Denver may not be at the culinary heights to which it aspires, but it has already come a long way from the buffalo burgers and green chili that were typical fare a decade ago.

In the past several years, the more relaxed, affordable, outdoorsy lifestyle of this Rocky Mountain gateway has drawn seasoned chefs from around the globe. They've brought with them everything from savory French food to some of the most creative Italian cooking this side of New York.

That's good news for the 50,000 or so visitors who will be in Denver for the Democratic National Convention. The city has virtually every kind of cuisine, ethnic and otherwise, friendly bar dining, communal tables, and someone always looking for good table conversation. And while finding great local cuisine isn't hard, you'll have to venture a few blocks away from the relatively new convention center at the east end of LoDo (Lower Downtown). Here, our picks for solo dining a mile high.

Lower Downtown: Snooze
2262 Larimer Street
303-297-0700
Snooze, a local favorite near the ballpark in LoDo, may be the best morning haunt in town. Owner Jon Schlegel, along with chef/partner Brenda Buenviaje, have come up with a.m. originals such as the Snooze Spuds Deluxe—heaping portions of hash brown with melted cheese and eggs—and the Molten Chocolate French Toast—challah filled with Ghiradelli chocolate and vanilla crème anglaise. If you like an early start, there's also a full bar with morning cocktails ranging from pomegranate mimosas to morning manhattans. It's so casual you almost feel like you could show up in pajamas and no one would say a word.
Dress: Casual
Prices: Inexpensive
Reservations: Not necessary
Close to: LoDo and Coors Field

Cherry Creek: Barolo Grill
3030 East Sixth Avenue
303-393-1040
Depending on who you ask, this Northern Italian classic has the best bar in town for sipping wine, dining, or both. The bartenders are incredibly knowledgeable about pairing wines with house dishes such as braised duckling or pancetta-wrapped salmon. They know their pasta too. Owner Blair Taylor takes all of his employees to Italy each year to study up on the region's flavors. Barolo also places a big focus on wines, stocking more than 850 varieties, more than 90 percent of them Italian. You can't reserve a spot at the bar—but if it's full when you arrive, it's worth the wait.
Dress: Business casual
Prices: Expensive
Reservations: Necessary for a table; not accepted for the bar
Close to: The JW Marriott Hotel at Cherry Creek