CAPITOL HILL. As twilight falls over the gently sloped streets of Capitol Hill, it's not unusual to see a crowd lingering at Seventh and Logan. Put your name in for a table at this ever-lively Mexican eatery and you'll soon be part of the throng. Happily, food and drink are worth the wait ­ well-stuffed enchiladas, crispy sopapillas with honey, and delicious frozen strawberry margaritas by the pitcher. Friendly, attentive waitstaff move the evening along smoothly, and authentic Mexican fare continues to please Denverites after nearly 20 years. Judging by the hungry crowds every night, Benny's is just getting started.

SOUTH DENVER. It's open all day, every day. And it serves breakfast morning, noon, and night, not to mention at 3am to ward off bar-hopping munchies. The lights are bright, the coffee is bottomless, and in true diner fashion, all the food is on the greasy side, but if you're eating at 3am, the last thing you're worried about is cholesterol, right? Although the menu is lengthy and includes non-breakfast fare, most people stick with eggs, pancakes, breakfast burritos, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, and corned beef hash. You can't go wrong with a good ham steak either.

UPTOWN. Funky, upbeat Bump & Grind provides a welcome change from the usual coffee shop ambience. Accented with eclectic local artwork, the interior is relaxed and bright, and the staff (dressed in drag) is incredibly friendly and fun. The coffee is awesome, especially when accompanied by a fabulous gourmet baked good, such as a coconut raspberry bar, Kahlua brownie, carrot cake muffin, or old-fashioned chocolate cake. During "Petticoat Bruncheon" on weekends, a wait is inevitable, but you won't mind once you sample the Mexican Benedict or banana waffles. Lunch offerings are satisfying and expertly prepared as well.

CAPITOL HILL. Housed in a charming, downtown hotel, Burnsley Restaurant offers an elegant, upscale setting for an early morning meal. During the week, the restaurant offers an impressive breakfast buffet that's quite popular with hotel guests and visitors. The unique Continental cuisine, inspired by the chef's training, bears a number of European influences. If you visit for dinner, live piano music plays Monday-Friday.

CHERRY CREEK. A long-time standby, this Mexican restaurant really packs a punch with its tangy salsa, guacamole, and savory pork, chicken and beef tucked into soft tortillas. Self-service is the name of the game, and folks gather to enjoy the tasty fare, much of which features grilled ingredients. Casual atmosphere coupled with low prices makes Chez Jose a great value.