I love this restaurant. We used to live in the neighborhood (Applewood) and have eaten there numerous times. My favorite dish is the chicken piccata, which has been flawlessly executed time after time, for decades, and is the best I've had anywhere, including Italy. I sometimes order other entrees and have never been disappointed. The waitstaff have been there for years (I'm guessing in part due to the 20% charge that is shared among all employees, both wait staff and kitchen). I usually tip a little extra, but it isn't expected. We now live a 45-minute drive away, but we still make the trip for special occasions or business. I'm joining a friend for lunch there again next week. We'll see if I can tear myself away from the piccata and order something else this time! read more

Wow, wow, this is how a restaurant should treat their customers so that they will spread the good word about their eating experience here, and then to come back in the near future! My husband and I went here to celebrate his birthday and Father's Day this afternoon. We were promptly seated without a reservation at one of the table on the patio to enjoy the fresh air. We started off with an order of garlic knots and Italian /chicken lettuce wraps. We asked about the honey dipping sauce and were told it was on a spicy side, so we skipped paying the extra $2 for it. However, our waitress wanted us to try it, so the honey was on the house. And, boy, that honey dip sauce was indeed very spicy! And the wraps? It was delicious! Fresh cherry tomatoes with diced chicken breast and bean plus seasonings. We loved the dish and finished everything on the plate except for the 3 sauces. We ordered our main entrees after finishing our appetizers. I had the Linguini & Clams, while my husband ordered the Rigatoni & Sausage. What a disappointment my Linguini & Clams dish was to me. The lack of flavor from one of my favorite dishes made me sad. I was looking forward to it. Adding hot pepper flakes, then black pepper, and the worst was adding salt. If this dish were to be prepared correctly, I would have been happy to eat it all. However, I gave up after adding my own spices. The Rigatoni & Sausage dish? OMG, out of this world! The red sauce with the meat sauce smothering the pasta was one of the best dishes I've ever tasted. I'd wished I ordered that dish, but at least I was able to try a couple of bites. When the bill came, our waitress said she took off the clam dish because I didn't like it. THIS, this! is how they gained a new customer! I'll come back and will give them my business. Thank you for treating this customer right and making sure my eating experience will be different the next time I dine here. read more

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Ambiance and food were fine, but not amazing. Generously rating as "ok" mostly due to lackluster service. The hostess and our server were casual to the point of being almost rude. After entering the building, the hostess approached with a tepid "what's up." Our server acted like taking our order was a favor, and she was so eager to walk away I had to get her attention TWICE to finish ordering what I wanted (hey, can we also get an order of pepperoni rolls, HEY, can I also get an IPA). Zero attention paid to water and drinks that needed replenishing. The manager needs to pay more attention to the level of service and professionalism of the staff, a lot more. This may be why they tack on a mandatory 20% surcharge with a little lecture on the receipt about how it provides a living wage, because I doubt they'd ever get tips at that level with this style of service. Or maybe the service is that way because they don't feel any need to work for a gratuity. Under the circumstances, calling this a "hospitality" charge was just plain tacky. I didn't feel like there was any hospitality, certainly not enough to warrant a 20% fee. read more

Our server Samantha W. was excellent / good recommendations and friendly. Our food arrived quickly and was very good. Location of restaurant was easy access and the footprint inside was large and comfortable. Would definitely recommend. read more

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Date night with another couple who really like Abrusci's Fire and Vine. We're not huge Italian fans, but are always down to discover the magic that others see. Gorgeous place, loved the decor and clean lines - lots of minimalistic touches and wood accents. The one "less than" choice that affected our night was where we were seated. We sat tucked into a corner, against a wall and nestled up to the kitchen. One way in, one way out. Sadly, it was very loud and likely the only place that appeared cluttered and a departure from the rest of the clean lines. While it wasn't the best, we still enjoyed our meal, had great conversation and had our backs to the dining room but peering into the prep area. Maybe rethink this seating layout? That aside, our food was delicious. We shared calamari and cocktails. My penne pasta Gorgonzola was amazing. Maybe I like Italian a little more than I thought, lol. Just not that back corner table! read more

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This place is one of my favorite locations in the Denver metro for Italian, and Tuscan-fired foods. They have a lovely, varied cocktail menu that changes with the seasons for their specials, and a great menu that appeals to many. A special point to highlight is they will cater and adapt to a variety of dietary restrictions. Highly recommend for folks who struggle to find a restaurant who can modify dishes for your needs. Cocktails are great, wine selection is wonderful, service is attentive, and a vibrant environment. Give it a shot! One thing to be aware of, and one recommendation - They do not take reservations. Budget in time to wait for your turn, or send someone ahead to sidle up to the bar after adding your party to the list, who you'll meet later, especially on busy evenings. Recommendation - End your meal with their limoncello, made in-house and a lovely digestif. read more

Mid food with high prices. Had them a few times as I wanted them to be good given their good vibe and wine options. But unfortunately food comes dry. very generic Italian flavor. Meh read more

Excellent food (my favorite is the sausage sandwich or poblano mac, beautiful restaurant, great people and great service. We also have used them for catering in the past and they were wonderful to work with. read more

Great sausage rigatoni! Good vibe and walkable for us. Love that they have an every day happy hour menu too. They have some pretty good wines at a good price too. We'll definitely be back. read more

Great neighborhood spot that remains popular because it serves good food, at affordable prices in a attractive setting. Go early or expect to wait (a while) for a table. I really liked the happy hour before 6pm specials with discounts on wine and beer, plus a few special cocktails. This time the Rigatoni with Italian sausage was a hit -- I see why it is the most popular dish on the menu. Others loved the pizzas. and of course the mac and cheese is always a hit for the kiddos. Parking remains a challenge; there must be 20 car spaces in the lot while the restaurant must hold over 100. Overall, Abrusci's is a solid choice for family friendly, quality Italian food in Applewood. read more

We were so happy to finally try out Abrusci's! The space itself is awesome and really unprecedented to have a newer building in this part of town. We really loved the bolongnese sauce and our waiter didn't steer us wrong. Two words, espresso martini! And the beer list was up to my husbands standards too. We may have just found our new spot! read more

Had a wonderful dinner here tonight! Our server, Jakobi, was busting his ass so busy with lots of tables and was still very attentive and friendly! We had the calamari, lettuce wraps, and shrimp scampi - all were delicious. Drinks were great too. Can't wait to come back! read more

Continue to want to really like this place. That being said... 20% living wage fee. Very easy to miss especially since the itemized receipt was not included with the signature copy. If the restaurant prices do not cover paying your staff, then raise the prices. The servers and the service are probably the areas being impacted the most. We've noticed the service has kind of always sucked over the years. Tonight our service was pretty decent, but we did sit in the bar area for 15 minutes without any service. Tonight, the medium rare steak I asked for was very over cooked and while our server asked if I wanted to get a new one (noticed it himself), which was nice, I didn't want to hold up dinner with my wife and wait for a new one. Also, my wife wanted to order the Halibut which was listed on the menu, we were informed it is no longer a served dish. Basically, this review is driven by the fact that if you don't read the "fine print" as a customer it feels like they are pulling a fast one on you and pulling in a potential 40% tip. Especially with the disappearance of the itemized receipt. Feels deceptive. read more

This place sucks! I've tried it a few times, but lately they've been horrible. I had meatballs so hard that I couldn't even cut them in half, and got a salad with no dressing for it. They're just going downhill, I'd rather go to noodles and co. read more

We have loved and have been going to this restaurant for 20 years. Tonight 7/3/26 we arrived sat at the bar(only 2 other customers) at 5:00. We were ignored by at least 4 employees behind the bar. Another couple sat as well and were also ignored. When the bartender finally arrived to the other couple said they had been waiting way too long and she said they were being very rude because she had to use the bathroom. They told her we were there 1st, so They took our drink order, served us and began watching the FIFA cup. After that the staff gathered around to see something hilarious on one of the bartenders phones. At 5:30 we ordered a pizza. After that the bartenders exchanged back massages, yes back massages for each other.Despite both my husband and I, and the other couple being the only 4people at the bar we could not get another drink. At 6:00 the bartender, who had taken our order, who had just received her back massage asked if we would like to order any more food. We explained that we had ordered a pizza more than a 1/2 hour ago from her. She said she would go Check on it. Ten minutes later we received an under done, crappy pizza. When we got the bill they had charged us the full price for the happy hour pizza. Very, very disappointed! 4 hh drinks, 1 hh salad, and 1 hh pizza, worst hh service $67.00. Perhaps giving them guaranteed 20% tips definition: (to insure prompt service) is not the motivation we thought it would be. 1 out of 10. Won't be back!!! read more

Hospitality (20%) is not a good way to attract the business. This is another way to make additional money from customer. So if the bill was $100 + $20 Hospitality = $120 and the additional tip will be 20% of $120? Interesting business. read more

Food was good, nothing extraordinary but totally fine for a dinner out with family. Server was friendly and kind. What was annoying at the end was the 20% hospitality fee that we were also taxed on. Why should we pay tax on the 20% tip you add for your employees? read more

Abrusci's Fire & Vine - Tax charged on the 20% hospitality fee. - Pizza Near Me - Lakewood, Colorado

Stopped in for a birthday dinner. 1st visit. Hubby noticed a sign that said closed for employee event, but that was for last night. Decided to order apps, pizza, a sandwich, and a bowl of minestrone. The antipasti board was ok, but only came with 4 crackers. Tye calamari was tasty. Pepperoni rolls were over cooked. The outside was more black than expected. Pizza was decent. Italian sausage sandwich was good. The minestrone was the worst I have ever tasted. Incredibly over peppered. Service was slow, probably the kitchen as well. read more

Abrusci's Fire & Vine - Antipasti - Pizza Near Me - Lakewood, Colorado

Wanted some Italian while I was in Denver and this place seemed interesting. Ambiance: Parking lot is somewhat limited with some overflow on the side of the street. Nice open lobby to wait and with a nice Denver flare. There is an inside/outside dining area included with the regular dining area. Service: Our waiter was pretty decent. Unfortunately, she didn't provide her name. However, the host was nice and greeted us coming and going. Food: Unfortunately, this is where they get 3 stars. The drinks I had was pretty good, but food was just okay. If you going to be an Italian restaurant that serve pasta with a bunch of sauce, it should be served with some type of bread. In addition, I had the Rigatoni and Sausage in which there is an extra $1.50 to have it baked. This was not baked. A baked rigatoni has a layer of cheese that you have to dig through to get the pasta and this was not. Order the garlic knots for appetizer and it was very doughy. Overall: There are several areas as an Italian restaurant I feel they would need to approve. The overall atmosphere is nice however, I would like to see improvement in the food quality and options without trying to not overcharge everyone for everything. Hope them well in the future. read more

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It all went well. Good service, food, drink list. The flavors are full profile with enough of a traditional flair to the dishes. We had the rigatoni's with sausage baked and super cheesy the lemon chicken, bone in full of flavor, the poblano fettuccini like a carbornara sauce loaded with bacon and the lasagna over a meat bolognese very veggie. Desert included a lemon cream cake that was just the best. A must try and repeat read more

We used to come here all the time and the service and food was amazing. Not sure if they were recently having a bad day but the service was HORRIBLE. They were very quiet and yet the bartender could not have been less interested in serving us. We were the only table that was occupied and we had to get up and go to the bar and ask for menus, then go back and place our order and place refills requests. She didn't check on us once. And the mandatory 20 percent gratuity was frustrating- normally I support servers getting what they deserve but to be charged 20 percent for having to do all the work was honestly irritating. Such a bad experience that we will not be back. read more

Ok family member recommended this spot so while traveling around the area we decided to stop in and we're glad we did. Server attentive , food ready and hot Ambience romantic Every last dish we had was very good The rigatoni had much flavors thanks Chef Could have toasted the bruschetta bread a little longer but still eatable Must stop in to dine Will be returning with bigger party size read more

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Good food ok service. Very noisy, not enough staff for the restaurant long waits! I didn't like the automatic 20% added to bill for tip!!!

I have been a loyal customer for years, but my recent experience was deeply disappointing. They now tack on a mandatory 20% (very Scammy) 'hospitality fee, that staff explains is NOT a tip. It is frustrating to be forced to pay an exorbitant fee on top of the meal, especially when the service doesn't warrant it. Our server, Hart H., had an attitude from the start, slammed a glass of wine on the table, and later told us we needed to move to the bar because he was 'busy'--even though the restaurant was not full. While the manager was apologetic when I called, there was no clear explanation for where that 20% fee actually goes; if not to the staff. It makes for an awkward and overpriced experience. Unfortunately, I won't be back." I have worked in the Resturaunt, hospatality industry business for over 20 years so I am useually very understanding when a staff member is having a off day. read more

Food was good but service was mediocre. Also gratuity is added to every bill (even if service is subpar) & the manager/owner refused to take a $50 gift card, arguing that it had been used before (it hadn't), on an 8 person table & $400 bill!! Warning everyone NOT to buy any gift cards from this business!!! I won't go back here since there are many other restaurants that serve good food with better service & more integrity. Beware read more

Slow service but the food was tasty. The best dishes which I haven't tried were the pastas (my group said so) and calamari was OK. The best dessert was the three chocolate mousse cake. read more

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Went there this evening to celebrate a friend's return from deployment only to have poor execution of service throughout the duration of our visit. We were under the impression and reassured 2x that they would do something special for this occasion.. nothing happened and nothing was acknowledged. Despite being told there was also a military discount? (Which we truly couldn't care less about) all in all... a bit of a let down. The best communication we received was managed by the hostess who communicated that our reservation time was delayed by 15+ minutes and kindly gave us appetizer vouchers after we followed up on our table.. Only to then have our apps arrive without utensils and couldn't seem to catch anyone to assist us-- until one of us got up from the table to ask for roll ups at the host stand. We understand that Friday night service could be delayed but asking for water refills 2x, and lack of pre bussing seemed like minimal things that could've been tighter. Ordering another cocktail only for it to arrive in a to go cup? That was for sure a communication error. We would've loved to hear more about the specials and menu itself, as a majority of our party was not local... Food was okay, but was definitely disappointed by a place that was hyped up so much! read more

This is a painful review to write. There is a lot I love about Abrusci's. I love the environment, that it's family owned, the menu and the service have always been good. But after many trips there, the kitchen has serious issues. We are not people to send back dishes....ever. But there have been 3 separate trips to Abrusci's that resulted in dishes coming out of the kitchen that weren't ready to eat. The first and worst was a salad with chicken that was pink. Sent it back since my wife doesn't like salmonella. Bad, like really really bad. She never wants to go back because of that but my daughter and I have dragged her kicking and screaming. Second was cold lasagna. I get that you make it ahead of time and stick it in the fridge. All good. But figure out how to warm it up for dinner service so it's not cold in the middle. Third was cold meatballs on my daughter's spaghetti. Not lukewarm- absolutely cold. You know the worst part about cold meatballs- they are really tough. For the owners, please, please check your kitchen staff and the temperature of your food. I love your restaurant but your quality is so far below standard I can't go back. read more

We love everything about this place! The food is consistently excellent. Staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Great military discount. Seems to have a ton of regulars but doesn't get super noisy. read more

Abrusci's Fire & Vine - Pizza Near Me - Lakewood, Colorado

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Went for lunch over the weekend and it was not that crowded. We sat at the bar and had great service. I drank Fresh brewed iced tea and my husband had beer. We split a chopper chicken salad, which was delicious but could have used a stronger/more acidic dressing and the hot honey pizza, which was sooooo good. It was perfectly cooked and great for 2 people. The prosciutto was thick and not stringy, fatty, which can happen frequently. We saw a table of about 12 people if you are looking to go somewhere with a large group. read more

Abrusci's Fire & Vine - Hot Honey - Pizza Near Me - Lakewood, Colorado

I went here during Denver restaurant week and will say they had a great deal: appetizer, main, dessert and a drink (cocktail, beer, wine or NA) for 35 dollars with a decent amount of options to choose from and large portions however I wasn't overly impressed with most of their dishes unfortunately. They don't take reservations unless you have a large party but do have a wait list you can join online. I checked at 4:45 on a Thursday evening and they didn't have a wait list to join but by the time we got there at 5 we were told it would be a 25 minute wait. It ended up only being about 10 so not too bad. They have a fairly small parking lot so you will likely have to park on the surrounding street Our waitress was fantastic and brought my husband a refill without him explicitly asking just from overhearing and was quick to get answers to all of my menu questions. Service was also pretty quick despite being busy. The food items I enjoyed were the fried ravioli (nice and crispy) served with a tomato sauce, the hot honey pizza, and the rigatoni and sausage in a tomato cream sauce. The Reese pie for dessert, which is apparently also gluten free, and their strawberry mint mock tail were also great. The Caesar salad was a little disappointing both aesthetically and taste wise. No bacon bits either. The garlic knots were fine and a giant portion but nothing outstanding. Also served with tomato sauce for dipping. They had a salmon pasta dish on their restaurant week menu that looked promising but left something to be desired. Salmon was tiny chopped up pieces rather than a salmon filet and there was little wine sauce so pretty unflavorful. we weren't offered fresh parmesan either which most restaurants do. The tiramisu and cannoli for desserts were also subpar and lacked the flavor I was hoping for but looked nice. My friend had the pineapple margarita and didn't enjoy it but I didn't try it and also would probably not order a margarita at an Italian spot to begin with. I would recommend this spot if you aren't picky about Italian food and want somewhere reasonably priced but if you are looking for authentic Italian food I would probably go elsewhere read more

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I was given the daunting task to choose a restaurant where my friend, his new fiance, my girlfriend, and I were going to have a double date. After a considerable amount of time Yelping restaurants, I landed on Abrusci's. First of all, the food was amazing. Given the affordable prices and the location, I had my doubts on the quality of the food. I ordered the baked rigatoni and sausage while my girlfriend ordered the classic pizza. Both were cooked so well and also came out very quickly. I decided to take a star off because we each ordered 2 drinks for a total of 6 different drinks and every drink we had was slightly off (too sweet, too salty, etc). Service was good. Everything came out in a timely manner and our server was very attentive. read more

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So reliably good every time! We live 3 hours away but we always eat here when passing through Denver. It's delicious both in person, via takeout, and via DoorDash. The sausage rigatoni is a favorite! read more

Decided to stop by this place after having a craving for burrata and saw they had it on the menu. We were here on a Tuesday around 7:45 and there was a short wait for a table. We were seated quickly and a waiter came over to take our drink order within a few minutes. The service was quick and pretty OK for the restaurant - Nothing spectacular that stood out, but also nothing bad. The pros - the food came out quickly and was pretty tasty. The portion sizes were reasonable. The price of everything was pretty reasonable as well. The main dining area was not too loud, and you could easily hear the person across the table. The cons - when I asked for Parmesan, I was surprised to see them, bring out a shaker cheese instead of freshly grated. Also, they tack on a 20% service charge to the bill but state that it is not a gratuity. They aren't secretive about it, but I still did not understand the expectation of whether you were supposed to tip on top of it or what. Overall, it was a good reasonably priced nice dinner, and I would consider returning. Highly highly recommend the baked sausage rigatoni it was the best food we had there! read more

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Only ate there once, the staff are friendly and helpful. Hate to say it but I would probably have enjoyed the food more at Olive Garden. How do you manage to burn the whole outside of a meat ball was like a briquette. The spaghetti was plentiful but again the garlic knots were burnt on the bottom. Would give it another try. read more

Went here with a friend for lunch - 10/10 recommend! The gluten free pasta is SO yummy, like "is this really gluten free?" yummy and it IS! Same with the brownie sundae, just a great dessert to end a great meal. We also had a couple glasses of wine and my favorite was the J. Lohr Chardonnay! I'm excited to go back in warmer weather because it looks like they open a patio wall! Service was also great, everyone is inviting and knowledgeable. :) Gluten disclaimer: they provide a disclaimer that the gluten free items are prepared in a traditional kitchen so there is risk of cross-contamination. Celiacs be mindful! read more

Abrusci's Fire & Vine - Gluten free Brownie Sundae - Pizza Near Me - Lakewood, Colorado

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I ordered the Turf & Surf, which they were out of. Settled for the Pan-seared Halibut, which wasn't. It tasted rubbery, as if it had been cooked in a microwave, with zero seasoning. Not at all crisp or flaky. The Lemon Parmesan Risotto was gummy and pasty. The finish of heirloom tomatoes, what little there was, was delicious. I came back the next day for the promised Turf & Surf and ordered it rare. The steak was overcooked and the toughest that I have ever seen. The knife wouldn't even cut it. I asked for a replacement and was told that it was the only one that they had! The touted Brocollini wasn't, but was plain, lightly steamed Broccoli with huge woody stems. It was an outright lie that it was Brocollini. The Spaghetti Marinara was heavy (in texture) spaghetti and light on the marinara, which was a thin watery tomato paste. The coffee was adequately plain. read more

We wanted to try something new outside of Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree, so we chose this place for my birthday dinner. The restaurant itself is nice, with a pleasant patio area. The food was just okay--not bad, but nothing memorable. Our server was friendly, but it felt like she was in a rush the entire time. We barely had a chance to enjoy a conversation before the next course came out, and overall we felt pressured to hurry through our meal. Unfortunately, the tiramisu was a big disappointment--it was by far the worst we've ever had. Overall, it didn't feel like a special birthday dinner. Instead, the experience felt rushed and impersonal, more like "eat and get out" than a relaxed night out. read more

This is not a dive bar, right?? I came here on a Friday for HH and sat at the bar. Apparently there is a group of people that come every Friday. They let anyone that would listen that they normally take over the entire bar, but, gasp!!! People were already sitting there. They took over the large table in the bar and were so overly loud and obnoxious they made everyone sitting at the bar miserable. Laughing, shrieking, yelling over each other. Really? Management needs to tell this group to tone it down or they aren't welcome. They told us they come in every Friday afternoon. Well I guess I won't be back then. read more

The service was terrible. The ladies working the front counter were extremely rude and need to work on their attitude.