Westword: Five Old Denver Restaurants and Their New Denver Counterparts

“Flagstaff House/El Five
The old adage that the better a restaurant’s view, the worse its food has gone by the wayside as real estate prices have forced chefs at picturesque dining houses to stay competitive or close up shop. But back in the days of destination dining, when ladies and gentlemen would don their Friday finest for a night out, Flagstaff House was proving itself an exception to the rule, providing top-notch hospitality and elegant food to match its setting high on a hilltop perch above Boulder.

Likewise, El Five could have relied on its fifth-floor location with unsurpassed views of the Denver skyline to draw in customers, but the magic would have quickly faded if the food had not been as stunning as the scenery. El Five and the Flagstaff House both make guests feel like they’re in a special place, and reward them with special cuisine. Flagstaff dazzles with its wine cellar and a new culinary program headed by executive chef Chris Royster, while El Five wows with its elaborate drinks, swank ’70s vibe and array of creative takes on Mediterranean cuisine. Both are worth a several-hour investment: The Flagstaff House’s location up a winding mountain road discourages restaurant-hopping, while El Five can still have a long wait.”

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