Denver/Boulder has many outstanding and unique restaurants, we use many of these restaurants for our dinners.
We book 200+ dinners (for six) a year. Each of our dinner groups rate the restaurants. If a restaurant doesn’t meet our standards it’s not on the list. There are some excellent restaurants not on the list and there are a few restaurants on this list that we do not use. You should not be disappointed with any restaurant on this list.
THIS PAGE IS BEING UPDATED
THIS IS A SAMPLE OF THE RESTAURANTS WE USE
For restaurants reviews please check with: Open Table, CitySearch, Westword, 5280 or Yelp.
1515 MARKET - 303.571.0011 – Colorado Cuisine – 1515 Market. The lot on Blake and 16th is the cheapest. On weekends they share valet parking with PF Changs. Gene has changed chefs and the menu has soared again. Web Site
240 UNION – 303.989.3562 – American and Seafood – 240 Union Blvd. Lakewood, CO. From 6th Avenue Freeway, exit south on Simms/Union, Go little more than a mile, 240 Union is on your left (east). Mgr/owner Michael Coughlin. This is by far the best on the west side of town. Great wine room.
730 SOUTH – 303.744.1888 – Eclectic American Grill – 730 S. University (Bonnie Brae) Located where Pour La France was. You’ll enjoy this if you can get in.
AIX – 303.831.1296 – French – 719 E 17th Denver 80203 (Uptown) Reservations a must for this tiny location (Across the street from the Avenue Grill). Great menu, somewhat noisy. Website
ASSIGNMENTS – The School of Culinary Arts – 303.778.6625 – 675 S. Broadway (Golden Triangle) . Located towards the back, in the center of the Design Center. Parking Area off of 1-25 and Broadway. This is on the west side of Broadway and you enter the building from the south side. Menu changes daily, reservations required. The food has been outstanding and is prepared by students under excellent direction.
AVENUE GRILL – 303.861.2820 – Traditional grill – 630 E. 17th Ave & Washington (Uptown). An excellent grill with lots of energy. From Downtown head east on 17th It’s just before Washington Parking is on the street, or in a lot across the street or you can valet. The Avenue Grill has been around forever. It’s a favorite spot on "Restaurant Row". Members have always rated this very high. Web Site
BAROLO GRILL – 303.393.1040 – Northern Italian – 3030 E. 6th Street (North Cherry Creek) – Often crowded – Blair Taylor has always been known for his outstanding menus. Review
BENT NOODLE – 303.337.2733 – 3055 S. Parker at Dartmouth, Aurora, CO 80014 – A little family Italian gem that will have some families and kids but if you wait till after 7:30 most of them are gone, our reviews have been good, even though members have asked what did I get them into when they first walked in. Web Site
BISTRO VENDOME – 303.825.3232 – Basically French – 1425H Larimer Sq. Neat little patio area and exceptional menu. Web Site
black pearl - 303.777.0500 – 1529 So. Pearl 1/2 blk south of Sushi Den. Kind of contemporary American tapas flare. Great energy. We’re getting great reviews. Neat community patio table, with fire pit, oyster bar inside. Web Site
BLOOM – 720.887.2800, 1 West FlatIron Circle #224, Broomfield CO 80020
BOMBAY CLAY OVEN – 303.377.4454 – Indian – 165 Steele, (Cherry Creek). They are tandoor specialists especially with chicken. I’m not a great fan of Indian food, but I’ve been told by those that are, that this is among the best in Denver. Web Site
BROKER DOWNTOWN – 303.292.5056 – Classic American - 821 17th Street (at Champa). All meals include shrimp bowl, potato and dessert. Web Site
BRUNO’S – website 303.759-7025
BUCKHORN EXCHANGE – 303.534.9505 – American West (Game) – 1000 Osage. It’s like a trip to the old west. First liquor license in Denver. Great place to sample game. Web Site
BUDAPEST BISTRO – 303.744.2520 - Hungarian – 1585 South Pearl Street at Iowa (Old Pearl). A block south of the Sushi Den. Exceptional Hungarian Cuisine.
CAFE BRAZIL – 303.480.1877 – Brazilian and South American (Old Highlands) – Tony and his wife prepare a truly unique and outstanding menu. The restaurant is hard to get to if you don’t know the area. New location call for directions.
CAFE JORDANO - 303.988.6863 – Italian Trattoria – 11068 W. Jewell (Jewell & Kipling) Lakewood. From 6th Ave Freeway head south on Kipling, turn right on Jewell, turn left into the Safeway shopping center Cafe Jordano is on the south side of the center.
CALIFORNIA CAFE – 303.649.1111 – Californian Cuisine – Located on the upper level on the Nordstrom’s (SE) side of Park Meadows shopping center. The food has been outstanding. Web Site
CARMINE’S ON PENN 303-777-6443, 92 S. Pennsylvania St. It’s Italian, it’s noisy, it’s fun, it’s good and the servings are large. What more can I say?
CORAL ROOM – 303.433.2535 3489 W. 32nd Ave. Denver, CO. 80211. Beauty, Simplicity, Flavor: these three words succinctly describe trendy Highland’s own Coral Room. The brainchild of Executive Chef John Nadasdy and builder Nick Mystrom brings a fresh new taste to Northwest Denver with a menu influenced by Asia and the Pacific Rim. The dishes emphasize healthy, hearty cuisine with value in mind. The dining room possesses a hip, contemporary atmosphere which is built around a unique horseshoe-shaped bar. http://www.coralroom.com/highlands.htm
CANYON CAFÉ 720.887.9000, Southwestern Experience, One West Flatiron Circle, Ste. 400, Broomfield, CO 80021 Web Site
THE CHERRY CRICKET – 303.322.7666 – Bar Menu – 2641 E. 2nd Ave. (Cherry Creek) Hey, Cherry Creek does have some traditional bars – and nobody does a hamburger with such great excellent consistency. Web Site
CHERRY TOMATO -303.377.1914, Italian, 4645 E. 23rd Avenue, (Capital Hill) Denver. Neat fun and very good. Family size portion.
CHOPHOUSE - 303.296.0800 – Great American – 1735 19th Street (LoDo) West side of Coors Field Or between Union Station and Coors Field. Try to park on the north side of the building or park in the lot across the street — Don’t even think about it when the Rockies are in town. The Chophouse is very noisy and we use it on a limited bases.
COOL RIVER CAFÉ - 303.771.4117 – 8000 E. Belleview @ Ulster (DTC) – This a new Steakhouse and Southwestern Grill. It’s upscale and classy – and very good. It’s also known for it’s bar scene.
CUCINA COLORE – 303.393.6917 – Italian Trattoria – 3041 E. 3rd (Cherry Creek) – Wood fire pizza and great pasta dishes. Web Site
DAZZLE - 303.839.5100 930 Lincoln. (Golden Triangle) "New American" New Chef and new owners, new menu. Great after work bar scene. Don’t let the outside fool you, the inside is Art Deco. The menu is outstanding. Website
DELUXE - 303.722.1558 – Noueau – 30 S Broadway (Golden Triangle) – near Ellsworth. East side of the street one block north of Key Bank (west of Street). Very hard to spot, next to a book store. The effort to find this is well worth it.
DEL MAR CRAB HOUSE 303.825.4747, 1453 Larimer Street. I love crab and they do an outstanding job. I really enjoy their patio when it’s nice – often the patio will be a wait – so put your name in and either go downstairs to the bar or enjoy the excitement of Larimer.
DOMO’S – 303.595.3666 – Country Japanese – 1365 Osage – Near Buckhorn Exchange, east of Colfax on Osage. The food is delightful - get there early as they don’t do reservations and it’s always full. Web Site
DUO - 303-477-4141 2413 w. 32nd ave @ zuni Duo Restaurant is a hidden treasure for those seeking a special dining experience tucked in one of Denver’s hippest new neighborhoods, Highland. Duo offers a relaxed and unassuming environment attracting diners who might wish to linger over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine at the bar, or to enjoy a hearty meal. www.duodenver.com
ENCORE 303-355-1112 2550 East Colfax (Next to Tattered Cover) www.encoreoncolfax.com
FADO – 303.297.297.0011 – Irish Pub (LoDo, backside of the Chophouse) This pub was been in Ireland and reassembled here. Go for the Guinness and have fun. Web Site
THE FORT - 303.697.4771 – American – known for it’s game – Morrison – Hwy. 285 & Route 8. Spectacular views of the city. Outstanding game, take the time and take some friends and go out to Morrison. Web Site
GABRIELS - 303.688.2323 – Italian – 4240 W. Why 67, Sedalia – Santa Fe south to the light at Hwy. 67, go two blocks and it’s on your right. From I-25, south past C470 to west on Happy Canyon and then north on Santa Fe to Sedalia turn left at Hwy. 67 and go two blocks. One of Colorado’s finest, more than just Italian! Review
GANDHI’S - 303.694.7388 – India’s Cuisine – 5071-B South Syracuse Street (DTC). From I-25, exit east on Belleview turn North (left) first light on Syracuse turn left into first street past the gas station you will see La Chine there, it has a green roof, go past La Chine and you will see Gandhi’s. Mgr.: Raj.
GORDON BIERSCH, Brewery & Restaurant, One West Flatiron Circle, Ste. 428, Broomfield, CO 80021 Web Site
GREAT NORTHERN TAVERN – 303.770.4714 - Nouveau American – (same owners as Avenue Grill ) 8101 E. Belleview at Marina Sq. We get good reviews on the food and spotty reviews on service. Weekends the place is packed.
HAPA’S – 303.322.9554 – Sushi – Cherry Creek2780 E. Second Ave. (Detroit St.) Denver, CO, 80206-4808 Sushi for the mods", that’s what’s "hapa-nning" at this "way-hip" "cool" Japanese spot (with branches in Boulder) that also offers "awesome fusion", "great entrees for the non-sushi lovers" and a wide sake selection, all served by a "friendly" staff; the "long waits are worth it" agree most.
Highland Pacific – 303-477-6644 3934 W.32nd Ave (Old Highland Area) The restaurant offers a pleasant, inviting atmosphere that is perfect for casual dining with families and friends. The menu features an extensive array of selections, with something sure to please every member of your group. Highland Pacific also features a professional staff of friendly people, who will ensure that your visit is a pleasant one. http://www.highlandpacific.net/
IL FORNAIO 303.573.5050, Cucina Italiana, One in the DTC off Belleview and the other in the FlatIrons Crossing Mall. Upscale Italian chain. Web Site
JAX - 303.292.5767 – 1539 17th Street (LoDo). Fresh seafood and oyster bar. Always busy and always fresh – high energy and fun place to be. Web Site
KEVIN TAYLORS - 303.820.2600 – Gourmet Dining – 1106 14th St. (DTN) – Located in Hotel Teatro (next to the Performing Arts Center) Owned by Chef Kevin Taylor. Very upscale – open only for dinner.
Lala’s Wine Bar & Pizzeria 303.831.Wine 410 East 7th Avenue Denver, CO 80203 Website
AS BRISAS - 303.792.3212 – Mexican featuring seafood – 6787 S. Clinton Street – Englewood. Not your average Mexican Menu. I’ve always have enjoyed the Mexican Seafood. Web Site
LE CENTRAL – 303.863.8094 – "affordable French" – 112 East 8th Avenue (at Lincoln) (Golden Triangle). Lincoln is one way going north and 8th is one way going West. Exit I-25 at Lincoln go north past Speer and 7th, on the right side you will see a parking lot. You may find parking on the street. Entrance is on 8th. Web Site
LITTLE OLLIES – 303.316.8888 – Chinese with a flair – 2364 E. 3rd. Cherry Creek. No reservations accepted. It’s always busy and wonderful. Service is fast, almost to the point you feel rushed. Charlie will be opening a new restaurant summer of 2002 one block over on Columbine and Second.
LITTLE SHANGHAI – 303.722-1292 – Cantonese – 460 South Broadway. From I-25 exit Broadway/Lincoln go north on Lincoln, turn left on Virginia, turn left on Broadway — It’s across from the Blue Bonnet. They have a parking lot which could be full, you can park across the street. Web Site
LUIGIS BENT NOODLE - 303.694.9357 – 8130 S. University at County Line (NE corner) Littleton, CO 80122 – A little family Italian gem that will have some families and kids but if you wait till after 7:30 most of them are gone, our reviews have been good, even though members have asked what did I get them into when they first walked in. Web Site
MAGGIANO’S Little Italy - 303.260.7707 – Italian – 500 16th Street – Located at Pavilions – first reports is that is very good.
THE MARKET - 303.534.5140 – More than a sandwich shop – 1445 Larimer – A classic informal joint with atmosphere. Great variety, think of it as a expanding great deli.
McCORMICKS FISH HOUSE - 1659 Wazee (LoDo). From I-25 exit east on Auraria, Auraria turns into Market, turn left on 15th Street turn right on Wazee go 2 ½ blocks McCormick’s is on your left.
MELTING POT – 303.794.5666 – Fondue – 2707 W. Main Street, Littleton – (Santa FE Drive and Bowles/Littleton on the Northeast corner). Invite some friends and have a blast. Web Site
MELTING POT – 303.666.7777 (Second location in Louisville) Web Site
MERCURY CAFE – 303.294.9281 – Nouveau American – 2199 California (near LoDo). A throw back to a 70-80′s coffee house. The food is wonderful and relatively inexpensive. This is a dress down place. You never know what the owner Marilyn has going on music wise – downstairs usually classically upstairs – anything goes.
MIZUNA 303.832.4778, 225 E. 7th Ave (& Grant). Often I am asked what is my favorite restaurant and while I will not commit to one, this certainly ranks among the best. It’s a little hard to find, reservations should be made at least a week ahead if not two. It is THAT GOOD.
MY BROTHER’S BAR – 303.455.9991 – Bar Menu – One of the Joints – 2376 15th Street – Often rated one of the best burger joints. Do try it.
NEW ORIENT – 303.750-1288 – Vietnamese and great seafood – 10203 E. Iliff (SE Denver) (just east of Parker). From I-225, west on Parker cross Havana turn right on Iliff Turn left into shopping center. Mgr/Owner: Sue Smith
OPUS- 303.703.OPUS – 2575 W. Main St. (@ Curtice), Old Littleton.
THE PALM - 303.825.7256 – Upscale Steak House – 1201 16th at the Tabor Center. From I-25 exit on Auraria towards downtown Auraria turns into Market, right on 14th (one way) — left on Lawrence cross the 16th Mall, it’s in the Westin Hotel, they will validate parking at the Hotel. Web Site
PANZANO, 303.296.3525, Tuscany (Italian), 1717 Champa Street , Denver 303.744.0917 (2 additional locations as of 08) – Pizzas and more- 1310 S. Broadway. You’ll notice we don’t have many pizza joints listed – this is a classic, when you’re going casual don’t miss it.
PASTA’S – 303.933.2829 – Casual Italian – 9126 W. Bowles, Littleton. One of the best in the South. Web Site
PESCE FRESCO 303.290.9705, Mediterranean, 6600 S. Quebec St. Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (South of the DTC area). Located where Saffron s was.
POTAGE - 303.832.5788 - Noueau American – 1109 Odgen – Wonderful. The owner is a former Chef at Fourth Story. The consistency is much better and her flair is outstanding. The building is fun in that it’s an old dry cleaners. Great wine. Unfortunately she doesn’t accept reservations. Parking is a little challenged.
PINO’S PLACE trattoria - 303.688.8159 - Italian – 3 Wilcox Street – Castle Rock - A wonderful local tradition that has expanded as Castle Rock expands – you will need reservation on the weekend and even then you may wait, it’s worth it.
PINT’S PUB – 303.534.7543 – A British Pub – 221 W. 13th Ave. (Golden Triangle) Before you order look at the Brew list and try something different – Better than you heard about British Menus.
RED SQUARE Euro Bistro - 303.595-8600 – Russian – 1512 Larimer – LoDo – brought to you by the same crew as the old Russian Cafe. The menu is more extensive and update. More than 40 vodkas on the menu. Nice patio and interior space – the menu is delightful. Web Site
RIALTO CAFE – 303.893.2233 – New American – 934 16th St. (DTN) – Located next to Marriott Courtyard. The food is good and the place is hopping, great interior often with live music.
SABOR LATINO - 303.455.8664 – South American – 4341 W. 35th Ave @ Tennyson – (West Old Highland Area). They moved to a much larger and classier building during the winter of 98. A delightful restaurant severing food from South America – Excellent
SAHARA Restaurant - 303.790.4707 – Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine - 9636 E. Arapahoe Rd. The menu is delightful with a good mix of Arab and Middle Eastern choices. The owner Moe is from Morocco. A great change of pace.
SAMBA ROOM - 720.956.1701 – Cuban – 1460 Larimer Street – great Cuban foods and drinks, reservations must. www.sambaroom.net/
SOLERA - 303.388.8429, Upscale American, 5410 E. Colfax @Grape, Denver, CO 80220. 14 blocks east of Colorado on Colfax. The crew that run Solera has a great history in a variety of Colorado’s better restaurants. solerarestaurant.com
SONODA’S East - 303.337.3800 – Japanese Seafood and Sushi – 3108 S. Parker Road. From I-225 exit west on Parker. It not too far down and it is in a Safeway shopping center on the north side of Parker Sonoda’s faces Parker. Mgr/Owner: Kenny Sonoda. Web Site
SONODA’S LoDo - 303.595.9500 – Japanese Seafood and Sushi -1620 Market and the Mall. From I-25 exit east on Auraria Auraria will change into Market Cross 16th and start looking for a place to park Sonoda’s is on your right. Mgr/Owner: Kenny Sonoda Web Site
SUSHI DEN - 303.777.0826 – Sushi – 1487 South Pearl – Sushi doesn’t get any better - constantly the best – however no reservations. Web Site
TABLE 6 – 303.831.8800 – Fresh Eclectic – 609 Corona @ 6th Ave (where Beehive was) – (Midtownish) – Inspired by the group that created Adega – little more modest in price and still outstanding. The menu is based on what they can get fresh. Very innovative. Get there early or plan on waiting. Excellent wine list.
THAI HIEP (South) – 303.779-9001 – Vietnamese – 2690 E. County Line Road (Highlands Ranch). From C-470 go North on University, turn right on County Line Road, go to the east side of the shopping mall Thai Hiep is tuck in here – a little hard to spot.
VESTA DIPPING GRILL - 303.296.1970 – It’s an unusual grill – 1822 Blake Street LoDo. A fun place to gather with friends – reservations a must. Menu include skewers of meats and vegetables that you match with a variety of dipping sauces. Excellent www.vestagrill.com/
VIAGGIO - 303.750.1580 – Italian – 10253 E. Iliff (just west of Havana). From I-225 exit west on Parker cross Havana turn right on Iliff Turn left into shopping center. Mgr/Owner: Sue Smith
YA YA - 303.741.1110 – Eurocafe – 8310 E. Belleview – across from Marina Sq. The hot place to be after work. Great Brunch and outstanding Menu.
