Discover New Flavors at These Five Unique Denver Area Restaurants

Winter is a busy time of year, filled with holiday gatherings and family events. Sometimes it's nice to take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a nice meal at a unique restaurant. Luckily, the Denver area has plenty of original and offbeat places to discover new flavors. Here are five top picks.

1. Beatrice and Woodsley
38 S Broadway, Denver

Decorated with woodsy, rustic elements, Beatrice and Woodsley serves what they call "rustic American" cuisine. The menu includes favorites like braised veal short ribs, escargot and roast leg of lamb, along with an extensive wine selection. They have happy hour specials Monday through Friday between 5 and 6:30 p.m. Reservations are suggested, and you can make them online through Open Table.

2. Casa Bonita
6715 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood

Casa Bonita combines delicious Mexican cuisine with live music and stage acts including puppet shows and dancing. They even have a souvenir shop where you can purchase gifts and memorabilia. The house special is the All You Can Eat Deluxe Dinner, which comes with tacos, enchiladas, chips, queso and more. Margaritas are served by the glass or by the liter. See a list of showtimes on their website. There's no need to make a reservation or to buy tickets.

3. The Fort
19192 Colorado 8, Morrison

The Fort opened in 1963 and has become a Denver area mainstay. They've been named in Bon Apetit, the New York Times and many other publications. On the menu, you'll find prairie-style entrees like the buffalo tenderloin filet mignon and elk chops St. Vrain. They also serve real Alaskan-caught sockeye salmon. Complete your meal with one of their authentic Colorado desserts, like the chocolate chili bourbon cake. Reservations are recommended.

4. Mister Tuna
3033 Brighton Blvd, Denver

Mister Tuna brings Hawaiian favorites to the Denver area, along with a healthy dose of Aloha. Meats sizzle on the rotisserie, the bartenders mix up craft cocktails, and the fresh fish is hard to beat. You'll find options like the king crab, served with stone fruit and brown butter, along with Japanese yellowtail ceviche and summer squash satay. Mister Tuna has a very relaxing, yet artsy vibe, and you can reserve a table online.

5. Jing
5370 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Village

This elegant Asian fusion restaurant would be the perfect spot for date night. They have a cozy lounge area and a comfortable patio. You'll find sushi and rolls, along with new-style sashimi, like the citrus salmon and drunken ahi. Signature plates include a Kobe beef burger and miso seabass. Jing also offers a daily happy hour with food, cocktails and wine specials between 3 and 6 p.m. Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on the weekends.

Current Springs apartment residents, have you tried any of these unique Denver area restaurants? Perhaps you have another local favorite that we forgot to mention. Share your dining experience in the comments section so our readers can enjoy a new taste sensation.