Eat + Drink Events

Psst… Denver Restaurant Week 2016 Top 10 Restaurants to Try

Denver Restaurant Week 2016 Top 10 Restaurants to Try | The Denver Ear

Denver Restaurant Week is back this month from February 26th through March 6th 2016!

Denver Restaurant Week offers patrons the opportunity the dine at over 230 Denver restaurants (with special menus created for this occasion) that sample many dishes for only $30 per person.

We’ve rounded up our top 10 restaurants you should try during Denver Restaurant Week including their special menus for the week!

Denver Restaurant Week 2016 Top 10 Restaurants to Try 

1. The 9th Door

The 9th Door | The Denver Ear

Cuisine: Spanish Tapas

Location: 1808 Blake St, Denver 80209

Hours: Mon – Fri 4:30pm – close; Sat – Sun 5pm – close

Make a reservation at: bit.ly/1ohkcy0

The 9th Door offers an eclectic Spanish menu that allows patrons the opportunity to sample many different types of food during one sitting due to their Tapas setting.

The 9th Door – Denver Restaurant Week Menu

TAPAS CHOICE I

Tortilla a la Española –
Traditional Spanish omelet with piquillo peppers,
manchego cheese, and garlic aioli *

Charcuteria –
Spanish cured jamón Serrano, lomo Serrano,
chorizo Ibérico, and salchichon Ibérico*

Pimientos del Piquillo Rellenos –
Fire roasted piquillo peppers stuffed with goat
cheese and rosemary *

Aguacate-
Flash-fried avocado with pico de gallo

TAPAS CHOICE II

Croquetas de Hongos –
Risotto and mushroom croquette with truffle oil,
mushroom sauce, and shaved manchego cheese

Gambas al Ajillo –
Marinated, grilled shrimp with garlic and pequin pepper *

Chorizo al Vino –
Spicy Spanish sausage in Rioja wine sauce *

Alcachofas a la Plancha –
Pan-fried artichoke hearts with lemon-thyme aioli

TAPAS CHOICE III

Beef filet served with Cabrales blue cheese sauce
and spiced potatoes

Callo de Hongos –
Pan-seared sea scallops with truffled, mushroom
compote *

Pollo Oloroso –
Grilled chicken breast with Oloroso sherry mushroom
sauce and manchego cheese mashed potatoes

Calabacitas –
Spaghetti squash sautéed with garlic, piquillo peppers,
asparagus, fresh basil, and shaved manchego cheese *

TAPAS CHOICE IV

Chocolava –
Chocolate cake with crème anglaise and chocolate sauce

Flan de Limon-
Lemon-rosemary infused flan

* Gluten Free

2. Bombay Clay Oven

Bombay Clay Oven | The Denver Ear

Cuisine: Indian

Location: 165 Steele St, Denver 80206

Hours: Sun – Thu 11am – 9:30pm; Fri – Sat 11am – 10pm

Make a reservation at: bit.ly/1LoKpj1

Bombay Clay Oven is a family-owned local Denver restaurant specializing in Indian cuisine. Their menu is eclectic, reflecting cuisines from North and South India, recently expressed in a tasting menu titled “Opposites Attract”. All their sauces are made from scratch, breads are baked to order and meats are infused with a unique smoky flavor from the tandoor (clay oven).

Bombay Clay Oven – Denver Restaurant Week Menu

SALAD OR SOUP: CHOOSE ONE

TOSSED SALAD:
Perfectly tossed garden vegetables topped with crumbled goat cheese & with Basil balsamic Dressing. Can be made Gluten and Diary free.

OR

MULLIGATAWNY LENTIL SOUP:
This warm & healthy soup of nutritious lentils is made with coconut milk, tomato, & cilantro. Gluten and Diary free.

APPETIZER: CHOOSE ONE

GOAT CHEESE CANAPE:
Savory bishop’s weep scented flat bread smeared with Mango chutney then topped with goat cheese & fresh tomato, carrots, cucumber & spinach leaves.

OR

MASALA DOSA:
South Indian Rice Crepes stuffed with diced potatoes seasoned with onions, & mustard seeds. Served with coconut chutney & Sambar. Gluten and Diary Free.

ENTREE: CHOOSE ONE

SHRIMP Or FISH GOAN CURRY:
Spicy, tangy & vibrant curry made with sun-kissed ingredients of the coastal city of Goa like tangy tamarind puree, aromatic mustard seeds, spicy pan roasted whole diced red chili peppers and coconut. Gluten and Diary Free.

CHICKEN Or LAMB TIKKA MASALA:
A Divine creamy tomato based sauce with a hint of crushed dried fenugreek leaves. The incredible orange color and the thick creamy texture has made it the most distinct and popular Indian sauce. Gluten Free.

STEAK Or LAMB VINDALOO:
A Portuguese influenced fiery spicy & tangy sauce with tender russet potato cubes. Gluten and Diary Free.

CHICKEN Or PANEER SAAG:
A beauty of Sauce. A well balanced puree of earthy spinach, fenugreek leaves, fresh cloves of garlic and cream. Gluten Free.

OKRA MASALA:
Wholesome & delicious okra and potato stir-fried with cumin seeds, dried mango powder and tomatoes. Gluten and Diary Free.

CHANNA MASALA:
Protein rich chick-peas slow cooked with fresh garlic, Kashmiri red chili powder & tomatoes. Gluten and Diary Free.

BREADS: CHOOSE ONE

NAAN:
A fresh baked to order fluffy flatbread made from fine leavened flour & baked in our clay oven.

ROTI:
A Fresh made to order whole wheat flat bread with no butter. A Perfect Vegan.

Additional wine and beers in discounted prices.

3. ChoLon Modern Asian Bistro

ChoLon Modern Asian Bistro | The Denver Ear

Cuisine: Asian

Location: 1555 Blake St #101, Denver 80202

Hours: Daily 5pm – close

Make a reservation at: bit.ly/1nfNhc7

ChoLon, which translates to “big market”, is named after the largest Chinese-influenced market in Saigon, Vietnam. Chef Lon brings to life his extensive culinary travels throughout Asia in his Denver restaurant. ChoLon’s menu hallmarks inspired interpretations of traditional dishes found across the exotic Far East. From dim sum or “small bites” to large, family style plates, authentic flavors capture a unique twist for modern palates. The lounge boasts an extensive list of elegant wines, craft beers and handcrafted, artisanal cocktails created to enhance Chef Lon’s creations.

ChoLon – Denver Restaurant Week Menu

SMALL BITES (CHOOSE 3)

Beet & Citrus Salad, Spiced Cashews, Vanilla-Shallot Vinaigrette *can be made vegan friendly
Soup Dumplings, Sweet Onion, Gruyere
Potstickers, Pork, Ginger Mustard
Kaya Toast, Coconut Jam, Egg Cloud *vegetarian
Salmon Crudo, Avocado, Wasabi Crunch, Soy Infusion
Brussels Sprouts, Ground Pork, Kaffir Lime

SHARE PLATES (CHOOSE 1)

Beef Short Rib, Coconut Grits, Tamarind Rendang, Cipollini
Seared Salmon, Sweet & Sour Sauce, Crispy Eggplant, Thai Basil
Szechuan Mao Poe Tofu, Minced Chicken, Bok Choy *can be made vegan friendly

DESSERTS

Spiced Doughnuts, Vietnamese Coffee Ice Cream, Condensed Milk
Dark Chocolate Brownie, Coconut Ice Cream, Warm Chai Caramel
Chili-Mango and Pineapple Sorbets, Coconut Cream Soda, Thai Basil *can be made vegan friendly

4. The Capital Grille

The Capital Grille Denver | The Denver Ear

Cuisine: Steakhouse

Location: 1450 Larimer St, Denver 80202

Hours: Mon – Fri 5pm – 10pm; Sat 4:30pm – 11pm; Sun 4pm – 9pm

Make reservations at: www.thecapitalgrille.com/reservations

The Capital Grille is renowned for its 18 day, hard carved dry aged steaks, fresh seafood and vast world-class wine selection. Located on Larimer Square, just steps from the Center for the Performing Arts.

The Capital Grille – Denver Restaurant Week Menu

FIRST COURSE

Wedge with Bleu cheese and Applewood Smoked Bacon, Caesar Salad, or Cup of Clam Chowder

ENTRÉE

Filet Mignon 8 oz., 14 oz. Bone-In Dry Aged Sirloin, Porcini Rubbed Tenderloin with Heirloom tomatoes & Aged Balsamic, seared citrus glazed Salmon, or all natural Herb Grilled Chicken

Accompaniments: Sam’s Mashed Potatoes & French Green Beans

DESSERT

Crème Brûlée with fresh berries or Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake

5. Del Frisco’s Grille

Del Frisco's Grille Cherry Creek | The Denver Ear

Cuisine: American

Location: 100 St. Paul St, Denver 80206

Hours: Sun – Thu 4pm – 10pm; Fri – Sat 4pm – 11pm

Make reservations at: delfriscosgrille.com

Del Frisco’s Grille uses local ingredients alongside new classics that are easy to share with friends: Oven-Baked Flatbreads, Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, and Ahi Tacos. The menu also includes a selection of prime steaks, hearty salads, formidable sandwiches and chef-inspired entrees.

Del Frisco’s Grille – Denver Restaurant Week Menu

Del Frisco’s Grille isn’t officially participating in Denver Restaurant Week but have also put together a special $30 menu that highlights the culinary skills of Chef Dan Kane and offers a great value for a 3-course meal.

STARTER

Roasted Corn Soup, Signature Cheesesteak Eggrolls or Deviled Eggs

ENTRÉE

Meatloaf with hand-mashed potatoes and wild mushroom bordelaise, Prime Beef Short Rib Stroganoff served on Pappardelle Noodles with Sour cream and Tobacco onions, The grille Prime Cheeseburger, Seared Salmon with chilled Quinoa Brussels Sprouts Salad and Broken Vinaigrette or Crispy Brick Chicken Breast with hand mashed potatoes, Asparagus and Roasted Chicken Jus

DESSERT

Mini Trio Bites: Coconut Cream Pie, Nutella Bread Pudding & Chocolate Cake

* Drink Specials include: $7 VIP Martinis and $35 featured wines by the bottle.

6. Jing

Jing Restaurant | The Denver Ear

Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Location: 5370 Greenwood Plaza Blvd 101, Greenwood Village 80111

Hours: Mon –  Thu 11am – 10:30pm; Fri 11am – 12am; Sat 12pm – 12am; Sun 12pm – 9:30pm

Make reservations at: www.jingrestaurant.com

Jing is a unique restaurant offering Asian inspired cuisine, bold and dramatic décor, plush seating and an extremely glamorous vibe.

Jing – Denver Restaurant Week Menu

SUSHI & SASHIMI

Crispy Tuna Roll, or
Strawberry Quinoa Roll, or
New Style Sashimi Trio

SMALL PLATES

Rock Shrimp Tempura or
Chicken Lettuce Wraps

SIGNATURE

Parisian Prawns or
Hawaiian Grilled Chicken or
Baby Back Ribs or
Famous Veggie Burger

DESSERT

Toffee Chocolate Mousse Cake or
Seasonal Cheesecake

7. Linger

Linger Denver | The Denver Ear

Cuisine: World Eclectic / New American

Location: 2030 W 30th Ave, Denver 80211

Hours: Mon – Thu 5:30pm – 10pm; Fri – Sat 5:30pm – 11pm

Make a reservation at: bit.ly/1LuzUL2

Linger’s style is “anti-entree”: vegetable-focused, affordable small plates. The menu riffs on urban street food staples with flavors from the Americas, Morocco, Turkey, Italy, Asia and India. They offer handcrafted cocktails with fresh, local ingredients as well as punch service for 4-6 people, a large selection of wines by the glass and bottles from world’s best
wine producing regions and local pours on draft and specialty bottles. Psst… Linger’s location used to be a mortuary (Olinger) and their décor and choice of art reflects this history!

Linger – Denver Restaurant Week Menu

FIRST COURSE (CHOICE OF ONE)

Pork Belly Buns (2) | Grilled Pineapple Jam, Sambal, Plum Sauce & Scallions

Lemongrass Pork Potstickers | Sambal, Tamari, Garlic, Ginger & Apricot Ponzu

Red Lentil Dahl | Butternut Squash, Lime Yogurt, Crispy Parsnips & Cilantro / v/gf

Devils on Horseback | Applewood Smoked Bacon, Medjool Dates, Herbed Goat Cheese & Sambal Gastrique / gf

Roasted Beet Salad | Puffed Rice, Crunchy Lentil Noodles, Chickpeas, Red Onion, Cashews, Cilantro, Raita, Peanuts, Tomatoes & Quinoa / v/gf

SECOND COURSE (CHOICE OF ONE)

Seared Fish Tacos | Rock Fish, Cabbage Slaw, Roasted Poblano Crema, Pineapple Pico & Chili-Lime Tortilla Strips / gf

Wagyu Sliders | Peppered Bacon, Aged Cheddar, Curried Sour Cream, Sweet Potato Waffle Fries & Chipotle Ketchup / gf

Pork Tenderloin & Pupusas | Chimichurri, Plantain & Goat Cheese Pupusas, Pomegranate-Jicama Slaw & Tamarind Caramel / gf

Chicken B’stilla | Crispy Pastry, Almonds, Apricots, Raisins, Cinnamon, Harissa, Preserved Lemon Yogurt & Roasted Cauliflower

Masala Dosa | Crispy Rice & Lentil Crepe, Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, Tamarind Date Sauce & Coconut Mint Chutney / v/gf

Pad Thai | Green Papaya, Mustard Greens, Pickled Vegetables, Peanuts, Cilantro, Charred Scallion & Black Bean Sauce / v/gf

THIRD COURSE (CHOICE OF ONE)

Snow Ice | Coconut Snow Ice, Dulce de Leche, Chocolate Pearls & Mochi / v (sub vegan chocolate sauce)

Peanut Butter Candy Bar | Peanut Butter Mousse, Dark Chocolate Shell & Apple Butter / v/gf

*Drink Specials: $28 bottles of wine.

8. Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant Denver | The Denver Ear

Cuisine: Mexican

Location: 1525 Blake St, Denver 80202

Hours: Sun – Wed 4pm – 10pm; Thu – Sat 4pm – 10:30pm

Make a reservation at: bit.ly/1R9coYk

If you are looking for good Mexican cuisine and KILLER drinks (in the best possible way), look no further than Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant. The restaurant is celebrating 30 years of existence and it has become such a Colorado staple that they now have 7 locations in the state. Psst… Remember we mentioned those killer drinks? You haven’t experienced Rio Grande if you haven’t tried their margaritas. Words of caution: there is a three drink limit for a reason.

Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant – Denver Restaurant Week Menu

COCKTAIL: (CHOOSE ONE)

Classic Rio Margarita, Specialty Margarita, or Crafted Cocktail

APPETIZER: (CHOOSE ONE)

Guacamole, Chile Con Queso, Pork Tamale, or Rio Salad

MAIN COURSE: (CHOOSE ONE)

Fajita (Chicken, Steak or Veggie), Sautéed Chicken Enchiladas, or Pan-Seared Mahi Tacos

DESSERT (CHOOSE ONE)

Coconut Flan, Chocolate Crème Brulèe, or Sopapilla

9. Rodizio Grill

Rodizio Grill Denver | The Denver Ear

Cuisine: Brazilian Steakhouse

Location: 1801 Wynkoop St, Denver 80202

Hours: Mon – Thu 3:30pm – 9pm; Fri – Sat 3:30pm – 10pm; Sun 3:30pm – 9pm

Make a reservation at: www.rodiziogrill.com/reservations

America’s 1st Brazilian Steakhouse – Since 1995, Rodizio Grill has pioneered a new style of dining and made eating a whole new experience. Salads, side dishes and desserts are buffet style while the main courses are all you-can-eat and served in a unique Brazilian way. Each table is equipped with a small wooden pole with one side bearing a green flag and the other side bearing a red flag. Have your green flag up and the food will endlessly arrive at your table. Full? display the red flag to let the waiters know you are done!

Rodizio Grill – Denver Restaurant Week Menu

SIDE DISHES

Pao de Qeijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread) and Bananas Fritas

UNLIMITED GOURMET SALAD BAR

Gourmet salad bar that includes over 30 award-winning salads all made fresh from scratch daily. Enjoy a variety of signature salads, fresh fruits & vegetables, variety of cheeses & cured meats and more.

UNLIMITED GRILLED MEATS, CARVED TABLESIDE

They offer over a dozen rotisserie grilled meats, including items like Picanha (Top Sirloin), Maminha (Beef Tri-tip), Frango com Bacon (Chicken Wrapped in Bacon) and many more perfectly seasoned and carved tableside by Rodizio Gauchos. They will also be featuring their special BaconFest items, some of their favorite regular grilled items, only “Bacon-ized”!

DESSERT

Choice of dessert: Pudim de Leite (caramel flan), Torta Brigadeiro (Brazilian chocolate torte) or Rabanada (a warm, cinnamon pastry served with vanilla ice cream).

10. Sushi Hai

Sushi Hai | The Denver Ear

Cuisine: Japanese / Sushi

Location: 3600 W 32nd Ave Ste D, Denver 80211

Hours: Sun – Thu 4pm – 9:30pm; Fri – Sat 4pm – 10:30pm

Make a reservation at: bit.ly/1STG53s

Sushi Hai is celebrating 10 years in the Highlands neighborhood with a new look. Experience their amazing Japanese cuisine and sushi with their new level. 3000 sq. ft. Martini & Sushi Lounge, 2 Tatami Rooms, and Sushi Bar!

Sushi Hai – Denver Restaurant Week Menu

SALADS OR SOUPS

House Salad Or Miso Soup

APPETIZERS

A) Edamame
B) Vegetable tempura
C) Seaweed Salad
D) Monkey Brain
E) Heart Attack
F) Calamari

ENTREES

Choice Of One Kitchen Items or Two Sushi Rolls.

Kitchen:
A)Teriyaki Chicken
B)Crispy Salmon
C)Pork Ramen
D)Vegetable and Tofu Ramen
Or
Sushi Rolls:
A) Hailands Roll
B) Firecracker Roll
C) Las Vegas
D) Veggie Caterpillar
E) Veggie Roll
F) Salmon Avocado
G) Crunchy Roll
H) Spicy Tuna
I ) Sweet Potato Roll

DESSERTS

Choice of One Dessert:

A)Green Tea Tempura Fried Ice Cream
B)Chocolate Torte
C)Mochi Ice Cream (4pcs)

Bon Appetit Denver!
  • Trina Wedgeworth
    March 1, 2016 at 10:19 am

    All these are also on Groupon..lmao

    • Mor Zucker
      March 1, 2016 at 10:49 am

      Hi Trina,
      Many restaurants are featured in many places for Denver Restaurant Week. These are ones that were chosen based on my and my colleagues’ personal experience. We literally hand-picked them from the list of over 230 restaurants.
      I hope you get to try them.
      Happy Restaurant Week!