Denver isn't especially known for its barbecue, but nonetheless, the Mile High City has a few options (189, according to Yelp, which, for a city as big as Denver isn't very many at all) for when you've got that intense craving that can only be satisfied by tender slabs of meat, doused in tangy, sweet sauces. Kitchen Table Cafe comes highly recommended, and for good reason. The surrounding City Park neighborhood is quiet and somewhat strange for a barbecue joint, but that's part of the charm. Customers can order from several choices of meat and sides that vary from day-to-day. Once a meat is gone for the day, it's gone. (Everything tastes better when it's limited edition.) Brisket, ribs, pulled pork and more are all unbelievably tender and flavorful, and the mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and more that come as sides are simple yet satisfying. And don't forget to get plenty of their amazing sauces. The best barbecue in Denver? I'd say yes.
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If Interstate Kitchen & Bar were as divey as the name suggests, you might call it a diamond in the rough. But as it's not divey in the least (don't get me wrong, I love me some dives), I guess you'd just call it... a diamond. That would be a fairly accurate description of this cute, cool, retro diner, located in the Santa Fe Arts District at 1001 Santa Fe Dr., Denver. Walking in, you're greeted by light, airy surroundings, cozy booths, powder blue accents, natural materials, etc., etc. It's retro without being chintzy, and homey without being homely. Sit down at a booth and choose from a variety of snacks: deviled eggs ($5), calamari ($9), spoon bread ($7), pork belly ($8)... Wait. Hold the phone – pork belly? Yeah, not your average divey-diner (Diver? I call dibs on that word, btw.). The deviled eggs are fantastic, and deviled eggs are a hard dish to make. Everyone's mother made them differently, and there's no wrong way to make them. Unless your mother used pickle relish, which is very wrong. Sorry. It's true. Interstate foregoes relish for a creamy, delicate filling that's just tangy enough; and of course, paprika. The calamari is also fantastic, though a bit perplexing. Calamari's not really a down-home type of food. The addition of okra takes care of this I guess. And it's fried, the great equalizer that brings all types of cuisine together. Moving on to entrees. Interstate does not skimp on portions, though with the quality of their food, they very well could. Take as evidence the open-faced pastrami sandwich ($9) below, served with thick cut potatoes and cole-slaw. Forgive the sub-standard picture. This meal was eaten with several people who don't see it as second nature to take multiple pictures of everything they eat before they eat it. This shot was taken hastily and surreptitiously. Just in case the pastrami sandwich above isn't hearty enough for you, Interstate serves a monte christo ($9) so devilishly good, it's considered the 8th deadly sin in some sects (not really, but wouldn't that be sweet?). Roughly half of the plate is filled with shoestring fries good enough to eat by the forkful. Incidentally, some nutritionists say you should fill half your plate with vegetables. And since potato is technically a vegetable (look it up) and parsley is definitely a vegetable, this plate is basically the epitome of healthfulness. (This is where I need one of those disclaimer things on the sidebar that says I'm not a doctor/nutritionist/physical therapist and you really shouldn't take any health advice from me because I'm just messing with you guys half the time. Seriously.) For those who really want to just murder a huge meaty sandwich, but are trying to be healthy for whatever reason, there's Interstate's "Cobb" salad ($9). Those quote marks were taken straight from Interstate's menu and probably allude to the fact that this is a loose interpretation of a cobb salad, comprising blue cheese, bibb lettuce, roasted chicken thighs, avocado, tomatoes, red onions, a freaking fried egg!!, and bacon dressing. From a girl who usually nixes the cheese and gets the dressing on the side, this salad is amazing. It's nearly impossible to not eat the whole thing. For more information about Interstate, plus their full menu, visit their website or Facebook page.
xoxo Maggie |
Maggie TharpThe simple story of a girl looking for beauty and inspiration through her combined love of food and writing.
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