Best Upscale American Restaurants in Highland | Upscale American Food

24 restaurants in Best Upscale American Restaurants in Highland | Upscale American Food

• Terminal Bar — American · rated 5/5: Set within the majestic, light-filled expanse of a historic transit hub, this vibrant destination reimagines the golden age of travel with its polished brass accents and soaring Great Hall views. Patrons gather at the storied ticket windows to enjoy a curated selection of local craft beers and timeless cocktails, all while soaking in the cinematic energy of commuters and explorers pulsing through the heart of the city.
• The Devil's Drink — American · rated 4/5: The Devil’s Drink invites the bold into a seductive, shadow-drenched sanctuary where irreverent humor and masterfully crafted spirits collide under a veil of gothic elegance. Within this dimly lit haunt, the air hums with the scent of charred botanicals as bartenders shake up provocative elixirs ranging from smoke-kissed, brooding infusions to delicate, lace-white concoctions. It is a playground for the curious and the rebellious, where every wickedly named sip offers a sensory journey that is as daring in flavor as it is in spirit.
• Procession Coffee — American · rated 4/5: Step into a space where the ritual of the perfect pour-over takes center stage, filling the air with the complex, toasted aromas of single-origin beans sourced from the highlands of Ethiopia to the volcanic soils of Guatemala. This artisanal sanctuary celebrates the craft of the roast, offering a curated journey through vibrant flavor profiles and meticulously balanced blends that transform a morning caffeine fix into a sophisticated sensory experience.
• Pony Up — American · rated 1/5: This spirited urban haunt hums with a cool, late-night energy, where the savory aroma of slow-simmered jus and the amber glow of the backbar invite guests to settle into a plush leather booth. The kitchen reimagines the classic French dip through a global lens, tucking tender meats into crusty baguettes for inventive creations like the fragrant, herb-laden Saigon or the bold Alameda. Every plate of crispy, golden potato wedges and charred brussels sprouts is best enjoyed alongside a meticulously crafted house cocktail or a cold draft beer, making for a soulful dining experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
• Denver Chop House & Brewery — Steakhouse: Housed in a historic 19th-century building near Union Station, this bustling landmark blends the grandeur of a classic steakhouse with the approachable energy of a premier craft brewery. The air is thick with the savory scent of charbroiled steaks and the malty aroma of house-brewed ales, served amidst soaring ceilings and rich architectural details that whisper of Denver’s storied past. Whether settling into a leather booth for a celebratory prime rib or gathering at the lively bar for a crisp lager, guests find a timeless space where industrial elegance meets hearty, mountain-town hospitality.
• Linger Restaurant — American: Perched in a repurposed historic mortuary, this vibrant urban eatery pulses with energy, where glowing neon signs and panoramic rooftop views set the stage for a spirited evening. The kitchen celebrates the bold spirit of global street food, weaving together a tapestry of international flavors that invite guests to share inventive small plates and linger over craft cocktails in a communal, high-energy atmosphere.
• Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill — American: Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill pulses with a vibrant, social energy, blending industrial-chic aesthetics with the inviting warmth of a modern neighborhood hub. The scratch kitchen crafts a diverse landscape of global comfort food, where bold, fire-grilled flavors meet an extensive library of local craft brews and seasonal cocktails. It is a spirited destination where the clink of glasses and the hum of conversation create an atmosphere perfect for lively gatherings and shared culinary adventures.
• Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar — American: Sun-drenched and spirited, this modern Southern haunt welcomes guests with the irresistible scent of golden, scratch-made biscuits and wildflower honey. The kitchen honors mountain-rooted traditions through plates of crispy, honey-dusted fried chicken and soulful shrimp and grits, all served in a vibrant atmosphere that hums with the warmth of true Appalachian hospitality.
• Mercantile Dining & Provision — American: Nestled within the historic hum of Union Station, this vibrant culinary hub bridges the gap between a bustling European market and a sophisticated chef’s atelier. Sunlight dances over shelves of artisanal provisions as the open kitchen transforms seasonal harvests into soulful, elevated plates that honor the rhythm of the land. Guests are invited to linger over house-made charcuterie and elegant wine pairings, immersed in an atmosphere that celebrates the artistry of the farm-to-table journey.
• Rodizio Grill — Steakhouse: The air is thick with the savory aroma of slow-roasted meats as gauchos navigate the lively dining room with oversized skewers, carving succulent, flame-kissed cuts directly onto your plate. This high-energy feast pairs an endless parade of rotisserie-grilled proteins with an abundant market table of vibrant salads and traditional sides, creating a festive atmosphere that captures the communal spirit of a traditional Brazilian churrascaria.
• Ice House Tavern — American: Bathed in the soft glow of neon and the hum of a lively crowd, this neighborhood staple offers a refreshing escape where frost-rimmed mugs and hearty, soul-warming plates take center stage. The space balances a cool, industrial edge with genuine warmth, inviting guests to linger over perfectly seared burgers and crisp, golden bites in an atmosphere that feels like a perpetual celebration of the weekend.
• The Cooper Lounge — American: Perched high above the bustling Great Hall of Union Station, this glamorous sanctuary evokes the golden age of rail travel with its soaring windows, plush velvet seating, and panoramic views of the city skyline. Guests sip meticulously crafted cocktails from shimmering crystal while indulging in a sophisticated array of artisanal small bites and chilled seafood, all served with an air of timeless, old-world elegance.
• Root Down — American: Housed in a vibrantly repurposed mid-century gas station, this energetic destination pulses with a soulful "field-to-fork" philosophy and sweeping views of the city skyline. The kitchen transforms seasonal, globally-inspired ingredients into a kaleidoscope of bold flavors, creating a sensory dining experience where sustainable artistry meets a lively, urban rhythm.
• House of Commons — American: This vibrant social hub captures the soul of a classic British gastropub, where polished wood and soft leather booths invite guests to linger over craft ales and botanical cocktails. The air carries the comforting scent of slow-cooked roasts and artisanal small plates, creating a communal sanctuary where traditional flavors meet a modern, spirited energy.
• Pig & the Sprout — American: Sunlight floods this airy, split-level sanctuary where industrial-chic design meets a lush canopy of greenery, creating a vibrant backdrop for a culinary experience that playfully balances the indulgent with the wholesome. The kitchen masterfully navigates the scales between hearty and light, pairing the smoky richness of slow-roasted meats with the crisp, garden-fresh vitality of seasonal vegetables to satisfy every craving. It is a spirited social hub where the hum of conversation and the clinking of craft cocktails invite guests to linger in a space that feels both rustic and refreshingly modern.
• Ambler — American: Ambler unfolds as a luminous neighborhood sanctuary, where the clink of artisanal cocktails and the scent of charred herbs drift through an effortlessly chic, light-filled dining room. The kitchen breathes life into seasonal bounty, weaving together bold textures and bright, garden-fresh flavors into plates that are as visually stunning as they are comforting. It is a destination designed for the art of lingering, where every detail invites guests to slow their pace and rediscover the joy of a perfectly communal meal.
• Ajax Downtown — American: Ajax Downtown pulses with the vibrant energy of the city, where industrial-chic design meets a warm, social atmosphere perfect for spirited conversation and late-night toasts. The kitchen transforms seasonal ingredients into bold, soulful dishes that celebrate modern urban flavors, all served amidst the glow of amber lighting and the rhythmic hum of a bustling open bar.
• Family Jones Spirit House — American: Towering copper stills cast a warm, amber glow over this sophisticated sanctuary, where the art of craft distilling meets an elevated culinary vision. Guests gather amidst sleek, industrial-chic surroundings to sip botanical-forward cocktails and share seasonal small plates that transform local ingredients into vibrant, edible art. It is a space defined by liquid alchemy and refined comfort, perfect for an evening of spirited discovery and intimate conversation.
• Hello Darling — American: Step into a whimsical wonderland where vintage glamour meets theatrical flair, draped in lush velvets and bathed in the warm, golden glow of eclectic chandeliers. The air hums with the energy of a secret salon, inviting guests to linger over artfully crafted cocktails and vibrant, seasonal plates that celebrate bold flavors and creative presentation. It is a place where every evening feels like a curated performance, blending playful sophistication with an intimate atmosphere perfect for spirited conversation.
• onefold — American: Sunlight streams through large windows into this bright, minimalist sanctuary where the comforting aroma of freshly ground coffee and sizzling duck fat sets the stage for an elevated morning ritual. The kitchen transforms humble comfort food into soulful masterpieces, from velvety bowls of savory congee topped with soy-poached eggs to hand-folded breakfast burritos glowing under a vibrant ladle of green chile. It is a neighborhood gem where global influences and meticulous technique harmonize, offering a warm, unpretentious space to linger over a perfectly crafted meal.
• Dave's Hot Chicken — American: Vibrant street art and neon glows set a high-energy stage for this urban haunt, where the air is thick with the tantalizing aroma of toasted cayenne and golden-fried chicken. Each hand-breaded tender arrives cloaked in a craggy, spice-dusted crust that shatters to reveal succulent meat, offering a customizable heat that ranges from a gentle warmth to the blistering intensity of the Carolina Reaper. Cooling scoops of kale slaw and buttery brioche sliders provide the perfect counterpoint to the fire, creating an addictive, soul-warming experience for those who crave a serious crunch.
• Babe's Tea Room — American: Step into a whimsical sanctuary where floral accents and vintage charm create an enchanting backdrop for the timeless ritual of afternoon tea. Delicate tiered towers arrive laden with buttery scones and jewel-like pastries, perfectly complemented by fragrant loose-leaf brews served in dainty, mismatched china. It is a place where time slows down, offering a refined yet playful escape that turns a simple midday break into a celebrated occasion.
• Pigtrain Coffee — American: Nestled within the grand, historic bustle of Union Station, this industrial-chic coffee bar hums with the kinetic energy of travelers and locals alike. The air is thick with the rich, toasted aroma of locally roasted beans as baristas masterfully pull velvety espresso shots behind a sleek, marble-topped counter. It serves as a sophisticated urban sanctuary where the ritual of a perfectly frothed latte meets the timeless, soaring charm of the golden age of travel.
• Snooze — American: This vibrant morning destination pulses with retro energy, where mid-century modern aesthetics meet a bustling, sun-drenched atmosphere perfect for a spirited start to the day. The air is thick with the aroma of bold espresso and sizzling griddles as creative twists on breakfast classics—from decadent hollandaise-drenched flights to whimsical, syrup-soaked stacks—arrive at lively tables. It is a social sanctuary that celebrates the morning meal with an inventive flair, inviting guests to linger over craft cocktails in a space that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.