We’ve got a sweet treat for you — the City Cast Denver team is looking back at our favorite food and drinks from 2025, and letting you in on where to find them. Cheers! 🥂
The Tonkostu Ramen from 303 Ramen
Hey Denver newsletter Editor Peyton Garcia here, ready to put an end to the “best ramen” debate. It’s not Uncle, it’s not Osaka — surprise! — it’s not even a popular ramen spot in Denver. It’s in Arvada.
“I slurped my way through some of the most popular ramen joints in the city this year. Then I circled back to my O.G. order — the Tonkostu bowl at 303 Ramen — and it still stood out as the best by a longshot. The broth is perfectly rich and savory, the noodles are just the right amount of chewy and slurpable. The chashu pork is mouthwateringly tender. It’s chef’s kiss.”
The Tiger’s Milk from Sắp Sửa
Sắp Sửa’s food menu has earned it’s fair share of fame, but Senior Account Executive Maggie Azzolini says don’t sleep on the cocktail menu — she suggests starting with the Tiger’s Milk.
“It’s a variation on a martini with gin, orange, dill, onion, and chili. When I saw it on the menu, I was intrigued because drinks like that can really skew delicious or disgusting … but it was delicious! My husband and I shared one and then had to order a second because it was so good!”
A Mangonada from Qué Rico!
Host Bree Davies says Que Rico!’s version of this chilly classic is sweet, sour, spicy and delicious year-round.
“The mangonada is layers of flavor and texture — crunchy ice doused in mango syrup, a tornado of tajín, chamoy, and chili spice, the whimsical chewiness of salsaghetti gummy candy, and of course, the unmistakable tang of fresh mango chunks make this a full-on dessert in a cup.”
Don’t skip the dessert menu at Malinche Audiobar. (Paul Karolyi/City Cast Denver)
The Nicuatole from Malinche Audiobar
Executive Producer Paul Karolyi can’t get enough from award-winning Chef Jose Avila. His favorite bite of 2025 comes from the dessert menu at Malinche Audiobar.
“I’ll be honest, I typically don’t like dessert. But I tried this one, and I was happy about it. The base of this thing is like a sweetened corn pudding, and it's served with a yuzu-piloncillo glaze and pearls of pear and salmon roe. It's surprising and fun, with so many contrasts of taste and texture.”
The Slow Graffiti from Fellow Traveler
For the sweet and savory lovers out there, Producer Olivia Jewell Love says you can’t miss the strawberry-olive margarita at Englewood’s Fellow Traveler.
“It combined two of my favorite things both for their aesthetics and taste — olives and strawberries — to make a lightly fruity margarita with that salt rim kick infused into the drink.”
El Chilango from Park Burger
Producer Lizzie Goldsmith’s best bite comes in the form of something deliciously reliable. She says the El Chilango from Park Burger never fails to hit.
“I’m not the biggest burger person, but I just love Park Burger’s El Chilango. It checks all the boxes for me, and that jalapeño gives it just the right amount of kick.”
The Corsica Martini from Corsica Wine Bar
Producer Adrian González is a sucker for an expertly executed classic, which is why he recommends the namesake martini from Corsica.
“The martini is an iconic, yet simple cocktail, which means its quality really comes down to the ingredients. And the folks at Corsica nailed it. The main star is the Colorado-made Juniper Jones gin, brought together with dry vermouth, guindilla, citrus peels, and perhaps the unsung hero: an anchovy olive. If you love anchovies like I do, this might be your new favorite drink.”
