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    Lucina Eatery & Bar

    4.6 (165 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Lucina Eatery & Bar Photos

    LUCINA EATERY & BAR ATMOSPHERE

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    Loud
    Casual
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    Romantic

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    Recommended Reviews - Lucina Eatery & Bar

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    Tlacoyo Cochinita
    Maria B.

    My favorite dish at Lucina is the mussels and fries. I absolutely love the savory broth that the mussels are cooked in. Everything tastes fresh. It's on the happy hour menu for $15. It's a winner. Yesterday, we also ordered the pork pastel: skip this. For $24 you get maybe a tiny forkful of pork belly. Expected better for the price point on that item. Our other favorite dish is the Tlacoyo Cochinita - it's a really good serving of shredded pork on a baked masa bed. The anticucho was good, but i would probably skip next time and try something else. We added maduros ($9) to wrap up the meal. The daquiri was refreshing and went down a little too easy. They have a rotating beer selection - i had Toña from Nicaragua - crispy, fresh beer.

    Salad so delish
    Frantsy R.

    It's been a year since I last came and I was a bit disappointed in the service. I liked Lucina because they open at 4pm and it's good time to eat for my toddler to come. I made a resy at 4pm and walk up and they say they're not ready and wait another 15 mins. We get seated on the half booth wall which I requested. Let me say this place has a kids menu and is in a residential neighborhood but aside from that IT IS NOT KID FRIENDLY. They have no kids cups or cups with lids, they have no take out silverware which I usually ask for since it's smaller for a kid. We started out with the pan, some fried cheese balls and Lucina salad. I love the salad it's great and big to share. The bread was great. The cheese balls were ok. We placed order for steak and chicken and the place is pretty quiet at 4:30 just 3-4 tables. He tells me it may be a bit but since not full shouldn't be too long. We didn't get our food till 45 min later. My guest asked for steak medium it was well done, pre sliced and cold. I felt bad I don't know if they waited for my chicken to serve or what. They used to have like a skirt steak vs the NY and I think they should go back to that. It holds up better. The chicken was ok, it came with a green sauce that didn't have much flavor. After almost 2 hrs there with a toddler very impatient I was ready to go. I tried their cafe con leche martini 5.0 and the 2.0 Was better way creamier and had cinnamon. This one was just basic.

    Colmillo De Cobra
    Jennifer S.

    Tyler was the best server we've had in a long time! He was funny, personable, and made really great recommendations. The food was all delicious and Michelin Star quality. We had a great time!

    Min K.

    Truly loves the ambiance of this place, I felt transported out of Denver to a Coastal town. The 3 of us came with appetites and enjoyed a few of the Platos. Pan de Casa - perfectly warm bread with melt in your mouth butter Ceviche de Atun - perfectly flavored Ceviche complemented by mango Empanadas - hearty Empanadas filled with the most flavorful Ropa Vieja Lucina Salad - unexpected showstopper with grated Manchego Choclo con Queso - wonderful corn dish with a varietal that is more chewy than traditional American corn. Delightful Banafe - dessert with interesting texture and smores like flavor The service overall was attentive but uncoordinated. She removed my half-full cocktail and asked if I was ready for another. Picked up a plate while my fork was still picking up the food from the plate and there was still food remaining.

    Pam de Elote
    J Warren R.

    What an enjoyable and memorable dining experience. I took the opportunity to experience a chef inspired 5 course meal with live narration by Chef Casiano. The Chef took us on a culinary adventure through Latin America with authentic food from Mexico, Costa Rica and Peru where he took the time to explain what went into each dish and what he hoped we would take away from eating it. He also explained the discovery of so many of the fruits and vegetables that came from the new world are now a staple on most of the worlds menus. Everything we tasted was spectacular. The Pozole with duck broth simply divine. The Pastelito with a plantano masa, peppers exceptionally delicious. The Costa Rica beans and rice was pure comfort food. Peruvian grilled chicken perfectly cooked and served with fried potatoes. The corn cake dessert was surprisingly delicious with caramelized xoco. The wine list is perfect with lots of choices from Spain and South America. All perfectly complement the food. Inside the place is vibrant. Very Loud, but still we were able to hold dinner conversations. Service was spot on, friendly, helpful and attentive. This is an excellent choice for a nice meal.

    Mussels con chorizo
    Sophie S.

    Came here for happy hour and was not disappointed! I would love to come back for a a full meal as sooo many menu items were hard to resist! I loved the coastal influence, this place is one of those restaurants where you feel transported out of denver by stepping inside, and I believe those are special! We ordered the HH margs (good, but nothing super noteworthy), choclo con queso and the mussels con chorizo. I wish there had been more bread served with the mussels to soak up all the broth, but we still enjoyed dining nonetheless! The choclo was a corn dish that sort of had Mac n cheese vibes, definitely a unique dish to suit this one of a kind establishment!

    Papas con Todo (Happy Hour Menu)
    Heather F.

    Much to my amazement (confusion?), it would seem I have not reviewed Lucina before...I've been to Lucina maybe 4 or 5 times since it opened, most recently for happy hour with friends. Though I live outside the neighborhood myself, I can say it's apparent what a local favorite Lucina has become. Reservations are certainly your best bet, but still easy enough to obtain with some planning. The food I've had on the main dinner menu has varied a lot, and as the menu changes, some of that commentary is likely past its prime. That said, I would recommend taking a sampling/sharing approach here, and trying a variety of items. I think Lucina shines with some of the more vegetable forward items (even the side salad is excellent), seafood (ceviche in particular), as well as the more traditional meat forward mains. I've been less enthused with the carb/masa small plates, I think in part just given the portion size for price raises the bar and also makes sharing less desirable. Speaking more specifically to the recent happy hour fare, the Anticucho (chicken skewers) were easily the table favorite, and the Papas Con Todo was also enjoyed. The Sikil Pak is definitely tasty but quite spicy, and you'll need to buy some extra chips to enjoy it thoroughly, as the few pieces it came with were not enough. The Abondigas were tender, but the sauce pretty watery, so I'm unlikely to repeat those. There were also some pretty strong negative feelings about the Daiquiri. The overall ambiance is stylish and cheerful. I will say, at least in the earlier days, lighting was a huge issue depending on where you were sat in the dining room. Closer to the kitchen, things were quite dark. I saw a couple that left their phone on as a torch the entire dinner once before, and even though my eyes have relative youth, I've found the dimness/light placement to be less than functional/cozy. The service I've experienced here has always been sufficiently attentive and helpful, though there has been some variation in the delivery which has sometimes verged towards awkward/trying too hard. (I realize this is a vague observation to make, but since it's happened a couple of times and been uncomfortable for others too, I figure is worth commenting on.) All in all, Lucina is an enjoyable experience; even with some room for improved consistency, I'm confident I'll go again.

    Tried 5 HH & cerviche, all good.
    sandy b.

    Really pretty decor. Our server was very nice & helpful. We enjoyed all our HH apps and the cerviche. I did recommend this place already.

    Family image before dinner
    John D.

    5 Stars - A Perfect Mother's Day at Lucina Eatery We had the pleasure of dining at Lucina Eatery in Park Hill for Mother's Day, and it was truly one of my favorite dining experiences to date. (Actually the night before on Saturday) Parking was easy and stress-free, which is always a great way to start. Inside, the restaurant is beautifully designed--warm, inviting, and anchored by a stunning rose mural that really sets the tone. We were seated near the semi-open kitchen, which added to the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Our server, Bryan, went above and beyond. Attentive, kind, and knowledgeable--he made us feel genuinely taken care of. The food? Outstanding. We started with a zesty salad and fresh ceviche, both packed with flavor and beautifully presented. The star of the meal was a wonderful pork dish that was cooked to perfection. Every bite was memorable. What stood out even more was the entire staff's friendliness--from the kitchen to the floor, everyone greeted us with a smile. The prices were more than fair, especially considering the quality of food, service, and ambiance. Lucina has easily earned a top spot on my list, and we'll absolutely be back. Highly recommend it for any special occasion--or just because!

    Sarah B.

    Lucina is by far one of the best restaurants in Denver! It's hard not to be smiling when you walk into this place. From the decor, to the amazing staff, to the incredible food, this place checks all the boxes. The paella is the best in Denver. It's on the menu on Friday and Saturday nights. Some of my other favorites from the menu include the pan de casa, mussels con chorizo, lucina salad, mofongo, and the lucina burger. The cocktails are also delicious and beautifully prepared!

    brocoli a la parilla
    Emily G.

    I'm visiting my aunt who lives in Denver this weekend. A few weeks ago, I was visiting my other aunt in Boston, and she told me I HAD to try their roasted carrots dish here; it was the best carrots she's ever eaten in her life! While the carrots are no longer on the menu, they iterated the dish to feature broccolini instead - which was delicious too and may have been the best broccolini I've had! Word of mouth truly is the best source of rec! The staff is so friendly and nice here. Chef Diego and the GM Alexander stopped by to say hello and check in. I liked the ambiance. It has a lovely ambiance for dinner with friends or family. It's the type of spot where you can dress as formal or casual you're feeling. I'm used to NYC prices, so I was delighted to see the majority of the smaller plates (platos) were under $20... and the portions are GENEROUS!!! Each of us in our party of 4 were able to get a satisfactory helping of each dish as we were sharing family style. Our favorite dishes of the night: - ceviche con causa - brocoli a la parilla - mofongo - tlacoyo The latter two were both pork dishes but prepared the pork in such different ways and paired with different textures and flavors that it didn't matter! The ceviche was one of the best I've had!! The desserts were a great way to end the meal. The pear sorbet was so good and captured the essence of the pear that I could have been just eating smooth frozen pear, lightly topped with some crunchy mix of blue corn, honeycomb, and cinnamon. I'm so glad I got to eat at Lucina while visiting. You have a new big Lucina fan now!

    Empanada
    Rika M.

    If it wasn't for our great waiter, Bryan, the rating for our quick dinner at this restaurant tonight would have been 2 stars. Ambience/atmosphere checks out easily for this place. Modern interior throughout the restaurant; you'll not find this place as a dated old fashioned place. Nice open kitchen where you can see all kinds of great dishes lined up waiting to be served to hungry diners. We happened to seat at one of the tables very close to it so we could see it all. It was kind of fun. I like the menu size. Somewhat small and yet all the dishes are family style sizes so if you are ordering way too much your waitstaff will kindly let you know (is what Bryan said.) We listened to what Bryan said so we ordered several items to start with. Bread (Pan de Casa; not complimentary), Grilled Broccolini and Empanada. I made a mistake by showing up to it with my palate being ruined by an IPA I had at a nearby brewery (my bf and I attended a gathering there before our dinner and we both bad a pint of beer there. When we came to this restaurant I was hoping to have a glass of wine for our dinner. I realized that my beer influenced palate wouldn't cooperate with any of the wine samples Bryan was kind enough to offer me as they all tasted very sour to me; this wasn't restaurant's fault in any way. I had no choice but to go with water. At the end, this ended up being the right thing to do. I'll explain why.) Whereas I said that the ambiance checks out, I have to mention about the noise level of the restaurant. It is quite noisy. My bf actually had to go to the restroom to get some toilet paper pieces so he could put them in his ears. I'm not joking here. We did see some square shaped pad looking things on the ceiling throughout the place; they appeared to be for noise cancellation and yet they seemed be doing very little to ease the situation. Now let's get into the food we had which I'm going to write with mixed feelings. I wonder why there are so many restaurants that oversalt their dishes these days. That was the case for two of the dishes we ordered (well, one was brought to us by mistake as we didn't order it; upon telling them that they gave it to us free.) The Caesar Salad type thing (house salad called Lucina salad (this is the one we didn't order so it was free) was extremely salty. Even my bf who is not so salt sensitive said it was too salty for him; he actually likes salt so if the amount of salt was noticeable for someone like him then it was a big deal.) The broccolini was the same thing. What was salty was the reddish sauce underneath the broccolini (the broccolini itself was rightly seasoned; and it wasn't overcooked either. If the sauce wasn't that salty then it would have been a great dish.) I wonder what it is that they have to use that much salt to prepare their dishes. If they care about their diners' health, they need to make modifications to the way they cook and prepare their dishes. The only dishes we could comfortably enjoy were the house bread called (Pan de Casa that was accompanied by some seasoned butter (chimichurri) and the empanada. I am a big fanatic about empanadas; we absolutely didn't have any issues with the way they were prepared and cooked. But because half of what we ate was so salty, I kept drinking water so I wouldn't get thirsty. I am so glad that I forewent the alcohol. Conclusion: Whereas there are good things about this place that I can fondly talk about, I simply don't think we will go back here to dine again in fear that we might raise our blood pressure by eating their overly salty dishes. It's like a trial and error type situation; you try to discover a new place but you sometimes end up with some not so great experience. Well, at least we tried it.

    Mofungo
    Iris W.

    I loved my experience at Lucina. The hostess was very accommodating with a next day reservation. We were seated promptly and service was attentive despite the restaurant being rather busy. The space is lovely. Food was absolutely amazing. The arepas was crispy on the outside and the lamb inside was soft and flavorful. Ceviche was bright and fish forward (not a ton of fillers like onions tomatoes etc which was fab. The Mofungo was super tasty. We were lucky to be there on a night there was paella and it was amazing. Seafood was delicately cooked while the rice had a nice crispy to it . The cocktails were delicious and overall we had a fabulous time. Would definitely return.

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    Great Nuevo Cuban food, drinks at the bar are nice, very lovely staff. Too noisy inside though.

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    Ask the Community - Lucina Eatery & Bar

    Is there parking?

    Yes. Plenty of street parking available.

    Is there outdoor seating?

    Yes. It's very cute-you won't be disappointed

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    Rioja - Picnic charcuterie board

    Rioja

    4.3(2.9k reviews)
    4.3 miLodo, Northwest
    $$$

    After a brief walk from the hotel around 12PM on a Sunday, we found ourselves in a nice section…read morewith shops and eateries. Outside, there appeared to be some construction going on where there'd be outdoor seating, but it was too hot anyway so we wandered on in. It wasn't busy when we arrived, 1 party visible (later I realized there was another section with customers.) Cute decor with plenty of seating. Our server immediately greeted us and seated us right away. The brunch menu wasn't too overwhelming and she went over the specials. Ultimately, we ordered the following: Artichoke tortelloni Eric's bao-nuts Gabe's chronic chicken salad sandwich Rioja Benedict Colorado lamb burger From beginning to end, all the dishes were exceptional! Everyone loved their meal! The artichoke tortelloni was enough as an appetizer for a party of 4. Apparently, we ordered a "desert" with the Eric's bao-nuts to start everything off. This in itself was so good, I'd go back just for this if I had the chance. I personally had the colorado lamb burger. I generally tend to eat light and don't finish my meals in one sitting. This definitely wasn't the case. The presentation for the burger caught my attention as well. We were so happy with our meals that we decided to get a "2nd desert", the flourless fudge torte. Man, I'm impressed. Chocolate was not too rich or sweet, loved the cherry compote. This is was a winner! Overall, it was a great lunch dining experience to start off my mother's birthday. The service, presentation and food were on point! I'll be back in the future to try out their dinner menu. Thanks Rioja!

    I had a wonderful dinner at Rioja last night after arriving in Denver on business. I sat outside…read moreunder the cafe lights and the atmosphere could not have been more enjoyable, especially after a gentleman began serenading those in Larimer Square with a violin. Drew was a great server, very attentive and made great recommendations for a solo diner. I enjoyed a glass of Grenache rose and the half portion of Goat Cheese Gnudi. The Gnudi were the fluffiest pillows of yum and the lamb ragù made it the perfect amount of filling for a late evening meal.

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    Rioja
    Rioja - Cone Icecream

    Cone Icecream

    Rioja - In Larimer Square

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    In Larimer Square

    Ultreia - Pan con Tomate with Jamon Iberico de Bellota

    Ultreia

    4.1(520 reviews)
    4.4 miLodo, Northwest
    $$$

    Amazing experience at Ultreia- couple of highlights -…read moreService is always friendly and accommodating: recently we had a bartender gift us an extra drink to our table just because he had made one on accident. Very hospitable! Food is always on point- Tapas are a big draw for coming here. Shishito peppers are amazing and flavorful, also the boards are nice and bring big Spain flavor. We notice the boards are a bit smaller than what we'd normally expect but no less tasty. Drink program have been consistent and high quality- just going off of a basic gin and tonic with a Spanish flair, a nice selection of vermouth and Sherry, as well as a curated wine menu. Ambiance - place is clean and does call to mind Spain and its Al fresco dining styles. Overall- I'm reminded of Spain when I'm here!

    OMG I LOVE THIS PLACE!…read more TLDR: more aperitivo/ cocktail bar, less dining restaurants. Attire casual/ smart casual. Cute for dates. Had the best ribs of my life. Highly recommend the churros. Signature bourbon wasn't too special, very nice staff. We made a resy but I think walk-ins are fine too We came here for a Sunday dinner while in town and think that this place positions itself to be more of a aperitivo/ small bites and drinks before dinner or even a night cap place rather than a full blown dinner place. We saw most other patrons just came for drinks or desserts, we were one of the few people that actually ordered apps, entrees, or sides. You can enter via the courtyard or through the station! Outdoors seating was nice but could use outdoors fans on hotter days. On the weekends there was a market in the same courtyard so we got to people watch! The station did the majority of the work (and actually there was a historical preservation tax lol) and I appreciate that they preserved the designs of the station throughout their restaurant! What we ordered: - Pan contomate w jamon siberria was okay, the jamon seemed a little old like they presliced it probably. The contomate was fresh and subtle! - Brussles on burrata: sweet and balanced, could use some pine nuts for added texture. - The star of the show: the short ribs. They were the best short ribs I've had IN MY LIFE. They were so tender that they just fell off the bones and you can cut the bones WITH YOUR FORK to get to the marrow, that's how crazy tender they were. We asked the waitress what was included and she was swamped so she forgot haha but there were hints of smoked paprika. - Desserts: churros and vanilla ice cream. They definitely made these to order and the churros were so crispy and cinnamon-y, you could taste the fresh egg whites. - Old-fashioned with their signature bourbon wasn't too special in my opinion. Kinda tasted like a blend between a bourbon and a rye

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    Ultreia - Happy Hour Gin&Tonic

    Happy Hour Gin&Tonic

    Ultreia - Piri Piri Breakfast Sandwich.

    Piri Piri Breakfast Sandwich.

    Ultreia - Patatas Bravas with Octopus

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    Patatas Bravas with Octopus

    El Five - Bison Meatballs

    El Five

    4.1(1.2k reviews)
    5.0 miNorthwest, Highland
    $$$

    Such a great experience at El Five! The atmosphere is intimate, and sitting at the chef's bar with…read morebeautiful views of downtown Denver made it even better. The smoked burrata was delicious, especially with all the toppings it came with. The sea bass completely surprised me, in the best way. Sweet, spicy, savory, crunchy, with so many different textures and flavors happening at once. The lamb skewers were another favorite. The meat was thinly sliced and secured on the skewer, which made every bite incredibly tender. They were just bomb overall! The drinks were also very well put together and complemented the food perfectly. The server was outstanding. Definitely a place I'm eager to come back to and try more dishes from the menu!

    From arrival to departure was exceptional. The amuse bouche really set the tone at the chef's…read moretable. It truly blew me away. And from that point on, from first taste, I knew my experience would be exceptional. The service was attentive without being overly attentive, and the chef's were so kind, answering every one of my weird questions about what they were preparing or ingredients that I noticed. I ordered the smoked burrata to start. The balance between the candied pistachio, artichoke pesto, and wagyu cecina really created a well balanced and unexpected dish. The burrata was creamy and the salty and sweet components balanced the aged sherry gastrique and made for an incredible intro to a beautiful performance by the chefs. Next was another small dish, which I wish I remembered the description for (I need to bring a little notebook with me), but it was a perfect segue into the next course, the ibérico presa. Wow. Just wow. White asparagus has got to be one of my favorite vegetables next to artichokes, when done exceptionally well, as they most definitely were. The piquillo peppers and pickled shallots complemented the pork, which was so soft, perfectly. I definitely died and went to heaven at this point in the meal. This is probably when I should've stopped eating because after this point, still pure delight, but my poor stomach was soooooo full. Next was another small bite to lead into my next course, also incredible. Wish I could describe it. My next course was the European sea bass. Now, sea bass is my favorite fish of all time. The perfectly crisp skin, the red onion jam, the spicy sweet balance was perfection. I loved every bite. The olive oil potatoes were a perfect complement. And at this point, I was bursting at the seems... but I still ordered dessert, because you only live once and food is one of the great joys of life. For dessert, I had the crema. The honeycomb on top, the cherries, all leading to a perfect finish. A time was had. Thanks El Five

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    El Five - Dining Room

    Dining Room

    El Five - Lamb Skewers

    Lamb Skewers

    El Five - Juniper Jones cocktail. Don't be a fool and pour in the tonic. Enjoy the infused flavors of the rosemary with the gin.

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    Juniper Jones cocktail. Don't be a fool and pour in the tonic. Enjoy the infused flavors of the rosemary with the gin.

    Zocalito Latin Bistro - calamari salad

    Zocalito Latin Bistro

    4.1(204 reviews)
    3.9 miCBD, Northwest
    $$

    We came upon this beautiful restaurant while walking around Denver last night. We went in and we're…read moreamazed by the beautiful decorations and how friendly everyone was. The chef prepared skirt steak and Kurobuta pork tenderloin for us let me tell you that was the best meal I've ever had! Finished off with chocolate mousse and oh my heaven! They even sat and talked to us about all different things. I commented on how clean the kitchen was and got to check that out as well. If you're in Denver this is definitely the place to eat! Compliments to them! Thank you for making our first night in Denver wonderful!!

    Went to dinner here on the recommendation of friends. We had an enjoyable time thanks to Zocalito…read more There were two people working on a Thursday night. One in the kitchen, the chef and one bartender who was also the server and host for the evening. There were several guests and a larger party as well, but somehow they managed to keep up with everyone's wants and needs. I'm impressed! I selected the grilled prawns for dinner. The prawns were cooked perfectly. The chilcosle sauce was very tasty and yes, it was spicy, but not overwhelming. As Goldilocks would say, "it was just right". To end the meal, the group selected the banana split for dessert. YUM! I hadn't had banana split in years, and this one was excellent. Great dining experience with comfy seats both inside and out. Definitely recommend and next time I will have to try the rellenos as those are a frequent recommendation for Zocalito!

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    Zocalito Latin Bistro - Bar area

    Bar area

    Zocalito Latin Bistro - Chicken peanut mole

    Chicken peanut mole

    Zocalito Latin Bistro - I wanted to take Freddy home!

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    I wanted to take Freddy home!

    Toro - Lomo Saltado

    Toro

    4.4(362 reviews)
    3.0 miCherry Creek, Southeast

    Stellar restaurant with amazing, inventive food and fantastic ambiance and service…read more I went with a few people and some of our favorites Filet - while not in the Latin theme of this restaurant, just stellar Lomo - stir-fry tenderloin on amazing rice Chicken - Latin inspired spices done really well Ceviche - many different options, all unique and well done Corn Soup - poured tableside, one of the best I had The Bomba Dessert is a great presentation but the mismatch of flavors and textures just did not work for us. Yuzu Cake - fantastic texture and taste Lava Cake - was giving off unusual banana notes Definitely a place that I will return. Valet parking available as well as meter and further free street parking.

    Great dinner at Toro Latin Kitchen with a large group, and everyone left happy…read more We started with the sweet corn empanadas, the clear highlight of the apps, sweet, warm, and perfectly crisp on the outside. Beef tartare was close behind, finely diced and well-seasoned. The guacamole was fresh and chunky, the prawns had a nice char, and the Amarillo ceviche brought a bright, citrusy heat from the aji amarillo peppers that balanced beautifully against the cool, tender fish. But the real highlight of the night was the steaks. My skirt steak was cooked perfectly, well-charred outside and tender inside, paired with the potatoes three ways, crispy, creamy, and roasted, each with its own texture and seasoning. Even better was the tomahawk ribeye, flambéed tableside in mezcal, a great bit of theater with a smoky, slightly sweet flame that infused the meat. I got lucky enough to try a bite. Rich, buttery, and delicious with heavy rosemary. A real treat. Service was a bit spotty for our group. I won't go into details, but our server disappeared for long stretches and it took a long time to finally get our entrees. This was likely because of our specific server.

    Photos
    Toro - Interior

    Interior

    Toro - The El Ritual was calabaza en tacha cream, caramelized phyllo, mandarin chocolate sauce, Palo Santo smoke and vanilla ice cream.

    The El Ritual was calabaza en tacha cream, caramelized phyllo, mandarin chocolate sauce, Palo Santo smoke and vanilla ice cream.

    Toro - For welcome cocktails we had Pineapple Mezcal Sours made with mezcal, pineapple, lime agave, Palo Santo bitters & egg white.

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    For welcome cocktails we had Pineapple Mezcal Sours made with mezcal, pineapple, lime agave, Palo Santo bitters & egg white.

    The 9th Door Capitol Hill - Tapas Frios Salmon

    The 9th Door Capitol Hill

    4.2(362 reviews)
    3.9 miCapitol Hill, Southwest
    $$

    My husband introduced me to this restaurant for a date night. We had a great experience and loved…read moreit - the food, location and staff! So much so, that I returned a few months later with a friend before watching the Harry Potter play at DPAC. And AGAIN last night with my husband, sister, mom and her dance instructor and best friend. They are visiting from Atlanta to compete in a ballroom dance competition this weekend. Our waiter was impressive and he managed us well! First drinks, then specials and a handful of tapas while our last guest arrived. Followed by a full on tapas conquest to try every single dish (without seafood). The staff brought several dishes at a time, ensuring we weren't overwhelmed with too many at one time. Perfectly timing the next round of tapas, with new dinner plates, and the next round of drinks. Our waters were consistently topped off. It was a lot! We were a handful! Our waiter (Christian S) knew exactly what to do. Exactly what drinks to recommend. Exactly which tapas and desserts to recommend. Exactly what to say to make us laugh. He rounded out the experience to ensure it was a perfect evening! Thank you Christian! These were some of the highlights: Pan with the homemade salsa verde as well as the pan de tomato The pork with manchego, pepper special was divine! As well as the chicken with garbanzos! Amazing flavor and sauces. The ham, Salchicha, chorizo, olives tray was incredible Other amazing tapas included beets, mushrooms, Spanish tortilla, patatas bravas, meatballs/albondigas, carrot salad, chicken croquetas and the salmon special Followed by churros with chocolate, flan and crema catalana for dessert. It was a delicious meal with a wonderful staff! We would highly recommend and we will definitely return! My only regret is we didn't take pictures of the food except the first one! Beets with Valencia orange and lemon (not sure on the exact name). It was so flavorful, as were all the tapas! Wow! Best meal in Denver we've had in a while! Thank you 9th Door staff, chefs, and Christian!

    The Ninth Door to Spanish Serenity (and a Secret Time Machine)…read more For my very first night in Denver, my local "foodie" friends led the way to 9th Door, and it was the perfect introduction to the city's dining scene. After a heavy lunch, the prospect of Spanish tapas was exactly what I needed--light, social, and full of variety. The Experience Since my friends are regulars, I let them take the reins on ordering. We started with sangria for the table, which set a relaxed, celebratory tone for the evening. The tapas that followed were all impeccably sized and flavorful. The Standout: I was pleasantly surprised by the dates. It's a dish I might not ordinarily choose myself, but it ended up being a highlight of the meal. The Vibe: The atmosphere is "buzzing" in the best way possible. It has an inviting layout with a mix of bar seating, tables, and cozy booths that create a "friends among friends" energy. The "Speakeasy" Aesthetic What really sets this place apart is the ambiance. It has a distinct speakeasy feel that makes you feel as though you've stepped back in time. It's sophisticated yet unpretentious--a rare balance to strike. The Verdict If you're looking for a spot to decompress after a high-velocity work week, this is it. It's a relaxing, high-quality environment that focuses on great conversation and even better food. I'll certainly be back next time I'm in town!

    Photos
    The 9th Door Capitol Hill - 9th Door, Denver's best kept secret

    9th Door, Denver's best kept secret

    The 9th Door Capitol Hill - Calamari

    Calamari

    The 9th Door Capitol Hill - Tapas Caliente Pork

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    Tapas Caliente Pork

    Lucina Eatery & Bar - latin - Updated September 2026

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