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Dae Gee

The 2017 Guide to Getting Away From Denver Restaurant Week

These 32 restaurants are going rogue during Denver Restaurant Week.

by Andra Zeppelin Updated Feb 24, 2017, 8:58am MST

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Dae Gee

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by Andra Zeppelin Updated Feb 24, 2017, 8:58am MST

Denver Restaurant Week is here and that could mean that hoards of hungry diners eager for a deal will invade not just the hundreds of restaurants that participate, but your go-to spot, which likely takes part in the promo. In its 13th year, the now-iconic program runs from Friday, February 24 through Sunday, March 5. If you are in the spirit and want to join the madness, you can find our list of 29 restaurants that offer the most bang for the buck through wide selection and high quality of dishes.

Those who aren't attracted to the sometimes limited choices, crowded dining rooms, and stressed out waitstaff, are looking for a solid dining shelter. These popular 30 spots are staying away from the specially priced meals that this year come a tiered in $25, $35 and $45 tiers. The restaurants are listed in alphabetical order.

Disclosure: The editor is married to one of the developers behind The Source, the development in which Acorn resides.

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Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.

1. Potager

1109 Ogden St
Denver, CO 80218

(303) 832-5788

Visit Website

This Capitol Hill neighborhood that chef Teri Rippeto opened in 1997 is still as fresh and inviting as ever. An ever-evolving, seasonal menu is offered and, on the current one, guests should not miss the twice baked peekytoe crab soufflé with roasted shitakes, red grapefruit, candied pecans.

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2. bittersweet

500 E. Alameda Ave
Denver, CO 80209

(303) 942-0320

Visit Website

The restaurant owned and operated by chef Olav Peterson and his wife and partner Melissa will serve its regular menu during restaurant week. The Thursday tasting menu is great for those who would like to sample the eatery at a lower cost.

Also Featured in:

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3. Acorn

3350 Brighton Blvd
Denver, CO 80216

(720) 542-3721

Visit Website

The RiNo restaurant co-owned by cocktail master Bryan Dayton and chef Steve Redzikowski will serve its regular menu. Highlights of the current offerings include the tempura hen of the woods mushrooms with dashi panna cotta, wakame, and sesame. Sister restaurant Oak at Fourteenth is also skipping the promo but more casual Brider is offering a menu for @25 per person.

Also Featured in:

4. Tables

2267 Kearney Street
Denver, CO 80207

(303) 388-0299

Visit Website

The Park Hill neighborhood restaurant, offers its regular menu, a combination small plates, soups and entrees that range from contemporary deviled eggs to duck or lamb or even burgers.

5. Mizuna

225 E 7th Ave
Denver, CO 80203

(303) 832-4778

Visit Website

Chef Frank Bonanno's flagship restaurant is offering its regular menu this week and guests favorites like lobster mac 'n cheese always give a good reason to dine there.

Also Featured in:

6. Frasca Food and Wine

1738 Pearl St
Boulder, CO 80302

(303) 442-6966

Visit Website

Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey has put together an incredible wine list, while chef Lachlan Patterson masters Frasca's food - both are sure to impress. Don't miss the Frico Caldo, a classic at the Boulder restaurant.

Also Featured in:

7. Sushi Den

1487 S Pearl St
Denver, CO 80210

(303) 777-0826

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Denver dining patrons have kept Sushi Den packed every night for over 30 years. Enjoy all the sushi but save room for dessert: the banana cream pie is a must.

Also Featured in:

8. The Populist

3163 Larimer St
Denver, CO 80205

(720) 432-3163

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The RiNo favorite will welcome guests with its now classic rendition of Jackfruit, currently served smoked, as well as other regular dinner items like the cavatelli rojo with lamb sausage.

Also Featured in:

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9. Barolo Grill

3030 E 6th Ave
Denver, CO 80206

(303) 393-1040

Visit Website

This classic Cherry Creek Italian spot brings the best of old world Italy and new world cooking techniques and wines to 6th Avenue, without the fuss of restaurant week.

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10. Bistro Barbes

5021 E 28th St, Denver
Denver, CO

(720) 398-8085

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The quaint Park Hill neighborhood bistro is geared up to go, but not for Denver Restaurant Week. Bistro Barbes will be serving the elegant French cuisine it has become known for, without frills.

Also Featured in:

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11. Blackbelly

1606 Conestoga St
Boulder, CO 80301

(303) 247-1000

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Head to Boulder to Hosea Rosenberg's Blackbelly to truly escape the city and its restaurant week. The current menu is full of standbys and delightful surprises, and the family-style servings are fun to share.

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12. Cart-Driver

2500 Larimer St
Denver, CO 80205

(303) 292-3553

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Slip into this RiNo favorite unnoticed this week to enjoy the show-stopping wood-fired pizzas, fresh oysters and other menu offerings - free of restaurant week promotions and crowds.

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13. DAE GEE Korean BBQ

827 Colorado Blvd
Denver, CO 80206

(720) 639-9986

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Get your Korean barbecue fix at either location of Dae Gee this week - all three of them free of restaurant week goers.

14. Guard and Grace

1801 California St
Denver, CO 80202

(303) 293-8500

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Treat yourself to prime cuts this week at Troy Guard's acclaimed steakhouse, Guard and Grace. This would be an ideal choice if you'd like to splurge on dining this week, rather than save money with the restaurant week crowds.

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15. Hop Alley

3500 Larimer St.
Denver, CO

(720) 379-8340

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Still one of the hottest spots in Denver, Hop Alley brings excellent modern Chinese food and elevated drink menus in its hip RiNo space. Sister restaurant Uncle is also not participating in the promo.

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16. Mercantile Dining & Provision

1701 Wynkoop St
Denver, CO 80202

(720) 460-3733

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Just like its sister restaurant Fruition, Mercantile will not be participating in restaurant week. Chef Alex Seidel always keeps the menu stocked with elevated dishes and upscale twists on the classics.

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17. Stoic & Genuine

1701 Wynkoop St
Denver, CO 80202

(303) 640-3474

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The Union Station seafood restaurant owned by chef Jen Jasinski and partner Beth Gruitch will offer its regular menu this week.

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18. The Plimoth

2335 E 28th Ave
Denver, CO 80205

(303) 297-1215

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The menu at The Plimoth will not make any special exceptions for Denver Restaurant Week. Escape the hectic crowds seeking soulful eats at this romantic Whittier neighborhood bistro.

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19. Arcana

909 Walnut St
Boulder, CO 80302

(303) 444-3885

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This stunning Boulder restaurant helmed by chef Kyle Mendenhall explores the culinary roots of America through its creative dishes. Whatever you do, don't miss the grilled hot chicken.

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20. Bar Dough

2227 W 32nd Ave
Denver, CO 80211

(720) 668-8506

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A fuss-free Italian eatery and bar, this LoHi spot helmed by chef Max MacKissock charms with pastas, pizzas, and stunning salads.

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21. Beast + Bottle

719 E 17th Ave
Denver, CO 80203

(303) 623-3223

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Chef Paul Reilly and his sister Aileen welcome guests into their dining room every night with great cocktails and a fun selection of wine plus inspired seasonal dishes. Sister restaurant Coperta is participating in the promo and offers menus for $35 per person.

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22. Desmond Bar and Grill

2230 Oneida St
Denver, CO

(720) 542-9035

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Led by beloved chef Sean Kelly, this cozy Park Hill spot serves an eclectic menu with an emphasis on Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

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23. PMG

1035 Pearl St Fl 4
Boulder, CO 80302

(800) 384-7760

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This wine-centric casual eatery charms with seasonal well-curated dishes and a wine selection that puts most other restaurants to shame.

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24. Rioja

1431 Larimer St
Denver, CO 80202

(303) 820-2282

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One of Denver's best restaurants, Rioja offers guests outstanding service and pastas that keep them returning.

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25. Sushi Ronin

2930 Umatilla St
Denver, CO 80211

(303) 955-8741

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It's a great time to try this charming and ever-lauded one year old LoHi sushi spot led by chef Cory Baker.

Also Featured in:

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26. The Truffle Table

2556 15th St
Denver, CO 80211

(303) 455-9463

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An ode to fun eclectic wines and fantastic cheeses, this LoHi spot is casual and laid back.

27. to the wind

3333 E Colfax Ave
Denver, CO 80206

(303) 316-3333

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This sweet family-owned spot serves some of Denver's best dishes in an intimate and charming atmosphere.

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28. ChoLon Bistro

1555 Blake St
Denver, CO 80202

(303) 353-5223

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There is always something new to try at chef Lon Symensma's flagship restaurant and this week that is a duck ramen. More casual sister restaurant Cho77 is also staying out of the promo.

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29. Departure

249 Columbine St
Denver, CO 80206

(720) 772-5020

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Perhaps the crowds migrating to Restaurant Week deals will give this Cherry Creek hot spot a breather. When you go, don't miss the tom yum talay and the desserts.

Also Featured in:

30. El Jefe

2450 W 44th Ave
Denver, CO 80211

(720) 389-7615

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A new spot in Sunnyside, El Jefe offers a variety of Mexican dishes from chips with guacamole and salsas to cochinita pibil and fish tacos.

31. Nocturne

1330 27th St
Denver, CO 80205

(303) 295-3333

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Regular menu and drink are the name of the game at this RiNo music venue.

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32. The Preservery

3040 Blake St
Denver, CO 80205

(303) 298-6821

Visit Website

The RiNo eatery offers the same great menu and some extra special secret discounts for regulars if they show up more than once between now and March 5th.

Also Featured in:

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1. Potager

1109 Ogden St, Denver, CO 80218

This Capitol Hill neighborhood that chef Teri Rippeto opened in 1997 is still as fresh and inviting as ever. An ever-evolving, seasonal menu is offered and, on the current one, guests should not miss the twice baked peekytoe crab soufflé with roasted shitakes, red grapefruit, candied pecans.

1109 Ogden St
Denver, CO 80218

Visit Website

2. bittersweet

500 E. Alameda Ave, Denver, CO 80209

The restaurant owned and operated by chef Olav Peterson and his wife and partner Melissa will serve its regular menu during restaurant week. The Thursday tasting menu is great for those who would like to sample the eatery at a lower cost.

500 E. Alameda Ave
Denver, CO 80209

Visit Website

3. Acorn

3350 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216

The RiNo restaurant co-owned by cocktail master Bryan Dayton and chef Steve Redzikowski will serve its regular menu. Highlights of the current offerings include the tempura hen of the woods mushrooms with dashi panna cotta, wakame, and sesame. Sister restaurant Oak at Fourteenth is also skipping the promo but more casual Brider is offering a menu for @25 per person.

3350 Brighton Blvd
Denver, CO 80216

Visit Website

4. Tables

2267 Kearney Street, Denver, CO 80207

The Park Hill neighborhood restaurant, offers its regular menu, a combination small plates, soups and entrees that range from contemporary deviled eggs to duck or lamb or even burgers.

2267 Kearney Street
Denver, CO 80207

Visit Website

5. Mizuna

225 E 7th Ave, Denver, CO 80203

Chef Frank Bonanno's flagship restaurant is offering its regular menu this week and guests favorites like lobster mac 'n cheese always give a good reason to dine there.

225 E 7th Ave
Denver, CO 80203

Visit Website

6. Frasca Food and Wine

1738 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302

Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey has put together an incredible wine list, while chef Lachlan Patterson masters Frasca's food - both are sure to impress. Don't miss the Frico Caldo, a classic at the Boulder restaurant.

1738 Pearl St
Boulder, CO 80302

Visit Website

7. Sushi Den

1487 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210

Denver dining patrons have kept Sushi Den packed every night for over 30 years. Enjoy all the sushi but save room for dessert: the banana cream pie is a must.

1487 S Pearl St
Denver, CO 80210

Visit Website

8. The Populist

3163 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205

The RiNo favorite will welcome guests with its now classic rendition of Jackfruit, currently served smoked, as well as other regular dinner items like the cavatelli rojo with lamb sausage.

3163 Larimer St
Denver, CO 80205

Visit Website

9. Barolo Grill

3030 E 6th Ave, Denver, CO 80206

This classic Cherry Creek Italian spot brings the best of old world Italy and new world cooking techniques and wines to 6th Avenue, without the fuss of restaurant week.

3030 E 6th Ave
Denver, CO 80206

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

10. Bistro Barbes

5021 E 28th St, Denver, Denver, CO

The quaint Park Hill neighborhood bistro is geared up to go, but not for Denver Restaurant Week. Bistro Barbes will be serving the elegant French cuisine it has become known for, without frills.

5021 E 28th St, Denver
Denver, CO

Visit Website

11. Blackbelly

1606 Conestoga St, Boulder, CO 80301