Meet the Mecca of cultural cuisine

A cultural experience at a cheap price, Mecca Grill is the Denver staple for authentic Lebanese cuisine, full of something new and interesting for everyone.

On the corner of Downing and Alameda, Mecca Grill is conveniently located beside Wash Park, allowing for a nice stroll with each meal.

The restaurant itself is thick with an unmistakably Middle Eastern atmosphere. The soft Lebanese music, the artwork scattered throughout, and the candlelit tables all serve to entice and comfort as patrons settle into their dining experience.

Written in both Arabic and English, the menu offers a full variety of Medi-terranean specialties. The appetizers include both vegetarian and carnivorous options. They range from the infamous kabobs ($4.95), skewered grilled meat and vegetables, to the baba ghanoush ($5.25), which is eggplant mashed and mixed with various seasonings.

Each appetizer costs under six dollars and the portions are large so everyone can grab some pre-dinner grub without denting their wallet.

The menu also includes a whole list of sandwich options, which are ideal for a midday pick-me-up. The falafel sandwich ($4.25), includes three scrumptious patties of vegetarian heaven, wrapped in a warm pita and smothered in tahini, a creamy paste that is similar to hummus and is a staple in all Lebanese cuisine.

On the downside, fans of the Greek-American gyro might be disappointed in the Mecca Grill version. Be-ing more traditional, these gyros are thickly sliced and unseasoned, opposite what one might expect. Keep that in mind, however, and they are still a satisfying option for those light on cash.

For a more formal meal, Mecca Grill offers 17 full entrees that come with sides of freshly baked pita bread, cucumber salad, and the creamiest hummus this side of the Mediterranean.

Though more on the pricey side, entrees include everything from a vegetarian combo plate ($11.45) to a full shank of lamb ($13.95), perfect for a date or other spe-cial occasion.

For dessert, Mecca Grill offers up the best baklava in town, soaked in honey and served fresh. In fact, everything it serves is made from scratch in the kitchen, no doubt the secret to the unbeatable taste and prices.

As a family-run business, Mecca Grill shines with authenticity. The owners’ passion for their food shines through each dish, specially prepared for each customer.

The hummus is sprinkled with bright and beautiful spices, the sandwiches are elegantly assembled, and the baklava is artfully baked. The staff is eager to serve the food, which makes the customers eager to devour it.