A Coastal Mexico Escape in Denver

Let's face it, most of us would give just about anything to lay on a white sand beach in Mexico and soak up some rays while the waves lap at our feet. (S-i-g-h.) For those of you who have been recently (you know who you are), you could have brought an extra suitcase stuffed with your adorably sweet friend.

Instead, this friend sat perched on a bar stool for brunch at LOLA taking in the Denver skyline while teasing her taste buds with Coastal Mexican cuisine. Actually, it's a great alternative if the tropical paradise proves (momentarily) elusive. The hand-rolled tortillas and housemade chorizo, sopes and tamales will leave you wondering if you somehow landed on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Do not miss LOLA's "Al Pastor" Benedicto, delectably braised pork belly placed atop a crispy masa-buttermilk biscuit, and topped with a truly tropical ancho chile holiandaise sauce complete with chunks of mango. You won't want this treat to end!

Other tasty brunch choices include LOLA Huevos built around two four-cheese enchiladas, El Admiral featuring two eggs any style flanked by chorizo and an asadero-chive grit cake, or if you have lunch leanings, try the Lolaburguesa. The blend of short rib and aged chuck is perfectly complemented by a tomato-bacon jam and sweet potato fries.

Park yourself on the patio which helps transport you to another world. If you couldn't reach out and grab the Denver skyline, you'd swear you were south of the border.

Cost: About $30 for two

Time: 1 hour

Simplicity Scale (1=Effortless to 5=Elaborate): 1