Food and Drink continued from page 54 Best Neighborhood Market Pete’s Fruits & Vegetables 5606 East Cedar Avenue 303-393-6247 When the shelves at the big grocery stores went bare during the pandemic, small neigh- borhood markets became lifelines for many. But Pete’s Fruits & Vegetables had already been just that for the Hilltop neighborhood for over forty years. Under the watchful eye of two generations of the Moutzouris family, Pete’s stocks top-quality produce and local packaged products (Sweet Action ice cream, the Real Dill pickles, Tender Belly bacon); it also operates an on-site butchery and offers prepared meals with a Greek fl air. We’re particularly enamored of its feta bar, bacalao (salted cod) and Greek pastries (and booze). And the baklava that’s sold at the register is nearly impossible to pass up. Best Diner Pete’s Kitchen 1962 East Colfax Avenue 303-321-3139 petesrestaurants.com/petes-kitchen While Denver has lost some of its classic diners since the beginning of the pandemic (RIP, Breakfast King, Denver Diner and Tom’s Diner), the pancake-fl ipping neon chef above Pete’s Kitchen remains a beacon on East Col- fax. Owned by the Contos family since 1988 — and bearing the name of patriarch Pete Contos, who passed away in 2019 — it satisfi es like no other, whether you’re there for a gyros omelet, a burrito smothered in green chile or just a burger and fries. And you can stop in at all hours (at least on weekends), when it’s one of the only 24-hour options in town. Best Patio for Pets Romero’s K9 Club & Tap House 985 South Public Road, Lafayette 720-485-5968 romerosk9club.com Romero’s is serious about pleasing your pooch while providing a safe and clean at- mosphere for humans. Some restaurants al- low dogs on the patio, but this Lafayette beer bar takes the time to register dogs before they’re allowed in the leash-free outdoor beer garden. It really is a club, with passes that can be purchased for a day, month or year; there’s a temperature-controlled pa- vilion for on-leash furry friends, as well as a humans-only indoor bar. Even better, you’ll fi nd a stellar craft beer list and bar snacks for both you and your faithful companion. Best Restaurant Patio Joy Hill 1229 South Broadway 303-954-8784 joyhilldenver.com The only thing better than sipping a glass of Lambrusco and noshing on Joy Hill’s sourdough-crust pizzas is enjoying both on its patio. Located at the back of the restau- rant’s upper level, it’s technically a rooftop patio — though at only two stories up, it’s not going to trigger anyone’s fear of heights. It does, however, offer an unobstructed view of the Rockies. Snag a seat at sunset for the ultimate colorful Colorado experience. The Spirit of Colorado AWARD WINNING PREMIUM SPIRITS DISTILLED IN HOUSE 10,000 SQUARE FOOT DOG FRIENDLY PATIO HANDCRAFTED COCKTAILS BEER, WINE, AND FULL FOOD MENU 56 LEARN MORE Best Rooftop Patio The Red Barber 3770 Walnut Street 720-707-4040 theredbarber.com Size does matter. Located on the roof of the new Catbird Hotel in RiNo, the Red Barber boasts (nearly) 360-degree views from its perch six stories above the city. And while there are many other rooftops in town with both city and mountain views, this one has 3,300 square feet of open, inviting space in which to sip cock- tails, enjoy bites like wings with Caribbean hot sauce and Korean beef hot dogs, and play a game of cornhole. Comfy couches are prime spots for lounging, or opt for the grassy picnic area or a spot near a fi re pit — there’s even amphitheater seating for live music performances. This is basically the ultimate backyard, in the sky, staffed with bartenders. Best Food Hall Denver Central Market 2669 Larimer Street denvercentralmarket.com From your morning coffee run to lunch meetings on the patio and evening cocktails at Curio Bar, Denver Central Market is an all-day destination for all things delicious in the heart of RiNo. Its eleven vendors sell everything from pizza, raw oysters and charcuterie boards to ice cream and APRIL 7-13, 2022 WESTWORD | BACKBEAT | MUSIC & VENUES | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | SHOPPING & SERVICES | CONTENTS | westword.com GETTY IMAGES
