Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Five Points

Authentic spots

You can tell when a place is staying true to its roots rather than catering to a trend.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
La Pasadita Inn image 1
La Pasadita Inn image 2
La Pasadita Inn image 3
View all
Mexican restaurant

Small, family-run spot offers authentic Tex-Mex with home-cooked flavors. Cozy, intimate vibe feels like dining in a kitchen, enhanced by a pleasant outdoor patio. Known for great margaritas and friendly, prompt service.

Authentic Tex-Mex and Mexican dishes feature home-cooked meals with DenMex cooking styles. Food quality is friendly, prompt, and inexpensive with a strong focus on genuine flavors.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic and delicious."

"The green chili here is mild, flavorful, and made with love."

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic and amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the street or in the nearby Safeway parking lot.

2

Expect to pay more than the menu prices for some items.

3

Dogs are not allowed on the patio.

02
Den Thai image 1
Restaurant

Modern dining blends cozy lounge seating with an upscale bar serving classic cocktails and authentic Thai dishes like Pad Thai and Kee Mao. Atmosphere is beautiful and inviting, with stylish decor and comfortable booths. Unique flavors and well-crafted drinks create an uplifting vibe.

Pad Thai and Kee Mao deliver authentic Thai flavors with traditional taste. The dishes offer a very good and true-to-origin experience.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be incredibly flavorful and authentic."

"The Thai food here is authentic and incredible, especially the Pad Thai."

"The Thai food here tastes so authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3-6pm with great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of unique Thai dishes not found elsewhere.

3

Portion sizes are generous, often enough for multiple meals.

03
JoeyParm's Pizza image 1
Pizza Takeout

Pizza takeout spot offers authentic Sicilian pizza with homemade sauce and gluten-free options. Cozy, welcoming atmosphere reflects community spirit and tradition. Owner's presence adds a personal touch to every order.

Freshly made Sicilian pizza stands out with its authentic Italian-American flavor. The sauce is homemade and the pizza is crafted with care and love.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I ever had."

"I thought the food here was fire and authentic Italian-American."

"I tasted the authentic passion and homemade flavor in their pizza."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 2 am at Beacon RiNo.

2

They offer gluten-free crust and dairy-free cheese for dietary restrictions.

3

The pizza is priced very reasonably.

04
Cafรฉ Tres image 1
Coffee shop

Pop-up coffee shop serves authentic Cuban pastries with fresh, flaky pastelitos and brown sugar syrup coffee. No seating but offers a warm, friendly atmosphere that draws a community valuing quality and tradition.

Pastries feature authentic Cuban flavors that stand out for their taste and quality. Coffee includes an authentic brown sugar syrup that complements the rich flavors well.

People are saying

"I found the pastries here to be the best I've ever had."

"This Cuban bakery's pastelitos are flaky, buttery, and taste like home."

"These authentic Cuban pastries tasted like home."

Good to know

1

Cafรฉ Tres operates as a pop-up without seating.

2

Arrive early to avoid missing out on popular pastries.

3

Street parking is available, but limited.

05
20th Street Mexican Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican diner offers authentic flavors with red Chile and soft white corn tortillas. Family-run spot feels homey and inviting with exposed brick and Banda music. Breakfast burrito and huevos rancheros serve generous portions that capture traditional tastes.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with red Chile and soft white corn tortillas. Breakfast options like the burrito and huevos rancheros offer a homemade, real taste true to traditional cuisine.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"These breakfast burritos are the best handhelds I've ever had."

"I found the food here to be super authentic and homemade."

Good to know

1

The cafe opens early at 6:00 AM for breakfast.

2

Prices for breakfast burritos are under $10.

3

Parking can be difficult to find nearby.

06
Phraya Thai image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with authentic Thai flavors offers a quiet atmosphere perfect for conversation. Space feels modern and clean with a welcoming vibe. Background music adds to the comfortable environment.

Dishes deliver authentic Thai flavors that closely match traditional tastes. The food reflects genuine recipes and spices, offering a true taste of Thailand.

People are saying

"I found the Thai food here to be absolutely amazing."

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"The food here is so yummy and authentic."

Good to know

1

The prices at Phraya Thai are reasonable, averaging around $17 for entrees.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers, making it a great time to visit.

3

The restaurant is small, so expect limited seating during peak hours.

07
Thick's Gelato & Chocolates image 1

Gelato shines with authentic Italian ingredients and unique flavors like passion fruit with seeds. Vintage espresso cups add charm to the quaint European vibe. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, making it a dog-friendly spot for cozy treats.

Gelato features rich, creamy flavors made with authentic ingredients imported from Italy. Passion fruit gelato includes tiny seed pieces for vibrant texture and flavor.

People are saying

"The gelato here is authentic, creamy, and full of flavor."

"I found the gelato at this Local Spot to be the best I've ever had."

"The gelato here is authentic, creamy, and made with quality ingredients."

Good to know

1

They offer gluten-free waffle cones for those with dietary restrictions.

2

Three different vegan gelato flavors are available for plant-based diets.

3

All gelato is made on-site, ensuring freshness and quality.

08
Da Sauce image 1
Restaurant

Small space with Chicago gear sets a lively vibe. Pizza offers authentic thin crust with crisp texture. Bar serves boozy milkshakes and Chicago Malort, while upstairs has a pool table for fun.

Pizza features an authentic Chicago thin crust with a crispy texture. Tavern-style pies capture the classic Chicago flavor well, offering a true taste of Chicago comfort food.

People are saying

"I finally found real Chicago thin crust pizza here."

"You have to try their homemade ice cream; it's fantastic."

"I found authentic Chicago tavern-style pizza here."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Thursday at 10pm with a two-drink minimum.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with special deals on appetizers.

3

The restaurant is open until 3am, making it a great late-night dining option.

09
HUMMUS image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean spot offers authentic gyros with fresh, flavorful dishes and vegan options. Late-night hours until 3 AM make it easy to visit anytime. Enjoy a relaxed vibe on the outdoor patio and quick service via a kiosk system.

Generous portions of authentic Mediterranean food come well seasoned and tasty. The spot serves authentic gyros and snacks with a chilled, affordable vibe.

People are saying

"This Mediterranean food is the best I've ever had, especially the falafel."

"It's a great late night spot for tasty Mediterranean food."

"I found the Mediterranean food here to be authentic and well-seasoned."

Good to know

1

HUMMUS is open until 3 AM, making it a rare late-night dining option.

2

The restaurant offers vegan and gluten-free options for diverse dietary needs.

3

HUMMUS is very clean, providing a pleasant dining environment.

10
Chili Shack Larimer image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican spot boasts authentic Southern-style consomรฉ and fresh ingredients. Colorado murals and Denver sports graffiti create a laid-back vibe. Salsa bar adds variety, while TVs show comedy and news for a casual, friendly feel.

Southern-style cuisine shines with authentic flavors in dishes like the consomรฉ. Mexican food here stays true to its roots, offering a genuine taste experience.

People are saying

"The chili here is amazing and has just the right heat."

"You have to try their breakfast burrito; it's a must-try."

"I thought the birria tacos were the best, with plenty of meat."

Good to know

1

Chili Shack Larimer is open until 1:30 or 2:00 am for late-night visits.

2

Expect quick service; fries are ready in about 10 minutes.

3

The menu features a large variety of Mexican food choices.

11
Krave It Pizza & Sandwich Joint & Bar image 1

Pizza spot serves authentic New York style slices in a modern, spacious setting with multiple 65-inch 4K TVs. Downtown vibe feels lively and inviting, perfect for relaxing or catching up with friends.

Slices capture authentic New York style with a clear east coast influence. Downtown location offers a genuine NYC pizza experience.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza was delicious and loaded with toppings."

"This late night spot has delicious, unique pizzas with amazing flavors."

"I loved the authentic East Coast pizza slice."

Good to know

1

Parking is not available at the restaurant due to its downtown location.

2

Expect pickup orders to be about 20 minutes behind the estimated time.

3

Prices start at $6 for a slice, which is reasonable for Denver.

12
Beyond Thai Cafe image 1
Thai restaurant

Small space with a laid-back vibe offers authentic Thai dishes that taste true to tradition. Friendly neighborhood feel makes it a reliable spot for genuine flavors. Quiet and steady environment suits those seeking a cozy, humble place to enjoy simple, genuine food.

Strong menu offers authentic Thai flavors with simple, genuine dishes. Food tastes true to traditional recipes, making it a reliable spot for authentic Thai food.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"This soup is outstanding and very flavorful."

"Melinda's joyful presence made our authentic experience top-notch."

Good to know

1

Parking is available out front but can be tight during busy times.

2

Expect a wait during dinner hours, but service is fast outside of peak times.

3

The restaurant offers great gluten-free and vegetarian options.

13
Encanto Cocina & Cantina image 1

Rooftop terrace and patio provide comfortable outdoor seating with live music and DJ sets for a lively vibe. Inside, an intimate bar serves well-crafted cocktails in a warm, inviting space. Menu features authentic Mexican dishes with real, delicious flavors.

Menu offers a small but carefully curated selection of authentic Mexican dishes. Food tastes real and delicious, capturing true Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"The food here was excellent and tasted great."

"The food here is delicious and truly authentic."

"It's a lively party spot with loud music and high energy."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features $3 tacos every week.

2

Thirsty Thursday offers a free margarita with an entree.

3

Birthday celebrations include a special song and sombreros.

14
La Popular Food Company image 1

Cozy mom-and-pop spot shines with authentic tamales and award-winning breakfast burritos. Great music sets a lively mood while a small bakery offers classic baked goods. Locals love the handmade tortillas and genuine flavors.

Food offers incredibly authentic tamales with a genuine taste. People and business maintain a strong sense of authenticity throughout.

People are saying

"I traveled 400 miles for these delicious tamales."

"The green chili in their burritos is divine and transcendent."

"I found the tamales here to be amazing and authentic."

Good to know

1

They offer to-go salsa, tortillas, tortilla shells, and chips.

2

Tamales are made from scratch, enhancing their flavor.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

15
La Casa De Manuel image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old school Mexican spot serves authentic family recipes in a low-key atmosphere. Big portions and budget-friendly prices make it a great choice. Smothered burritos and unique green chili stand out.

Food shows unapologetic authenticity with recipes from a local family. The atmosphere feels honest and charming, offering a more genuine Mexican experience than many others.

People are saying

"I found the food to be unapologetically authentic and honest."

"I enjoyed the green chili with chunks of pork."

"I thought their burritos and fresh salsa were the best."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers large portions at affordable prices.

2

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

3

Credit cards are accepted, along with cash payments.

16
Jamaican Spice and Grill image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Shared kitchen offers authentic Jamaican cuisine with charcoal-grilled jerk chicken and oxtails. Quiet, functional space focuses on take-out, no dine-in. Perfect for quick pickup of traditional flavors packed in every bite.

Charcoal grill flavor and jerk spice combine to deliver authentic Jamaican cuisine. Every bite carries genuine, delicious taste packed with traditional flavors.

People are saying

"This food is so flavorful, I'd make the drive again."

"The American food here is amazing, especially the juicy, tender meats."

"I found the authentic Jamaican food here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Jamaican Spice and Grill operates as a hybrid ghost kitchen with no dine-in options.

2

Customers must order ahead online or by calling to avoid long wait times.

3

Expect wait times of over an hour for food during peak hours.

17
Pig and Tiger image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant blends authentic flavors like pork belly rice with a hip, upscale vibe from brick walls and bay windows. Music keeps a vibey atmosphere perfect for chatting. Creative cocktails add a fresh twist to classics, matching the innovative menu.

Salad, dumplings, and pork belly rice show authentic and unique flavors. Some ingredients bring back childhood memories with their genuine taste.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is so flavorful and delicious."

"The Pig and Tiger salad is complex, bright, and balanced."

"The authentic flavors here are so satisfying and remind me of childhood."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends when the restaurant is busy.

2

The menu includes many gluten-free options, accommodating celiac diners.

3

Expect to spend around $100 for two people, including tip.

18
TOKIO image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with wood accents and a loft creates an intimate vibe. Fresh sushi and authentic ramen shine with top ingredients. Quiet atmosphere and excellent music make it welcoming and stylish.

Freshest and highest quality ingredients define the authentic sushi and Japanese food here. The gyoza prepared by Chinami stands out, and the ramen delivers on authentic flavors with a stylish vibe.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here has a really nice, chill atmosphere."

"The sushi here is so fresh, especially the tuna roll."

"The ramen and sushi here are so authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Monday is $2 salmon night.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

3

Parking is tough downtown, so plan accordingly.

Discover more

Five Points, Denver

Area guide
Loading Map...