Editor’s note: This is part of The Know’s series, Staff Favorites. Each week, we give our opinions on the best that Colorado has to offer for dining, shopping, entertainment, outdoor activities and more. (We’ll also let you in on some hidden gems.)

Long before Hong Kong Station 3 opened in November on East Colfax, this local restaurant — with its original location in Centennial and a takeout-centric second spot in Holly Hills — had built a reputation among in-the-know diners.

While the word “authentic” gets thrown around so flippantly that it’s largely lost meaning, that’s often a word diners use to describe Hong Kong Station’s massive menu that specializes in three cuisines at once: American-Chinese classics, Cantonese comfort food, and mouth-numbing Szechuan dishes.

That variety — and bold flavor — is what makes this new restaurant at East Colfax and Gaylord a must-visit for diners craving everything from egg drop soup and lo mein to curried brisket and beef tendon, Singapore rice noodles, crispy pork intestine or twice-cooked pork belly.

The American-Chinese classics such as Kung Pao beef and fried rice are likely popular with a larger American audience, but this menu really shines when you dig into house specialties such as Shanghai classic West Lake Beef Soup, umami-packed salt and pepper tofu with the most impeccable texture and the spicy Szechuan-style bone-in chicken, which has fast become a favorite takeout dish in our house.

Don’t skip the “special snacks” menu, where you’ll find fried shrimp toast, golden tofu and the ultimate savory-sweet munchie: butter-drenched Hong Kong-style French toast with peanut butter.

By catering to both American palates and diners seeking traditional Chinese flavors, Hong Kong Station has built a niche for itself as a beloved Denver restaurant that’s earned every accolade — like its slot on Yelp’s list of the country’s “Top 100 Chinese Restaurants of 2024.”

Hong Kong Station 3, 2205 E. Colfax Ave., 720-390-7168. Open Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., then 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., then 4 to 9 p.m. Closed Mondays. hkstationdenver.com