Denver: Variety / diversity

Even without a coastline, our international mix “kicks Boulder (and a lot of other cities) in the hoohoo as far as ethnic food goes,” says one blogger. Pho, kitfo, dim sum, chicharrones—they’re all here and often dirt cheap. Strip malls on South Federal Boulevard, the best ethnic-food strip in the state, have incredible Mexican and Vietnamese food, along with the crown jewel: the tiny, mind-blowing Lao Wang Noodle House (pictured).

Score: 7