Denver Restaurant Week starts Friday, and with it, hundreds of frenzied restaurants will dish out prix-fixe menus in a massive promotion that spans a little longer than a week. Continuing an Eater tradition, here are 15 spots not participating but sure to please, for those diners who want to avoid all the crowds and have a few more menu options. Bon appétit.
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The 2019 Guide to Getting Away From Denver Restaurant Week
These 15 restaurants will be business as usual

The Wolf's Tailor
In Sunnyside, the Wolf’s Tailor sticks to its regular offerings throughout Restaurant Week. While menu items can change daily, diners can order some combination of skewers and pastas and enjoy the vibe of Eater Denver’s 2018 Design of the Year winner.
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Safta Restaurant
Alon Shaya’s latest project at the Source steers clear of set menus and the Restaurant Week hullabaloo. Those who haven't checked out Safta’s signature hummus, salatim, and endless pita should take advantage of potentially smaller crowds this week.
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Acorn
The menu at one of RiNo’s lasting destinations will remain unchanged this week. Diners can order the Florida rock shrimp and grits while sitting down to dinner in the food hall without fighting a Restaurant Week rush.
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Smok Barbecue - Denver
The smoker in all its glory is still the star of the show at Smok, even throughout restaurant week. Popular items include a burnt ends sandwich, mac and cheese, and smoked hot wings.
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Hop Alley
Hop Alley’s clever, hip spins on Chinese fare are served in dishes meant to be shared, like hong you chao shou dumplings and dong po rou pork belly. This restaurant at the edge of RiNo is eternally busy, but wait times may be a bit lighter during Restaurant Week.
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Ash'Kara
The Highland hotspot that debuted late last year continues to make news in Denver for its food (rather than its “Bachelor” co-owner). During Restaurant Week, try stars from the regular menu like hummus and house pita, salt spring mussels, and duck tagine.
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Señor Bear
The normal happy hour menu is worth checking out this week at Señor Bear; it features pigeon pea escabeche with plantain chips and arepas with pickled onion and braised pork.
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Spuntino
Though Sputino is technically participating in the promos, its $5 amaro pours are a better reason to visit this week. The restaurant stocks a wide selection of the liqueur, including vintage bottles, and even makes its own in house.
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Uncle
Hot bowls of ramen here are not on special during Restaurant Week — but wait times may be shorter at the perpetually busy restaurant. Popular ramen options include the spicy chicken with spicy sesame broth, or a ramen with confit duck, arugula, and apple in a shoyu broth.
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Cart-Driver
This cozy spot in a RiNo shipping container is always an option for wood-fired pizza, oysters, and Prosecco on tap. Its smooth chicken liver mousse is served with mostardo, mushroom confit, and focaccia.
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Uchi Denver
For dinner and for happy hour, Uchi’s new Denver outpost is on the list of the hottest restaurants to visit right now. For diners on a budget, happy hour is the best bet as it features deals like $3 sake and $3-$8 small bites.
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Mercantile Dining and Provision
James Beard Awarded Mercantile at Union Station will serve its regular menu during Restaurant Week. The current seasonal offerings include Jerusalem artichoke confit, smoke Spanish mackerel, and casarecce with braised pork shoulder.
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Annette
Annette’s simple, thoughtful menu shines regardless of Restaurant Week. Favorite menu items like the charred endive, octopus patatas bravas, and wood-fired half chicken are available for dinner. Also check out happy hour and brunch.
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To the Wind Bistro
No reservations are allowed in this tiny Colfax space that will feel miles away from the madness this week. A couple of sample items from the changing menu are salmon pastrami and bone marrow with an oxtail apricot mostarda.
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Mizuna
This upscale French spot is known for its old-school dishes like foie gras, escargot, and beef Wellington. For dessert, there’s a chocolate gateau.
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