba ganouj, then you'll love visiting the Ali Baba Grill in Golden. This unassuming little eatery is located in a strip mall, but don't let the laid-back nature of this establishment fool you. The menu is full of great Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine and is one of the best in the area. The décor at Ali Baba Grill is also very authentic with lots of intricate, ornate furniture and tapestries, transporting you directly to the Middle East for your meal. If you can, ask to sit in the upper dining room, which is the more ornate of the two. Also, be sure to save some room for baklava after your meal, you'll be glad you did.
109 N. Rubey Drive, Suite F
Golden, CO 80403
(303) 279-2228
www.alibabagrill.comIf you enjoy hummus, falafel, shawarma and baba ganouj, then you'll love visiting the Ali Baba Grill in Golden. This unassuming little eatery is located in a strip mall, but don't let the laid-back nature of this establishment fool you. The menu is full of great Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine and is one of the best in the area. The décor at Ali Baba Grill is also very authentic with lots of intricate, ornate furniture and tapestries, transporting you directly to the Middle East for your meal. If you can, ask to sit in the upper dining room, which is the more ornate of the two. Also, be sure to save some room for baklava after your meal, you'll be glad you did.
Hideaway Kitchen and Bar
25948 Genesee Trail Road
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 526-0556
www.hideawaykitchen.comIf eclectic comfort food is more your speed, you will want to check out Hideaway Kitchen and Bar. The atmosphere in this local favorite is a cool blend of casual and upscale dining, with a diverse menu and a lot of options to satisfy any hunger. The menu boasts a variety of food from all over the globe including familiar favorites like pad Thai, paella, bacon and lobster mac and cheese, gnocchi and more. There are also great combinations of old classics like Philly cheese steak egg rolls, Reuben sandwich bites and kung pao calamari. For dessert, you simply have to try the Hideaway ice cream sandwiches that come with delicious fresh-baked cookies and s'mores and mint brownie ice cream.Related: Top Restaurants In Small Colorado Towns
25948 Genesee Trail Road
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 526-0556
www.hideawaykitchen.comIf eclectic comfort food is more your speed, you will want to check out Hideaway Kitchen and Bar. The atmosphere in this local favorite is a cool blend of casual and upscale dining, with a diverse menu and a lot of options to satisfy any hunger. The menu boasts a variety of food from all over the globe including familiar favorites like pad Thai, paella, bacon and lobster mac and cheese, gnocchi and more. There are also great combinations of old classics like Philly cheese steak egg rolls, Reuben sandwich bites and kung pao calamari. For dessert, you simply have to try the Hideaway ice cream sandwiches that come with delicious fresh-baked cookies and s'mores and mint brownie ice cream.Related: Top Restaurants In Small Colorado Towns
The Briarwood Inn
1630 8th St.
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 279-3121
www.thebriarwoodinn.comThe Briarwood Inn is one of the finer, up-scale dining options in Golden. With a beautiful patio seating area and a huge bronze fireplace, the décor is classy and comfortable while the food is excellent. Enjoy the Briarwood Inn's prix fixe menu of four courses for $60 per person. You'll begin with the signature Briarwood appetizer of cocktail shrimp, chicken liver pate, smoked salmon butter and more. Then you'll move on to your choice of soups or salad and then the main course which includes your choice of filet mignon, prime rib, Alaskan king crab, elk medallions and more. It is all followed with a seasonal selection of hand-crafted desserts. For more than 30 years, The Briarwood Inn has been one of the best upscale options in Golden. There is a reason this lovely restaurant has such a stellar reputation.
1630 8th St.
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 279-3121
www.thebriarwoodinn.comThe Briarwood Inn is one of the finer, up-scale dining options in Golden. With a beautiful patio seating area and a huge bronze fireplace, the décor is classy and comfortable while the food is excellent. Enjoy the Briarwood Inn's prix fixe menu of four courses for $60 per person. You'll begin with the signature Briarwood appetizer of cocktail shrimp, chicken liver pate, smoked salmon butter and more. Then you'll move on to your choice of soups or salad and then the main course which includes your choice of filet mignon, prime rib, Alaskan king crab, elk medallions and more. It is all followed with a seasonal selection of hand-crafted desserts. For more than 30 years, The Briarwood Inn has been one of the best upscale options in Golden. There is a reason this lovely restaurant has such a stellar reputation.
El Callejon
1205 Washington Ave.
Golden, CO 80403
(303) 278-6366If you are looking for a more low-key, relaxed joint that serves amazing food in a simple way, El Callejon is the place to visit. This small Latin American restaurant specializes in pupusas, complete with the classic cabbage slaw and some different varieties. You can also get some excellent tacos, burritos, wraps and more. Make sure to try the coconut lemonade, which is a refreshing drink that perfectly accompanies your pupusas or tacos. El Callejon isn't the type of place where you will sit down and dine for a long meal, but it is a great place to grab amazing food for a great price and then be on your way.Related: Top Restaurants For Brunch In Denver
1205 Washington Ave.
Golden, CO 80403
(303) 278-6366If you are looking for a more low-key, relaxed joint that serves amazing food in a simple way, El Callejon is the place to visit. This small Latin American restaurant specializes in pupusas, complete with the classic cabbage slaw and some different varieties. You can also get some excellent tacos, burritos, wraps and more. Make sure to try the coconut lemonade, which is a refreshing drink that perfectly accompanies your pupusas or tacos. El Callejon isn't the type of place where you will sit down and dine for a long meal, but it is a great place to grab amazing food for a great price and then be on your way.Related: Top Restaurants For Brunch In Denver
Sherpa House
1518 Washington Ave.
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 278-7939
www.ussherpahouse.com
The Sherpa House has a reputation all over the state for amazing Indian and Himalayan cuisine. If you have never tried Himalayan food, you simply must stop by the Sherpa House the next time you are in the Golden area. The décor is very authentic, and will help transport you to a typical Sherpa house in Nepal, complete with artifacts and a shrine room and gallery. There is a great lunch buffet, or you can stop in for dinner and enjoy a variety of Sherpa, Tibetan, Nepalese and Indian entrees. Sample items like chicken tikka masala, saag paneer, yak and lam vindaloo and, of course, plenty of fresh naan to sop up all of the flavor. A visit to the Sherpa House is a wonderful way to learn about different food and culture.
1518 Washington Ave.
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 278-7939
www.ussherpahouse.com
The Sherpa House has a reputation all over the state for amazing Indian and Himalayan cuisine. If you have never tried Himalayan food, you simply must stop by the Sherpa House the next time you are in the Golden area. The décor is very authentic, and will help transport you to a typical Sherpa house in Nepal, complete with artifacts and a shrine room and gallery. There is a great lunch buffet, or you can stop in for dinner and enjoy a variety of Sherpa, Tibetan, Nepalese and Indian entrees. Sample items like chicken tikka masala, saag paneer, yak and lam vindaloo and, of course, plenty of fresh naan to sop up all of the flavor. A visit to the Sherpa House is a wonderful way to learn about different food and culture.
Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
