I'm no restaurateur, but I'd love to share some places with great atmosphere, smiling faces, and yummy food!
Eating is not only necessary, but very enjoyable! I, for one, like to eat out with my family and friends. There are so many places to eat out there, so how do we find the best ones? Lucky for you, I love eating and exploring. In my many (that's sarcastic) years of experience, I've been to some wonderful restaurants.
Since my favorite food or restaurant changes daily, these aren't in order. Nonetheless, I highly recommend all of these places!
Local (that is, Colorado)
1. Maggiano's Little Italy
This restaurant isn't specific to Colorado, but should definitely be checked out. Maggiano's atmosphere is lively and welcoming, and I've always experienced great service when dining. This restaurant is especially good at handling large groups (my homecoming group of about 16 people went there, and we sat at one table). I'd recommend this for any occasion.
2. Seasons 52
This is a Wanebo family favorite, and there's only one in Colorado! The atmosphere is lively yet private, allowing for each diner to focus in on the people they're with but not feel as though they need to whisper. Although the menu rotates seasonally, the quality of the food is consistent—my personal favorite is the Ahi Tuna TarTare. Definitely a 5 out of 5 rating from me!
3. Smokin' Fins
When I first went to Smokin' Fins, I was on the fence about how I felt about seafood. This restaurant convinced me that I really like it, the food was delicious! One of the best parts about this unique restaurant is that they have live music. It's a family-friendly atmosphere that everyone will enjoy.
4. Via Baci
This eatery serves some of the most incredible pizza I've ever eaten. It's casual and laid-back, but perfect for enjoying Italian food. I'd recommend Via Baci as a go-to-lunch-with-friends sort of option.
Far From Home
1. Mama's Fish House, Hawaii
My parents were the ones who introduced me to this authentic Hawaiian restaurant and I absolutely loved it. The food was incredible; in fact, the cover photo for this post is from Mama's Fish House! Not only is this beautiful restaurant right on the beach, the customer service makes you feel like you're part of the Fish House family. A must-visit if you're in the area!
2. The Signature Room, Chicago
Talk about a breathtaking restaurant—the Signature Room is actually on the 95th floor of a skyscraper right in the heart of Chicago. Aside from quality food and formal attire, diners can enjoy peeking out the giant windows to the city below. It's quite the experience!
3. Ellen's Stardust Diner, New York
Looking for something completely unique? This is the restaurant for you! Ellen's Stardust Diner hires Broadway-aspiring performers as their waiters; in between shifts, these talented individuals perform solos throughout the diner. Crazily enough, people actually get discovered by producers when they work at this restaurant. How amazing is that! It's kind of a double-whammy of greatness: food and singing.
4. Boise Fry Company, Idaho
What would Idaho be if not for their potatoes? It only makes sense to have a shop named for its french fries! This is a great little lunch or snack stop. The most unique part of this eatery wasn't the fries, though they were yummy, but the sauces. They serve blueberry ketchup! I think this is a cute place and would love to go back to eat some Idaho taters.
5. Orange Hill Restaurant, California
This restaurant serves both fantastic food and incredible views. It's situated on a hillside in Orange County with nothing blocking its expansive view over the valley. There is both outdoor and indoor seating so that patrons can enjoy the California heat or escape it. Their servers were the perfect mix of professional and kind, making my experience even better. There are many great restaurants in California, but Orange Hill should be on everyone's list.
6. Arrecifes, Cancun
If I could, I'd go to Mexico every day just to eat here. I've genuinely never had meat as incredible and tender as the ones that were served at this Brazilian steakhouse. The atmosphere was warm and bustling, but very enjoyable. All of the servers were quick on their feet and kind in their smiles. Please, do yourself a favor if you're in the area, go and eat at this amazing restaurant!
If you end up checking any of these places out, let me know. I'd love to hear what your experience was like! Or, if you have any other suggestions, go comment on my Instagram and I'll check them out if I'm in the area!
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