The definition of a good neighborhood restaurant? Annie’s Cafe and Bar, of course.
A first-rate neighborhood eatery, the sort of casual place where the friendliness is as important as the food, is a fine and comforting thing.
Denver has a number of good ones, but for many diners, Annie’s Cafe and Bar at 3100 E. Colfax Ave. enjoys a special place in their hearts and bellies.
Annie’s is chockablock with whimsy, its two dining rooms adorned with vintage advertisements, movie posters, toys and kids’ lunchboxes. The retro vibe extends to the television sets, which are typically tuned to the Turner Classic Movies channel.
“What’s really fun is you get customers eating and watching a film, pointing at the screen and going, ‘Hey, isn’t that . . .?” says manager Mary Meggitt. “Except for a big sporting event, we usually have the old movies going.”
The cafe is open daily.
Lunch brings a variety of sandwiches and salads; dinner offers a number of Mexican dishes, burgers (try the stroganoff version), nightly specials and entrees that show some creativity in the kitchen.
Many dishes on the all-day breakfast menu are named for customers or staffers. Isa’s Burrito, stuffed with potatoes, black beans and onions, is named after a retired dishwasher. Order Ramiro’s Burrito, eggy goodness smothered in salsa or chile, and odds are it will be cooked by its namesake, Ramiro Ramos.
There’s a full bar with 10 beers on tap. Or go the malt-shop route and quaff a Black Cow or Fanta Float.
Annie’s, which operated at East Eighth Avenue and Colorado Boulevard for 27 years, moved to the former Goodfriends space about 18 months ago. The venue change more than doubled the space. Which means twice the fun for customers.
American. 3100 E. Colfax Ave., 303-355-8197, annies-cafe.com. Open seven days, three meals a day.
– William Porter
