Dinner for Two Under $50 in Denver

If you're anything like me, you like to try new restaurants in your neighborhood without having to pawn your valuables or redeem your retirement funds. I'm generally not fond of many chain restaurants. There are exceptions but finding locally-owned and homey restaurants is always a happy event. This event is made more enjoyable when you can have a dinner for two for less than $50.

Throughout our travels, we've uncovered at least five restaurants in the Denver area that fall into this category. Check them out at least once. Some of them may need a second visit, to try something else or have fewer crowds, depending on when you go.

The first is the Dusty Boot Steakhouse and Saloon. They have two locations, 116270 E. Arapahoe Rd., Aurora, CO and 5960 S. Holly, Greenwood Village, CO. Having been here numerous times, we've never had a bad meal. The food is diverse, fresh and nicely presented. Service is always timely, polite and competent. By all means, try the wraps. They are my personal favorite.

One of the first restaurants I discovered upon arriving in Denver twenty years ago is Jade Garden. This is the classic neighborhood Chinese eatery, with reasonable prices and a substantial menu. We've been eating here often and have never had other than delicious food, no matter what the menu item. Staff is accommodating, gracious and grateful for the opportunity to serve. The address is 5120 E. Arapahoe Rd., Littleton, CO 80122.

Las Brisas is another one of those neighborhood restaurants with high quality and unique but delicious menu items. They are a different type of Latin cuisine, specializing in seafood. Their Sunday brunch is dazzling, they often run promotions and it is a comfortable but classy spot. Their address is 6787 S. Clinton, Greenwood Village, CO 80112.

Helga's German Restaurant is located at 14197 E. Exposition in Aurora, CO, 80012. This is a fun place with a classic German menu and giant beer selection. The menu selections are considerable, with very large portions and excellent presentation. We've been there when the accordion player wanders around, adding color and tone to the meal, making it an entirely pleasant evening. My favorite is the lamb chops but everything we've eaten has been terrific.

Finally, having grown up in Chicago, Greek food is always a treasure for me. Yanni's Greek Taverna is at 2223 S. Monaco, Denver, 80246 and reminds me of many happy and festive Greek meals in my home town. The owner is frequently on site, the complimentary Ouzo is a given and the food is remarkable. Be sure to try the saganaki. It's delicious and makes an excellent introduction to any entree.

Hope you have fun with these. There will always be new additions to the list but finding a trusted source for an exceptional meal is cause for celebration.