Denver has delicious dining options that are out of reach for many students because the price is not right. Luckily, Denver Restaurant Week is happening through March 8 and gives students the opportunity to eat like kings and queens at a fraction of the price.
Starting in 2004 by Visit Denver to promote Denver’s culinary scene, over 300 restaurants now participate in Denver’s Restaurant Week, each offering customers a dinner priced at $52.80 for two or $26.40 for one, not including tax or gratuity, in honor of Denver’s elevation at 5280 feet.
Each restaurant features a unique menu or food and drink selection in honor of Restaurant Week, and many restaurants change their 5280 menu during the second week.
Often times, restaurants who participate in Restaurant Week are on the more expensive side, making 5280 a perfect time for students to eat amazing food at a lower price. Here are three local gems in the surrounding Denver area that are participating in 5280 week that students should be sure not to miss.
Cherry Creek
Located on 3041 E. 3rd Ave, Cucina Colore Trattoria & Bar is a cozy Italian restaurant that offers contemporary Italian foods that will leave customers full and satisfied. While generally out of the average college student’s price range, its modern feel makes it a great option for a date night or a relaxing dinner with friends. Known for its wood-fired pizzas, pastas and salads, Cucina Colore is offering a four-course experience this week starting with a choice of five appetizers. Options include the baked fonuta—an artichoke dip with blue crab, spinach, mozzarella, fontina, focaccia and crostini. They will also be offering an arugula salad with grilled shrimp, shaved parmigiano and fresh lemon.
For the second course, pasta and other main course dishes are offered including a pan-seared salmon served with brussel sprouts, cipollini onion, pancetta and celery root puree.
For dessert, customers have a choice between peach bread pudding and the tiramisu espresso. The restaurant is also featuring wines by the glass for $5.28 and by the bottle for $26.40 and $52.80. Information about the wines available are explained by the server.
While walk-ins are welcome, it’s recommended by staff to call ahead for reservations as tables fill up quickly during Restaurant Week. The 5280 menu are available Tuesday-Thursday from 4-10 p.m.
Capitol Hill
If students are looking for an elegant date-night dining experience or a delicious way to end a stressful day, Table 6 is the place to go. Located at 609 Corona St., Table 6’s food comes out prepared four-star quality and looks almost too perfect to eat. With main courses generally priced between $19 and $32, the tab can add up quite quickly. During restaurant week, they are offering a three-course special.
The first course can be chosen from three options including a chopped salad topped with citrus ranch, chicken ham and Marcona Almonds. Tater tots served with “blood orange ketchup,” are another option according to the menu on the Denver Restaurant Week website.
For entrees, customers can choose between petit basque risotto, fettuccine with smokey marrow and parm- esan broth or the “beast of the night,” which can be a roasted brisket or steak depending on availability. Served with gold potato, Jardiniere, vinegar jus and scalloped egg, it’s one of their most popular dishes.
The dining experience is finished with either a coconut cream pie served with cocoa nibs and whipped cream or the chocolate beignets with apricot puree and walnut sugar.
Table 6 will also be serving wine by the glass for $5.28, including some cabernets and pinot grigios. Depending on the wine, bottles will be served for either $26.40 or $52.80.
The restaurant still has seating availabilities through the end of the week, but it’s recommended by restaurant staff to check OpenTable.com for reservations.
5280 specials will be offered from 5-10 p.m. through this Friday.
Downtown
If students are looking for a new restaurant to enjoy, Southern Hospitality Restaurant & Bar opened in February and has brought southern comfort foods into downtown Denver. Its casual bar setting makes it the perfect location for a stop during a night out on the town. This menu encompasses over 25 items for customers during a three-course meal.
Notable appetizer options include BBQ pulled pork or chicken sliders, egg rolls with smoked prime rib, cheese and grilled onions and BBQ nachos served with baked beans, cheddar cheese, jalapenos and many other toppings.
For the second course, customers can address their seafood craving with shrimp and grits served with jumbo shrimp, garlic mushrooms and andouille sausage. Other options include beef brisket seasoned and slow roasted for 12 hours.
For the third course, Southern Hospitality offers every dessert customers could possibly want, from banana pudding to pecan pie and a double chocolate milkshake.
Restaurant Week is a great opportunity for students to step out of their comfort zone and try many of the different restaurants that Denver has to offer where prices might usually prohibit them. Many vegan-friendly restaurants are also participating in the event.
For a complete list of participating restaurants and its course options, visit http://www.denver.org/denverrestaurant/.
