Food: You're missing out if you haven't tried these restaurants in Longmont & Louisville

I have plans to eat at the Waterloo tonight in Louisville before heading to Denver for the Broadway show Spring Awakening. Louisville's Main Street has seen a resurgence in the past few years, and the newer restaurants there are definitely worth checking out if you haven't already. What's more, there's plenty of parking! Longmont also has a few restaurants we frequent.

One of my goals in the next year is to try more of the great restaurants we have in this area.

But based on where I've been so far, here's what I recommend:

In Longmont
Mike O'Shay's
An Irish pub on Main Street. Even though the owners recently expanded, the place is always packed. The atmosphere is fun, if not a little crowded, and the food is great. We always get sweet potato fries for an appetizer. I usually get the chicken cordon bleu. And my husband likes their fish and chips. Their burritos are surprisingly good. If you go, stick with the menu standards. I always enjoy those. The specials are usually hit and miss.

Richard's on Third
This restaurant is in a small pink house on Third Avenue near Old Town Longmont. According to the owner, the food is authentic New Mexican. His family runs the small place, which has a great outdoor area in the summer. Do not come here if you are in a hurry. Service is slow. Sometimes very slow. Come for the food, especially the must-have guacamole (made fresh when you order it). I order the mango chicken enchiladas every time, and without fail, they are always wonderful. Oh, and did I mention the margaritas? Some of the best I've ever had. Richard's is so small, they haven't even bothered with a website last I checked. But you can find the place at 1283 3rd Ave.

Giant margarita. Yum!

Tortugas
New Orleans-style seafood and good drinks in an old house near Old Town. Who knew you could get good seafood in Longmont? It's pricy, but worth a trip every now and then. I also couldn't find a website for Tortugas, but you can find it at 218 Coffman St.

In Louisville
Many people have been to the Melting Pot on Main Street in Louisville – a popular fondue joint. But I would also recommend a few other places:

Waterloo
The bar/restaurant was inspired by Waterloo Records in Austin, TX. Go to the restaurant's website – www.waterloolouisville.com – and you'll be greeted by Johnny Cash. Their tomato basil soup is great, and if you really like spicy stuff, try the atomic poppers. The place is most known for its hamburgers though. My husband gets the Signature Potato Burger every time we visit, which is beef mixed with shredded potato.

Empire Lounge and Restaurant
The food's good, but I love the atmosphere. A little more upscale than the Waterloo. I enjoy their cheese board – which also features local honey. Nice wine list, as well.

Huckleberry
One of my top choices for brunch. Here's the website.