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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.