Denver restaurants for a celebration?

[Robyn1007]

Yes, I know, I live here. :rolleyes: ;) But, I thought some of our other Denverites (and burbs) might have some ideas.

I am trying to plan dinner out with friends to celebrate my 30th :eek: in a few weeks. I have a room at the Hotel Monaco in downtown Denver that night and would like to go out for a decent dinner but can't expect many of my friends to afford too much so some of my favorites or ones that I would love to try are out. So, does anyone have any ideas for a place that can fit around 8-10 people for a moderately priced meal. Yes, there must be a full bar, there's a reason why I roped step-daddy into paying for a hotel for me. :p I'm open to just about anything. If it's sushi it has to have cooked options as well but those are the only limits I can think of.

[Peweh]

The only place I remember in Denver is CB Potts!! I guess you're looking for something a little more upscale... so nothing to offer, just an early Happy 30th... Have a Blast!! Install a kitty-cam, I'll 'watch' Milo for you. :p

[Robyn1007]

I should have known you'd have smart @ss comment! :p :D Milo will be on his own for the night but I'm sure he'll be fine. I'm guessing he'll just rest up so he can pester me plenty the next day. :rolleyes: Fortunately, I get to take a day off for my birthday and since it's on a weekend I'm taking Monday so I have an extra recovery day. I was at a CB & Potts last week and while the beer is good and the food decent it probably isn't what I'm looking for. If I end up at a brewery it will be Rock Bottom Brewery which has great beer and pretty decent food as well.

[mlynn]

Happy Birthday in advance! Have you ever eaten at Lime? http://www.limecantina.com/ Some friends rave about it--it should work with your budget, and they should be able to accommodate your party easily. It is in Larimer Square, so not too far from your hotel.

Where ever you go, have a great time. :)

mlynn

[mcgeiger]

Maggiano (http://www.maggianos.com/locations/detail.asp?unit_id=001.025.0105) or Buca di Peppo's (http://www.bucadibeppo.com/locations/location.aspx?id=0601) are chains with good food and easily accomadate groups. Most of the other places I know downtown are places my ILs took us and out of price range!

ETA: Wynkoop brewery?

[Jezebelly]

Rodizio Grill @ the Ice House.

There's something deliciously naughty about barely legal boys in pirate's pantaloons offering you large skewers of meat.

Oh. And the food is good too.

[slawrence]

Robyn, Panzano's right in Hotel Monaco is fabulous! The chef there-Elise Wiggins-is a riot and her food is soo good. I can't remember the pricing but I know it is worth it. Also, have you thought of Rioja on Larimer? I have heard nothing but good things about it but haven't been there yet myself. Vesta Dipping Grill is LoDo and really good. The Celtic tavern across the street from Vesta is good too. Another one of my 'I can vouch for the food' places is Venice. There is one downtown (near Wynkoop I think). They have one at Holly and Orchard and it is wonderful. The downtown one hosted a dinner when Andrea Boccelli was here. It is such good Italian. There is a champagne bar downtown that has great food too...my daughter tried it during that $52.80 week. I can get the name if you are interested. Good luck-Sue

[Geo_nerd]

Maggiano (http://www.maggianos.com/locations/detail.asp?unit_id=001.025.0105) or Buca di Peppo's (http://www.bucadibeppo.com/locations/location.aspx?id=0601) are chains with good food and easily accomadate groups. Most of the other places I know downtown are places my ILs took us and out of price range!



When we lived in Denver, we loved Bucca di Beppo because it reminded my husband of his aunt's basement!
As an aside, the first time we ate at Bucca in Denver, we overheard a conversation by a couple of men next to us. A few names and surnames were mentioned that got my husband's attention, so he asked one of the men about it. It turns out one of the guys was my hsband's cousin who he had never met but who had grown up with his father in New York.

[Robyn1007]

When we lived in Denver, we loved Bucca di Beppo because it reminded my husband of his aunt's basement!
As an aside, the first time we ate at Bucca in Denver, we overheard a conversation by a couple of men next to us. A few names and surnames were mentioned that got my husband's attention, so he asked one of the men about it. It turns out one of the guys was my hsband's cousin who he had never met but who had grown up with his father in New York.

Wow! What are the chances of that happening?!?

[kgraham]

If Rioja fits your budget, I highly recommend them.

DH and I were in Denver for a family event that coincided with our anniversary. We made reservations for Rioja on opentable.com and mentioned that it was an anniversary dinner. The food was wonderful! To make the experience a little more special, they served us each a complimentary glass of champagne with our appetizer and gave us a card wishing us a Happy Anniversary that was signed by the staff. :)