When the Pisarra family arrived in Colorado in 1991, their dream of opening a popular restaurant wouldn't be hard-won. For more than two decades preceding, the family's delicatessen in Long Island had drawn customers who appreciated its friendly service and high-quality offerings. So, with that experience under their belt, they set about opening a series of restaurants in downtown Castle Rock. Today, Danielle's keeps customers coming back with a menu of New American cuisine and a genial atmosphere.

After they sit down at the long farmhouse table or at one of the more intimate peripheral tables, diners tuck into entrees such as lobster mac 'n' cheese, eggplant parmigiana with fresh mozzarella and asiago, and crispy Southern fried chicken served with whipped potatoes in a bourbon gravy. Small plates made for sharing include mussels with spicy sausage and crab cakes dolloped with pineapple-jicama salsa. And the ingenuity isn't confined to the kitchen. The space itself is outfitted to impress with glowing pendant lights and smooth woods, both of which emphasize its warm, welcoming ambiance.