Game On

The menu, that is. Denver looks to its wild side for the latest dining craze: game meats.Here are some top stops to take a bite out of one of Colorado's iconic elk.

THE FORT
"This adobe-style restaurant, inspired by Bent's Fort on the old Santa Fe Trail, specializes in frontier-era dishes, including elk chops on the bone with a fresh huckleberry sauce." 19192 Hwy 8, Morrison (41 miles from Denver); 303-697-4771; www.thefort.com

BIKER JIM'S GOURMET DOGS
"Biker Jim started by slinging game-meat sausages from a car on the 16th Street Mall. In addition to two carts, he also has a sit-down restaurant where his jalapeño cheddar elk dogs are a top-of-the-menu item (above wild boar, duck, reindeer, buffalo, pheasant...)." 2148 Larimer St, Denver; 720-746-9355; www.bikerjimsdogs.com

GROUSE MOUNTAIN GRILL
"The Rocky Mountain elk loin at this Beaver Creek eatery is marinated, then grilled and served alongside roasted winter vegetables, chestnut puree and crispy parsnips. Hearty." 141 Scott Hill Rd, Avon (129 miles from Denver); 970-949-0600; www.grousemountaingrill.com

PARAMOUNT CAFE
"This popular spot on the 16th Street Mall loads its elk burgers with grilled onions and pep-perjack cheese, then slathers 'em with barbecue sauce." 519 16th St, Denver; 303-893-2000; www.paramountcafe.com

BUCKHORN EXCHANGE
"Zesty peppercorn-crusted elk medallions are broiled and served by themselves or on a combo plate with Cornish hen or quail at this century-old game food outpost." 1000 Osage St, Denver; 303-534-9505; www.buckhorn.com

Follow blogger Claire Walter as she eats her way across the Centennial State at www.culinary-colorado.com