UPTOWN. Chefs at Aix make sure that fresh ingredients are always at the forefront. They don't cover up good things with a heavy hand or too much spice or sauce. Vibrant flavors shine through with every bite of the American-French cuisine. Braised duck confit cassoulet and wild mushroom-stuffed quail wonderfully represent the menu, which also includes steaks, veal, duck, and pastas. A carefully chosen French wine list and a dessert menu complement entrees.

DOWNTOWN. Aspiring to the friendly bustle of a Parisian neighborhood bistro, this establishment in hip Larimer Square is quickly becoming a local favorite. For brunch, try citrus honey-drizzled French toast or a croque-monsieur (ham and cheese sandwich) with pomme frites along with a petit press of coffee; then, return for a dinner of bucatini pasta with seafood in saffron cream sauce, or a crispy pan-roasted chicken breast. A healthy selection of French wines, a pleasant patio for warm summer evenings, and a chocolate-heavy dessert menu increase the restaurant's cachet.

UPTOWN. Funky, upbeat Bump & Grind provides a welcome change from the usual coffee shop ambience. Accented with eclectic local artwork, the interior is relaxed and bright, and the staff (dressed in drag) is incredibly friendly and fun. The coffee is awesome, especially when accompanied by a fabulous gourmet baked good, such as a coconut raspberry bar, Kahlua brownie, carrot cake muffin, or old-fashioned chocolate cake. During "Petticoat Bruncheon" on weekends, a wait is inevitable, but you won't mind once you sample the Mexican Benedict or banana waffles. Lunch offerings are satisfying and expertly prepared as well.

LODO. Located in a building once used by the Union Pacific Railroad, this athlete-frequented steakhouse provides tasty eats and plenty of people-watching opportunities. An upscale clientele orders large portions of hearty favorites, including prime rib and porterhouse steaks. Seafood selections offer an alternative; salads and burgers are available in the bar. At least six or seven handcrafted brews are always on tap, along with a well-rounded assortment of wines, small batch bourbons, and single-malt scotches.

LODO. Set in a historic building and designed with Mission-style elements, Dixons regularly wins "Best of Denver" awards for breakfast, margaritas, and Bloody Marys. Highlights of the morning menu include Southwestern-style concoctions like eggs Mazatlan (with guacamole and green chiles in a tortilla) and the awesome Bandito Special (eggs, cheese, tortilla chips, cilantro, jalapenos, and tomatoes). During afternoons and evenings, the menu switches to sandwiches, tacos, burgers, and steaks, and the bar stays lively until late at night. There's a fun kids' menu too, so bring the whole family! In addition, a terrific patio offers superb people-watching and is a good place to share a bottle of wine later in the day.