http://tupalo.com/denver/tag/nonpretentious.rss Tupalo en-us http://tupalo.com/spot/25078-sams-no-3-u-s-mexi-grill-and-bar-denver-co-usa c There's Denny's, Perkin's, the Village Inn, and then there's Sam's no 3. While the Inn, reconceptualized as the VI beats Sam's in the 50s throwback diner decor, you can find a healthier cross-section of the local population trying to decide between huevos rancheros (available in vegetarian chili), classic burgers, or burritos. Comfort food for the rushed downtown set (weekdays lunchtime usually sees a crowd) and easy on the pocketbook, too. restaurant casual downtown budget nonpretentious 39.74618 -104.995574 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:00:46 +0100 http://tupalo.com/spot/25078-sams-no-3-u-s-mexi-grill-and-bar-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/909-jack-n-grill-denver-co-usa c My memory of this place is quite hazy as I went there with my family many moons ago, as a recommendation from a co-worker. My stepdad was really into the posole, but I can't remember much else. Another place to retry in the immediate future. restaurant new_mexican nonpretentious jefferson_park 39.7540016174 -105.0250015259 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 07:47:03 +0200 http://tupalo.com/spot/909-jack-n-grill-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/836-common-grounds-denver-co-usa c Every neighborhood has a coffeeshop (or a dozen) like this. This is the one of my adolescence, so I have very fond memories of it. Local art, local musicians--shoo, even the Hills (Clinton) stopped by many moons ago. I went by recently and while they still have the same cozy seats and the same tasty drinks, it had a very different vibe, lots of upper middle-class folks at their laptops. Well, the change is in both me and the neighborhood, so I shouldn't complain, and Common Grounds has seen a lot over the years. casual cafe nonpretentious neighborhood west_highland 39.7621002197 -105.0329971313 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 06:49:40 +0200 http://tupalo.com/spot/836-common-grounds-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/978-buenos-aires-pizzeria-denver-co-usa designisfine Hands down the best pizza joint in the Denver area... at least to date. ballpark nonpretentious restaurant denver, pizza 39.7550010681 -104.9899978638 Thu, 10 Jan 2008 06:51:01 +0100 http://tupalo.com/spot/978-buenos-aires-pizzeria-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/1423-scooter-joes-denver-co-usa c I've been here only a few times but I like the vibes. Nice staff, good blended drinks (try the Black Forest mocha), and free wifi. Very convenient to public transport either on your way to or from downtown. cafe friendly governors_park nonpretentious 39.7277984619 -104.986000061 Fri, 18 May 2007 06:03:10 +0200 http://tupalo.com/spot/1423-scooter-joes-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/1290-snooze-denver-co-usa paul Great breakfast joint. I highly recommend the steak and eggs benedict. Several friends rave about their pancakes, and they always have a very creative pancake of the day. I'll have to try them next time. The manager and all the staff are all quite friendly and will keep your coffee topped off regularly, but not to the point of annoyance. Word of caution: Sunday and Saturday mornings betweeen 10 and 1 can be pretty busy so expect a wait then. They do have a self-serve coffee station for your wait though, so that helps. restaurant breakfast friendly restaurant lodo Denver breakfast nonpretentious lunch breakfast 39.7554016113 -104.9889984131 Sat, 05 May 2007 06:37:51 +0200 http://tupalo.com/spot/1290-snooze-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/1345-pho-99-denver-co-usa paul agree that it can be tricky to find, but it's worth a look. you can get a bowl of noodles bigger than your head at a very reasonable price. the service was very friendly and attentive. the place is low key and quiet. i'll go back again for sure. restaurant friendly vietnamese noodles valverde budget nonpretentious restaurant friendly pho vietnamese noodles asian nonpretentious Denver 39.7112007141 -105.0120010376 Sat, 05 May 2007 06:26:19 +0200 http://tupalo.com/spot/1345-pho-99-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/1353-park-tavern-denver-co-usa c bar snacks capitol_hill nonpretentious 39.7336807251 -104.9761734009 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 06:59:13 +0200 http://tupalo.com/spot/1353-park-tavern-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/1352-lancer-lounge-denver-co-usa c bar capitol_hill nonpretentious 39.7272796631 -104.984413147 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 06:57:36 +0200 http://tupalo.com/spot/1352-lancer-lounge-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/1346-panaderia-mexico-denver-co-usa c The default stop for my coworkers and myself, if we haven't brought lunches. Spanish only, service sometimes slow and dubious, but products, prices, and ambience as though you were in a small village. cafe bakery mexican barnum budget nonpretentious 39.7182006836 -105.0350036621 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 06:30:19 +0200 http://tupalo.com/spot/1346-panaderia-mexico-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/1298-deluxe-denver-co-usa paul featured on rachael ray's tasty travels and deservedly so. i highly suggest the fried oyster shooters as an appetizer. probably my favorite appetizer in town. (it used to be nine75's won ton tuna tacos, and this surpassed it instantly.) you can't go wrong with most of the menu. restaurant restaurant deluxe southbroadway Denver broadway nonpretentious 39.7159996033 -104.9879989624 Mon, 23 Apr 2007 06:35:32 +0200 http://tupalo.com/spot/1298-deluxe-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/825-leela-european-cafe-denver-co-usa incognito boy Leelas European Cafe is a wonderful place to play scrabble, any time of day. I remember first going when there were one or maybe two people, then as time progressed, many more people began showing up, to play scrabble. Leelas is also became a great venue for open mic sessions, poets, artists, and even flamenco damcing lessons. There choclate cake is delicious, especially when served with Levazza coffee. I am happy to see that there is a place where I can go, watch a band perform, and learn some new steps. Bravo. light_meals friendly wifi 24h cafe bar nonpretentious cake sandwichs 24hours cafe 39.745098114 -104.9940032959 Wed, 04 Apr 2007 19:27:41 +0200 http://tupalo.com/spot/825-leela-european-cafe-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/888-benders-tavern-denver-co-usa Cowboy Dann Bender's is Denver's hard rock haven. Home to a variety of metal acts and a nice open-air patio (don't ask me how those two things are remotely related), Bender's is one of the hot spots of 13th Ave. If there is something going on in the world of metal (live appearences from local favorites, contests, special DJs, etc) this is where it will be. light_meals shows bar nonpretentious capitol_hill live_music metal rock 39.7369003296 -104.983001709 Mon, 02 Apr 2007 05:30:36 +0200 http://tupalo.com/spot/888-benders-tavern-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/1168-buzz-filler-up-cafe-denver-co-usa c Just catty-corner from the Esquire, Buzz is small, cozy, and quaint--just the way I like it. Owners are very friendly and serve Ethiopian coffee for either walk-in or drive-thru customers. Yes! This is one of the few non-Starbucks I know with a driver-thru. After all, the cafe has been converted from a garage, which adds to its charm. Outdoor seating popular on sunny weekend afternoons. The only negative is that the cafe is not open too late (til 6 on weekdays, I believe). cozy wifi coffee cafe neighborhood nonpretentious capitol_hill 39.7256011963 -104.9729995728 Fri, 30 Mar 2007 22:34:34 +0200 http://tupalo.com/spot/1168-buzz-filler-up-cafe-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/1121-skylark-lounge-denver-co-usa Cowboy Dann A super laid back bar that attracts an ecclectic crowd. On Wednesdays, DJ Quid hosts Baby Doll, a super chill "dance" party. The music is meant more as background noise, but don't be surprised to find yourself up and moving about. Solid drink specials and a new pool room make this 64 year-old haunt a solid choice. dance bar nonpretentious 39.7137985229 -104.9879989624 Mon, 26 Mar 2007 23:23:27 +0200 http://tupalo.com/spot/1121-skylark-lounge-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/981-ph-79-denver-co-usa c restaurant pho vietnamese budget nonpretentious lunch valverde 39.7025985718 -105.0250015259 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 16:35:54 +0100 http://tupalo.com/spot/981-ph-79-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/908-la-cocinita-denver-co-usa c Another low-key, neighborhood Mexican resto on the northwestern edges of Denver. When I lived in this neighborhood, I practically lived off of the cheesy burritos, topped with cubed tomatoes and dashes of lettuce (around $3), but I've since found concoctions that my taste buds prefer. Good chips, though. restaurant mexican nonpretentious sloan_lake 39.7584991455 -105.0500030518 Mon, 12 Mar 2007 01:15:24 +0100 http://tupalo.com/spot/908-la-cocinita-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/893-denver-public-library-denver-co-usa c As its name suggests, DPL is NOT a bookstore (and if you know me well, you know why I'm writing about it). This location is the main branch, housing five public floors in the including the world-reknowned Western History & Genealogy collection. This Michael Graves-designed building offers a multitude of nooks and crannies in which to peruse any literature of your choice (5th floor is my favorite on which to get serious studying/reflection done, as it is the least populated). The library also offers free internet, though there is usually a queue. Sometimes, special exhibits are shown on the 7th floor, often worth checking out. In the basement, they host the (free) film series. If you get thirsty, there's a(n) overpriced cafe just to the left of the Broadway entrance. bookstore library relaxing renovation architecture downtown solitude nonpretentious books books 39.7383995056 -104.9879989624 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 13:49:13 +0100 http://tupalo.com/spot/893-denver-public-library-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/885-great-wall-chinese-restaurant-denver-co-usa c Another no-frills, budget Chinese place, located amidst the hustle and bustle of East Colfax. Don't expect exemplary service, just (relatively) fast food. The lunch specials ($5) are a good deal. restaurant chinese nonpretentious takeout 39.7400016785 -104.9820022583 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 13:13:50 +0100 http://tupalo.com/spot/885-great-wall-chinese-restaurant-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/884-new-china-cafe-denver-co-usa c More of a take-out joint than anything else, given that there are only three (four?) tables, usually occupied by waiting customers. This is a nondescript, family-run, neighborhood place where although not everyone knows your name, you certainly feel like they'll eventually get to it. Wontons and soup are enough to fill you up. restaurant yummy_wontons chinese nonpretentious takeout west_wash_park 39.711101532 -104.9800033569 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 13:10:14 +0100 http://tupalo.com/spot/884-new-china-cafe-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/875-rosa-linda-denver-co-usa c restaurant casual friendly mexican nonpretentious highland 39.7631988525 -105.0110015869 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 12:28:44 +0100 http://tupalo.com/spot/875-rosa-linda-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/822-gypsy-house-cafe-denver-co-usa Chris2pher This is a grand little tea house. It's very comfortable, the owner rocks, delicious pie's and an awesome place to hangout with friends and chat or to be alone and study/play psp. Try the House Tea! friendly hookah wifi kooky cafe capitol_hill nonpretentious hookah house tea cool 39.7364997864 -104.9720001221 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 21:16:47 +0100 http://tupalo.com/spot/822-gypsy-house-cafe-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/834-bump-and-grind-denver-co-usa c restaurant brunch cafe fun drag nonpretentious capitol_hill breakfast 39.7433013916 -104.9820022583 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 15:32:10 +0100 http://tupalo.com/spot/834-bump-and-grind-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/800-taqueria-patzcuaro-denver-co-usa c For me, it starts with the service: it's like eating at a (nice) relative's house in the countryside and NEVER wanting to leave. This relative also happens to be a good cook. You relax in one of the wooden booths, gazing at various photographic anecdotes of Mexican history, grabbing some fresh, homemade chips here and there. Even when the restaurant is busy, your enchiladas rojas or tacos albanil come out almost as soon as you ordered, sometimes served by the super friendly owner himself, or one of the other equally welcoming family members. So cozy, you just might end up eating all your meals here. restaurant friendly mexican nonpretentious casual highland mexican 39.7620010376 -105.0189971924 Tue, 06 Mar 2007 15:35:29 +0100 http://tupalo.com/spot/800-taqueria-patzcuaro-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/797-pablos-on-6th-denver-co-usa c cafe casual roaster indie coffee nonpretentious alamo_placita 39.7256011963 -104.9800033569 Tue, 06 Mar 2007 15:01:17 +0100 http://tupalo.com/spot/797-pablos-on-6th-denver-co-usa http://tupalo.com/spot/794-house-of-commons-denver-co-usa c This place might be easy to miss if you're actually heading a couple shops down to that OTHER neighborhood hang out, Paris on the Platte. At roughly two years old, the House of Commons is indeed an "oasis of calm," dare I say, even a HAVEN OF SERENITY. Usually I am the kind of person who's too nervous to step into places with which I'm not familiar, it didn't take me long to feel comfortable and enjoy my pot of imperial gunpowder and a good book. (However, I'm giving it only three stars, because my scone was stale, the last time I went there...) nonpretentious quaint friendly casual tea teashop cafe 39.7568016052 -105.0100021362 Tue, 06 Mar 2007 14:42:21 +0100 http://tupalo.com/spot/794-house-of-commons-denver-co-usa