In case you haven’t been lately, Uptown’s Restaurant Aix has gotten a mini makeover. The polished space is still intimate and inviting, but chef-owner Rachel Woolcott has traded the fine-dining vibe for a more casual bistro feel. Woolcott has also revamped the dinner menu and added lunch and Saturday brunch (Sunday’s brunch is already a weekend favorite).

The results are superb with reasonably priced American bistro menus: At lunch, prices range from $6 to $14 and include refined eats such as a barbecue pork sandwich on ciabatta topped with crispy shoe-string onions (served with a side salad and pickle) or risotto with pancetta, mushroom, lemon, and mascarpone.

Best of all, Aix’s reconcept feels like a breath of fresh air at a time when affordable but well-conceived cuisine is in high demand.

Bonus: Given the chance, don’t miss the heavenly butternut squash soup.

719 E. 17th Ave., 303-831-1296

Amanda M. Faison
Amanda M. Faison
Freelance writer Amanda M. Faison spent 20 years at 5280 Magazine, 12 of those as Food Editor.