Denver’s dining scene has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last decade. No longer just a stopover for mountain-bound travelers, the Mile High City has cemented itself as a legitimate culinary destination. The combination of access to pristine Colorado produce, a booming population, and a wave of innovative chefs has created a restaurant ecosystem that is both dynamic and deeply satisfying.
The beauty of eating in Denver lies in its diversity. You can find a world-class omakase experience next to a rustic, wood-fired pizza joint, all within a few city blocks. Whether you are looking for a power lunch in LoDo, a romantic date night in RiNo, or a family-friendly brunch in Wash Park, the city has a table waiting for you.
Because the city sits at exactly 5,280 feet above sea level, local chefs have had to master the science of high-altitude cooking. This unique challenge has fostered a culture of precision and experimentation. From adjusting the pH levels in dough to rethinking the boiling points of sauces, Denver chefs possess a technical skill set that sets them apart.
This guide is designed to cut through the noise and point you toward the establishments that truly define the city’s flavor. We have considered consistency, atmosphere, service, and, most importantly, the quality of the ingredients. You won’t find tourist traps here; you will find the spots locals actually brag about.
Sustainability is a major theme in the Denver food scene. Many of the city’s top kitchens have direct relationships with Colorado ranchers and farmers. This farm-to-table ethos is not a passing trend here; it is a fundamental part of the city’s identity, ensuring that the beef, lamb, and produce on your plate are often sourced from just a few miles away.
If you are planning a visit or are a local looking to expand your palate, you are in the right place. We have curated a list that spans cuisines, neighborhoods, and price points. Use this guide to navigate the city’s vibrant culinary landscape with confidence.
Corinne Denver
| Address | 1455 California St, Denver, CO 80202 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (720) 996-1555 |
I had a great brunch experience at Corrine in downtown Denver! The atmosphere was lively but still relaxed—perfect for a weekend brunch.
I ordered the avocado toast along with a freshly squeezed juice, and both were excellent. The avocado toast was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented, and the juice tasted bright and refreshing—exactly what you want to start the day.
I sat at the bar, and Ryan, the bartender from Wisconsin, was fantastic. He was friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even better with his great personality and service.
Overall, an awesome brunch spot in downtown Denver. I’ll definitely be back!
Amazing food and excellent cocktails. The menu is diverse but not overwhelming. I highly recommend the spicy ahi appetizer and the scallops dinner. The parker house rolls are also great. The star of the show is the barrel aged old fashioned. Highly recommended... Enjoy!
So, the experience at Corinne was pretty good overall. The drinks were great. Michael was an awesome server. We sat on the patio and it was very nice. The food was good too, with 1 exception. The burger was extremely overcooked. I ordered a medium rare burger and got a very very well done burger. At a restaurant like Corinne, you’d think the chef could cook a burger properly. It was a $24 burger but tasted like it was $10. The bun was crazy thick too. We will 100% be back!
I randomly picked this restaurant purely based on Google reviews since I implicitly trust them. They did not disappoint; Corinne Denver’s staff and food were great. The crab balls were a great appetizer and my braised beef was amazing. Very excited to hear they have one in Austin and San Antonio.
We really enjoyed our breakfast here. We ordered the Benedict, the bacon and egg sandwich, and a couple of cappuccinos, and everything was delicious. The Benedict was cooked perfectly with rich flavors, and the bacon and egg sandwich was simple but done really well, with fresh ingredients and great taste.
The cappuccinos were also very good and made the meal even more enjoyable. The whole experience felt relaxing, and the food came out fresh and well-prepared. It's one of those places where every item we ordered was satisfying and we would definitely come back the next time we're in the area.
Wildflower
| Address | 3638 Navajo St, Denver, CO 80211 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 4:30 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 4:30 – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (720) 372-7999 |
A phenomenal dining experience from start to finish. Highly recommend the wildflower bouquet dining experience where your waiter can take your preferences and dislikes and course out an experience for you.
The crudo was a highlight, but the duck was one of the most original ways I’ve had duck prepared, and highly recommend this as well. The bread was also heavily when you paired it with the spreads. Honestly, everything we had was so special I can’t really say what is the “must order” but rather that you just must go here.
The staff were attentive, fun, and kind, from the bartender to our waiter. Everything was a seamless experience. I really think that when visiting Denver this is a spot you should try to book for a memorable and special dinner.
Met some work colleagues for a planned dinner. Although we had no issues finding parking a block away on a Thursday at 530, I can see where parking might be a challenge during busy times. Upon entry to the restaurant, we were immediately greeted and seated due to our reservation. The restaurant had very nice decor, it was small and cozy and dimly lit. Our reservation was made for four but changed to five at the last minute. The restaurant took care of us, no problem and added another place setting and chair to accommodate. After the rest of our party arrived, our server explained our options to us how they would be serving small plates for us to share. Since I had a food allergy to shellfish, they explained that they would bring me another dish when they brought out any food that I could not have. We had five courses brought to us that consisted of grilled plum salad, artichoke tortellini, 7x Wagyu Picanha, Wildflower Focaccia and Honey Semifreddo. I loved the focaccia, Wagyu and Semifreddo and thought the tortellini was very good too. Since this is a Michelin rated restaurant, this was a rare fine dining night for me. Although the experience was top notch, it was not really my style of find but I did enjoy the experience and if you get the chance, you should try it. The service was top notch!
Color me impressed and entirely satisfied. I’ve had Wildflower on my list for over a year, and finally made it there with my best friend last night.
Between our shellfish, peanut, and gluten allergies, we still enjoyed an incredibly generous meal made with exceptional ingredients and served with warmth and care. It was a truly beautiful experience. We appreciated the thoughtful touches, refined creativity, and depth of flavor throughout.
Standout dishes: the Mikan Buri Crudo, Stonefruit Salad, Moulard Duck, Honey Semifreddo… and the sorrel pesto, which I literally ate straight off my fork. 🫠
Perfect for a date night, a celebration, or simply treating yourself.
The best meal I have had in Denver by far. The bartender Zach was extremely helpful and made the meal an experience. I got the grilled plum salad, the crudo, the duck, and the honey semifreddo for desert. Each one tasted extremely unique and delicious. If you're looking for a place actually worth the price tag, I highly recommend here.
How do I put an out-of-this world birthday dinner experience into words? Here it goes..
We were welcomed by a lovely hostess after walking through Wildflower’s doors. She greeted me happy birthday which was nice and personal. I quickly noticed how nice the restaurant smelled. The dark green interior colors gave off a nice vibe, upscale and classy.
We were seated right away. There was a hand written birthday card waiting for me at the table, from the restaurant, that was such a sweet surprise.
Now to the main event. The food and service. My husband and I ordered: Mikan Buri Crudo, Foccacia, Ricotta Cavatelli, and Moulard Duck. All four dishes blew our mind. We forced ourselves to eat slow-er because we didn’t want the amazing experience to end!! Our favorite dish of the night was the Mikan Buri Crudo. It had the best yellowtail we’ve ever had. It was a melt in your mouth type of dish. Perfectly paired with a citrus sauce, pineapple and other amazing ingredients … I would travel and come back to wildflower for that dish alone. If you love fresh seafood and Crudo, I strongly suggest trying it.
The duck probably comes in second to me. It was cooked perfectly.
The service provided by wildflower’s team stood out to me and my husband. Our water glasses were constantly refilled, table was cleaned in between dishes. While my went to the bathroom, one of our servers came and refolded his napkin then placed it back on the table. It’s the little details and effort for me!!!
I also loved their pink and white dishes. Everything felt so elegant. It was a perfect way to celebrate my birthday. Thank you, Wildflower team for this outstanding experience. You set the bar high and other restaurants should take notes.
major tom
| Address | 2845 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 4:45 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 4:45 – 9:00 PM Friday: 4:45 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 4:45 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (303) 848-9777 |
First off, thank you immensely to the staff who accommodated us even though this guy booked his reservation on the wrong day. Since we were from out of town, we wouldn’t have been able to try this great spot without the accommodation.
From the hostess to the server, everyone was so friendly and welcoming. You can genuinely tell everyone is incredibly proud of the atmosphere and food they are supporting.
We ordered the chickpea fritters, fries, pull apart bread, overnight cabbage, and scallops. All of the flavors and presentations of each dish were amazing. The creaminess and crispiness of the chickpeas fritters simply had us lost for words! The only food we would recommend foregoing to order in the future is the fries. Which we had hesitations about prior to ordering them, and we can say they are really just fries. Are they really good fries?—Yes, but you aren’t getting any different experience here compared to a fast food joint. So order something else and save the fries for a later snack on the way home if you still have room. 😉
It’s also worth mentioning our cocktails were sensational. When in Denver, you should absolutely make it a priority to dine here and make sure you book your reservation for the right night so you don’t leave it to chance. This space is really more of an intimate dining experience so it’s essential to make a reservation.
Casey was our amazing waiter for the night and we can't say enough great things about him. We were the last group in the restaurant and aside from explaining the menu and drinks in detail he also provided great info on Denver and some cool shows that were happening later in the night. The food was amazing, we ordered one of everything with a 6 person group. The oysters are a little pricey but very good. The chickpea fritters are amazing and we are still thinking about the baked potato with salmon roe 😮💨😮💨😮💨 Even with the oysters and 1-2 drinks each it came out to around $120 per person.
Everything was fantastic.
Appetizers- chickpea fritter, tomato burrata, and baby carrots. The chickpea fritter had a very smooth consistency like silken tofu. It was so yummy.
Entrees- braised cabbage and trout. The braised cabbage was so delicious.
We also ordered a few drinks. I had make me a gin cocktail and it was just ok. My friends enjoyed their drinks.
After having been to Beckon, we are so glad we tried Major Tom, which brought full circle to the chef Duncan experience. Major Tom has a really cool style and vibe: relaxed, comfortable and cozy, yet neat. Our mains were delicious: the bass in a savory dill sauce and tender duck with perfect crisp skin. But my absolute favorite dish of the night was the tomato salad, an assortment of fresh, sweet, juicy tomatoes from the restaurant garden in a feta cheese sauce, topped with beautiful marigolds that brought true purpose to the dish. Don’t miss out on also trying the frittata.
One thing that never disappoints between Beckon and Major Tom is that this team knows fish. We have never had fish we didn’t absolutely love.
Overall, this was a really fun n meal. Our souls and belly are full. Service was excellent. Drink pairings were excellent. For being the more free-spirited sibling, she definitely took after her older sister Beckon in all the best ways.
Amazing amazing place, fantastic staff, beautiful space, and absolutely delicious food. We got the scallops with beurre blanc, duck leg confit, miso overnight cabbage, fries, major tom oyster, and the lamb meatballs with labneh. We sat at the chefs counter and I felt like I was in a michelin star kitchen watching artists at work. It was stunning, professional, detailed, and beautiful. We would love to go back and try even more dishes.
Work & Class
| Address | 2500 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (303) 292-0700 |
If I had to sum up Work & Class in one phrase, it would be: professionalism without pretension.
I was in Denver for work and sat down at the bar with a simple request for the bartender: “If I’ve never been here before and never make it back, build me the most memorable meal possible.” He didn’t hesitate, and absolutely understood the assignment.
The lineup: blue corn empanadas, carne asada with chimichurri, elote hash, smoked gouda mac & cheese, butterscotch pudding, and a couple cocktails along the way.
The empanadas were the first sign I was in good hands. Crispy, flavorful, and gone far too quickly. The carne asada was cooked beautifully, the elote hash brought a ton of flavor and texture, and the smoked gouda mac & cheese was exactly the kind of side dish that makes you question your life choices while happily taking another bite.
Then came the butterscotch pudding. Chef’s kiss. If there was a better way to end the meal, I don’t need to know about it.
What stood out most wasn’t just the food. It was the atmosphere. Great service, knowledgeable staff, strong cocktails, and none of the attitude that sometimes comes with highly regarded restaurants. Just good people serving great food. Each person that worked there interacted with positivity and authenticity.
For a guy traveling alone on a Friday night, I couldn’t have asked for a better recommendation. If I’m back in Denver, I’m back at Work & Class.
Amazing place! We came here randomly our first time because we were trying to get into the pop-up bar nearby. While waiting to get in we decided to stop in for food because as my fiancé said "This place is popping!" and I'm glad we did.
The food is absolutely delicious, we had the lamb, lemon pepper chicken and the Cochanita Pibil. The lamb was divine, perfectly seasoned so the natural flavor shone through without the usual gameyness of the meat. The lemon chicken was crispy, flavorful and perfectly moist. Easily some of the best chicken I've ever had. The Cochanita Pibil was moist, tender and absolutely amazing.
I'd highly recommend the Massive Attack Salad as a starter. It's an explosion of flavor.
The drinks are affordable and punch way above their weight. The beer and shot combos are absolutely the best bang for your buck.
They are pricy, but the quality is definitely reflected in the price and you absolutely won't feel ripped off or disappointed if you decide to make this place your go to for a nice date night!
Went here on a second date and it was the perfect casual atmosphere, we sat outside so not too noisy for conversation. Our waitress was so sweet and friendly. I had the margarita which was good. We ordered the salad, elote hash, mac&cheese, carne asada and chicken as shareable dishes and everything was amazing! The mac&cheese was so creamy & the carne asada was cooked to perfection.
The GM also gave us little spoons of butterscotch which was so kind and it was delicious! Made us feel welcomed. Would highly recommend!
We had the absolute best time at Work and Class. My boyfriend and I celebrated our anniversary, and we couldn’t have had a better experience. The staff was incredibly kind and helpful, the food was amazing, and the atmosphere was exactly what we were looking for. We will definitely be going back!
The design and word play of this restaurant was very creative! Loved the background music, not too loud, real chill. The customer service was excellent, the manager Johnnie was great about trying to get our large group seated with another large group even though we didn’t have a reservation and the other group did. Our waiter was great too. Let’s talk food. The lamb was cooked to a perfect temperature but it was bland. I used the sauce from the roasted chicken dish to give it some flavor. The Mac & cheese was good, harissa veges were good it included beets and carrots which was unexpected. None of the food wowed us, but the ambiance and customer service made it a great experience. The portions of the side are meant to be shareable but for the price we expected a bit larger portion. Jalapeño cornbread was crisp on the outside and moist inside, enjoyed it the most.
Margot
| Address | 1551 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Phone | (720) 390-8785 |
Dining at Margot was nothing short of extraordinary! Nestled on South Pearl in Platt Park, this Michelin-starred gem took our taste buds on a remarkable journey with the 5-course tasting menu and expertly curated wine pairings.
From the moment we arrived, our server Ryan made us feel right at home. His thoughtful presence and captivating storytelling brought each course and wine pairing to life, painting vivid pictures that heightened our anticipation with every bite and sip.
The food itself was a stunning display of artistry, with each dish presenting a symphony of creative flavors and textures. Chef and owner Justin Fulton’s humility shines through as he personally introduced some of the courses, sharing the inspiration behind the heirloom tomatoes dish. Discovering that each ingredient had a tale—sourced from local or family-owned businesses—added an enriching layer to our dining experience.
Honestly, choosing a favorite dish feels impossible! I typically shy away from raw oysters, but Chef Fulton’s preparation completely transformed my perspective; I’m still dreaming about them! The hamachi crudo was so delightful that I could easily indulge in a bowl of it as a meal. And those heirloom tomatoes? They’ve set a new standard that others can’t even begin to meet. The Parisian gnocchi was not just a beautiful performance for the palate but a masterpiece in presentation.
The ambiance of the restaurant on the dining room side is equally enchanting, combining modern elegance with timeless natural elements like cool charcoal grey stone and warm woods.
Overall, our experience was exceptional from start to finish. We can’t wait to return—many times—and are especially excited to try their weekend brunch, a rare treat for Michelin-starred restaurants in Denver. A heartfelt thank you to Ryan, Justin, and the entire team at Margot for an unforgettable evening!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Really a 4.5/5
Margot absolutely nails the experience from the moment you walk in. The restaurant is stunning, and I especially loved the long hallway leading into the dining room—it builds a sense of anticipation and makes you wonder what’s waiting at the other end.
We had reservations for the five-course tasting menu and were seated immediately. Our server was honestly one of the highlights of the evening. He was incredibly attentive, knowledgeable, and made us feel well taken care of throughout the entire meal. There were a couple of slower moments with the supporting staff, particularly getting drinks from the bar, but the cocktails themselves were excellent once they arrived.
The chef did a fantastic job with the tasting menu and, especially, the portion sizes. We love tasting menus but have definitely left some restaurants wondering where we were going to eat afterward. That was absolutely not the case at Margot. By the end of the five courses, we were perfectly full without feeling overly stuffed.
And I have to give the chef some serious credit: I don't really like duck, and somehow he made me love his. That was probably the biggest surprise of the night.
There were just a couple of small misses for us. The oysters tasted a little fishier than we prefer, and the bread rolls were slightly dry. Neither was enough to take away from what was otherwise a fantastic dinner.
If Google allowed half stars, this would easily be 4.5 stars for us. Margot is beautiful, thoughtful, and clearly has a very talented kitchen and front-of-house team. We would absolutely return—and next time, we'd love to experience the chef's table.
Margot is an exceptional dining experience. Chef clearly has a deep understanding of local sourcing, with ingredients that feel fresh, intentional, and thoughtfully selected.
The flavor combinations are unique and beautifully executed, with creative elements like foam used in a way that enhances rather than overwhelms. The pork was a standout—perfectly cooked with incredible texture and tenderness.
Every dish felt refined and well-balanced. Easily one of the best meals in Denver—highly recommend
Came here for our anniversary and it did not disappoint. One of the better meals we’ve had in a really long time. Everything was perfectly seasoned, beautifully prepared and what a treat to see the chefs cooking and plating right in front of you. Well deserving of their Michelin star.
I had a beautiful anniversary dinner at Margot. We had the 12 course at the chef’s table and it was such a wonderful experience. I enjoyed every single course, I don’t think I left a single crumb or drop of sauce on the plate. The menu was well thought out and creative, the dishes were beautiful, and service was so attentive.
Guard and Grace
| Address | 1801 California St, Denver, CO 80202 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 10:30 PM Friday: 4:00 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 4:00 – 10:30 PM Sunday: 4:00 – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | (303) 293-8500 |
From the moment we walked into Guard and Grace until the moment we left, every detail was exceptional. The atmosphere is elegant yet welcoming, the service is truly world-class, and the food was absolutely phenomenal.
The staff made us feel like VIPs from beginning to end. Every recommendation was spot on, every course was perfectly timed, and the level of hospitality was beyond anything we expected. You can genuinely feel how much this team cares about creating an unforgettable dining experience.
Every dish was beautifully presented and packed with incredible flavor. It's rare to find a restaurant where both the cuisine and the service are equally outstanding, but Guard and Grace delivers on every level.
This is, without a doubt, one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. I can't wait to come back, and I'll be recommending Guard and Grace to everyone I know. Bravo to the entire team! You've set the standard for excellence.
When looking for a place to celebrate with my wife, I came across Guard and Grace, and am so glad I decided to make a reservation.
Sarah was a phenomenal waitress, and made us feel incredibly special through our whole meal. The table service was so efficient and fast, and all of the food was absolutely perfect. Both my salmon and my wife's cod were perfect, the octopus was amazing, and all of the little extras were to die for.
Thank you for celebrating with us and making our evening truly memorable.
Last day at Denver,
An exceptional dining experience at Guard and Grace in Denver. I started with the gyozas and an excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by the 8 oz Wagyu steak with carrots and potato pavé — beautifully presented, perfectly prepared, and outstanding in flavor.
The service was truly first-class. The sommelier, maître d’, and my waiter were all exceptionally professional, attentive, and knowledgeable, with excellent recommendations throughout the evening.
A refined, elegant steakhouse experience from start to finish. Highly recommended.
We did not plan to go here previously on our trip to Denver, but I’m really glad we found this place. I’m always really into reading reviews for restaurants that have higher price points. So I was pleased with the accuracy of most of the reviews. My husband and I both thought our steaks were delicious. The duck fat fries, impeccable!! The side of gnocchi was so good! Our drinks were both great. And a sticky toffee cake for dessert, phenomenal, I could’ve licked the plate!! we had Alex for our server, and he was great! All the staff that delivered things to our table were very friendly. The only downfall is that it’s a little noisy, but it’s a very chill place, so lots of dinner, meetings, and gatherings happening. I would recommend a reservation. But we were able to make our same day. Would definitely recommend this place if you’re in the Denver area!
Truly a fantastic experience. This was my wife’s and I first dinner as a married couple. Johnathan provided great service and the entire restaurant made a special day that much more. We will be visiting on our anniversary every year plus any special occasions. The food was one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Thank you for one of the best dining experiences of our lives.
El Five
| Address | 2930 Umatilla St Unit #500, Denver, CO 80211 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 4:00 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 4:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 4:00 – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | (303) 524-9193 |
I had my wedding reception here in their semi-private space. We booked this quite last minute (less than a month before the wedding), but the event coordinator, Ahakwah Bat-Savage, did everything they could to make this possible—including helping with the food selection, accommodating our guests, and staying flexible with our guest count.
Everything was stunning. The food quality was impeccable, and the service was truly above and beyond. Our event was scheduled from 5:00 to 7:30 PM, but they allowed us to really enjoy the restaurant, the food, and our time together by pacing the meal perfectly. Once they realized we were taking our time chatting between dishes, they slowly brought out the courses, which extended our time past 7:30. My husband and I were so surprised and incredibly thankful for their patience, attentiveness, and amazing service.
The food portions were grand as well! By the time we reached the main course, everyone was so happy and full. Of course, we still made room for dessert! The drinks were also spot on. Thank you, El Five, for making our night so special!
I came here with my husband and two of our friends and we all shared everything. This is the way to do it so you can try more. We ordered:
- Spreads of the Med
- Carbon Culture Mushroom Paella
- Matzo Ball Soup Dumplings
- Harissa Eggplant Fries
- Goat Cheese Croquettas
- Bison Meatballs
- Mushroom Bourekas
- Turkish Kunefe
- Crema Catalana
- Basque Cheesecake
Every single thing was amazing. If I had to pick favorites, it would probably be the eggplant fries, paella, and goat cheese croquettes. I don't usually like eggplant but the crispiness of the fries really improved the texture and the sauce was so good.
All three desserts were fantastic. I'm not sure that I can pick a favorite.
Linger was previously my favorite restaurant in Denver and now it might be El Five. This restaurant group has some amazing restaurants and I can't wait to try the others.
Go with a group and order as much as you can. You won't regret it!
El Five is one of those places that lives up to its reputation.
After finally visiting, it’s easy to see why it’s considered a staple in Denver. The menu has been recently updated and the food reflects that with strong execution across the board.
Standout dishes included the mushroom paella, Turkish pizza with halloumi, and the poached cod. Everything was well prepared and full of flavor.
The drinks were also well done. The margarita with salt foam and the frosé were both highlights.
The atmosphere is a major draw. The views of downtown are impressive and the patio is one of the best in the city. The interior design also feels thoughtful and cohesive.
Service was excellent and made the overall experience feel smooth and welcoming.
Desserts were a strong finish, especially the chocolate cake and kunefe.
Overall, El Five delivers a well rounded dining experience with great food, drinks, and views.
Small plates with a view in downtown Denver. 4.25 stars
Food: 4. Service: 5 Atmosphere: 4.5
Cost to worth it rating: 3
Opentableable: yes
Return worthiness: yes
Highlights
- Madison: so on top of it. Spotted a lack of mint in my niece's grapefruit g&t and a piece missing in our croquettes right away. And into zodiac when checking out IDs which was fun.
- Eggplant fries: sounds basic but star of the night. Perfectly fried crispy and glazed. 5 stars
- Chicken jamon croquettes: crispy exterior and rich interior. Solid version. 4.5 stars
- Carne paella: mix of meats including lamb sausage, salami, and chorizo with some crisp to the rice and shishito peppers on top served in the traditional skillet. 4 stars
- Pastas bravas: huge wedges of potato across a large platter. Baked potato like on top of 2 sauces. 3.5 stars
- Nice skyline view
- Wines: nice unique options
- Cocktails: few fun ones and g&ts with the tonic on the side for you to control the amount you'd like
Midlights:
- Shrimp: 5 head on with 4 sizable shrimp with decent flavor but overcooked. 3 stars
- Turkish pizza: just ok compared to the rest. Halloumi could've been a bit meltier or warmer. 3 stars
Lowlights:
- No Diet Coke: only Mexican Coke in the bottle and we had a diabetic.
Sunset tapas + wine + that Denver skyline view .
Incredible rooftop views of downtown Denver. Great wine selection with a staff that knows the list. Tapas were all excellent. Fun vibe, great service, perfect day night or group dinner. Get a table near the edge at sunset.
Alma Fonda Fina
| Address | 2556 15th St, Denver, CO 80211 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 2:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (303) 455-9463 |
Snagged a happy hour spot last minute (presumably due to a cancellation). Everything was superb- the cocktails, food, and service were all excellent. Standout dishes included the roasted sweet potato and scallops. The tapas style is great for sharing and surprisingly affordable, considering the high level of service and quality. Definitely a culinary gem in Denver!
Walking into Alma Fonda Fina solo on a Monday night around 8:00 PM turned out to be an ideal move. Without a reservation, I was seated immediately on their patio, setting the stage for what ended up being an outstanding meal. The service throughout the evening was top-tier—attentive, sharp, and perfectly paced without feeling rushed. While the wine selection is somewhat modest, it covers the basics well enough to find a solid pairing for the food.
The menu leans heavily into thoughtful, bold flavors, and every dish I tried hit the mark. Here is a breakdown of the meal:
Tostada De Hamachi (Standout Dish): This was easily the highlight of the night. The combination of fresh Japanese hamachi, rich sikil pak, a kick of habanero mayonnaise, and bright naval oranges was absolute perfection. The balance of acidity, creaminess, and fresh fish was flawless.
Callo De Hacha Al Horno: Baked Fall River scallops served with a bright serrano ponzu, rich tomato butter, and chives. The delicate sweetness of the scallops held up remarkably well against the savory richness of the tomato butter and the sharp punch of the ponzu.
Ceviche De Atun: High-quality bluefin tuna paired with charred avocado, spicy salsa macha, coconut broth, and chive oil. The coconut broth added a velvety, aromatic contrast to the deep, smoky heat of the salsa macha.
Pancita Pibil: Rich, succulent heritage pork belly prepared Yucatan style, served over a smooth black bean puree and topped with sharp red pickled onions. A deeply satisfying, hearty end to the lineup that brought a great balance of fat, acid, and earthiness.
Alma Fonda Fina is firing on all cylinders. Between the seamless hospitality, the comfortable patio ambiance, and high-impact dishes like the hamachi tostada, it easily earns a glowing recommendation.
Oh my wowza!!! Alma Fonda fina did not disappoint.
WARNING: If you don't like spicy food, this is probably not the spot. I however, love spicy food.
My partners’ birthday was in a week and we got a spontaneous reservation next day to go! We said, heck why not and went. We did have to wait 20mins for our table after our reservation time, but service recovery was an instant fix as when we were sat, the host said “First round of drinks or apps on me, apologies for the wait.” Instantly, no hesitation or deliberation. Just a focus on preserving the guest experience. As a restaurant manager myself, astounding!
The food did not disappoint either, in fact it was phenomenal. The sweet potato was one of the best bites! The scallop, so good! They know their way around fish!!! The bean burrito was the only dish we ordered that I would pass on going forward. If you were considering it, go! Our server was really knowledgable, worked around difficult allergens, tossed in recommendations, and even encouraged us to check out Mezcaleria Alma. We’ll be back!
Alma Fonda Fina is one of those places where everything just works.
Mike was amazing—kind, knowledgeable, and made the whole night feel intentional from start to finish.
Carne apache, camote asado, frijoles puercos—all incredible. The ceviche de atún was fresh and perfectly balanced.
Then the birria de borrego… best thing I’ve ever had. No question.
And somehow the bartenders are cooking at the bar—making food, running drinks, taking tables—and doing it effortlessly. Not chaotic, just completely dialed.
Finished with emoladas de pollo and left genuinely impressed.
Where do I begin. Originally scheduled a reservation for Saturday and accidentally showed up Friday night. Still they accommodated us. Lane was a rockstar from the moment we sat down. Lane kept us informed about the menu and had a light professional banter about him. The food was amazing but we already know that. This shoutout is truly for the staff! Amazing experience, amazing atmosphere, great attitudes and most importantly good vibes! Great experience and will definitely be back soon.
Culinary Dropout
| Address | 4141 E 9th Ave, Denver, CO 80220 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (720) 779-0190 |
This is a very large restaurant with inside and covered outside seating. They also have a bar and a stage I would assume for live music or performances. Everything was reasonable priced. I enjoy the steak plate I got. Our server was really nice and answered all our questions. The bathroom were well maintained. Definitely plan on returning to try more. Parking can be a little difficult to find due to the busy area.
Definitely more on the fancier side which is amazing, loved the food and cocktails. Chicken Karsu, Salmon was amazing. As for appetizer, the homemade chips with onion dip and pretzels was phenomenal. Campfire vibes cocktail worth a try.
Ally was our service. Knew her stuff.
Highly recommend.
Make a reservation!!! !!!
Fantastic dining experience for a large group. There is a variety of different options for every palate and preference. I was also pleasantly surprised with the live music while dining on a Friday night. The staff was also very friendly and helpful with accommodating a member of our group who had several dietary restrictions. I would highly recommend the crispy chicken tacos or the Korean beef. You also can’t go wrong ordering a few different starters to share if you have a large group. All sauces and accoutrement served with dishes were clearly made from scratch and were high quality. The weak point of the meal seemed to be the cocktails, which seemed to be a little pricey for the quality. Overall, I was very happy with the dining experience and would visit again if I’m ever in the area with a large group.
Service is always very friendly and the waiters have great recommendations. Appetizers here are the absolute best!! The feta dip is phenomenal, so much so that we have gotten two orders in one sitting! The Pub burger are Prime Rib Dip are always good too. Cocktails are creative and unique - their seasonal ones are definitely worth trying!
Fun place, great atmosphere, cocktails, and food. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and a bar area. We were quickly seated and greeted by our severer. It’s scratch kitchen with all food made on premises. They offer a chefs selection charcuterie board or the options to create your own or get any item à la carte. Great cocktail menu offering unique ingredients and combinations. Ordered the Flacco Verde Marg which had coconut washed blanco tequila, fresh avocado, combiner pamplemousse, and lime. Great cocktail. Consistancy of a White Russian, smooth, fresh, with a hint of smoke at the end. Also ordered Full Moon Party, with lemongrass soaked gin, velvet falernum, Thai basil, and English cucumber. So refreshing and not overly sweet, very fresh and flavorful. I had the meatloaf. Sustituted the broccolini for the crispy Brussels sprouts (because they smelled so good ), and it also had smashed potatoes and gravy. The meatloaf was good and topped with ketchup. It wasnt listed like that on the menu. Although I didn’t mind the ketchup on top therewas too much of it. The brussel sprouts were a tad bit hard, and a bit spicy. The potatoes were good with some chunks in them but I think that they were intended. My husband got the roasted salmon which he said was very good and cooked with a nice crispy edge. It was served as a bowl with butternut squash, couscous on the bottom and topped with shaved brussel sprouts. My daughter got the steak frites which was skirt steak with black truffle butter and French fries. The portions were good sized.
Ocean Prime
| Address | 1465 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (303) 825-3663 |
We had a reservation at 6pm on a Sunday and got Shannon as our waiter. Amazing Service 10/10!! great recommendations and witty commentary. I ordered a Zero Proof Nogroni and when i informed him it was not to my liking he was quick to take it off the bill and replace with something even better! We got the Salmon Terryaki and Dry aged New York Strip and Shannon had amazing recommendations like using the scampi butter on the Steak for flavor. Amazing!!
5-Stars go to Danny for going above and beyond and making our experience a great one. We were there to celebrate our second anniversary and while it may have started off a bit underwhelming in the beginning Danny stepped in and made it worthwhile. I ordered an old fashioned and when it got to the table I immediately realized that it was too sweet, I Danny understood and had it remade. I was slightly hesitant to speak up the second time and thought to just drink it but it was again too sweet. I explained to him that I prefer a traditional old fashioned and he got behind the bar and brought me exactly what I asked for. I ordered the Colorado lamb and explained that I understand it's most served on the rare side I prefer medium-well. My chops were served well, I showed them to Danny and he had it remade to perfection, he also brought me out a shrimp cocktail while I waited. I did not point out the undercooked noodles with the lobster mac because I was tired of sending items back to the kitchen. I understand mistakes happen but for the price there should be a quality control of some sort and for the cocktail mix up I can blame myself because I should have specified no aperol. But thank you again Danny for making our night special!
My girlfriend and I came for our first time for my birthday dinner, and it was THE BEST seafood I have ever had in Denver.
It was very nice of the restaraunt to comp our desert.
Parking in the area is a challenge, so we suggest using the valet.
We came here for Father's Day. Overall, it was a nice meal. The service was good, and what you would expect for the cost. The food was mostly good. I had the special, which was a wagyu strip steak with added lobster. The lobster was great. The steak was mediocre for the price. It was cooked as ordered, but the cut itself was chewy and lacking flavor. Kind of disappointing for the high cost. My wife ordered a fish dish, which she really enjoyed. My daughter had sushi, which she also enjoyed.
We had waited a long time to come here, and while it was good, it wasn't great. For the cost of the meal, there are other places that offer better food. I might try it again in the future, but It was honestly a bit underwhelming.
They had a name tag on the table wishing me a happy father's day, which was a nice touch.
I was surprised with a trip to Denver for my birthday & this is the restaurant where I celebrated my birthday at. This restaurant did not disappoint it’s highly rated & it deserves the praise. The staff were welcoming. The atmosphere was elegant with a cozy romantic feeling to it. The food & drinks were very appetizing & very enjoyable. I had the best Salmon ever cooked medium well it was very succulent. A reservation was made in advance so there was no wait I was seated immediately. Once seated the waiter came over to introduce himself within a matter of seconds welcoming us making conversation insuring that we felt welcomed, comfortable & as if we were at home. He gave a rundown of the menu, suggested some of the popular food items, asked if there were any food allergies & told us to take our time deciding what we wanted. He constantly came to check in if everything was good & whatever we needed which wasn’t a lot he got it done. The service was top tier I wish I remembered his name but whenever I’m in Denver again I definitely have to go back. I also got a free dessert due to it being my birthday not sure if that’s what the restaurant does or if it was on him but that was really splendid either way.
Buckhorn Exchange
| Address | 1000 Osage St, Denver, CO 80204 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 4:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 4:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (303) 534-9505 |
Very unique atmosphere with many stuffed animals scattered throughout the entire restaurant. Lots of interesting item and history of the old wild west.
The menu was eclectic and contained many items not found in other restaurants. The Bison and Elk steak i had was very tasty as we're the garlic mashed potatoes.
Overall, this is a place that cant be missed on your visit to Denver.
Interesting atmosphere, but fun if you don't mind being around taxadermy! We had a party of 8 and experienced incredible customer service from the waitstaff. The food was delicious and the history of the establishment was really cool. Certainly a little on the more pricey side, though. Tbh, I'm not sure if I would go again, just not 100% my vibe, but it was a great experience!
Had a memorable dining experience at Buckhorn Exchange. We tried the Rocky Mountain oysters and the elk steak for a true taste of Colorado. The elk steak was tender, flavorful, and cooked perfectly, while the Rocky Mountain oysters were a fun and unique dish to experience.
The restaurant’s historic atmosphere and Western decor make it feel like stepping back in time. Friendly service and a one-of-a-kind dining experience. A must-visit spot for anyone looking to try classic Colorado cuisine.
Now Buckhorn Exchange is REALLY worth the hype! Open over a 100 years ago, the atmosphere simply amazing with all the animals across the WHOLE ceiling. The food simply amazing and tasty! Tried the Baked Potato soup - omg it was good!
Also tried the meat platter with elk, buffalo, quail and lamb - compliments to the chef! It was life giving 😀!
The service was exceptional, the food came out pretty fast too.
Definitely recommend 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾.
(The 5 thumbs up of approval)
Gotta love a place that has a historical monument plaque outside! You feel the history immediately when you walk inside, taxidermy and other assorted artifacts galore. The service was outstanding, sat at the bar with Lilly and she was phenomenal. Super friendly, super knowledgeable, I feel I learned so much about the restaurant's history in just a few minutes, she just had all that info off the top of her head! Lastly, the food was exquisite. Lamb chops were so tender and flavorful, and the duck wings were delicious. It's a bit on the pricier side but I assure you, worth every penny. A Denver must for sure!
Heretík
| Address | 1441 26th St, Denver, CO 80205 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (720) 257-9168 |
This place is awesome. The service and the food are outstanding. The manager/host was a so helpful, warm and welcoming. She came to our table regularly and ensured we had all the help we needed.
We had the bread and butter, deviled eggs, bikini, and the chicken. Each one was better than the other. The deviled eggs were a risqué order, I do not like eggs, but turned out to be the best dish! (it is small but shareable for two. people. We finished off with the cheesecake, which was very unique in texture but very good.
The cider was also really good, it was basque cider (sticking with the theme of the restaurant) highly recommend.
The space is cozy and romantic. My only complaint was how hot it was in the restaurant. So maybe best to go at dusk or in the evening.
Been here twice already because the food and atmosphere is stunning. Really incredible dishes that range for simple and perfectly executed to complex and refined. The service is also outstanding — everyone is so warm and inviting. We have really enjoyed our experiences and will be back soon!
Everything was very good. The restaurant was very nicely done and resembled a small cafe in Europe. The food was delicious and the scallop dish was incredible. The prices are not bad for what you get. It's fresh seafood in a landlocked state.
Really good food. We ordered the Gildas, the Marigolds, stuffed eggs (exceptional), 1/2 roast chicken and celaric salad with smoked trout. And the Basque cheese cake- chefs kiss. Everything was delicious. We will be back.
Very happy to finally visit this cozy spot. The vibe is relaxed, but mature and professional. Everyone was friendly and happy to answer questions about the menu.
The drinks skew towards the boozy side, but they also have a good list of Spanish and French wines by the glass. I enjoyed a delicious sherry over ice for a sweeter start and then moved on to a txakoli recommended by the staff.
The quality of the food is obvious in every bite and presentation, especially the seafood. The deviled eggs with tuna tartare and the Basque cheesecake were the top dishes for me, but everything was delicious and filling.
I will definitely be returning for some of the larger dishes, especially the chicken and potatoes I saw cooking in the rotisserie oven.
Rioja
| Address | 1431 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (303) 820-2282 |
Larimer Square couldn’t be cuter - take a little time to walk around either before or after your fabulous meal at Rioja. I picked this restaurant because I’m a Top Chef fan and Chef Jennifer Jasinski did not disappoint. The food was exceptional. We shared the fresh bacon which was simply amazing. There were four of us and I confess I wanted more. I ordered the asparagus salad to go with a full order of the artichoke tortelloni. Both were wonderful, but that tortelloni is something I’ll be dreaming about - just luscious and so tasty, velvety inside and that broth! Spectacular. Others at my table had the artichoke soup, Rioja house salad, goat cheese gnudi (I’d go back for that, too - just pillows of deliciousness), and the Thai chili pork. Everything was so good. The breads were also delicious and we shared an ice cream trio for desert with the crisp on the bottom and the candied pine nut ice cream being the stars.
If you’re in the area, you’re seriously missing out if you haven’t been to Rioja.
We visited for a birthday dinner with a party of four and overall had a very enjoyable experience.
To start, we shared two half pasta, and the mushroom ravioli was the clear favorite at the table. The bread service was also excellent, with a great selection, and we appreciated that you can ask for more than one piece at a time.
For entrées, we ordered the Thai chili pork, seafood fideuà, grilled steak, and Amish chicken. Unfortunately, I wouldn't recommend the Thai chili pork. We requested it medium rare, but it arrived well done and dry. The steak and Amish chicken were both okay, and the seafood fideuà was decent, though none of the entrées really stood out. On the positive side, the portions were generous and we left completely stuffed.
A nice touch was the complimentary mini ice cream cones they brought out to help celebrate the birthday. Combined with the excellent service from our waiter and waitresses and the pleasant outdoor seating area, it made for a memorable evening.
While the food was somewhat mixed, the service, atmosphere, and thoughtful birthday gesture elevated the experience. Because of that, I'm giving it 5 stars.
6 months later and I am STILL thinking about the meal I had here on 10/31/2025.
I was passing through town during a cross-country move and ended up sitting alone at the bar. I truly cannot rave about this restaurant enough. It was the first day of their new winter menu and everything was incredible, but what really made the experience was the service.
I’m vegetarian and every staff member and person in the kitchen seemed fully aware and accommodating. The bread service alone was amazing. I had just wanted to treat myself to a nice dinner to celebrate such a huge life change, and I’m so glad I decided to walk in last minute.
The two bartenders who took care of me went completely above and beyond. (Evening giving me dining recommendations for the city I was traveling to the next day). The food was so good I even ordered an extra entrée to take back to my hotel. At one point while waiting for the restroom, a random server even walked me downstairs to show me additional bathrooms which was really kind given the busy Friday night service.
Seriously, this place blew my mind. Easily one of the best restaurant experiences I’ve had in the past two years.
Absolutely loved it here! The food was just amazing as well as the presentation. We sat outside and the ambience was wonderful. They're was even a gentleman who comes out on his own each night and plays his violin in the Square which can be heard while dining outside. It was a great touch. Staff was very knowledgeable and attentive. The bread selection was so hard to just pick 2. I had the lavender and honey and a cheese combo, served with some salted butter... Yummy! I had the asparagus salad, which just let me say, was just moth watering. The ingredients all went together so well. Opted for the smaller serving of the stuffed artichoke dish (definitely wanted to save room for dessert) and the only thing I was disappointed about was that I only ordered the smaller portion! 🤣 Can't even begin to describe the delectable taste of this dish. Already looking forward to getting back there to have this again! And then dessert did not disappoint, chocolate peanut butter torte was actually light and oh so tasty, it was a perfect ending to an absolutely delicious meal. The whole experience was excellent.
The reviews seem to be right for this one. Veggie dishes were the stars and service could certainly be improved. The artichoke tortellini is a winner. We also loved the asparagus salad and Burundi. Steak was good enough but kind of tough and the knives were not sufficient for cutting. The bread service was great, those little biscuits and the lavender bread coupled with the salted butter mmm mmm mmmm. We also enjoyed the bottle of wine. Just think the service could be more punctual & warmer.
Aquarium Restaurant
| Address | 700 Water St, Denver, CO 80211 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (303) 561-4450 |
Didn't like the meal I ordered. It was chared too much. Angelina our server was amazing! She informed the manager and he sorted out the problem right away. My second selection was amazing. Thank you I really appreciated it.
Restaurant is dirty. Floors where coated in trash and food. We where given dirty plates for our appetizer. Manger's explanation was that it was a kid place and kids drop food and they can't always clean it up in between tables. Was offered to have someone clean up near us. Never happened. In one of the pics there is a fork on the floor. It was there when we sat down just before 6 and was there when we left around 7:40.
Great food, great service, friendly staff. We requested sensory friendly area and we got the table at the end close to the water!!! It was great! We ordered from the happy hour menu and kids menu and was very satisfied! If you take your receipt and card to gift shop afterwards you get a refund for parking. Jordyn was the best waitress!
We took my daughter here for a “first day of school” (Kindergarten) lunch and it was great! She had a great time seeing the fish and was mesmerized by the scuba class that was taking place.
Food was fantastic! Very impressed with the quality and speed.
Great place! Food was good! We were seated very quickly and they provided us a booster seat and a high chair for our girls, they really enjoyed the atmosphere. The service was really good, Jordyn made sure to help us with everything and helped us decide on the special drink we wanted.
Mercantile
| Address | 1701 Wynkoop St #155, Denver, CO 80202 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Phone | (720) 460-3733 |
Absolutely fabulous dinner! The atmosphere at Mercantile is phenomenal, especially with it being attached to Denver's historic Union Station. The staff was excellent and the service was amazing from start to finish. The food was incredible—I had the lamb gnocchi and a broccolini dish, both of which were perfectly prepared. To top it off, the chocolate-covered peanut butter ball for dessert was out of this world. Highly recommend for any occasion!
This was an absolutely amazing dining experience! The food was stunning and delicious and the service was top notch! Sarah and Edward provided superb service! We live out of state and we will try to come back every time we are in Colorado!
What a great meal and experience, all wrapped up in the historic train terminal. The food was clever and delicious and the cocktails were well made. Be sure to try the eggplant! This place is worth the visit.
My husband and I have been here a couple times now. The first time was in March and it was one of the most amazing restaurant experiences I’ve had in Denver. It would have rivaled an experience that I have had in some of the best restaurants in NYC. We just went there again in August and it was a very different experience. The service was nothing like the first time. The food fell totally flat and some of the flavor combinations were odd in a not great way. The first time the flavors were off of the charts. Sadly we will not be going back based on the price and the last experience.
This place is absolutely amazing!! I'm so glad I had a chance to visit while I was in Denver. Our server was fantastic (I wish I could remember her name!), the atmosphere was lovely, and the food...🤌🏻...delicious! It was an experience from the beginning to the end. There were 2 of us and we selected 1 item from each section of the menu to share--Earth, Grain, Sea, Pasture. These items are definitely meant to be shared! It was just enough food for the 2 of us. And the dessert was divine! I would highly recommend this restaurant and would love to go back if I'm ever in Denver again.
Tips for Choosing the Right Restaurant in Denver
Navigating a city with this much culinary talent can be overwhelming, especially if you are trying to balance a budget, dietary needs, or a specific vibe. The key to a great meal in Denver often comes down to a little bit of planning and understanding how the city operates. Here are a few strategic tips to help you secure a table and enjoy a memorable meal without the stress.
Book Early, Especially in RiNo and LoHi
Denver is a city of foodies, and the best tables go fast. Popular spots in the River North Art District (RiNo) and Lower Highland (LoHi) often book out weeks in advance for weekend dinner slots. If you have your heart set on a specific restaurant, make a reservation as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. If you are a walk-in, try arriving right at opening time to grab a seat at the bar.
Embrace the High-Altitude Dining Experience
Because of the elevation, food cooks slightly differently in Denver. Steaks might come out a touch rarer than you expect, and breads have a unique texture. Trust the chefs; they have adjusted their recipes for the altitude. It is best to order your steak one temperature lower than you usually do if you are sensitive to doneness, as the resting process differs at 5,280 feet.
Look for the Colorado Proud Label
To experience the best of the state, look for menus that highlight "Colorado Proud" ingredients. This indicates that the restaurant sources its lamb, beef, peaches (especially Palisade peaches in summer), or trout from within the state. Dining at places that prioritize these local suppliers gives you a true taste of the region’s agricultural bounty.
Consider the Parking Situation
While Denver is increasingly walkable, some of the hottest restaurant districts have notoriously difficult parking. RiNo and LoDo can be challenging during game days or weekend nights. Using the city’s light rail system or a rideshare service is often cheaper and less stressful than circling for a parking spot.
Don’t Skip the Lunch Menu
If you want to try a high-end restaurant without the high-end dinner price tag, check if they offer lunch or happy hour. Many of Denver’s finest dining establishments offer incredible mid-day menus or bar snacks at a fraction of the dinner cost, allowing you to sample the chef’s style without breaking the bank.
Denver’s food scene is a reflection of the city itself: adventurous, grounded, and unpretentious. Whether you are indulging in a perfectly seared steak or exploring the bold flavors of modern Asian cuisine, the city rewards those who come hungry and curious. The Mile High City has truly earned its place on the national culinary map.
As the seasons change, so do the menus, as chefs here are deeply connected to the harvest cycles of the Rocky Mountain West. No matter when you visit, you are likely to find something new to love. Get out there, explore these neighborhoods, and taste why Denver is one of the most exciting places to eat in America right now.
