Colorado Cuisine: The Out-of-Towner Top 5

Trying to decide where to eat around Aurora is a difficult task — at least for me.
Convenience is rarely a concern, but cuisine usually is. When my wife and I debate the options, I often curtail the never-ending list of places by forcing the list down to just five.
The task becomes even more difficult when you add out-of-towners to the equation — namely, family from out of state who haven’t been to Colorado in years.
When I travel, I try to seek out places that are unique, if not exclusive, to the area. Applying that same rule to Colorado eats isn’t easy.
I started (with the help of the wife) by trying to figure out what Colorado-specific cuisine is. My initial response: “Steak and Mexican food.”
Sure, throw in Rocky Ford peaches and it seems like you’ve covered the major bullet points — is that really all the Centennial State has to offer? (And let’s not even mention Rocky Mountain Oysters.)
I still can’t decide where best to impress my folks with local fare, but I have managed to come up with a list of five area favorites that I think bring a special flavor to the table that’s still agreeable for out-of-towners:

1. Dumitri’s Family Restaurant, 1911 S. Havana St., Aurora
I still haven’t quite grasped why so many restaurants successfully churn out authentic Greek and Mexican dishes out of one kitchen (See also: Sam’s No. 3, The Athenian), but this Havana mainstay is among the the top places for quality ethnic plates being served alongside standard American fare like burgers and fries.

2. Guadalajara, 1001 S. Abilene St., Aurora
This recommendation is as personal as it gets — I’ve likely spent more time eating at Guadalajara than I’ve spent at some of my previous jobs. My wife swears it’s as close to perfect as it gets, the gold standard being the 3 Margaritas in Longmont. The similarities are clear — big burritos of all kinds (with plenty of veg-friendly options available), bountiful sides, crispy chile rellenos and a bright, family atmosphere. Since we’re talking about local flavor, I must mention the Burrito Colorado — this is the best beef in a red sauce this side of the briskets in Kansas City.

3. Black-eyed Pea, various locations across Denver metro
Transplants from the West Coast and South can’t wait for new Jack in the Box franchises to pop up along the Front Range. More and more people are exposed to Chik-Fil-A and its breaded goodness each day here in Colorado. For Midwestern transplants like myself, knowing there’s a place for the simple chicken-fried steak and mashed potatoes drenched in cream gravy is almost as comforting as the aroma of the food itself — seeing as this is Colorado, get the jalapeño gravy to spice things up.

4. BeauJo’s, various locations
It’s unlikely we’ll live to see the day that “Colorado-style pizza” becomes as iconic as the way they make pies in New York, Chicago or California, but that doesn’t mean it’s not as delicious. The thick, bready pizzas at Beau Jo’s have to be among the best main dishes of all-time that can be dipped in honey, and the best setting for consuming it has to be in downtown Idaho Springs. So we’ll settle for fame on par with Cincinnati chili — that leaves more Canadian bacon, artichoke hearts and red onions for the rest of us.

5. Bender’s Brat Haus, 700 S. Buckley Road, Aurora
This is food worth fighting for — you just know there are untold amounts of mileage put on cars registered in Denver, Jefferson County and parts beyond just so that those drivers can make it out to Aurora for a double brat sandwich or a krautburger. Quality reigns supreme here on a minimalist menu — pick a burger or sandwich, pair it with some chips, coleslaw or potato salad, grab a beverage and you’re set. OK, there are plenty of toppings to choose from (I advocate for sauerkraut or horseradish, but never both), but that’s about it. Simple, delicious, reliable — and only in Aurora.