All Points West : One Day Dining in Denver

The greatest perk about driving in Denver is always knowing which direction you're headed just by looking at the mountains (hint for you flatlanders - they're always west). Take advantage of this easily navigable city and the affordable travel rates and do up Denver's dining scene in twenty-four hours.

Green chili breakfast burrito or pancakes at Snooze? If you're an early bird, definitely head over to Snooze to dive into the sweetest pancakes this side of the Rockies. On the outskirts of LoDo at 2262 Larimer, Snooze is a local favorite for curing a hang over and a destination for foodies from around the country. Need more street cred? The kiddies from the Real World Denver used to grab grub here, like, all the time.

Throw your salty desires out the window and opt for a towering plate of fluffy, sugary pancakes. Try the mini-flight sampler if you just can't decide between pineapple upside-down pancakes or the sweet potato ones.

Snooze is strategically located about 5 blocks east of shopping mecca Larimer Square, if you're in desperate need to walk off those carbs or buy bigger pants. And if the lines at Snooze send you running, try the Market Cafe in Larimer Square (1445 Larimer St). It's a decent substitute with cute outside seating, fresh coffee, and enormous breakfast pastries.

Adjacent to Larmier Square through the jagged Writer Square is the 16th Street Mall. Highly touristy and polluted with mall rats, think of it only as a bridge between meals. Walk up the mall towards the Capitol Building (away from the mountains), and turn on 17th Avenue for a quick stroll through the quaint Uptown neighborhood. In the midst of Victorian homes and craftsman-style bungalows, enjoy a refreshing mid-day meal at Watercourse, located at 837 E. 17th Ave.

Watercourse mirrors Denver's desire for clean livin' and heathly eatin' by rewarding environmentally concious citizens with a fresh innovative take on traditionally greasy comfort food. Overstuffed sandwiches, thoughtfully blended salads, and flavorful pasta dishes contribute to the impressive menu.

After this satisfying lunch, you'll be walking down the block licking your lips and suddenly you'll stop and think to yourself, "Wait, I didn't see any meat on that menu." You just ate at a vegetarian restaurant. And you didn't even realize, right? Watercourse is just that good.

Still not swayed on a hardcore vegetarian lifestyle, even just for lunch? Head back down 17th for about five blocks to grab at table at Steuben's, 523 E 17th Ave. Dishing out good ol' American meat and kitschy cocktails in a retro space-age decor, Steuben's is like taking a trip to a culinary county fair. They also really love bacon and cupcakes. Can't go wrong here!

For dinner, get in your rental and cross over Colfax for an authentic western experience at the Buckhorn Exchange, 1000 Osage Street. The Buckhorn Exchange is the type of restaurant for the I've-seen-it-all travelers. You haven't. Not until you've dined with a two-headed jackalope glaring at your Cowboy steak. "Jackalopes are a myth," you say? Then ask your server to point out the five-foot long whale penis dangling above your dinner salad.

You'll feel like Gustav from Beauty and the Beast in this truly over-the-top hunter's lodge of a restaurant complete with high backed Queen Anne-style chairs. Every animal you can kill and stuff is represented on the walls of the Buckhorn Exchange. Furthermore, every animal you can kill and eat is on the menu. Obviously, this place isn't for the staunch herbivore, so leave your animal-loving friends at Watercourse.

Even though it sounds exotic, skip the rattlesnake appetizer and order up some real western delicacies in the form of smoky buffalo sausage or, for the ballsy diner, the Rocky Mountain oysters. For those feeling a flight of adventure, try the poultry sampler with ostrich, yak, and quail. If you want to cut to the chase, snag a buffalo and elk combination entree for the best buttery cuts Colorado has to offer.

If more standard fare is what you seek, I guess you can score a spot at Table 6 at 609 Corona Street in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. With a decidedly East Coast feel, Table 6 enchants patrons with exciting entrees and a seasonal focus. Be sure to make reservations as the tiny bar gets cramped at peak hours.

Finally, let's get down to business. When deciding on a nightlife destination, unless you're stuck on re-living the Real World Denver highlights, steer clear of LoDo. With the long lines, expensive parking, and weak drinks, LoDo is just like every other party district in any other city - unremarkable. Instead, I recommend East Colfax. Park right on Colfax around the Bluebird Theatre and have multiple hoppin' bars to choose from with easy access, and even a 7-11 to stop at for cigs or Red Bull.

To ease into the night, hit up the Goosetown Tavern at 3242 E Colfax Ave, directly across from the Bluebird. A popular dig for local servers after work, the Goosetown offers a dozen beer on tap, standard bar food, pool tables, and a huge patio.

To step it up a notch, cross back over Colfax for the Atomic Cowboy for a rowdy good time. To make up for a severe lack in mechanical bulls, the Atomic Cowboy has generous drink specials, cushy booths, and old school board games in a retro cowboy themed space. Grab a PBR and a stool on their outside patio for a front row seat to the spectacle that is Colfax Ave.

Next, be a part of the action itself at Rock Bar, located a few doors down at 3015 E Colfax Ave, in the Hotel. Infamous for having totally unpromoted but fully embraced theme nights, Rock Bar isn't a club - it's a bar with a dance floor. Furthermore, Rock Bar is a completely untouched, untainted bonafide rock-n-roll hang out from the 70's. Can you say velvet booths, gold foiled wallpaper, and secluded lounges?

With no drink specials, no food, and non-request-taking DJ's, Rock Bar is usually a hit or miss with first-time party goers. To avoid walking out and wondering what all the fuss is about, try to go over the weekend. If you are a mid-week rager, however, pop into Senger's right across the street for classy drinks on a lush garden deck.

It's 2 a.m., the bars are closing, and you're desperate for something to sop up the alcohol swishing around in your belly. Stumble one block west to the Shoppe at 3103 East Colfax Avenue for some sweet relief. This little gem shines brightly over Colfax with neon pink signs, serving up moist, buttery cupcakes and cold, crunchy cereal. Open til 3 a.m. on the weekends, I bet dollars to donuts, the Shoppe has what you're looking for.

If something salty is what you crave, drive down to Pete's Kitchen, open 24 hours at 1962 E Colfax Ave. A true Denver landmark, Pete's has the feel of an East coast diner, dishing out American standards and Western traditions. Still mad you chose the pancakes over the breakfast burrito this morning? Here's your chance! Topped with peppery, meaty green chili, a true western burrito will definitely complete your day dining in the queen city of the plains.