Denver is the largest city in and capital of the state of Colorado, USA. Denver ("The Mile-High City") is at an altitude of 5280 feet/1600 meters, where the Midwestern plains give way to the Rocky Mountains. The air is thin, and so it is advisable to move slowly, take it easy, and drink plenty of water, especially if you are adversely affected by altitude.

Dining

Mexican food is abundant and satisfying. The local version of Mex takes from the local flavor. Green Chili is the order of the day...a brown, chunky and spicy sauce made from pork and Pueblo or Hatch green chilies that works well on everything from Chorizo and Eggs to Tamales.

Budget
 • Taco de Mexico, corner of 7th and Santa Fe
 • Tommy's Thai, 4310 East Colfax
 • Taqueria Patzcuaro, 2616 West 32nd - This neighborhood favorite boasts the most amazing tacos and Green Chili.

Mid-range
 • Jack n Grill, 26th and Federal (New Mexico style)
 • New Saigon, South Federal
 • Empress Seafood (Dim Sum), Alameda and Federal

Splurge
 • Vesta Dipping Grill, 18th and Blake, LoDo
 • Mizuna, 7th and Grant
 • Barolo, East 6th Ave.
 • Luca d'Italia, 7th and Grant

Drink

Colorado has more microbreweries per capita than any other state (in fact, Denver mayor John Hickenlooper was a microbrewer before running for office). Notable breweries in Denver and environs include Coors Brewery, Great Divide Brewing Co., Flying Dog, Breckenridge Brewery, Wynkoop Brewing Company, and the Bull & Bush . New Belgium, maker of the very popular Fat Tire, is based to the north in Fort Collins. Rock Bottom, a national chain of brewpubs, is based in Louisville (near Boulder).
 • My Brother's Bar (Brother's), 2376 15th St, 303 455-9991. The oldest bar in Denver and steeped in the history of the Beat movement. Smoking in the front and fumeless in the back. Massive selection of premium choices and a fantastic single-malt scotch selection. Classical music plays, but don't expect to hear it on a really busy night. Good food, including the JCB...a cheeseburger featuring Jalapeno Cream Cheese. There's no sign on the bar so don't look for one, but it's directly across from Shakespeare's. This is where the locals go and regulars abound. Say hello to Howard and Dwight behind the bar for me.

Get out

 • Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Located in Morrison, Colorado on the western edge of Denver, is a gorgeous outdoor concert venue with amazing natural beauty and providing a great view of Denver below.
 • Most travelers are likely to use Denver as a base for their forays into the neighboring mountains.
 • LoDo, the name Colorado locals have given the Lower Downtown district of Denver is a great place for meals, entertainment, and nightlife, where restored Victorian buildings now house more than 90 sports bars, brew pubs, jazz clubs and restaurants.