Burger King, in a challenge to God, has decided to try their hands at mozzarella sticks. I had the misfortune of ordering them this weekend. I’ll spoil the surprise: They were trash. If being inedible was a contest, they’d take first place by a mile. If mediocrity were personified, it would be the person who tasted these and went “yeah, this is something we absolutely should sell.” If you thought it was physically impossible to mess up melty mozzarella cheese fried and breaded, let surprise wash over you like a million waves with this truly half-assed attempt. So, should the opportunity arise and you decide you want mozzarella sticks, your first thought should not be Burger King. Instead, let me lay out a few options locally that far surpass the nightmare served to me in a paper bag on my slightly drunk Sunday afternoon.
Weekly Specials: Capo’s Are Top-O’s (This List) Capo’s Are Top-O’s (This List)
It’s easy to forget that Capo’s Italian Restaurant (722 Central Ave. SW) exists at times. Located on the corner of our city’s most frequented Downtown roundabout, there’s so much happening visually that you can forget that inside is a place that has stood the test of time for many years. With their old-school Italian vibes inside, you can’t help but love it a little bit. Don’t get me wrong, the food can sometimes be hit or miss. But if you navigate the menu slyly, you can find some real hidden gems. One of those gems just so happens to be the mozzarella sticks. The offering here is crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside. Served with their house-made marinara, it’s hard to locate any disappointment in their take on them.
Weekly Specials: Finding Mimmo’s Finding Mimmo’s
Mimmo’s Ristorante & Pizzeria (3301 Coors Blvd. NW) deserves to be far more recognized than they are. With an amazing spot right on Coors itself, they have some of my favorite Italian food in the city. The staff is friendly, drink selection is great and the menu is diverse enough to offer a pretty wide tour of Italy and her dishes. Additionally, unlike Burger King, they know how to literally bread and fry cheese. I don’t mean to hammer this point home so frequently, but it’s not that difficult a thing to do. At Mimmo’s, they do it wonderfully. The sticks are big enough to make you feel like you’re getting your money’s worth and are the best way to kick off a big eating session.
Weekly Specials: Grasshopper Show-Stopper Grasshopper Show-Stopper
The Blue Grasshopper Brew Pub (6361 Riverside Plaza Ln. NW) is not only home to amazing beers, but also to some equally amazing food. For example, their mozzarella sticks pair great with beers and are exactly what you want from a pre-drinking snack. Conversely, you could also opt for the Cheesy Garlic Sticks, which are garlic, mozzarella, provolone and cheddar cheeses served with a marinara dip. At this point, you have to be feeling the cheese love. If that hunger is settling in you, check out any of these places that aren’t Burger King and get yourself some gooey, crunchy goodness. Have it your way. You’ve earned it. BK hasn’t.
