Downtown Dining

 DENVER BUFFALO COMPANY
 Experience Denver of the 1890s and enjoy buffalo meat from our own ranch in Colorado. Fresh seafood, pasta, lamb, poultry, veal and elk is also available. This unique complex is decorated with fine Western Native American artifacts. Open Mon.-Thur. 11am-9pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am-10pm, and Sun. 4pm-9pm. 1109 LINCOLN STREET (303) 832-0880

 FOOTHILLS RESTAURANT
 Located in the Embassy Suites Hotel Downtown, the Foothills Restaurant is the perfect spot for a true taste of Colorado, casual dinning, relaxed atmosphere and a friendly staff. Our menu features prime rib, seafood, salads, pasta, and South Western specialties, all reasonably priced and worth the money. V, MC, DI, DC, AE, $$. 1881 CURTIS STREET (303) 297-8888

 SHIP TAVERN
 Amid authentic nautical furnishings in The Brown Palace Hotel, enjoy prime rib, fresh seafood, Rocky Mountain Trout, and the citys best selection of beer, including locally brewed Ship Tavern Ale and Brown Palace Lager. Lunch and dinner served daily, 11am-11pm. Live entertainment Tues.-Sat. evenings. L$$, D$$$
 

 CLIFF YOUNGS RESTAURANT
 Denvers tradition in five-star dining. Recognized by Fortune, Gourmet, and Wine Spectator. Contemporary continental cuisine is served in grand style with soft lighting and lavishly appointed dining rooms. Dinner is complemented by an award winning wine list, fully stocked bar and cigar service. In addition, enjoy live piano and complimentary valet parking nightly. Private rooms for up 200 people. Dinner is served Wed.-Sat. from 6p. Call 831-8900 for reservations. 700 E. 17TH AVENUE (303) 831-8900

 LIMS MONGOLIAN BBQ
 "The best Mongolian BBQ in Colorado," says the Rocky Mountain News. Your choice of seventeen fresh vegetables, seven delicious meats, tofu and six different sauces. Fifteen years at our LoDo location has many return visitors for our sesame chicken. Best meal for under $5. "All You Can Eat BBQ," for $6.99. Never a wait. Open Mon-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-8p.m. V, MC, AE, $. 1530 Blake Street (303) 893-1158

 MANDARIN GARDEN
 The Mandarin Garden features superb Chinese cuisine in an elegant continental setting at affordable prices. Fantastic Happy Hour from 4pm to 7pm with complimentary hors d oeuvres. Terrific lunch buffet! Open Mon.-Fri. 11am-9:30pm and Sat. 5pm-9:30pm. Please call for reservations. 999 18TH STREET (303) 297-2828

 ELLYNGTONS
 Outstanding cuisine and top-notch service for breakfast and lunch in The Brown Palace Hotel. Sunday Brunch features extravagant buffets, live jazz and a selection of champagnes. Mon.-Fri. 6:30am-2pm, Sat. 7am-11am, Sun. 10:30am-2pm. Call for reservations. 321 SEVENTEENTH STREET (303) 297-3111

 MATTIES HOUSE OF MIRRORS
 RESTAURANT, BAR & BANQUET HALL An American Bistro rich in Colorado history. Located in the historic "House of Mirrors" in what was once Denvers Red Light District, Matties has been restored to preserve the features of its original structure. Matties lunch menu includes a wide variety of salad, sandwiches and entrees featuring Chicken and Asparagus Salad, a Classic Reuben Sandwich and Cilantro-Chicken Stuffed Raviolis. The dinner menu is just as exciting with entrees such as Penne Bolognese, Maple-Rubbed Pork Porterhouse, Pan Seared Salmon Oscar and creative nightly specials. Enjoy fine dining and a splendid wine list in a relaxed atmosphere. Banquet Room Available. Mon.-Thur. 11am-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm. Fri. 11am-2:30pm, 5pm-11pm. Sat. 5pm-11pm. Closed Sunday. V, MC, DI, DC, AE, FPK, A, AT, BB. Reservations encouraged. www.lodorestaurantgroup.com. 1946A MARKET STREET (303) 297-9600

 PALACE ARMS
 Downtown Denvers only four-star restaurant is known as much for its historic, Napoleonic setting as it is for its award-winning cuisine and wine list, and exceptional personal service. Named "Best Of" in Zagat Restaurant Guide, and winner of Wine Spectator Magazines Award of Excellence. Lunch served Mon.-Fri. 11:30am-2pm. Dinner nightly, 6pm-10pm. Call for reservations. 321 17TH STREET (303) 297-3111

 THE BROKER RESTAURANT
 Romantic dining in a real bank vault. Complimentary shrimp bowl. Great steaks and seafood. Located just one block from the 16th Street Mall. MC, L, D, BUS, RR. 821 17TH STREET (303) 292-5065

 TRATTORIA COLORADO
 Trattoria Colorado offers an extravagant breakfast buffet, a Pony Express lunch buffet, and a wonderful dinner menu. The ultimate Champagne Brunch Buffet on Sundays. Breakfast: 6-11am, Lunch 11am-4:30pm, Dinner 4:30-10:30pm. ENT, V, MC, DI, DC, CB, AE. 1550 COURT PLACE (303) 893-3333 EXT. 3172

 LE CENTRAL
 Le Central French Restaurant, owned and operated by French chef, has a fifteen year reputation as an affordable restaurant. "Le Central is just a treat. A meal or two show why this little part of Paris has been in Denver for such a long time." - Bill St. John, Rocky Mountain News; "For sensible carefully prepared food at a more than fair price I will keep coming back to Le Central." - John Kessler, The Denver Post; "Le Central serves an a la carte brunch that is one of the great bargains in this town." - Kyle Wagner, Westword. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 11:30am-2pm, 5-10pm, Sat. 11:30am-2pm, 5-10pm, Sun. 11am-2pm, 5-9pm. V, MC. 112 EAST 8TH AVENUE (303) 863-8094

 BRAVO RISTORANTE
 Bravo! Ristorante features cutting edge Northern Italian Cuisine served by professional singers performing opera, operetta and Broadway show tunes. With outstanding views of the 16th Street Mall, Bravo! Is an excellent choice to celebrate any special occasion. Reservations are recommended in this non-smoking restaurant. Hours: Lunch; Mon.-Fri. 11:30am-2:00pm. Dinner; Sun.-Thru. 5:30pm-10:30pm, Fri-Sat. 5:30pm-11pm. ENT, V, MC, DI, DC, CB, AE. 1550 COURT PLACE (303) 626-2581

 OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY
 For more than a generation, families and friends have been coming to Old Spaghetti Factories, located across the United States, to enjoy our delicious food, charming atmosphere and friendly service. We invite you to dine amidst fine antiques, while savoring perfectly cooked pastas and spaghetti sauces, freshly made using only the finest ingredients. All at affordable prices! Hours: Mon-Fri. 11:30am-2:00pm (Lunch), Mon-Thur. 5:00pm-9:30pm, Fri. 5:00pm-10:30pm, Sat. 4:45pm-10:30pm, Sun. 4:00pm-9:30pm (Dinner). BUS, V, MC, DI, DC, AE, D. 1215 18TH STREET (303) 295-1864

 PIZZA COLORE
 A unique, Italian pizzeria that offers authentic cuisine at an affordable price. Menu features specialty pizza, pasta, calzones, homemade desserts, cappuccino and espresso. Wine and beer is also available from a wide selection. Experience the wonderful tastes and an aroma of Denvers own Little Italy, Pizza Colore Espresso. V, MC, DI, L$, D$. 1512 LARIMER STREET, 12-R (303) 534-684

 VINO VINO RISTORANTE ITALIANO
 Authentic regional Italian cuisine served in a casual and fun atmosphere. Chef Roberto Ravara of Milan, Italy uses only the freshest and finest ingredients to prepare sumptuous and affordable Italian fare. An award winning wine cellar, strolling Neapolitan singers and free valet parking complement dinner. Banquet facilities are available. Lunch is served Tues.-Fri 11am-2pm, dinner M-Sa from 5:30pm. Reservations at 303-894-VINO. 708 E. 17TH AVENUE (303) 894-VINO
 

 CROCS MEXICAN GRILL
 Crocs is located in the heart of Lower Downtowns Historical district - the intersection of 16th Street Mall & Market Street. Come see "Hal," Denvers largest crocodile replica - over 24 feet long! Dont worry, he doesnt bite, he is there to ensure you eat, drink and leave with a smile on your face. Crocs is known for its entertaining staff, musically fun atmosphere, and award winning Mexican food featuring authentic homemade chili rellenos, carnitas, tamales and the world famous "El Shrimp Bucket." Several large screen TVs and special programming allow you to watch all of your favorite teams in action! While at Crocs dont forget to sample an award winning, "Best of Denver," margarita. Crocs is proud to serve 24 selections of draft beer, featuring many of Colorados finest microbrews. Its turn-of-the-century look, 16-foot ceilings, wooden floors and sidewalk patio gives Crocs Mexican Grill a very cosmopolitan feel. Hours: Mon.-Sun. 11am-2am. BUS, V, MC, DI8, DC, AE, FPK. L, D. $$. Reservations accepted. www.lodorestaurantgroup.com. 1630 MARKET STREET (303) 436-1144

 FIESTA EN GUADALAJARA
 MEXICAN RESTAURANT Located just one block from the theatres and two blocks from the convention center, we are serving GREAT Mexican food! Over 75 items to choose from including Authentic Mexican Salsa, Combination Plate, Huevos Rancheros, Smothered Eggs & Potatoes, Burritos, Enchiladas, Tacos, Tostados, Fajitas, Shrimp, Steak, Chicken and more. Also serving beer, wine, margaritas, and mixed drinks. One free margarita with dinner purchase. Mon.-Sat. 10am-8pm. V, MC, D, AE, *, $, L, D. 1543 CHAMPA STREET (303) 623-5321