Top Tapas In Denver
(credit: 9th Door)Most of the time, when you go out to eat, a royal feast is on the agenda. But not always. Going out for appetizers and drinks has become an increasingly popular activity, and Spanish Tapas are leading the movement. These small dishes range anywhere from intricate platters full of tasty Spanish refreshments to your basic snacks such as cheese and crackers. As with any type of food, there are some restaurants that do it better than others, so if you're looking for tapas, check out these places that do it better than anyone in the Mile High City.
Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St., Suite 155
Denver, CO 80202
(720) 460-3733
www.mercantiledenver.com
The Mercantile Restaurant is the brainchild of award-winning chef Alex Seidel. It's an extension of the popular Fruition restaurant, one of the highest-rated establishments in the city. They have an extensive tapas menu, littered with everything from your standard provisions to more extravagant options like marrow bone brulée and Canadian mussels. Not only that, but they have a seemingly never-ending drink menu with just about any beer, wine or spirit you can think of.
1431 Larimer St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 820-2282
www.riojadenver.com
Rioja is another award-winning restaurant and is known as one of Denver's best. Their upscale style and high-quality eats have earned them a reputation that's second to none in the Mile High City. Their menu is full of delicious appetizers, spanning anywhere from fresh bacon to their "Rioja Picnic," your typical tapas dish complete with meats, cheeses and vegetables. Also, be sure to stop by between the hours of 4-6 p.m. on weekdays for their themed happy hour, which changes on a weekly basis.
24 Broadway
Denver, CO 80203
(720) 550-7267
www.lenadenver.com
Leña specializes in creating a communal atmosphere, and in turn serve dishes meant to share. This upscale, vibrant restaurant is the perfect place to grab tapas, as their menu is full of delicious, shareable treats. They have both warm and cold delicacies, so whatever your appetite calls for, they will be able to provide. Also, they have an outstanding happy hour menu (served Monday thru Friday 4-6 p.m.) complete with cheap drinks and yummy eats, including both bison and fish tacos, as well as salads and other delectable nibbles.
1808 Blake St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 292-2229
www.theninthdoor.com
When it comes to Tapas, nobody does it better in Denver than The 9th Door. Located in LoDo, this restaurant specializes in Spanish Tapas, and has an entire menu's worth of options. Some basic favorites include the Aguacate (a fried avocado served with fresh pico de gallo), and the Jamón Ibérico which features some of the finest ham in the world. Other more adventurous options include the Carne de Cerdo (Spanish style ribs served with a pineapple brandy sauce and fried onions) and Callo de Hongos (seared scallops with a truffled mushroom compote.) Their happy hour is excellent as well, as all of the food options are under $5, and the drinks are cheap. The 9th Door is a premier tapas restaurant in Denver, so be sure to head on down and see what the entire city is raving about.
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