90 MARCH 27-APRIL 2, 2025 westword.com WESTWORD | MUSIC & VENUES | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | SPORTS & RECREATION | SHOPPING & SERVICES | CONTENTS | grab-and-go joint has been a cornerstone of Capitol Hill diets for a quarter-century, with enough fans in the old neighborhood to open a LoHi location, as well. Both spots can quickly whip up a top-shelf sandwich, from cold cuts and chicken salad to hot roast beef and meatballs with provolone. The knockout punch always comes from the bread, however, which is the perfect balance of soft inside and crunchy out- side (the gluten-free option isn’t too bad, either). After being jolted by the blaring music employees listen to as they crank out hoagies, then mowing down your order, you’ll never feel more alive on a Tuesday afternoon — but if you’re hankering for an afternoon nap, add on a Frito pie. Best Wood-Fired Pizza (and Bread, and Lasagana…) Basta 3601 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder 303-997-8775 bastaboulder.com It’s been fifteen years since now-James Beard Award-winning and Michelin- starred restaurateur Kelly Whitaker de- buted his first restaurant, Basta, and it still feels fresh and lively. As it was on day one, nearly everything is cooked in a single wood-fi red oven, including naturally fermented pizzas made with fl our from Whitaker’s nearby artisan mill, Dry Stor- age. The clam pie remains a favorite, but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here, whether you opt for a loaf of the charred and chewy piada and a fresh Caesar salad or another Basta staple, the delicately layered lasagna. Best New Takeout Pizza GetRight’s 6985 West 38th Avenue, Wheat Ridge 303-345-0758 goodygetright.com We’ve been fawning over the pastries, bread and sandwiches from GetRight’s since it started as a pop-up in 2020, and it’s only gotten better since opening its brick- and-mortar in 2023. Now the business from husband-and-wife duo Matt Dulin and Lindsey Judd has added something else to crave: pizza, which started as a creative use for leftover baguette dough. While it was once only served by the slice as a lunch option, now you can get full pies for takeout Thursday through Saturday evenings. The pies are crispy, satisfying those who enjoy the extra crunch, yet saucy for that burst of fl avor. GetRight’s also has plans to grow its pizza operations this year — the right call, in our opinion. Best New-ish Pizzeria The PZA 644 Santa Fe Drive 303-725-7125 thepzadenver.com Jake Rothey started serving his pies from the kitchen inside Tight End in 2022, but after closing that venture to fi nd a space of his own, he brought back the PZA 2.0 in a standalone space on Santa Fe that’s not just as good as it was before, but better than ever. The East Coast-style pizza with an im- pressively light yet chewy crust now comes with even more topping choices, ranging from classics to more creative combos, like the Dillmatic, with dill ranch and pickle chips. Plus, the PZA now also serves wings, salads and sandwiches on its housemade bread. The space is small, so takeout or delivery is your best bet — particularly on First Fridays, when the place is popping. Best Wings and Tenders King of Wings Tap House 7741 West 44th Avenue, Wheat Ridge 970-517-1821 1100 Arapahoe Street, Golden 970-507-3559 kingofwingstaphouse.com A true story of success and perseverance, King of Wings has become a community staple. Owners Eddie Renshaw and Evan Pierce first introduced Denver to their mouthwatering wings and sauces in 2015 with a humble food truck. After open- ing their fi rst brick-and-mortar in 2019, a kitchen fi re forced a temporary closure. Undeterred, they bounced back stronger than ever, expanding to a second location in Golden in 2022. While they are undeni- ably the king of wings in the metro area, one bite of their juicy, crispy, perfectly fried tenders might leave guests rethinking their go-to order. Pair them with your choice of over a dozen dipping sauces — though the signature Tangy Gold alone will keep you coming back for more. Best Homestyle Fried Chicken The Wishbone Family Restaurant 9701 Federal Boulevard, Westminster 303-465-6204 wishbonerestaurant.com If you long for simpler times, the Wishbone is straight out of the ’90s. Although the family-owned spot dates back to 1963, its current location debuted in 1994, and not much has changed since. Tired of trendy neon signs and walls covered in plants? You’ll fi nd none of that here. What you will fi nd is no frills, friendly service and plates of juicy, well-seasoned, golden fried chicken paired with your choice of po- tato (listen to your Food & Drink continued from page 89 continued on page 92
