Appaloosa Grill $$

535 16th St., Denver
720/932-1700
www.appaloosagrill.com [1]

HOURS: Daily 11 a.m.–2 a.m.

COST: Most entrées between $10–20

The Appaloosa Grill has a great story, nightly music, and good food. Once owned by John Hickenlooper, the Appaloosa is now owned by a former waiter at the restaurant, who worked his way to the top and then mixed his new business with his old passion—music.

Owner Johnny James Qualley’s band, Oakhurst, plays every week at Appaloosa and other bands—the Clam Daddys, Go Go Lab—fill in the other six nights. Music starts at 9:30 p.m. nightly. The menu is a Southwestern-Asian hybrid that is more limited after 10 p.m.