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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Authentic food in Five Points

A meal that honors its roots without turning the experience into a performance for tourists.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Den Thai image 1
Den Thai image 2
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Restaurant

Modern dining area combines cozy lounge seating with an upscale bar featuring classic cocktails and a wine display. Atmosphere feels beautiful and inviting, with clean, stylish decor and comfortable booths. Unique Thai dishes and well-crafted drinks create a distinctive, 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.

Food here is consistently authentic Thai with excellent flavor and minimal wait times. Service matches the quality of the dishes, making it a reliable spot for genuine Thai cuisine.

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.

02
Phraya Thai image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with about 8 tables offers an open and classy atmosphere that stays quiet enough for conversation. Space feels modern and clean with a welcoming, home kitchen vibe despite an unusual layout. Background music adds to the pleasant and 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.

Food here offers perfect spice levels and excellent flavor that rivals dishes from Thailand itself. Meals are often cooked by a lovely grandmotherly lady, adding a genuine touch to the experience.

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.

03
20th Street Mexican Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican diner blends exposed brick and classic city diner vibe with Mexican decor. Atmosphere feels homey and inviting, with Banda music adding to the friendly energy. Family-run with authentic flavors and generous portions creates a welcoming, authentic experience.

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.

Mexican food here is authentic and tasty, served warm and quickly. Prices stay cheap while the flavors stay strong.

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.

04
La Pasadita Inn image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, family-run Mexican restaurant feels like sitting in a kitchen with home-cooked food. Cozy, intimate atmosphere with traditional decor and a pleasant outdoor patio. Known for authentic dishes and great margaritas.

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.

Authentic Mexican cuisine shines with a variety of dishes that appeal to all ages. Service is consistently very good, complementing the flavorful food and welcoming atmosphere.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic and delicious."

"The food here is authentic and amazing Mexican cuisine."

"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.

05
JoeyParm's Pizza image 1
Pizza Takeout

Pizza takeout spot with authentic East Coast vibes and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Energy reflects a blend of community spirit and tradition, with fresh, homemade recipes including gluten-free options. Owner's presence behind the counter adds a personal touch to the experience.

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.

Food here shows authenticity and care with each dish. Ingredients get checked carefully to accommodate allergies, and options stay high-quality, affordable, and fast.

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.

06
Cafรฉ Tres image 1
Coffee shop

Pop-up coffee shop with no seating offers authentic Cuban pastries and incredible coffee in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Pastries sell out quickly, attracting a community that values fresh, flaky pastelitos and a taste of home.

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.

Food here is consistently high quality and impeccable, focusing on authentic Cuban flavors. Staff are friendly and eager to share details about the menu and drinks.

People are saying

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

"These authentic Cuban pastries tasted like home."

"These Cuban pastries are the flakiest, most authentic I've ever had."

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.

07
Encanto Cocina & Cantina image 1

Rooftop terrace and patio offer comfortable outdoor seating with live music and DJ sets creating a lively vibe. Indoor space combines modern charm with an intimate bar serving well-crafted cocktails. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, suited for groups and casual dining.

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

Mexican food stands out with amazing flavors and top-notch service. Drinks and dine-in options complement the spectacular food well.

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.

08
Da Sauce image 1
Restaurant

Small space decorated with Chicago gear creates a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of a Chicago bar. A fully stocked bar includes unique offerings like boozy milkshakes and Chicago-specific Malort. Upstairs features a pool table and gaming area, adding to the lively, welcoming vibe.

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.

Food comes out quickly and shows clear care in preparation. Expect amazing flavors, great timing, and a focus on customer satisfaction.

People are saying

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

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

"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 restaurant with an authentic and affordable menu offers late-night hours until 3 AM and vegan options. The atmosphere feels inviting and clean, with a kiosk ordering system that simplifies the process. Outdoor patio adds a relaxed touch, while the food stands out for its freshness and flavor.

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

Freshly prepared dishes arrive hot and full of authentic Mediterranean flavors. Portions come generous and the taste stays consistently delicious and excellent.

People are saying

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

"I found the food here to be really fresh and delicious."

"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
Krave It Pizza & Sandwich Joint & Bar image 1

Pizza restaurant offers a modern, clean, and spacious setting with multiple 65-inch 4K TVs and a full bar for entertainment. Atmosphere stays inviting and lively, perfect for relaxing or catching up with friends. Comfortable seating and great music add to the enjoyable vibe.

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

Food here is fresh and flavorful with many options like pizza and sandwiches. It takes a bit of time to get your order, but the delicious quality makes it worth the wait.

People are saying

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

"The food here is great, especially the pizzas."

"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.

11
Beyond Thai Cafe image 1
Thai restaurant

Small, functional space offers a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere with a cozy, humble vibe. Steady and uncomplicated environment suits those seeking a quiet, dependable spot. Friendly neighborhood feel complements the authentic Thai experience.

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.

Food stays consistently fresh, spicy, and exotic with every order. Service supports a great dining experience and food arrives hot when delivered.

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.

12
Chili Shack Larimer image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with Colorado murals and Denver sports graffiti creates a laid-back, inviting atmosphere. A salsa bar offers various toppings, while TVs play comedy, news, or crime shows. The vibe stays casual and friendly, with affordable prices and fresh ingredients.

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.

Food comes out fresh and packed with flavor. Ingredients show care and the menu blends Mexican and American dishes well.

People are saying

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

"I thought the food here was amazing and delicious."

"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.

13
La Casa De Manuel image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old school Mexican restaurant with authentic, family-run charm offers a low-key, comfortable atmosphere and budget-friendly prices. The menu features big portions and standout dishes like smothered burritos and a unique broth-based green chili.

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.

Food tastes very fresh and authentic, coming from a local family. Meals offer great value and serve quickly with consistent quality.

People are saying

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

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

"The food here is fresh and authentic."

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.

14
Pig and Tiger image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant combines dark moody design with big bay windows and brick walls for a hip, upscale vibe. Music sets a vibey atmosphere that supports conversation without shouting. Cocktails offer creative spins on classics, complementing innovative Taiwanese-inspired dishes.

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

Food stands out for its incredible flavor and exceptional quality. Presentation is timely, and drinks complement the dishes well.

People are saying

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

"The fried chicken food here is perfectly crispy."

"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.

15
Jamaican Spice and Grill image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Shared commercial kitchen operates as a take-out only ghost kitchen with minimal lobby space. Atmosphere feels quiet and functional, focused on pickup rather than dining in. Known for authentic Jamaican cuisine with standout dishes like jerk chicken and oxtails cooked over charcoal.

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

Authentic jerk spice flavor blends with charcoal grill notes for a deeply satisfying taste. The food is consistently delicious, with spicy gravy and well-prepared plantains adding to the experience.

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.

16
La Popular Food Company image 1

Cozy mom-and-pop tamale shop with authentic Mexican flavors and award-winning breakfast burritos. The atmosphere includes great music and a small bakery offering classic baked goods. Customers appreciate the handmade tamales and tortillas, with a steady flow of locals valuing quality and tradition.

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

Tamales and breakfast burritos stand out as popular dishes. Food offers a mix of authentic flavors with options to prepare your own masa or buy pre-made items like tortillas and fresh cookies.

People are saying

"I traveled 400 miles for these delicious tamales."

"The tamales here are so delicious, especially the green ones."

"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.

17
TOKIO image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with wood accents and a loft-like second floor creates an intimate setting. Atmosphere stays quiet and welcoming with excellent music enhancing the experience. Known for fresh sushi and delicious ramen, it draws those seeking authentic Japanese flavors.

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.

Food here is consistently fresh and delicious with an upscale dining feel. Every visit delivers solid, top-notch Japanese dishes.

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious and phenomenal."

"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.

18
Mexico City Restaurant & Lounge image 1

Mexican restaurant with authentic steak and fried tacos serves great margaritas and offers a laid-back, friendly atmosphere. Multiple TVs show football, and an open window for to-go drinks adds a unique touch. The place gets busy with tight seating but maintains incredible vibes throughout.

The food features authentic Mexican dishes with excellent tacos and fried tacos that stand out. The atmosphere and service both feel genuinely authentic.

Tacos stand out as consistently great while other dishes vary from mediocre to excellent. The food offers an authentic Mexican flavor with awesome service that complements the dining experience.

People are saying

"I found the fried steak tacos to be the best I ever had."

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

"I loved their authentic fried tacos; they were so crispy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The happy taco hour runs from 3pm to 6pm on weekdays.

2

Expect a wait time of 10 to 40 minutes for food on non-busy days.

3

Parking is difficult on weekends but easier on weekdays.

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Five Points, Denver

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