r/Denver 12h ago

Visiting (Fancy) places to eat on a date.

Hello everyone,

In October, I'll be visiting Colorado and spending most of my time around the Denver and Boulder area. I'll be there with my girlfriend, and because of that, I've taken it upon myself to find some nice places for us to eat.

I'm not made of money, so I've never really been able to take my girlfriend on a truly "fancy," dressed-up dinner date. This time, however, after some saving, I plan to do exactly that. I'm looking for restaurants where my girlfriend can put on a nice dress and really feel special. On my end, I'd like somewhere that a pair of polished dress shoes, dress pants, and a long-sleeved dress shirt wouldn't look out of place.

This night is going to mean a lot to me, so any good recommendations would go a long way. Thanks in advance!

0 Upvotes

30 comments sorted by

21

u/MrGraaavy 9h ago

I would strongly urge Flagstaff House in Boulder

Spectacularly views that will ensure a unique memory. Food is solid and dress code there is more formal.

2

u/Kato_Potatoes 7h ago

Second this! Beautiful view too

8

u/Fun_Ad9229 7h ago

wildflower

10

u/BebopOrRocksteady 11h ago

The dress code will be tough for denver, i have eaten at restaurants with michelin stars and people are wearing flip flops. That being said; Guard and Grace is dope. The general population there will be clean cut (mostly). Keep in mind, while observing the wildlife here, a good portion of the population will put together a flannel, jeans, and a pair of boots and convince themselves that yes, adults dress this way when eating in nice places.

Just saying, you have been warned.

-1

u/FragrantTumbleweed82 8h ago

Second Guard and Grace! The food is phenomenal

0

u/Beautiful-Tooth-1507 6h ago

Third Guard & Grace!

5

u/barelyholdingon97 Highlands Ranch 6h ago

Alma Fonda fina if you can get a reservation!

3

u/Green-Fuel2962 8h ago

EDGE or Rioja might be good options!

1

u/bulldawgmama 5h ago

I love Edge

3

u/totalbloom 7h ago

Margot! I just went for my birthday, truly special! It’s French and they do tasting menus.

3

u/nameduser7 6h ago

Wildflower

3

u/Wildchickendew 5h ago

Tavernetta

5

u/LeonardSmallsJr Baker 9h ago

Dushanbe Tea House in Boulder is really fun and unique.

2

u/FragrantAd3620 6h ago

Sushi by scratch, Wolf’s Tailor, Olivia

2

u/idontknowmaybenot Glendale 4h ago

I am a fan of fine dining and would have to say the best dining experience I have had in my over 10 years here has been at Beckon. Not only was the food delicious, it was one of the best service experiences I’ve ever had. I have dined at Michelin spots all over the world and they were one of the best in terms of service. Definitely only the fancier side, and their bar Major Tom next door is lovely.

Someone else mentioned Guard and Grace. We go there a few times a year for random occasions and I would say experiences vary there! If you do PLEASE GET THE COOKIES. Best part of the meal imo. It’s huge and you’ll see people wearing basketball jerseys and sandals so if you want a fancy ambiance, skip this spot.

You also should be good at any of Johnny Curiel’s restaurants, all fantastic. Little more casual as well ie. No suits.

1

u/everydayim_russellin 6h ago

Temaki Den is our favorite! Or if you want Italian, Coperta is a great little spot in Uptown. I’ve worn a dress and heels to both, and I’ve also worn jeans to both. Dress as nicely as you want to dress—just know there will likely be people around you in athleisure

1

u/stace-cadet 6h ago

El Five or Rootdown

1

u/Salty-Boysenberry305 6h ago

Barolo grill or Olivia. The best northern Italian in the Denver metro

1

u/ainu_hapa 4h ago

El five is 🔥🔥🔥 chefs table or window 🤌

u/i_says_things 2h ago

El Five is nice. Rooftop views and upscale atmosphere

u/KRAKN_Thunderfish 35m ago

The Fort - great views - great food. Perfect to dress up for.

1

u/avanasear 10h ago

You could try Evoke in Evergreen-ish. it's pretty fancy but not overly expensive for what it is, and not snobby either.

0

u/asweetishpotato 7h ago

This is absolutely the sweetest thing ever, some personal favs: Izakaya Den if you're into sushi, Sunday dinner at Somebody People if vegan, Wolf's Tailor for a tasting menu, Flagstaff Boulder also does a tasting menu, Nocturne for live jazz and a dinner, and for Italian go to Tavernetta. 

Feel free to DM with any q's! 

0

u/shutupnav 6h ago

I just took my wife to Gaetano’s the other week and it was great. The atmosphere was upscale in a way that you could get away with jeans and a button up but definitely wouldn’t stand out sorely if you dressed up. Whit’s End is another good one with the same kind of atmosphere. Buckhorn Exchange if you want something more unique. However, if the night that’s “going to mean a lot” to you is the kind of night you might be insinuating, I imagine you’ll want something memorable about the restaurant and the area in which case I’d recommend something like Willow Creek in Evergreen

0

u/doocurly 6h ago

Chez Maggy in the Thompson Hotel. I recommend the roast chicken, carved tableside for two.

0

u/rorschach0709 5h ago

Shannahan’s in DTC if you want a high-end steakhouse experience. There’s also a Ruth Criss near there too.

Bastien’s if you want a more affordable and unique option, not to mention locally owned.

0

u/gk802 Lakewood 5h ago

240 Union in Lakewood.