This is a paramount moment for Denver’s culinary scene – between the airing of “Top Chef: Colorado” that features multiple Denver chefs and restaurateurs, achieving the number 4 spot on Zagat’s coveted “Most Exciting Food Cities” list and the more than 240 restaurants that opened in 2017, there is plenty to chew on. This year’s Denver Restaurant Week, presented by Lexus, which takes place from February 23 – March 4, 2018, will celebrate this exciting time in the city’s dining scene. Beginning tomorrow, January 24th at noon, eager diners can take an early peek at the menus on DenverRestaurantWeek.com.
Restaurants will feature specially priced menus from hundreds of restaurants across the metro area based on the same popular structure that debuted in 2017, choosing either a $25, $35 or $45 price point per person for multi-course meals. The tiered structure allows more flexibility for both the diners and the restaurants – restaurants can choose one menu price that allows them to provide the most value to their guests; it also encourages Denver Restaurant Week to become a more holistic representation of the city’s diverse dining scene.
Currently, more than 220 restaurants are confirmed to participate in Denver Restaurant Week, and the number is growing daily. Diners should check DenverRestaurantWeek.com regularly to view new menus, find more participating restaurants and make their reservations early. With so many options to choose from, below are some unique ways to experience Denver Restaurant Week.
1. Top Chef Trail
Fans of the show and newcomers who are excited to see The Mile High City on TV can make reservations at the following restaurants, which have been featured or have had their chefs featured on “Top Chef: Colorado.”
- Nine-time Denver restaurateur and several-episode cameo, Troy Guard, has several restaurants participating in Denver Restaurant Week including Larimer Square favorite, TAG.
- Frank Bonanno, who also appeared on episode one, gives diners plenty of chances to experience his restaurants Luca, Osteria Marco, Russell’s Smokehouse and French 75.
- Keegan Gerhard, of D Bar Denver and episode six fame, lives up to his reputation of creating phenomenal desserts on the Denver Restaurant Week Menu, but the first two courses look delicious enough to fill you up before dessert.
2. Try Something New
There are so many new restaurants in Denver, it would take a year just to get through the ones that opened last year. Denver Restaurant Week, with its excellent values and creative menus, is the perfect time to check a few off the list.
- El Five, the newest outpost from the Edible Beats team (Root Down, Linger, Ophelia’s, Vital Root) opened in May 2017, features Mediterranean tapas and boasts an extensive cocktail list and 360-degree rooftop views.
- The Family Jones Spirit House, Denver’s new distillery and restaurant, opened in early-November, 2017 with a menu of seasonal small plates and house-made spirits.
3. Worth the Trip
Denver Restaurant Week is a time for restaurants to showcase their creativity and for diners to step out of their comfort zone with exciting dishes.
- The Fort has always been known for its traditional Colorado fare, and this year’s Denver Restaurant Week Menu is no different. A highlight on this year’s menu is the teriyaki-marinated quail.
- Coohills’ Denver Restaurant Week menu will feature classics like their country pâté, champagne tarragon crab cakes and more; and one of the entrée options is a plate of winter green beignets with parmesan cheese and cider vinegar powder.
- Range, located in the Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center, will offer its signature steakhouse menu items, as well as a rosemary Dijon pork collar with a green bean-bacon ragout.
Some Additional Food for Thought:
- Pick a price. Each restaurant will be offering ONE of the three price points - $25, $35 or $45 – so be sure to look at what the price is for the restaurants you are interested in.
- Browse menus at DenverRestaurantWeek.com. All participants are listed on the website by neighborhood, cuisine and price. Plus, new restaurants are added to the list as they sign up, so be sure to check back for the latest info. Of course, most restaurants will offer options for dietary restrictions and allergies. Be sure to discuss any needs with the restaurant when you make your reservation.
- Make reservations. Tables fill up fast during Denver Restaurant Week, so make your plans soon. Be flexible and try some earlier or later seatings, too. And be sure to cancel any reservations you don’t use!
- Splurge! Many restaurants offer affordable wines, add-ons and special desserts. At these prices, you can afford to order some extras.
- Pay it forward. The delicious menus these restaurants have prepared are also great deals. Be sure to tip your servers generously.
VISIT DENVER created Denver Restaurant Week and supports it via a wide-reaching promotional campaign that includes advertising in television, radio, magazines, billboards and digital, along with extensive social media and public relations support.