Looks like a cafeteria with pricing you'd expect of a restaurant with great food, ambience and service - it had none! Incredibly bland overall and disappointing. read more

two stars for the server (Rachel) and the dessert... gelato cookie Food is sub par Italian, even for Denver. read more

This will now be my go to Italian restaurant for family style for sure. They serve HUGE portions, and amazing tasteful food. Not dry pasta, like I'm used too here in Denver. The freshness of the seafood was so flavorful. They also serve you with big groups so everyone gets a little of everything. I love this! read more

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Really wanted to like this place, especially after knowing the original Carmine's on Penn. Rethinking how things are done at this location would be helpful...ie, having the server allocate what goes on everyone's plates is just confusing to people and awkward. Some people did not get what they wanted on their plates, and also in proportions that were not of their choosing. This is a distinct disadvantage to your service, not a novelty. The food was good as it has always been, but the portions are so very small, and we're not big eaters that expect too much. 22% gratuity + additional 3% service fee is just too much. Give me a break please! Unfortunately will not be back. Try changing up the formula and I think people will be back for the food. read more

A small group of us chose to dine here for girls night this evening. It had more of a bistro feel, rather than the Italian restaurant ambiance I was hoping for, but it was nice. Prices are fair for the servings, and food is decent. My mothers Lemon Shrimp Pasta dish looked amazing though. I should have gotten that for sure with gluten free pasta! My reasoning for three stars- When we were finishing up dessert/coffees, one of the managers or supervisors started to Circle Hover. We were chatting and enjoying ourselves, but we were noticing this guy circling us constantly. Frustrating and uncomfortable Obviously you needed our table. That is fair enough, but had someone came by earlier and said something like "hey ladies, just so you are aware we will be needing this table around 8:30 this evening. If you'd like, at that point you are welcome to move to our bar area." That's a great way to prep a group, and let them still enjoy their time comfortably, instead we were uncomfortably hovered around, dishes awkwardly removed from our table, then mid conversation asked to leave A free drink was offered at the bar for being kicked off our table; we did not accept. Mostly because it was shocking to be asked to leave a restaurant. There is a first time for everything read more

Food is probably on par with Maggianos for twice the price. Nothing I had here made me want to come back for more. Food isn't bad, it's just standard Italian-American food. I guess I was expecting something else. I think it's a good, safe choice if you're dining with children or people who aren't adventurous eaters. The bad: The vodka sauce tasted like it was made with cream cheese and the cannolis were truly some of the worst I've ever had. The good: The one thing they perfected was their bread. The bread was super soft and pillowy and very garlicky. read more

As a cap off to All-Star week, my family and I decided to check out the Hall of Legends display over at the Rally Hotel and made a dinner reservation at Carmine's to follow. I think we were the only group there to start, though more parties did start to trickle in toward the end of our visit. I know it is their thing to have the menu written on a big wall on the board, instead of handing everyone their own menu but I was seated facing away from that board and it was incredibly difficult to turn around and look up at it. They did end up giving us a couple of handheld menus to look at, which makes me wonder, "if they have menus, why don't they just give them to everyone?" Anyway, our server was very friendly and helped us look through the menu to order. I wasn't super blown away by any of our entrees. We got the Carbonara and the Bolognese and they were fine. My husband actually thought the Carbonara was bad and he's not even the picky one in our relationship! On paper, it's a nice touch to have someone plate your meal for you, but in reality, it just kind of took too long and I was first served every time and it seemed like my portion was always smaller than everyone else's. I will say, however, that that garlic bread is crazy good!!!! I have a 9 month old and he was LOVING it too. I'd maybe go back, but just for that! read more

We stopped by on one of their first weekends and the restaurant seated us right away which was appreciated. The service I thought was great, however, it was clear the waitress was new and wasn't able to answer too many questions on the menu. There was no music playing in the restaurant which when there was only 3ish parties in there was decently awkward. All in all, we got great wine recommendations from the sommelier and the food was incredible. Would definitely recommend! read more

The food was by far the best Italian I've had in the 4.5 years I've lived here. I'm originally from NJ and a tough critic when it comes to Italian food. The Veal Parm and Meatballs with pasta in Vodka sauce are as close to East Coast authentic as it gets. Our waitress Brittany provided excellent service. I highly recommend checking out this spot it you haven't already. read more

The food was delicious! The meatballs melted in our mouths. Service was really great, even in the middle of Rockies traffic! We'll be back!

We came here tonight for my birthday and we loved it! Our waitress Britney was amazing. She actually recommended our entire meal and let me tell you it DID NOT DISAPPOINT! Unfortunately we were that stereotypical new parent table with the screaming baby so our time was cut a little short. Alright so here's the food: - We started with the mussels which were perfection. Really amazing flavors and heavy on the garlic which is always a win for me. - Next we had the risotto & short ribs. Both were delicious. The risotto we had was on special - Palisade peaches & crispy pork belly. Wow. The short ribs were delicious and so tender. Also not something I normally order but it was such a great choice. - For dessert we got the triple layer chocolate cake to go (hence screaming baby) Overall we had a fabulous time and we can't wait to return so we can try more dishes! The vibe was great. Everyone who works there that we encountered is super fun & social. Also the manager Jessica was so sweet and just phenomenal. We can't wait to come back! read more

The seasonal gnocchi was outstanding!! Our waiter was great and the location is spot on in LODO.

DELISH. We got in with a quick reservation an hour before on a Sunday night. The restaurant wasn't super busy. Service here is on point. Their menu is all family style (serves 2 or 4) and they don't have any descriptions of the items. Our waiter did a great job explaining the various items. When they come to serve, they portion everyone's plate to make it easy to share as well. Everything we had was so delicious. They make homemade garlic rolls which are to DIE for. Heavy on the garlic and butter, so fluffy, and endless bread. Who doesn't love that? Chicken alla carmines - this one was super salty - not sure if we got an overly salty batch but it was still tasty. Red sauce based topped with ham and cheese. Chicken Montana pasta was so creamy and the gorgonzola cream sauce packs a little bit of a tangy punch but not overly "blue cheese/ Gorgonzola tasting". The sun dried tomatoes, and the skinny asparagus and chicken add great texture and flavor. The pasta was a little underdone (we got it with linguine), which I was surprised by. Ragu con funghi was a favorite of our group. Thick cut fettuccine - meaty mushroom sauce with veal is so tender and creamy. The caramelized onions add a nice sweetness. Hoping to come back again! read more

Favorite place to bring friends for Italian food in Denver! Excellent wine menu and generous family style portions - good value for a nice night out where you can still draw on the tablecloth. Our favorites are the carbonara, ragu con funghi and seasonal gnocchi - 10/10 delicious read more

We stopped by here to eat dinner and catch up with a friend. The food was spectacular, our waitress was fun and engaging, and oddly loved the "draw on the table cloth vibe". 1) Portions are family style 2) The four of us ordered 2 entrees and a salad and it was plenty (we had left overs). 3) This is a great spot to eat, share, and catch up with friends. The ambiance felt like a loud Italian kitchen. People passing food, drinking wine, and just enjoying one another's company. THE GNOCCHI WAS AMAZING. We were absolutely shocked. Definitely give this place a try. read more

I was so excited to see Carmines opened another location. I used to live by Carmine's on Penn, and it's always been my favorite Italian restaurant. The family style entrees are a unique experience. I love that they offer servings for 2 as well. We ordered takeout, and Arthur, the GM, went above and beyond. They have great wine options, delicious salads, great entrees and decadent desserts! The restaurant smells amazing as soon as you walk in. Great service to pair with the delicious food! read more

Okay. We randomly stopped here on our way home and OH MY GOD are we amazed. We live down the street, thank goodness because we just found out new favorite. I can't tell you how nice the manager Jessica is and our waiter Paul was amazing! I have severe food allergies and Jessica worked with me through and through. Everyone was super kind, welcoming, professional and just FUN! Paul gave me great suggestions when I wanted a Port wine I just can't say enough good things! We will be back - get ready Paul & Jessica... you just found some new regulars! read more

Carmine's on McGregor Square - Port wine - Italian Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Lovely place to eat. Carmines is definitely good for a birthday dinner, the Carbonara and brisket were a little salty but overall the dinner was amazing. read more

Josh was our server and he was great! Very knowledgeable of the menu, and he even ran our car keys out to us after our we left :) Great experience, thanks Josh! read more

Had a large party business dinner and no complaints. Great service, food and manager Arthur. Thanks for making it a good time for my customers. read more

It's really weird how they only let you order portions for 2 people or a family . Like I just wanted to order a normal lol dish for myself and others get their own . I don't want to share with anybody and you can't make me . Server was fantastic , Italian food was a lil better than lil Ceasars but wait a lot longer for food read more

Carmine's on McGregor Square - Italian Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Carmines on Penn was our go to, so we were thrilled one opened at McGregor Square, walking distance for us. We had an early dinner on a Saturday, arriving with the place nearly empty. (5pm reservations) Rachel was our server and was on top of everything. Her recommendations were straight out of cooking show vocabulary in a great way describing various dishes. Her service was stellar. ' We had a variety of food at the table: Chicken Marsala, Beef short ribs and ravioli, along with a salad. All the food was perfect. Timing was perfect....just a lovely evening. I just don't understand the service charge. 22% plus 3% service charge? This is instead of tipping. I certainly understand the switch, however, I thought this was a bit steep. I know we would have tipped 20% for Rachel's fine service, but I think I'd have preferred Carmine's adding a dollar more per menu item. At any rate, this certainly wouldn't deter us from visiting again, just something to be aware of. read more

I've been here twice now and wow, it absolutely is amazing! The family style is something to get used too but watching them serve you is so cool. The service is outstanding with it feeling like everyone in the restaurant is there for you. The music is classical and nothing to ride home but it adds to conversation. Our server was so polite but thanks to John we could sit in a perfect spot next to the square. He made sure to call us about our questions and I can't be thankful enough about his attitude. Even when we disliked a wine, he was there and ready for a recommendation. The montepulciano they have is such a good wine. Thank you John, and thank you Carmine's read more

10/10 carmines is a MUST. The service, the food, the wine, the bread. I can not wait to go back. Would like to check out the location on Penn for a more romantic/authentic feel. read more

We live at the Coloradan and were coming to Mcgregor Square to do the movie night and decided to come here. Honestly, everything from start to finish was amazing. We didn't know what to expect, but the food was sooo good and it's the best service I've had in Denver in a long time. Our server, Tyrone, was so great. We moved tables twice because of the sun and he never once made us feel like we were being a pain in the ass (which we were). We eventually decided to move inside and the manager, Arthur, came and moved all of our plates and everything to an inside table. With the challenges that covid has brought the restaurant industry, I don't know how they've maintained this level of service and food quality, but we were pleasantly surprised and we will be back. John and Brittany were great too. Great staff at this location. read more

just off the plane from LA and wanted some Italian food. hotel said go here. sat at the bar and Rachel came over and suggested the chicken Parm because I was by myself. I perused the menu and the wine list. ordered a bottle of wine from Veneto Italy and it was tasty...the chicken parm n spaghetti was ho-hum at best. the bill came and I asked what the extra 23% was for. Rachel said that the owner decided to add 23% to all tickets. I mentioned that its illegal to charge an extra without mentioning it before you order. I SHOULD NOT HAVE PAID IT...but I did. when I left an ask the front man why it's not disclose. he shrugged his shoulders an said "that's the owner". The good news is that I took a picture of the place as a reminder to NEVER GO BACK TO THAT (cuss word) PLACE. HE MAY BE SUED FOR THAT (intercourse) FEE read more

Our server was a master up seller. We ordered a bottle of wine, he suggested a more expensive bottle. We then listened to him do this to the next two tables near us. He even offended one table which resulted in a 15 minute conversation with a manager. Pasta dishes were good not great. We paid using the mobile app. BEWARE. If you pick a preset percentage it includes the tax in the math. read more

The food was good. Our table shared a salad, gnocchi and chicken alla Carmine's. BUT, I really dislike restaurants that charge a service fee. Pay your people and raise prices!! There was nothing on the menu about it and they just sneak in an extra 22% when the bill comes. This is nothing against the staff. They were all fantastic! I'm on the side of customers getting tired really of restaurants pulling this kind of thing and I don't return to the ones that do. read more

Food was good. Service good. Some of the food came out cold. Most disappointing was the 22% gratuity that was automatically added to the total bill (including tax). read more

Went for Mother's Day this weekend. Very friendly service. Very tasty dishes. On the pricier side, but would be a nice place to take a date. We especially liked the larger tables instead of being way too squeezed like other restaurants. It was good. We may be back. If you're looking for a super authentic Italian experience, this is not it, but the food is still high quality. read more

This place REALLY needs to get over itself! The whole"family style" shtick gets old, especially when the food is formulaic and mediocre (at best). On tonight's takeout order I was informed "we now add 22% to ALL checks to help pay our staff". For takeout orders??!! Another example of restaurant ripoffery. Sadly this is a local for me. Never again read more

We stopped in after ice skating one evening. The host was SO SO accommodating and even took my stroller to another area for me to help me get it out of the way so we could have more room. The service was 5 stars but the food was incredible. We had the pear salad, mussels and Montana chicken pasta. The pasta was quite literally something to tell people about. It was absolutely perfect and I can't wait to come back with my family. read more

Small wine menu for an "Italian" place. Menu is confusing and has zero descriptions of the food. Server could not get us out the door fast enough. Left hungry and spent a fortune. Food was mediocre at best. And the 25% automatic gratuity for sub par, unprofessional service is VERY disappointing. Tourist trap at it's best. read more

Beware they do not make it well known till you get the bill but they add a 25% fee to the entire bill and then ask for an additional tip. If carmines needs more revenue it should come through higher prices and not a surprise bill at the end. read more

service was good. Food (Vodka Ravioli a bit different for my taste & my guests) (Mushroom Ravioli tasted much better) but having had Italian/Sicilian homemade ravioli from family members, not even close. Ravioli dough was much too thick & not tender. cannoli's were a joke. The automatic 22% service fee added to my bill left me at a loss. read more

Food was ok nothing to brag about, service was awful, server did not check in or refill drinks , I was not impressed at all and will not go back. read more

Very sad to say that the service was below sub par. Made reservations for 7pm. Showed up on time and got seated only to be ignored and never waited on for at least 20 minutes. Not one single waiter showed up to make a presence. We ended up getting up and walking out! read more

I'm fairly new to the family-dining experience at a restaurant, as was the rest of my group but we all thoroughly enjoyed Carmine's. The atmosphere was simple and inviting and the staff were super nice, making sure not to rush us and to explain the menu process. Our group of 6 ordered salad, the meatballs, and two pastas, including the bolognese to share among us. We really didn't know if we would end up with barely anything to eat or with way too much to handle but everything was just right. We finished just about everything they put in front of us it was that good, easily one of the best meals I've ever had in my life. I can't say enough good things about this place. Next time I'm in Denver I will certainly be back. read more

Underwhelmed. First, know this is family style so there is no ordering separately. Only they don't put the food on the table and let you serve yourself. Not sure why. And then the waitress would scrape plates at the table to combine them before going to the kitchen. ICK. The food was mediocre. Nothing special. Won't return. Only bright spot was the Caesar salad. read more

We asked if this Carmines was connected to the Carmines in NYC. The waitress said yes. We were excited. So Let's start with the decor. The menu is on a board on the wall, but that's about as close as it gets to looking like Carmines. Food. Ah NO! The Caesar salad had too much lemon and anchovies, but not the garlic. It wasn't bad, just not Carmines. If you've ever been to Carmines, you know Garlic is the main ingredient. It was missing in these recipes. The bread roll was okay, but where was the garlic? The chicken parm was okay. Needed garlic and basil. The tomato sauce needed a few more hours to lose the acidity. Chicken Montana, we were warned it was heavy and had Gorgonzola. Our waitress was not kidding. It would have helped if the linguine was cooked. Al dente would have been acceptable. Gorgonzola is the overwhelming flavor. We declined dessert. We will decline coming here again. So disappointed read more