Chinook Tavern has been the setting of two very productive committee / lunch meetings and I could not be more grateful. Â I searched for a restaurant that offered reservations, good food, and a quiet atmosphere in the south part of the metro area and found Chinook. Â Boy, am I glad I did!
The first time I visited, it was snowing and our server explained their daily ravioli special in mouth-watering detail. Â Everyone at the table had ravioli, some special, some regular menu Wild Mushroom variety. Â Everyone LOVED it. Â The portions were generous (we each took home half), the flavors delightful, and the meal was completely satisfying.
Oh, and we completed our committee meeting goals, too! Â Due to the very low volume level we were all able to have a conversation and HEAR what we were talking about!
The service has been very friendly and welcoming on both occasions from start to finish. Â Efficient, knowledgeable, and inviting. Â Thanks, Chinook, I'll be back!
Horrible service- We simply wanted a couple of glasses of wine for happy hour. We were sat at a table that apparently was already reserved (she pointed us our table instead of taking us to it). We were kicked out by the guests shortly after.  We had to go back in and find the hostess and she pointed out a table for us again.  It took 15 minutes for a server to arrive.  She was saying rude things to us, I think she was trying to be sarcastic.  Tip:  Don't try and be sarcastic before you have recovered the guest!  The wind ended up causing my wine to spill all over me.  We had to try and find some napkins with little success but my friends eventually brought me some. Another 10 minutes later our waitress came by. I had to tell her what happened.  She said  "Darn mother nature" and walked away.  Do I need to say more?
Review Source:Like a lot of the reviews say great food horrible service. I went here on my lunch break the other day and I thought since it was after 2pm we would be able to get in and out within 1 hour. Clearly I was wrong. I understand it takes time to prepare a great meal however all we ordered was Calamari, French Onion Soup, and the Blackened Chicken Sandwich. I was a server for over 6 years and I know it shouldn't take an hour to receive these items unless the server forgot to ring something in. I'm not 100% sure that's what happened but that would make the most sense since the kitchen was most likely not busy. Our server also never brought us appetizer plates for our bread or calamari so we had to ask another server that was passing by. Based on the ambiance and pricing at this restaurant I was expecting a little above average service to match the food that is being served. There are so many other great options in this area don't waste your time and leave disappointed like me and obviously many others that work around here.
Review Source:During Denver Restaurant Week, we wanted to order signature drinks after we were seated at a dining table. After we asked for the signature cocktail menu, the waiter did not offer to bring one and just said they could make anything. Â So, I tried to see the drink menu on their website on my iPhone. Â When we tried to order a few signature drinks, our first THREE drinks were out! Â This was at 6:30pm on Saturday. Now I know why the waiter did not offer to bring the menu.
The waiter asked if we wanted him to bring bread. Â It sounded like if we really want bread or not. Â I thought a restaurant would bring bread without questioning patrons. Â He brought two small rolls in a BIG basket for us. Â Maybe he should have served it on our bread plate, instead of bringing in a basket.
Food was decent. The service was below average. I wish that food and service would be much better to meet with their upscale image.
Let's start with the positives. Food is pretty good, not off the charts, but decent. Â The decor is pretty chic and it's spacious inside, so you get lots of privacy. And that's it. Service is HORRIBLE. Stunningly so. Waited about 20 minutes for someone to come to our table (restaurant was fairly empty, even during restaurant week). No bread was offered or served during our long wait. Apps arrived. Still no wine. 4 minutes later entrees arrived and then no fewer than 4 people tried to take our apps (which we had just started). "are you done?" Same thing happened with entrees. "Are you done, finished, can I clear that?" So rude. Are you finished with that?" Ugh. After we finished our entrees, aout 20 minutes till we saw our waitress who looked generally annoyed to have to ask about dessert. Dessert was ok, bill came "Do you want to pay that now because I have to go do a few other things." Â Seriously. You get better service in IHOP. Chinook, if you are going to charge what you do for your food, step it up and get some trained wait staff. I will never be back. Plenty of other places to eat with better food and classier service.
Review Source:I have been here a few times. Â The atmosphere is fantastic. Â Its a nice place for lunch meetings as the place is spacious and not very loud. Â I really appreciate the spacing of the tables as you don't feel like you are sharing your meal with the people next to you. Â
The food is tasty. Â I generally order the German dishes and have not been disappointed. Â The Rote Grutze is yummy. Â
The only down side is the staff is not quite top notch, but they are very worthy of 4 stars. Â I have never had bad service, but I have been to numerous restaurants that are a step above. Â A little more polish on the staff and this place would get 5 stars from me.
First visit, it took the waiter 25 minutes to take our order. We received no bread or drinks until we had been sitting there for 15 minutes. We had to rush through out lunch to make it back for an afternoon appointment.
Second - and will be the last - visit I ordered a simple salad with chicken to go. Granted I didn't check the salad before I left to head back across the street in the blowing snow, but I trusted (wrongfully) that it would be correct. I get back to the office and there is no chicken on my salad. I go back to the restaurant and I'm met with "she didn't hear you say chicken". Once they get the chicken added to my salad, the waiter literally shoves the salad in my face and walks away.
Absolutely terrible!
This is a really good tech center happy hour choice. Â The happy hour food is all pretty good and the atmosphere is cool. Â I had called ahead because there was a large group of us and they actually reserved a portion of the lounge for us with couches and tables. Â This is pretty rare for a bar to do and I was pleased. Â Another plus is that they serve their Moscow Mules in copper, which I think makes all the difference, but could just make me look cooler. Â Lots of professionals after work in here, good vibe for us who are getting to be older but still just as fun as we were in our 20's.
Review Source:Went here with a big group of about a dozen from work and the manager relocated us to a quieter section as we were originally seated by a large party of 40 plus and we could not hear each other over the crowd - he was accommodating and we appreciated it. The happy hour was decent however they were out of several of the happy hour food items (plenty of booze though)... Â We were bummed about the featured happy hour items being gone and settled on some pizzas which were OK. Â Parking can be tricky but there is plenty farther down the road although it was a tad desolate walking to my car alone (buddy system recommended). I also like that their HH runs until 6:30- the extra half hour is welcome.
This location is super close to my work so an easy place for a DTC meet up.
I was wined and dined here on business. Thank goodness because I caught a glimpse of the $150+ bill for two of us at the end... They only offer German beer, which I am still confused about as the place is called Chinook. Anyhow, the beer was delicious. The ambiance was fantastic - beautiful and classily rustic.
Review Source:We paid $170 for dinner which consisted of thinly pounded beef and chicken and some veggies we cooked ourselves on a George foreman style grill and poured melted cheese over and dipped in sauce plus bread and veggies dipped in cheese. Â The atmosphere was stunning but next time we'll try the restaurant where they cook the food.
Review Source:On 14 Dec 2012, my office had our Holiday Party at Chinook Tavern. Â Although we scheduled the rooms two months in advance (16 Oct), we had several issues as this establishment, making it to the worst party we have had in the history of our organization - and making me (the office POC for the party) extremely embarrassed that I ever picked this place (even though all mishaps were out of my control). Â We are an AF organization that puts a lot of time into planning our annual party - but we were of no priority or concern to the restaurant. Â Here is a list of all the things that went wrong:
1) Two days before the party (12 Dec) I went in to pay the event coordinator we were working with for the food. Â While there I found out that they took away one of the rooms we had rented and booked another party in it. Â Obviously this upset me (since now 52 people were squished in a room that held 40 comfortably). Â They never gave me any heads up that they had rebooked the 2nd room and when I complained to the event coordinator (Clemens) he told me that he had originally sad we could have both rooms IF they were AVAILABLE. Â That is a flat-out lie. Â I also have the contract showing we had two rooms. Â It said nothing about them having to be available. Â They were obviously available when I booked them back in October.
2) I had paid for 52 people and had given Clemens their menu choices. Â When I got there, we found name tents with the food choices for 46 people. Â So at the last minute we were scrambling through the list to figure out who they didn't make tags for. Â Not a HUGE deal - just another example of their lazy quality of work.
3) In addition to that, they only had enough seats set for 50 people (even though I had paid for 52). Â So last minute we scrambled around to find enough room to place the last 2 people. Â
4) When I initially looked at the room, there is a big screen TV in it. Â I was told that it would be no problem to bring in a video to play during lunch. Â Well that Wednesday I was told I would have to bring in an IPOD for our Christmas music (which I had already made several CDs for) and a laptop to play the movie. Â Again, not a huge deal - just wish they were honest about it in the first place. Â Would have saved me a lot of work. Â And just to NOTE -the people working there don't know how to use that equipment so it took 20 awkward minutes to get the movie started. Â AND Clemens was NEVER around to help. Â (Although he'll tell you, we'll take care of this, or that - just be aware you'll have to do everything yourself).
5) The food was scheduled to be served at 12:45, and wasn't severed until 1:45 (an HOUR late). Â Needless to say, it was an embarrassment and my coworkers were extremely irritated. Â But at least it was warm. Â The party next to us got cold food (I know this because there was a line of people complaining about several issues - all parties were unhappy from what I could tell).
6) One of the choices on the menu was a grilled chicken salad. Â NO ONE'S salad had chicken on it. Â
7) They had brought us in a small personal bar - but the bartender was there less than half of the time. Â So, we had to go out to the main bar to purchase several drinks. Â When we had done that, we found out they were actually cheaper at the regular bar - they were upcharging us in the room for drinks.
8) Everytime the music went off or was turned up too loud, etc- you had to hunt down someone in the restaurant to help. Â They would say "I'll get right on turning down the music" and never would.
All in all, the customer service was TERRIBLE (not from the servers but from management and the events coordinator). Â The events coordinator is lazy and scatter minded. Â I wouldn't trust him to plan any event. Â We have done many holiday party events at several places and have never had such a disaster occur. Â We will not be going back and just want to warn those that are planning any kind of large party event to look elsewhere. Â This place doesn't have a clue what they are doing. Â As we were leaving, I talked to the owner about all the issues we had and how disappointed I was, and his response was "you should shut up and just be happy. Â It's Christmas." Â I said "well, I would have been happy if I got the service I paid for, but now I'll just be happy to get out of here and never come back" and he said "good riddance!" Â Wow. Â So my entire group left the party early and went to a happy hour at a much better location down the street (Jing) where service was great! Â Also (just to note) the owners, events planner and head chef at Chinook are all are related. Â So they won't do anything about your complaints. Â If you use this place, I hope you have better luck- and I'm sorry (in advance). Â Looking forward to seeing this place go out of business one day soon so they can put something worth eating at in that location.
I went to the Chinook a few months ago to get a beer and do some catching up on email. Â Service was super congenial, I got a LITER STEIN of Paulaner Salvatore that was bigger than my ass, and chilled. Â It was bad ass. Â Cliff's Notes version is I want to go here again and spend some more time seeing what else they have to offer.
Review Source:Worst service I've ever experienced. We went for happy hour and got there before the rush however the short bar manager with dark hair was rude and had an attitude because I asked to move a chair 5 ft from the side of the bar to the midsection of the bar. Then when we attempted to order a drink from the bartender with long long white blonde hair who already flashed a dirty look because I wasn't ready to order couldn't even tell me the different beers on draft. Her explanation was oh a pilsner, a couple dark beers and a stout. Really? And more attitude when I asked for the beer menu. But it didn't end there. They served me a warm martini in a plastic cup. Disgusting! Their only saving grave was a bartender with a smile that knew exactly how to clean up their mess. I will never be going back there and will be letting the group that I was there for about the horrible experience, all 1000+ people. I don't think this place will be open too much longer so don't bother. It's also very cold and industrial looking area. So many other places that serve great food and drinks, decent prices and nice atmosphere I'd rather spend my time and money.
Review Source:Not impressed with this place at all. We were looking forward to trying Chinook for somewhere new and fun. The customer service was horrible, they seemed to be "out of" or "didn't carry" many things, we had to keep asking for basic things like to have our water refreshed or to have another cocktail. The food was so so, but for the price, it's definitely not wort it. I would never go back here again.
Review Source:One of the nicer restaurants in the Tech Center and more upscale then I expected. The bar area is a bit more casual and a great place for the after-work crowd. I split appetizers and dinner with some friends and everything was quite good. We had the fried brie and almond crusted shrimp cakes for appetizers and apple wood grilled porcini dusted beef tenderloin and hand cut agnolotti for the main course. All were wonderfully prepared. The have an extensive wine list as well.
The restaurant is fancier than where I would normally dine and was filled with an older crowd (50+), which is certainly not bad, just not my normal scene. Parents would probably love this place.
The Chinook Tavern is located in a very business like area which is a little odd for an upscale place like this. It's definitely not your cozy little hideaway.
I grew up in Germany and the restaurant is owned and managed by two German brothers. I don't consider their creations German cooking though. If so it is definitely adapted to this part of the Atlantic Ocean.
Their website tells you about the extensive training of the chef. That doesn't mean you have to like everything on the menu but I'd suggest that he puts a little more thought into his creations than someone just hired out of school. It also explains why a Wiener Schnitzel on their menu costs a stiff $26.
My personal favorite is the duck confit pizza which is also much more affordable. It is very tasty and filling.
I love that the deserts are being presented to you on a tray before you order. That's classy plus you know what you are getting yourself into.
The ambience is a very unique style of modern with traditional elements like lots of wood. The bar and the patio are nice hangout places. They certainly made the best out of being in the first floor of a commercial office building.
Some reviewers have complained about the service and I'd have to disagree. Everyone from the manager to the waiters has always been treating me very nicely. I look at this as a two way conversation similar to being on an airplane. Whatever you put out there is what's coming back to you. I hardly ever get bad service, that's because I do my part as well. Let's remember that we as patrons are dealing  with people and not objects :)
Long story short: I'll be back.
My work is within walking distance of Chinook, so we decided to walk over on a nice spring day to treat an interviewee to lunch. Upon walking in we were stunned how big this place was, and how most of the people in our office have no idea it exists. The decor is very tasteful and modern, and was a great space to have a nice lunch and chat. Their menu is small to medium sized, but has quite the variety. I had the Pork Jaeger Schnitzel with spaetzle and sauteed Brussels sprouts. The schnitzel was tender (could have used more breading though) and the wild mushroom sauce tasty, but the spaetzle was absolutely delicious! And the Brussels sprouts were seasoned and cooked perfectly - also delicious! My colleagues had the burger and Colorado chicken, and both looked quite good as well.
Although Chinook may look a bit pricy at first, it's really not when you compare the quality and uniqueness of some of the dishes to many mid-level chain restaurants. It was the perfect location to host a business lunch in the DTC, and the service was spot on. May not have been the best schnitzel I've ever had, but the whole package combined earns Chinook 4-stars.
Although the food was attractive and flavorful, the service was horrible.
The server was rude, arrogant, and sloppy. Soup bowls were cleared over my guests head, the server talked back to my guests as they asked questions or made requests, and simply acted annoyed that we were there. The server also argued with one of my guests about what he ordered as she dropped the WRONG plate of food in front of him. Â OUTRAGEOUS!!! Â
The service would probably be better at the local Applebees, or Burger King perhaps. For an average of $15 per plate for lunch, I expect a WHOLE LOT MORE.
I will never, NEVER return to this restaurant and I will warn all my friends about it also.
DO NOT GO HERE!
Chinook is a short walk from my new office building so it's an easy destination for lunch. They have a nice interior and the ambiance is friendly and relaxed.
The lunch menu is very limited and mostly lies in the sandwich realm. I had the BLT, which was served on some flatbread. It was actually really good.
The service was also excellent. The waitress came by quite often to check on us.
I've heard the happy hours are really happening hear, so I'll give that a shot next time!
I came to Chinook to attend a group business dinner, and was fairly impressed. Â The decor is quite pleasant, with lots of exposed wood beams as well as a wood floor. Â There are large punches of bright color throughout, and some rather eclectic knicky-knacks that are equally colorful. Â The dangling light fixtures add a nice touch of sparkling whimsy. Â Our dinner meeting was conducted in one of the private rooms, which was well-insulated and quiet.
The service throughout dinner was unobtrusive and efficient. Â One of the waiters cracked some corny and lighthearted jokes, and since I'm a sucker for corn, he had me laughing. Â I was a little disappointed that they didn't make much of an effort to refill wine glasses throughout the dinner, but perhaps that arrangement had been pre-arranged by our hosts. Â Darn.
Since it was a business dinner, we didn't have access to the full menu, and were only given a selection of entrees from which to choose (the salad and dessert were selected in advance). Â I chose the Ruby Trout while my husband opted for the Jaeger Schnitzel. Â The salad was a grilled romaine, which was complemented nicely by the drizzle of tangy dressing. Â The trout was nicely prepared, as was the schnitzel. Â If you're not a big fan of creamy sauces, the schnitzel may not be the best option for you. Â It was fairly drowning in the sauce, but if you shovel it aside to get to the meat, you can at least control your calorie consumption a little bit.
I was disappointed by the dessert - a macerated berry mixture in a ramekin topped with creme fraiche. Â It was like eating jam. Â Increasing the number of whole berries would've helped.
I'm glad I now know about Chinook, and would actually like to return to explore the full menu.
I was there for a dinner when they first opened and everything was pretty good.
And, having been to the Chinook of years past in Cherry Creek, this place has a VERY different feel. Â Â Very pretty and clean, but I was expecting more of the old ambiance (communal dining table in the bar). Â
I hate to say this, but I was there for lunch last week and ordered the Reuben, expecting a lot. Â Â All I'm going to say is that the Smiling Moose makes a WAY better Reuben for half the price. Â (I'm not being fair since Chinook is much nicer restaurant and Smiling Moose is a sandwich joint. Â Comparing banans to pineapples). (I need to be fair - the corned beef was kinda dry, very little thousand island or cheese. Â Bread didn't hold up to the meat in the sandwich). Â My lunch companion got the lobster BLT with avocado. Â Â He was very happy with his meal and it was beautiful.
Great food, great atmosphere...not your standard restaurant since it is evident that time was taken when making decisions. Food options are unique/special. The layout is great (large bar area, special fondue/racalette area, "meeting room", coffee/lounge space) and I can't wait until the warmer weather since I think they may have outdoor seating.
I enjoy their happy hour and great energy.Go check it out and see for yourself!
We also enjoyed Chinook when it was in Cherry Creek and very excited they are now in our "hood". Seven of us dined last Friday night and from that experience we have 2 tips: if you have a large group, ask in advance for a round table (better for conversations than a long narrow table). And ask for a more seasoned waiter. They have an abundance of both - but apparently you have to ask for them. That is exactly what the hostess said when we asked to be moved. We dropped some serious jack for dinner and drinks and our waiter was very young and very inexperienced. The timing was WAY off. At these prices we expect a certain level of service (anyone would). We'll be back, but now we know how the game is played: do your homework and call ahead about the kinds of tables Chinook has and then "ask" for the kind of table best for a group and ask for the kind of service you expect.
Review Source:This past Saturday night I attended my husband's work Christmas Party here.
The decor is swanky and very cool. Â I love the light fixtures. Â Disliked the floor - I had on heels and had to hold on to my husbands arm so that I didn't fall flat on my butt while walking it - it was somewhat slick. Â But I didn't end up on my butt so it was all good.
Since it was a large party (40 or so people) I'm not going to be too harsh on the service. Â It was a little slow and few things were forgotten and we had to ask a couple of times to get but nothing major.
What is better than dipping things in cheese? Â Not a lot. Â We started with Fondue - it is some of the best fondue that I have ever had. Â It had big chunks of mushroom and tons of flavor with nice dipping options (apple, bread, red pepper, broccoli, and whole mushrooms).
The second course was cooking food on the grill top with little pull-out pans under red hot burners. Â You can put a variety of things in the pull-out pans but the best thing was the cheese. Â You put in a slice of cheese and then 1 to 1 1/2 minutes later you pull out the pan and there is melty-goodness waiting to be poured on a variety of items. Â We had chicken, beef, smoky portabella mushrooms, asparagus, grilled onions, sausages to put on the grill. Â The chicken took a long time to cook but it was very tasty. Â The advantage to cooking the beef at the table is that you can have it as well done or rare as you would like - if it gets screwed up it's your own damn fault. Â There were also pickles and par-cooked potatoes. Â The potatoes were yummy with melted cheese poured over them.
They also offer a variety of dipping sauces but they all seemed underwhelming next to all of the great flavors of items that were cooked on the grill. Â There was this one that was banana curry. Â For me this was not a good thing. Â I love banana but then mix it with curry, it was a huge miss-step for me. Â There was a greek sauce and then some other red sauce. Â The mustard for the sausages was nice but then again from the comments at the table the sausages could have been left out and no one would have even missed it.
There was more food than you could shake your fondue fork at. Â I will be putting this on my list to visit again when I'm not there with a party and see the other side of dining.
Hidden location on the Fiddler's Green circle except for the folks who use that Light Rail stop.
Lots of rooms, high ceilings, good lighting. Â Very german style design.
Shannon the bartender is sharp, attentive and friendly.
The jaeger schnitzel is awesome!
Grilled romaine salad is my new favorite.
If you want to get into the holiday mood by all means this place maybe what you need. Â It certainly helped me. Â The decorations are lovely and the tree is funky and fun. Â It is very festive. Â Plus the art work is bright. Â A mixture of contemporary, country and Christmas. Â
I was wondering where I was going to park. Â The parking angel was with me. Â I got a parking place in front. Â I walked into the bar and it was a little busy but didn't know where to go for dinner reservations. Â I wondered around for a bit and finally found someone to help me. Â The restaurant was empty but it was only 530 pm. Â Went back to the bar area till my friend arrived and we went back to the restaurant. Â They sat us and we ordered a bottle of Malbec. Â Very nice.
I had ruby red trout and my friend had short ribs. Â The meat was tender and the trout was very good. Â It was a lovely evening. Â Being with my dearest friend was the best part of the night.
The place quickly filled up and the private room was full of women Doctors. Â I was glad to see so many people because it is in a area surrounded by office buildings. Â From Cherry Creek to here. Â Kind of strange. Â I hope they stay busy.
I've been in twice now. Â The first was the week they opened, Â and I must say I was impressed with the decor. Â There was no sign yet so it was a bit hard to find off the bar/street entrance. Second time we used the garage entrance which truly is a better way to enter the place. Â Having never been to the location in Cherry Creek I was very excited to finally see them open.
We tried the calamari, which was very nice and enjoyed some of the Paulaner's on tap. Watched pizzas and liver and duck arrive next to us which looked great as well. Â
Can honestly say we have yet to get to the main dishes as we stopped in the second time to try the mussels. Â Was not disappointed! Â The French onion soup was fabulous and the chicken mac and cheese very tasty.
Both times we were in it seemed the staff was still workign out some quirks, give them a couple of months and I think they will be the spot to visit in the tech center1
Walking to the light rail from comfort dental, after the awesome Sugarland concert, I stumbled upon this little diddy. It was around 10:15 when we stepped in, and took a seat at a booth, just to grab some drinks. The waitress we had was one of the most friendly people I've met. Â She had great suggestions for beers she thought we would like, and didn't rush us at all.
The weird part was, shortly after we stepped in here, the manager was denying people entry at the door. Â Many people were trying to get in because the concert had just ended. Â The decor of the place, while super cute, seemed a bit snooty looking for a bar... which brings up the question... Is this a bar? Â Upon entering it seemed to be nothing but a bar, since that takes up half of the allotted space. Â However, there is a somewhat hidden dining room so it maybe more of a restaurant. Â After all, the name of this place is Chinook Tavern! Â Since when do Taverns close at 11:00?
Either way, the manager was turning people away at 10:30, and those with me and I ended up feeling rushed to leave, and in fact ended up being the last ones there. Â When returning home, I checked the website to see what the hours were (considering this visit was on a hopping Friday night), and the hours posted are VERY unclear. Â Pretty much there is no closing time? Â They just start dinner at five and that's it? I think it would be in the best interest of the business to post its hours on the door, or to stay open later on a Friday night when comfort dental is a hop and a skip away. Â They seriously have the potential to be earning a lot more money, and making a lot more regulars. I may or may not come back here.
And now for something completely different - I'm writing this review as I sit in the place I'm reviewing on my first visit.
Chinook is a cool little spot. It has beautiful hardwood decor, massive windows, and bright colors, so it's bright and cheery. It's about 4:00 in the afternoon, there's a couple next to us, a three top on the opposite side of the bar, and my friend ands I are typing away on our little laptops. The bartenders are trying to figure out the satellite stations to accommodate a request for some baseball, and we have heard a nice eclectic mix of tunes for the last hour. I am sipping on a Paulaner Pilsner, which makes me happy to see on tap, and my friend has finished a strawberry beer that she quite enjoyed. The managers are extremely friendly, the atmosphere is pleasant and soft, and food that I have seen looks delicious. Alas, I must refrain from sampling solid fare, as I am about to attend a good friends birthday party, but I plan to come back.
Behind the bar is a small selection of liquor and a lovely looking wine cooler. At least twelve tap handles sprout forth from the tower, and the bar itself is clean, spacious and inviting. This place looks like Gordon Ramsey just gave it a makeover. The restaurant is comfy, also well lit, and my friend is softly but excitedly talking about the fondue and raclette that is offered here,
I'm going to go with a tentative 4 stars because of the ambiance, friendliness of the managers, and my friends exuberance, while reserving the right to change the rating when I come back and sample the menu.
Arrived at 7:45 PM after wandering around the concrete and glass emptiness of Fiddler's Green. Entered the restaurant through the bar. The door to the street was propped open by a 2' x3' placard that announced "Chinook Tavern." The circular glass front door did not scream "Enter here..." so we risked entry through the bar. And an attractive bar it was, except for the 50" HDTV with a baseball game blaring out, "The pitcher has the ball, now he scratches..." Not exactly the ambience we expected.
So we wandered around, looking lost and hopeless, hoping some kind soul would volunteer to help the lost couple find their way tot the hostess stand. Â After we arrived there we were advised that the parking garage was the best entrance. Once enlightened on access we were asked to wait a few minutes for a table. So we looked at their very nice wine rack and the contents thereof.
We were quickly seated by a very accommodating hostess with a sweet smile and perky personality.
By 8:05 no waiter had visited. We waited with our elbows on a table that rocked back and forth to the background bossa nova.
We watched the staff scurrying about bringing plates and checks always accompanied by an "I am sorry you had to wait." It has been open 4-weeks and looks to be I'll-equipped to handle a full house, which it was.
The website emphasizes "European cuisine." Schnitzel (Germany), pizza and two pasta dishes (Italy) make it European, I guess. The rest of the menu seemed to be "Colorado local" to me.
Prices are reasonable for the wine and food. The wine list could expand its pinot noir grape selection. We had an Antinori, a Tuscan blend of Cabernet sauvignon, merlot, sangiovese, and shiraz for $52. Lovely.
Nice decor with high ceilings wood and class diminishes the corporate park feel. It has multiple rooms, but the glass and ceiling height do not allow for any hint of claustrophobia. It is open, light, clean and comfortable. Hardwood floors obviate the need for carpet fresheners.
We were seated in the geriatric ward with big tables of smiling faces and hair colors ranging from white to overloaded brown dye to hot pink. Interesting.
The appetizers were PEI mussels (European?) with a curry (European?) cream sauce that over-powered the sweet small bites of mollusks. The grilled heart of Romaine lettuce with bacon and a creamy caesar dressing was superb. The grilling imparted a sweetness tot he Romaine that made it special.
The main courses were an agnolotti with a tomato sauce. The pasta had too much gluten and was chewy, tough and disagreeable. The sauce of tomatoes was sour and unappetizing. My disch of Snake River Pork Duo, loin and pork belly, was wonderful. You've got to try it.
At the Cherry Creek location we loved the dessert made with creme anglaise and cherries and boysenberries so we ordered one. The creme was not creamy. It had a gritty texture and the berry base did not have the consistency  of the Cherry Creek location.
Chinook Tavern is a pretty place, located amid corporate buildings. The decor. layout and art work make it visually appealing. The staff is well-intentioned but perhaps not trained well enough or of not a sufficient number to handle the traffic.
We will return. Next time with the kids to get the opinions of the real food critics.
Chinook Tavern in Greenwood Village looks and feels very different than it did in Cherry Creek. Â What it has lost in homeyness, it has made up for in spaciousness, light, and modernity. Â I can't imagine how they hope to fill the tables in this sprawling space.
The menu seems to have more of a pan-European focus than I remember at the old location. Â You'll find pizzas and lasagna alongside the schnitzels here. Â Those schnitzels were always the draw, and that appears to still be the case. Â At lunch they're made with pork, and veal at dinner. Â I've tried only the pork versions, but both are delicious. Â The wiener schnitzel is crispy and very lemony. It's "light," if fried pork can be such a thing. Â You get two smallish cutlets paired with bratkartoffel (sauteed potatoes & onions) and some rather boring mixed vegetables. Â The jaeger schnitzel is the big winner for me. Â The two cutlets this time are sauteed, but not breaded, and topped with an amazing mushroom cream sauce. Â It's paired with those same boring veggies and some spaetzle, which aren't much on their own, but are a perfect foil for that mushroom sauce.
There is a large selection of German beer at the ample bar, and it looks like a great place for a happy hour. Â Lunch is fairly reasonable, but prices on the dinner specialties look about 20% higher than I would expect. Â Hopefully that will change with time. Â This is an amazing space and the first great addition to the Greenwood Village restaurant scene in years. Â I can't wait to explore the rest of the menu.
I attended a pre-opening event just over a week ago and their grand opening lunch today. Â The food is fantastic and the atmosphere is amazing. Today I has the Pork Jaeger Schnitzel and is was delicious. Â Last week I tasted the brisket and it melted in my mouth along with several other dishes. Â All the artwork in the restaurant was done byt the owner and it a fun and vibrant. Â This place is a great addition to the Denver Tech Center.
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