We will be in Denver for four days on business in September. There are six of us who travel a lot together and always enjoy seeking out the finest restaurant experiences to be had in each city.

What are your top picks for Denver? Type of food and $$$ are not an issue.

No chains please.

Thanks,

Connie

Hi Connie, sounds like a fun group.
Mizuna 225 E 7th Ave
Denver, CO 80203-3504
Phone: (303) 832-4778
Make reservations now! Very small restaurant, a bit pricey but great!
Another favorite is Vestas
http://www.vestagrill.com/, again you will want to make a reservation.

For casual lunch try Wahoo's Fish Taco
1521 Blake St Denver CO (303) 623-0263
Great margs!

Several years ago, my husband and I had a very nice dinner at a restaurant in downton Denver that had been a bank. I think it was called the Denver Broker or the Denver Banker. I remember that the food was great,and they specialized in steaks. I was given a red rose upon leaving.

They have a bank vault in which groups could have dinner served there.

Check it out!

Connie,

I, too, have heard great things about Mizuna (and that you must book in advance). Here are some others--in no particular order:

1. Tante Louise: Continental gourmet food served in a charming (refurbished) home. Same owners 35 years.

2. Highlands Garden Cafe: Truly gourmet with one of Denver's best patios.

3. Tamayo: Part of a very small chain (I believe they exist in only three other cities) serving upscale Mexican/southwestern food. Wonderful food and a patio featuring views of the mountains and downtown.

4. Mel's: Cherry Creek eatery New York bistro style--fun place with good food and jazz

5. Chinook Tavern: Another Cherry Creek Restaurant featuring great European/Austrian food. Best Schnitzel and Sourbrauten in the city!

Can I join you?

Davidcs

Actually, that should read "Sauerbraten" I believe.

I used to travel a lot to denver. Tried to pick some of my favorites for total dining experience. For business meals I like to have interesting surroundings in addition to the good food. Looking at this list makes me want to go back.

Flagstaff house - if you have time to drive to boulder one night. Also go along the Pearl Street Mall.

FOURTH STORY RESTAURANT & BAR - In the Tattered Cover Bookstore near Cherry Creek Mall. Unique experience for both food and atmosphere. A lot of gourmet with a twist. Can browse the bookstore before and after.

The Fort - Game & a nice view of Denver from the foothills.

India's - Great Indian food. It is better than any of the Indian restaurants in Dallas.

I couldn't find the name, but there was an interesting russian restaurant near the 6th street mall area.
Fresh Fish Company - great selection of fish and seafood. A lot of fish tanks.

Connie,
You do yourself a disservice by ruling out chains. That type of snobbishness can cost you quite a few good meals.

Les I do not think Connie was being Snobish, just wanting a dining expierence that would be unique to Denver. Nothing wrong with that.

Connie I also agree with all Davids ideas. Have fun and write a report after and let us know how everything was.

Les,

I have you pegged for a "glass is half empty" man. Am I right?

Tom

Les:

Thank you for giving me the benefit of the doubt before labeling me a snob:~)

Actually, Kima is right. We are all from fairly large metropolitan cities and generally seek experiences unique to the area we are doing business in. I happen to love many chain restaurants (Morton's, Il Fornaio, Sullivan's--just to name a few) but I tend to save those experiences for other times and company.

Thank you to all who have posted. Any more?

Connie

Les:

Thank you for giving me the benefit of the doubt before labeling me a snob:~)

Actually, Kima is right. We are all from fairly large metropolitan cities and generally seek experiences unique to the area we are doing business in. I happen to love many chain restaurants (Morton's, Il Fornaio, Sullivan's--just to name a few) but I tend to save those experiences for other times and company.

Thank you to all who have posted (even you, Les!). Any more?

Connie

Tom,
Actually, you're half correct. I'm a "both halves of the glass are empty" man.

LOL, Les!

Keep 'em comin!

Connie,
Pay no attention to Les, he tends to leap before he looks.

Don't you owe Connie an apology, Les?

Come on...

OK, Sally, you caught me in a weak moment.
Connie, I apologize for calling you snobbish.
But the rest of my comments were right on. There are times when chain restaurants do provide some of the "finest restaurant experiences to be had" in a particular city. By ruling out chains, you eliminate options that might fit your requirements.
For example, a fine steak house that only exists in Denver does not necessarily provide a more unique eating experience than a fine steak house that's part of a chain that also exists in other cities.
Kima, Connie didn't ask for restaurants that were unique to Denver, she asked for the finest restaurant experiences to be had in the city.

I talked to a friend today who was just in Denver and ate at Mizuna. She said the lobster mac and cheese was absolutely the best thing she's ever eaten in her life. Evidently word's getting around about Mizuna and reservations are sometimes two weeks out. My personal favorite Denver restaurant is Vesta Dipping Grill in LoDo (lower downtown). Have also eaten at Highland's Garden Cafe--for a purely 'fine' dining experience this would be my choice. Believe both Vesta and Highland's have websites but don't know addresses offhand. You can't go wrong with either one--they're consistently on the Top 10 lists of Denver dining.

What about sports bars/with food...any thoughts?

Les,

Okay, I'll bite. Which chain restaurants would you recommend to Connie for her fine-dining group?

For steaks the Chop House is good. Also Jax (Jack's) Fish House.

Del Fresco's is a chain I believe but excellent and a great atmosphere. The Broker,Tante Louise,The Fort....These all are great restaurants in Denver and the tech center.