LODO. Breckenridge Brewery is all about good eats, beer, and sports. It's a casual hangout where you can catch a game with friends or play a competitive round of pool. Diverse menu offerings include everything from Mexican fare to barbecue and salads ­ something for everyone! Since Breckenridge is a brewpub, they have several signature beers, most of which flow freely on tap. In fact, the brewing process is on display for guests to enjoy.

LODO. Set in a historic building and designed with Mission-style elements, Dixons regularly wins "Best of Denver" awards for breakfast, margaritas, and Bloody Marys. Highlights of the morning menu include Southwestern-style concoctions like eggs Mazatlan (with guacamole and green chiles in a tortilla) and the awesome Bandito Special (eggs, cheese, tortilla chips, cilantro, jalapenos, and tomatoes). During afternoons and evenings, the menu switches to sandwiches, tacos, burgers, and steaks, and the bar stays lively until late at night. There's a fun kids' menu too, so bring the whole family! In addition, a terrific patio offers superb people-watching and is a good place to share a bottle of wine later in the day.

HIGHLANDS. With art-bedecked walls and a unique, homey atmosphere, Julia Blackbird's (named for the owner/chef) supplies Denverites with a steady stream of unrivaled Southwestern dishes. Sweet acorn squash draws raves, as does chunky, homemade guacamole. Blue-corn enchiladas, hearty chilis, and plump tamales also hint at the rustic, yet complex fare with its rich, multi-layered flavors.

CURTIS PARK. What could be better than $10 bottomless Mimosas or Bloody Marys for Sunday brunch? $10 Kivarittas! Southwestern food gets the five-star treatment in this warm, cozy eatery, which comes complete with two patios and plenty of meeting space. Not an early riser? Catch them for lunch, and don't miss out on the chimichangas.

GREENWOOD VILLAGE. A delicate fusion of Mexican, Native American, and Old West comestibles, Southwestern cuisine is often hard to get right. Positively-reviewed Ocotillo in South Denver strikes a good balance. As much a gathering place as a restaurant (check out the firepit on the back deck), the establishment dishes out bell pepper-flecked salmon and shrimp cakes and main courses like green chile-glazed ribs and crabmeat tamales with sweet potato fries. Exposed brickwork, abundant greenery, and shiny hardwood floors up the atmosphere factor.