Hop Alley

The gist: Uncle owner Tommy Lee opened this Chinese powerhouse in 2015, where bold flavors continue to make it a must-visit spot today.
The food: If you still think Chinese in Denver means too-sweet beef and broccoli and chow mein, you’re missing out. The hip-hop soundtrack and high energy atmosphere pair perfectly with dishes that are ideal for sharing. Don’t skip the la ji zi (mouth-numbing—in a really, really good way, Szechuan fried chicken), bone marrow fried rice, and chilled tofu with bang bang sauce.
How to book: See Resy for reservations