Don’t fill up on chocolate gelt! Here are seven delicious ways to celebrate the Festival of Lights in the Mile High City.

Maddie’s Restaurant

Located near the University of Denver’s campus, Maddie’s serves Mexican and Jewish brunch favorites. You can’t go wrong with the Israeli breakfast, which comes with poached eggs, hummus, Israeli salad, potatoes, and challah. But seeing as Hanukkah is the Feast of Dedication, you should probably go big and order the doughnut hole fritters and Colorado potato cakes. Maddie’s offers its delicious housemade latkes in three flavors: bacon and cheese, veggie, and plain. 2425 S. Downing St., 720-389-8068

The Bagel Deli & Restaurant

Head to this 50-year-old Hampden Avenue classic—which was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives—for an authentic New York City-style Jewish deli experience. Its latkes are perfectly thick and crispy, worth making into a meal. But be sure to save some room because you don’t want to miss Lola’s matzo ball chicken noodle soup and chocolate rugelach for dessert. While you’re at it, you may as well take home a few bagels for the morning. 6439 E. Hampden Ave., 303-756-6667

The Bagel Deli & Restaurant’s potato latkes with sour cream, applesauce, and a side of fruit. Photo courtesy of The Bagel Deli & Restaurant

Zaidy’s Deli

This 33-year old Cherry Creek deli serves food just like Grandma used to make. There are myriad Jewish classics to choose from, including matzo ball soup, matzo brei, and a smoked fish platter. But where Zaidy’s really shines is in its utilization of the latke. Its massive potato cakes make wonderful stand-ins for sandwich; Label’s Special is particularly notable, with Nova lox, cream cheese, two fried eggs, tomatoes, grilled onions, and capers stuffed between the latkes. 121 Adams St., 303-333-5336

Sunny’s

This casual Sunnyside eatery puts a fun—and healthy—spin on the latke. The roasted veggie version is made with zucchini, carrot, and potato, and it comes crowned with eggs, spinach, and scallion cream. Pair it with a steaming cup of hot chocolate for an indulgent morning meal. 2339 W. 44th Ave, 303-477-0005

Sunny’s roasted veggie latkes with scrambled eggs and spinach. Photo courtesy of Sunny’s

Rosenberg’s Bagels & Delicatessen

It’s well known that Rosenberg’s bakes some of the best bagels in Denver. But it also offers a full menu of Jewish deli classics. The fluffy matzo balls in its cold-curing soup are just right, and its crispy latkes—served with applesauce and sour cream—are also worthy of a detour from your typical bagel order. 725 E. 26th Ave., 720-440-9880; Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora, 303-955-0466, rosenbergsbagels.com

Latkes from Rosenberg’s Bagels & Delicatessen. Photo courtesy of From the Hip Photo

El Five

You may be wondering how a restaurant known for pan-Mediterranean tapas made it onto this list. Our answer: matzo ball soup dumplings. This inventive mashup of the classic Chinese “xiao long bao” is filled with savory housemade chicken broth, shredded chicken, and tiny matzo balls. It’s an entirely different—and super fun—way to enjoy the Jewish staple. 2930 Umatilla St., 303-524-9193

El Five’s matzo ball soup dumplings. Photo courtesy of Emily Grossman

East Side Kosher Deli

Although Glendale’s East Side Kosher does not have latkes, it does sling some of the best Jewish and kosher food in the Denver area. While the menu offers everything from burritos to sweet and sour chicken, we recommend sticking with the Coney Island knish. The fried potato dough is filled with housemade pastrami, sauerkraut, and mustard, giving you a big taste of the Big Apple right here in Colorado. 499 S. Elm St., Glendale, 303-322-9862