Zagat, which knows a thing or two about restaurants, says Denver’s dining scene is popping off, ranking the city at No. 3 on its 26 Hottest Food Cities of 2016 list.

We’re No. 3! We’re No. 3!

Seriously, though, that’s nice. And the little blurb gives big ups to the locals who make this town a great place to eat.

Ruth Tobias writes:

“Meanwhile, there’s no stopping our homegrown talent. Beard award-winners Bobby Stuckey and Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson (Frasca) will be opening Tavernetta soon; fellow recipient Jennifer Jasinski (Rioja et al.) is expanding her mini empire with Ultreia. Rising stars like Hop Alley’s Tommy Lee, The Way Back’s Chad Michael George, Joshua Pollack of Rosenberg’s Bagels & Delicatessen and Bar Dough’s Mac MacKissock have swiftly garnered national acclaim. The spotlight that was already trained on our impressive field of food halls (The Source, Avanti F&B, Union Station) just intensified with the opening of The Central Market; Stanley Marketplace will be even bigger.”

The glowing praise goes on to say that we legalized marijuana use in restaurants in bars, but as we’ve learned (probably after this was written), that won’t be happening.

“Innovationwise,” she concludes, “this is the wonderfully Wild West all over again.”