DebitNM

Darn, Linda, that would have been nice!

fmpden

For us it is hard to plan that far out. Need to check the Rockies schedule to see if they are home. We are in the process of cleaning out the house so we can get it on the market by April 1 or so. So who knows what we would be doing at that time. There are lots of options. Croc (Mexican) would be a good casual meeting place. A number of others come to mind depending on time of day.

fmpden

Just checked the schedules. Rockies are home through the 23rd. Sunday is an afternoon game and rest are evening at 5:10. Sunday could tough to find a place except during the game. Everything in the downtown area will be pretty crowded before and after the game. Something in Cherry Creek, or in the south neighborhoods might work.

DebitNM

We will have a car so we can travel if need be.

We are hoping to see a Rockies game while in town!

BetsyG

Debit-I only work Wednesday nights & other days(at our local library). But please don't plan it around me, if I can make it, I will come.

DebitNM

That makes it a bit easier Betsy, we can try and get as many there as possible!

PeaceOut

The Kona Grill in Cherry Creek has a nice large, covered and heated outdoor stone patio with a wonderful half-price appetizer menu at happy hour, and special drink prices. I have gone there with friends several times.

If we got there early enough to grab tables, it would be a good place where people could mingle a bit.. Food is good. Atmosphere is 'cool'. Parking is free and abundant, unless you valet.

Kona Grill
Cherry Creek Mall
3000 East 1st Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
(720) 974-1300
konagrill.com
Happy Hour Monday-Friday, 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
Late Night Happy Hour Monday-Thursday, 9 p.m.-11 p.m.
Just outside of Cherry Creek Mall along 1st, you’ll find the infamous happy hour spot for Downtown locals and DTC’ers alike, Kona Grill. With the Asian and Polynesian flare, and a fabulous fire-pit patio, you’ll enjoy tropical martinis, sake, sushi, noodle dishes, including flatbread pizza and more! Happy hour cocktails and appetizers start at $3, which include a little something for everyone. Be sure to try their avocado eggrolls, with sun-dried tomato, red onion and cilantro-honey dipping sauce—lightly fried deliciousness!

DebitNM

That sounds like a great spot, PO! Does this mean you will be around?? I hope so~

historytraveler

Drat, I won't be able to make it as I'll be sailing the British and Irish Isles with National Geographic.

Another option for a place to gather is North ( northern Italian Bistro type place) in Cherry Creek North. They do have an outside area on the west side that'll seat a small group, otherwise it's inside. Kona Grill is a good spot but does get very busy with the younger crowds.You'll need to get there early as PeaceOut mentioned. North is one of our favorite places in the area and we live here. Have a great time all!

DebitNM

You'll be missed, historytraveler, but it sound's like you will be having a grand adventure! Thanks for the info.

tekwriter

I'm in! (luckily my two-week trip doesn't start until June 1.) Anywhere in the metro area works for me. All of the above suggestions sound great, any day/night works. We might want a spot where we can make a rez once we nail down numbers.

I've always been so jealous of cities where they have GTGs, so I'm thrilled we're finally getting one in Denver. Thanks, Debit, for get this rolling!

PeaceOut

I think I will be in town then. We are flying to a June 2 wedding, but I don't think we leave till June 1.

I just noticed the suggestion for Sunday evening, and that Kona Grill does not offer the half-price menu on Sundays. It should still be open, though, and maybe a lot less crowded. It is a nice casual open air setting.

Have been to North for dinner, but it is pretty expensive and more formal. Maybe we need a more casual place, where we wouldn't feel we are disturbing the peace?

The Uptown Tavern has a nice outdoor garden area, which is informal. We had a college reunion gathering there a few years ago. http://www.tavernhg.com/uptown
They also have a Tavern at Lowry, which has a nice outdoor area and is more on the casual side. http://www.tavernhg.com/lowry

The Avenue Grill has their separate room, which we could ask about, too.

Should we think about the type of food people want and how much it costs? I am ok with anything, but those traveling to town might be more specific about what they want.

martym

historytraveler, my husband and I also love North--and though I don't consider it expensive for lunch nor have I felt it is formal--but 'formal' and 'expensive' are relative terms-as those of us on this forum know. (BTW-North does have a private room, I'm pretty sure.)

That being said, Kona Grill would be ok with us also.

I do think the idea that we should have reservations where ever we do go is a good one.

Here are their websites of those two restaurants

http://www.konagrill.com/

http://foxrc.com/north.html


And here are a couple other possibilities.

Charcaol http://www.charcoaldining.com/ terrific food--not expensive (IMHO) for lunch/brunch

Washington Park Grill http://www.washparkgrille.com/

historytraveler

We eat at North about twice a month, and I don't think their menu is expensive. The chicken and prosciutto for $17 is v. good and excellent value as is the pork tenderloin at $21. Those are actually in the mid-price range. The atmosphere is nice but informal (no table cloths, no flowers) similar to Kona Grill. Kona does have the best appetizers, but main courses and desserts at North are definitely better.

You could even do appetizers at Kona and then walk the couple of blocks to North for dinner. They are very close to each other.

I'm not familar with the Uptown Tavern but do know Washington Park Grill. It's nice too but pretty much in the same price range as North.

I would recommend reservations regardless of where you end up.

Have a great time!

BetsyG

Just my 2 cents worth, I would prefer Cherry Creek or further south as we live pretty far south. Thanks.

fmpden

My recommendation is to avoid any type of a sit down meal, nice restaurants, etc. That raises too many problems especially if reservations are needed. Also increases the time and cost commitment. Another poster and myself host the Rick Steves monthly meeting in Denver. We do it a Panera in a shopping center at 10 AM on a Saturday morning. No concerns or worries about space, reservations, etc. Just keeping pulling tables together as needed. One can stay for 30 minutes or two hours depending on their schedule. The focus is a get a group of people together who want a conversation, ask questions,etc. Keep it simple and easy.

PeaceOut

I think fmpden makes a very good point about avoiding dinner requiring reservations and sitting down. Panera is an idea, but we probably want a place that offers wine and/or cocktails?

The Uptown Tavern I mentioned was great for our reunion gathering, since people could just go to the bar themselves, and the wait staff was good about serving people at the tables as they arrived. This was outside in their patio/garden area.

But we can find a place in Cherry Creek, for Betsy and others, because CC is pretty central Denver. And CC is a nice area to visit for out-of-towners.

I think we should leave Kona Grill on the list, and I live close to CC so could check out other suggestions, too, if you want.

Is Sunday, May 20, the agreed upon date?

DebitNM

I think that is great, Peace. Sunday the 20th, around 4 pm? Cherry Creek area. Thanks so much!

Given that date and time - who's in??

historytraveler

A couple of caveats from someone who lives in Cherry Creek. The Panera that use to be located in Cherry Creek North is now an Italian restaurant. It tends to get very crowded and noisy, but the food is good and cheap, but I'd be hesitant about planning any group gathering there. Now there is another Panera on Colorado Blvd which would fine for a morning/afternoon gathering.

PeaceOut

No wine, she whines?