Pete's Kitchen - a Gem in the Rockies

It's 3 a.m. The last time you ate was around 9 o'clock, before the glow of the LoDo bars sucked you out for a night out with the guys.

Looking down at your watch, you're thinking it might be another IHOP night and then back to the condo with a full stomach and visions of Joanna and her phone number on your mind.

But wait a minute! There's a great alternative to Waffle House to grab a bite to eat that's reasonable, and not too far from the neon glow and excitement of downtown Denver. Pete's Kitchen, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is a must for those late night cravings, nestled on Colfax Avenue. It has been a landmark since 1942.

One evening, upon the urging of a group of drunken friends, I was practically dragged to the restaurant. Perhaps, I was not in the mood for what one of the group members kept slurring, "Pizza Kitchen." That I was hoping for a slice of pizza, and I'd get out of there was my only goal.

However, what a surprise it was to find a neat little diner in the chain restaurant mecca of Denver. There's a lot to be said about diners, and the ambience at Pete's Kitchen is no exception. Not to mention, the menu is varied enough for meat lovers and vegans alike to find something to whet their appetites.

In fact, Pete's has been a late-night hot spot for sometime now, and apparently has won awards. Readers of 5280 Magazine have in fact named Pete's Kitchen a top choice two years in a row and have also been recognized as serving the best breakfast burritos and late-night eats in the Mile High City.

With a menu as varied as any, salads, burgers as well as gyros are sure to fill the tummy as well as provide customers a well rounded selection. Far and away, the breakfast menu is tops with 10 omelet offerings, pancakes, French toast, cinnamon rolls, and eight breakfast combination offerings.

However, if you're thinking lunch or a light dinner, there are also several more selections such as club sandwiches, Philly Cheese Steaks, as well as veggie pitas.

Some of my favorite options on the menu include the patty melt, sausage and fried egg sandwich, pork chop dinner, corned beef hash and eggs and the Hunter's Style Breakfast.

When you see the food, let alone taste the food, you'll know why this greasy spoon is top of the Mile High City. I think it sits at 5290 feet, but that's just me. I can't argue that it really is a Colfax Institution.

http://www.petesrestaurantstoo.com/