This hidden gem in the Life House hotel lives up to its name with a beverage program that highlights not only flower-infused cocktails but mead made locally with, say, chamomile or alfalfa honey; the sophisticated, intricately conceived menu similarly weaves in Colorado influences and ingredients, be it striped bass crudo with juniper granita, pomegranate, and gooseberry; hickory-smoked endive with goat cheese and mead-poached cranberries; or lamb tart with an ancho-chile crust.

Keeping it old school, this LoHi longtimer has likely not changed its menu in decades, nor should it: After all, the vast majority of its customers are here for the namesake specialty, filled with red chile and pork or green chile and cheese and topped, of course, with more chile. (There’s also an outpost at the airport.)

Old Major’s tagline was “Seafood, Swine, & Wine”; Corrida in Boulder is a swanky steakhouse. Having served as chef at both, Amos Watts brings those experiences to bear on his contemporary American debut venture in the former Old Major space. Go all out with the three-course prix fixe or do a la carte nibbles at the bar; either way, indulgences abound, from the tallow candle bread service to Wagyu tartare with truffles to blue crab–and–sea urchin spaghetti.

What with aguachile and escabeche, lomo de cerdo and chorizo parrillero, churros and congelados (frozen cocktails) making the rounds, it’s a pan-Latin fiesta in here every night — and beyond: The party starts at 3 p.m. with one of the city’s liveliest happy hours and continues through Sunday brunch, when avocado toast gets a twist from cactus salsa and fries come topped with chicharrones.

More than a decade ago, Justin Cucci launched what is now a mini-empire under the Edible Beats umbrella with this early exemplar of farm-to-table fare in an old service station; it’s as popular as ever today thanks to funky retro decor and an equally vibrant menu, whose signatures include rockfish tom kha and paneer-inspired fried tofu with red rice, curried cauliflower, and tomato chutney. (There’s also an outpost at the airport.)

Handmade pasta and pizza with panache: That’s the gist of this stylish Italian neighborhood fixture, whose sleek bar is prime happy hour real estate. Start with meatballs and a lighthearted cocktail like the bergamot- and fennel-laced Italicus Spritz, then split the Il Sovrano pizza with mortadella, ricotta, and spring onions or the mafaldine with fava beans, peas, pistachios, and pesto. (Note that, right next door, Bar Dough sibling Tap & Burger is equally worth a visit, what with Top Chef’s Carrie Baird now at the helm.)

Tommy Lee’s flagship not only helped put LoHi on the map when it opened in 2012, it all but single-handedly started the local craze for ramen — and it’s still going strong. While noodle soup’s the centerpiece, small plates like soft-shell crab buns and kimchi butter–fried potatoes make it a meal alongside saké aplenty.

Thanks to chef Cindhura Reddy’s inspired, intelligent cooking; her partner Elliot Strathmann’s equally thoughtful beverage program; and the staff’s passion for hospitality, this intimate contemporary Italian spot is among Denver’s most reliable bets for date night. Must-tries include the ever-changing frutti di mare appetizer, seasonal pastas featuring goat, and any dish that weaves in Indian influences.

Casual by day, elegant by night, this combination cafe, bakery, market, and contemporary restaurant is a showcase for the tireless creativity of chef-owner Linda Hampsten Fox. Come in the morning for chai-spiced, stone-cut oatmeal with baked apples and whiskey butter or egg, potato, and Swiss burritos with mushrooms and spinach; return at lunch for seasonal soups, salads, and sandwiches on fresh-baked bread; then make a night of it over such intriguing stuff as vegetarian charcuterie platters (think pumpkin pâté and beet pastrami) and smoked rabbit pie with cheddar, pecans, and mustard gelato. Don’t forget brunch, which is always filled with locals digging into rum-pineapple Dutch Babies and omelettes like the Phili with rib-eye, provolone, and green chile.

Though fabulous pizza is what it’s known for, pizza is far from all this occupant of the beautiful old Z Cuisine space does well: Oysters, seafood conservas with wood-baked breads, seasonal specials like green garlic gnocchi, and smart cocktails round out the list of hits that keep coming from its kitchen and bar.

Though the loss of neighborhood pioneer Lola was a blow, its replacement by this chicken shack is no mere consolation prize: It does right by the bird from the appetizer section of the menu, starring “thigh fries” and chicharrones, onward — on salads, in sandwiches, on waffles, and in buckets. Cheddar biscuits and whoopie pies make for a balanced meal.

The Italian owner of this cute little European-style cafe knows from panini, so count on the real deal layered with the likes of prosciutto crudo, goat cheese, and fig jam or coppa, fontina, giardiniera spread, and arugula. (He also makes breakfast sandwiches, deli items like pasta salad and quiche, and, ma certo, excellent coffee.)

Right next door to Maci is a whole different kind of neighborhood sandwich shop — specifically an eclectic hangout with a top-notch bar and a rooftop deck. Come for the focaccia wraps called dimerolls and the fava bean hummus with puffy pita fresh from the oven; stay for the excellent, not to mention extremely well-priced, cocktails laced with homemade liqueurs and shrubs.

Though the sushi and ramen are solid, it’s the small plates that really shine at this sultry Japanese spot, from grilled squid and yellowtail collar to karaage and the signature cream pork kimchi. They’re built, of course, for pairing with saké — but for a change of pace, try a cocktail featuring ingredients like dragon fruit, ume, or oolong tea.

One of Denver’s most celebrated chefs, Dana Rodriguez, also happens to operate her own tequila and mezcal brand, Doña Loca; this funky-chic LoHi newcomer is a showcase for those and other agave spirits, like sotol and raicilla, as well as for the Mexican fare that pairs with them so well. Don’t miss the cactus tempura and the fried fish tacos; look too for frequent specials such as chicken mole rojo and lamb birria.

Though Denver’s first poke purveyor is still one of its best, there’s more to this sunny counter joint than its seafood signature: Kalua pork, Spam musubi, curry rice, mac salad, and more round out the menu for a whirlwind trip to the islands.