As the year flies by, March has sprung upon us. University of Denver (DU) students know this time very well as it marks the beginning of week 9, signifying stress for many as finals are just around the corner. For those who find some free time this weekend, check out Denver Restaurant Week.
It is the 22nd year of this event from March 6 to 15 where the Colorado Restaurant Association partners with various restaurants around Denver and offers meals at a set price. Prices depend on the restaurant but range from $25 to $55, excluding tip.
Each participating restaurant offers a set menu so before booking, check to make sure it fits the food you are craving. American, Italian, Japanese, French, Thai and Korean foods are just some of the options you can find.
If you feel lost on where to start, don’t worry, we got you covered.
On the $25 side, you will have options like The Atomic Cowboy, DiFrancos, Denver Curry House and Federales.
Located at 141 South Broadway, The Atomic Cowboy first gives you options of alcoholic drinks. Course two gives you a choice between salad, wings or knots. For your main course you have the option to choose two slices of pizza, a burger or a chicken sandwich. This restaurant provides great options if you are wanting a classic American style meal.
If you are craving a good old Italian dish, DiFrancos might be your spot. The menu includes various pasta options like spaghetti, vodka penne, fettuccini alfredo or stuffed shells. You can finish off your night with a cannoli and perhaps the best part: you get the classic bread and olive oil upon sitting down.
For the vegans reading this, a great option for you might be Denver Curry House. Between their Gochuja paneer mushroom bites or spiced mustang aloo, you can’t go wrong here. To top off the night, try the jackfruit or the spiced chicken. If it hadn’t been clear before, the majority of this restaurants menu is vegan, making it a perfect spot for those who may struggle to find accommodating options.
Going a little further off campus, Federales is a Denver favorite for many and this week, they are offering an incredible deal. Their menu has a variety of options. You can pick any three tacos or choose enchiladas or a burrito instead. Their deal which includes the options of guac or queso within the set price seems too good to be true, because no one wants to break the bank for a solid queso. The drive is worth it for this deal.
Now for the second tier, here are some $35 options that will help you get the best bang for your buck.
Little India gives you six courses for their deal. They include your entrée, base, bread, drinks, dessert and a starter. The location is perfect for students as it is right on South Downing, so with this nice weather you might be able to simply walk over and have a high quality meal.
Blue Bonnet is a woman-owned Mexican restaurant that has been in business since the 1930s. For their restaurant week specials they allow customers to choose between six entrées, which makes it likely to find something for you. You can also end the night with an iconic sopaipilla, which is a fried dessert similar to a beignet. Their homemade products seem to have a unique and delicious taste.
Only a few minutes away, Yummy Hot Pot is offering all you can eat hot pot for only $35. If you haven’t had hot pot yet, you are missing out. Usually, it’s standard practice to order various ingredients and then dip them into the broth to cook to your liking. This is a great option to share with friends and enjoy the hot pot experience together.
If you want to splurge and spend $45 or $55 on your meal, there are many amazing options. Options relatively near campus include Bamboo Sushi, La Merise, Blue Island Oyster Bar and Som Dee Thai Kitchen and Bar.
These are just some of the many options restaurant week has. Make sure you take a look for yourself and make those bookings before spots fill up!
