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• Tasty vegan options

Though we prefer to eat at 100% vegan (or at least lacto-veg) restaurants, there are times (i.e. when dining with carnivores who can't be persuaded to try a veg*n place) that one needs a relatively healthy and vegan-friendly alternative. Root Down meets that need quite well, making it one of the most recommendable non-veg*n restaurants in the Denver area. They offer a number of vegan options, and other dishes can be veganized on request. They use organic, local, and fresh ingredients "as much as possible," and they offer some gluten-free options. We are particularly impressed with Root Down's efforts toward ecological sensitivity. The place was built with a significant amount of reclaimed material, and the bathrooms have "smart sinks" that use the water from your handwashing to refill the toilet cisterns (see photo). Set as it is in a renovated auto shop, the atmosphere is funky, eclectic, and interesting. Service is informal yet friendly. Parking can be hard to find, but thankfully they offer free valet parking.