Rila Cafe

Pretty darn good. I had the Ćevapi and it was fresh and filling.

When my sister was a senior in high school, we had a student from Yugoslavia live with us for a year. We have remained sisters and visited each others homes in Belgrade and Denver. Snezana’s oldest daughter and a friend were on a university tour and added time to stay with us for a holiday. After visiting the East Europe Market to pick up dinner and snack foods we stopped at Rila Café for coffee and a pastry snack. The coiled cheese pastry called Simica was perfect with a cup of coffee. The owner came over for a little chat with the girls and after he left, they said that Rila was authentic. Stop in for a little taste of Serbia.

Now people, I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that there is a Hooters at the nexus of Colorado Boulevard and Arkansas Avenue. And, if you’ve read some of my prior musings on Unilocal,you know that right behind it lies the fantabulous East Europe Market.
But go a little further down Arkansas. What do you see?
Rila Café is owned by a Bulgarian family and also has many Bosnjak (Bosnian Muslim) customers. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the menu features representatives from both nations.
The various grilled meats are the primary draw here. A Large order of Cevapi gives you a plethora of juicy Bosnian beef sausages tucked into soft warm Somun bread (labeled as «Pita» on the menu, this is not the Middle Eastern pocket bread you probably have in mind — instead, it’s more akin to a fluffy hamburger bun). Not to be outdone, its Bulgarian equivalent, Kebapche, is an equally savory delight made with a mixture of beef and pork. Its sister, Kiufte, has a very similar recipe to Kebapche but a flatter, more patty-​like shape. Jimmy Dean wishes his sausages were this yummy! These items are served with Ljutenica (sweet red pepper condiment) and, in certain cases, thick sour cream and some white onion.
If you’re seeking something just a little lighter, you could try the crackly coiled Bosnian pastry called Sirnica, filled with crumbly, salty white cheese. There are also a number of soups and sandwiches to whet your appetite.
And for Dessert? (SIGH) Yes, they have Baklava… and theirs is very nice, I admit — rich, and not too sweet. But why not try the deep-​fried batter bites called Tulumba instead? If you’ve ever had Persian Zoolbia, or Jalebi from India, you know what I’m talking about here.
If you’re looking for a tasty, affordable ride from Sofia to Sarajevo, Rila Café is your place.