CAPITOL HILL. From potato pancakes to beef-and-cabbage, German food is Café Berlin's hearty specialty. The upscale eatery serves heaping portions of authentic fare (including schnitzels and sausages) that can best be described as comforting and filling. Friendly staff and vibrant artwork make for a pleasant environment. Plus, the menu sports a great selection of German beers and wines!

ARVADA. THIS BUSINESS IS CLOSED UNTIL JULY 24, 2007. According to locals who know good German and Czech food, Golden Europe rates right up there with the city's best restaurants. This family-run place offers a pleasant atmosphere, friendly service, and authentic dishes received favorably by critics. One bite of the schnitzel, and you're sure to be hooked as well.

ARVADA. This bakery believes in doing things the old-fashioned way ­ from scratch. You won't find anything pre-packaged or processed, just sinfully delicious homemade goodies. Seven-layer tortes, hand-decorated cookies, and traditional layer cakes line the shelves, and German and European recipes are the specialty. (The kitchen has been perfecting them since 1963.) They even offer a full line of sugar-free and low-carb desserts.