The 4 Best Restaurants For Solo Dining by Jason Nygren
In his first article for Cherry Creek Fashion, Writer JASON NYGREN writes about the four best restaurants for solo dining.
As a twenty-year resident of Denver, and a decade long resident of Cherry Creek North, I’ve found comfort that Denver has a small-town vibe. Not that Denver is small, but living in this neighborhood has lent itself to creating community. I live in ‘sames’… same coffee shop, same grocery store, same restaurants, and most importantly, same people. I truly appreciate seeing all the regulars in my life.
Prior to Denver life, small-town Nebraska ‘born and raised me’ and Minneapolis was home for 5 years in-between. My life has been filled with play from day one and its been my quest to keep it that way ever since. I coach basketball, travel for golf and food, raise my teenage son, and keep it moving.
Enjoy my recommendations and see you in the neighborhood…
1: HILLSTONE
ATMOSPHERE: This is the one place in my rotation that creates a table-like experience while sitting at the bar. Yes, the bar is open seating but the bartenders are great at making it seem like you had a reservation. The open seating space is small and the high tops have limited service, but Hillstone always brings the high level of service that you expect. The wait for bar spots is not as lengthy as other the others but this is likely due to people coming for a table, and not for dinner at the bar. Despite the table dining feel, Hillstone is still a place that has high energy every time I’ve visited. It’s the place where I see more neighborhood friends than other spots.
MENU: Hillstone has the sneakiest Rainbow Roll that no one sees coming. In fact, they have a number of Sushi options which I didn’t expect but they are really well done for a restaurant that’s not on South Pearl. The burger is also a can’t miss option. I’m not saying it’s the only place to get a burger in the neighborhood but it certainly can stand against the others. If you’re seeking comfort, the Filet never disappoints. Also, I’m not from Maryland but, the jumbo crab cakes with coleslaw it a solid way to bring a little NorEast to your evening.
RISK: The risk here is timing. If energy is in your search, stick to the early side of happy hour. The bar will be spinning with cocktails and you’ll see someone you know. Catch a seat later in the evening and you find a more ‘wind down’ vibe. A great option for a whisky sipper to close out your night. 303 Josephine St, Denver, CO 80206
2: NORTH
ATMOSPHERE: With probably the largest bar area of any the restaurants I frequent, one would think seating here is an easy task. Not so much from Thursday to Sunday. The unique part of North is not only the large bar but it also offers communal seating. I’m not sure if people like or loathe this option but the fact that these are usually the least available seats reinforces my faith in humanity. The willingness for folks to sit exceptionally close to someone while dining is a true test of comfortable silences. My only question of the communal table is, do I sit across from, or next to? Is this a thing? It seems as divisive a topic as toilet paper roll over, or under. Certainly, a Seinfeld episode that was never written.
MENU: My apologies to your Italian Grandmother but… best chicken parm around. Try it first, then @ me. The other sneaky good option is Spaghetti and Meatballs. Simple for sure, but not typical. On the lighter side opt for the Seasonal Vegetable Salad, add some chicken if you’re hungry. And the happy hour… a choice of pizza, bruschetta, or chef’s board, and a bottle of wine for the price of an entrée? I’m IN. I love it when a restaurant makes the decisions for me.
RISK: As mentioned above, the risk could be sitting uncomfortably close to someone new but I like to think of this as a reward. Most, not all, times when next to someone at the bar or communal table, good things happen. Good talks, random connections, locals I recognize, and a staff that keeps the drinks full and the food arrival surprising sudden. 190 Clayton Lane, Denver CO 80206
3: ANGELOS on 6th
ATMOSPHERE: Go any night of the week, anytime from the first happy hour through the second (yes, two happy hours) and you will find bar buzzing 2-3 people deep. I’ve stopped being surprised that Angelos remains busy, even on the historically slowest nights. Their draw likely starts with the ‘feel-good food’ menu (I’ll cover this in a minute) and continues because of the staff. From my day one visit, from owner to food runner, everyone is engaged. Eye contact, short hellos acknowledging they remember you, and an offering from the bar to pour your drink on memory. And, just like every other bar/restaurant, they have their share of regulars (I’m prob one of them) but everyone I’ve spoken to from the first visit to many, always makes the claim… ‘you must try this place!’.
MENU: Pizza named after Red Hot Chili Peppers songs (Sir Psycho Sexy if you want all the things), Oysters served seven ways to Sunday; On the half, chargrilled (4 options), fried, fried on a slider, and all shucked right in front of you at the bar. Handmade pasta for days, first-timers should try the Bolognese, and if you want a savvy pivot, Salmon and Risotto. Oh, and when you arrive and order a glass of their own Carboy wine on tap, get the Burrata. Sorta like ‘leave the gun, take the cannoli’ but different.
RISK: The risk at Angelos is that someone will likely chat you up. The Bartender, the couple on a date sitting next to you, or the regular asking if you live in the neighborhood. This is the part that makes my return visit a lock. If you’re not into talking to the person next to you, if you’d rather be left alone, if you don’t like sincerely warm staff, the bar seats here are probably not your gig. 620 E 6th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
4: NARRATIVE
ATMOSPHERE: The fish bowl! I’ve heard it referred to this only because of the wall of windows, which gives Narrative an open, outdoor vibe, while inside. And, like other places I seek out, grabbing a seat at the bar will require a bit of observation and strategy. Showing up and snagging a chair immediately won’t like happen from Wednesday to Saturday, any time near happy hour. Hang on the corner but don’t hover, order a drink and join some of the best people watching in the neighborhood.
MENU: I’m a Midwest kid and I’ve always been a sucker for deviled eggs. Narrative may have the best version of this simple starter. Staying on the small plate vibe, brussels sprouts always seem to be a fave wherever I go and Narrative comes through with two different versions, both worth their weight in keto gold. Narrative makes it easy to go light or go big with options from the Jacq Burger to Shrimp & Grits to Gnocchi mac’n Cheese.
RISK: If it’s summer and Wednesday or Thursday, don’t expect to sit quickly. The social activities in our neighborhood take on a scene of their own mid-week, and Narrative seems to be a hub for said activity.
So there it is… a few options for those that want to get out but don’t always have a sidekick. There are a number of other options of course and I’m sure you have your own favorites to recommend. The bottom line is, we live in a high energy city with food options for days. Get out of the house, go somewhere different, meet someone new and listen to their story… our town deserves to be heard. 222 Milwaukee St, Denver, CO 80206
Jason Nygren: @jasonnygren