Aurora’s dining scene has evolved far beyond strip‑mall chains. With diverse neighborhoods, a huge international population, and new development around Anschutz and the eastern suburbs, the city now has everything from polished brunch spots to some of metro Denver’s best global eats.
These five newer or newly buzz‑worthy restaurants show off that range.
1. Stanley Beer Hall (Stanley Marketplace)
Inside the revitalized Stanley Marketplace, Stanley Beer Hall is a casual but thoughtfully designed spot with a big patio, communal seating, and a self‑pour beer wall that always draws a crowd.
The menu focuses on elevated comfort food: burgers, brats, crispy chicken sandwiches, loaded fries, salads with real personality, and rotating seasonal specials.
It’s kid‑friendly but still interesting enough for serious food lovers, and the large space makes it ideal for groups.
The self‑pour system lets you sample a wide range of Colorado beers and ciders by the ounce, so you can build your own tasting flight as you go.
2. Annette
Also at Stanley Marketplace, Annette is a chef‑driven, intimate restaurant that’s become one of the metro area’s most respected spots.
The space is cozy, with open views into the kitchen, simple decor, and a clear focus on the food.
The menu is seasonal New American with European influences—thoughtful small plates, carefully cooked meats, and vegetable dishes that feel as important as any entree.
Handmade pastas, smoky grilled items, and bright, layered flavors are common. The menu changes regularly, so it’s worth checking what’s on before you go.
A strong cocktail program and a well‑chosen wine list make this a full dining experience rather than just a quick meal.
3. Monsoon Cuisine of India
Located at Southlands, Monsoon brings polished, contemporary Indian dining to Aurora. The room is sleek and comfortable, with warm lighting and a slightly upscale feel that still works for families.
The menu covers much of the Indian comfort‑food canon—tandoori meats, curries, biryanis, breads—along with some regional specialties and house favorites. You can go classic with butter chicken and garlic naan or explore deeper with lamb dishes, seafood, and vegetarian plates featuring lentils, paneer, and seasonal vegetables.
There are plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans, and staff are usually happy to dial spice levels up or down.
4. Angry Chicken
Angry Chicken brings the Korean fried chicken craze to Aurora with a fun, casual, late‑night‑friendly vibe. Neon accents, K‑pop on the speakers, and baskets of extra‑crispy chicken make it feel more like a hangout than a sit‑down restaurant.
The star is the twice‑fried chicken, available in various sauces (soy‑garlic, spicy gochujang, sweet chili, and more) or simply salted. You can get it as wings, drumsticks, boneless bites, or whole pieces, with sides like pickled radish, fries, and slaw.
It’s great for sharing with a group over beer or soju cocktails and makes a perfect pre‑ or post‑movie stop.
5. Cedar Creek Pub
Near Anschutz Medical Campus, Cedar Creek Pub serves as a neighborhood hub for craft beer and hearty Colorado‑style pub food. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with plenty of TVs, a long bar, and a local‑centric feel.
The menu offers elevated bar staples: burgers, sandwiches, tacos, salads, and comfort‑food entrees like mac and cheese or chicken‑fried chicken. There’s usually a seasonal special or two, and the kitchen does a good job of making even simple dishes feel satisfying.
Beer is the main attraction, with a tap list focused heavily on Colorado breweries and rotating limited releases.
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