As has become a common theme, chef Lance Barto, of the six-week-old Central Bistro and Bar, is committed to showcasing local produce and product. His menu lists Wisdom Farm‘s roasted chicken, Colorado lamb, sautéed Alamosa striped bass, and a raw salad with 15 kinds of fresh and pickled vegetables. But when crafting his favorite dishes, this Colorado native, and veteran of Linger, Strings, and Wynkoop, isn’t always satisfied with stopping at our state’s borders.

Determined to offer all-American flavors, the versatile chef sources top ingredients from around the country, adding Iowa bacon and Wisconsin cheese curds to Colorado sweet corn in creamy risotto; pairing Washington steelhead trout with California heirloom beans and house-made pasta; or folding Dungeness crab into mac and cheese with roasted red pepper and fried Circle Fresh green tomatoes. One standout dish features an Iowa pork chop with sweet Washington onions, smoked Colorado peach barbecue sauce, and a fresh Palisade peach salad.

Throw in chef-driven cocktails, a vibrant dining room (pictured), and a patio overlooking Denver’s skyline, and Central is a hot new addition to LoHi.

1691 Central St., 303-477-4582