Best Dim Sum in Denver

BEST DIM SUM: Super Star Asian Cafe

2200 West Alameda Avenue

303-727-9889

(no website)

Super Star has taken over the title of best Dim Sum in Denver.

This rating is based on the stand-along rating of its food quality alone. Last time I visited (at night) the sign out front wasn't lit up in Alameda Square, making it hard to find. Inside, the walls were undecorated and bare.

However soon I found myself the only Caucasian in the place, as it filled up with Chinese-Americans, which is a good sign (word is on weekend days, you can expect up to an hour wait for a table during dim sum rush!).

The dim sum menu was great, nothing atypical from the other 6 or so dim sum contenders in town. But the quality of the food was much better than any other dim sum I've tasted in the city....what they lack in atmosphere, they make up for in authenticity and superior food quality.

What to order: beef spareribs were great, as were the shrimp and scallop dumplings. Whatever you choose, there's only 2 or 3 pieces per plate, so don't like it? Move on to the next dish!

Best Mexican Food in Denver

BEST MEXICAN: Los Carboncitos
3757 Pecos St.
303-458-0880

If you're a gringo, sometimes you might be the only one not ordering in Spanish in this place. But Los Carbonzitos is a cozy, no-frills taqueria that welcomes everyone.

Denver's Mexican-Americans swear it serves up the most authentic dishes in the city, a city that's known for its Mexican food! Take a native of Mexico City and they'll tell you that Los Carboncitos represents the food of their city very well.

You can view the chefs cooking right behind the counter, and slicing the meat right off the gyro-like spinners, whisking the plates out assembly-line style while you sip on a horchata, enveloped in the smells of the grill.

What to order: Los Carboncitos are known for their signature dishes called "Huaraches", a full plate that resembles its namesake, a long Mexican sandal. You can't go wrong with one. Another good choice is the Hawaiian taco plate is fantastic.....you will need to ask for more tortillas because you will for sure polish off more than 7 or so.