Where to Eat before or after Broncos Gamedays

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Range
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Randolph's Restaurant & Bar
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Tamayo
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Old Major
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Rioja
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EDGE Restaurant & Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Denver
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Guard and Grace

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Rioja

Cuisine: European, Mediterranean

Price Range: $$

10Best Says

Mediterranean influences inform the menu that includes extraordinary handmade pastas by Chef Jennifer Jasinski, who is also co-owner of the restaurant. The cavatelli is served with black truffle chicken sausage, morel mushroom, peas and spring onions, while the beet gnocchi has strawberries, hon-shimeji mushrooms, walnuts, tarragon and horseradish-fromage blanc. Among the phenomenal starter offerings are a roasted beet salad and the Rioja "picnic" plate with artisan meats, warm pine-nut-crusted goat cheese, Gorgonzola, olives, fennel salad, orange confit and almonds. It was no surprise to anyone who has had the good fortune to dine at Rioja when Jasinski became the first Denver chef to win the coveted James Beard Foundation Best Chef Southwest award in 2013. Grab a seat on the patio if the weather is nice, and enjoy people-watching as you sip a glass of wine. The impressive list features selections from Rioja, the Spanish wine region.

Address:

1431 Larimer St
Denver, CO 80202
303-820-2282

Hours:

Mon-Tue: 5pm-10pm
Wed-Thu: 11:30am-2:30pm,; 5pm-10pm
Fri: 11:30am-2:30pm,; 5pm-11pm
Sat: 10am-2:30pm,; 5pm-11pm
Sun: 10am-2:30pm,; 5pm-10pm

EXPERT TIPS BY: Becca Blond
Travel Expert

Restaurants near Sports Authority Field at Mile High: "On a sunny afternoon sit outside on the patio, as this restaurant offers some of the city's best people thanks to a middle of Larimer Square address."

Best for Restaurants near Sports Authority Field at Mile High Because: Consistently picked as one of Denver's top restaurants, it's hard to go wrong ordering at Rioja. Valet parking is another perk.

Brunch Menu
- Eye Openers
  
  Wake up Call
  
  Ancho Reyes verde, Grey Goose "Le Vanille", Dom Benedictine, espresso ($12.24)
  
  Rioja Mary
  
  Absolut peppar vodka, rioja house recipe ($10.20)
  
  Mimosa
  
  sparkling cava, fresh squeezed orange juice ($10.20)
  
  Grapefruit Granita
  
  sparkling cava ($11.22)
  
  Drunch Punch
  
  daily selection ($10.20)
  
  Afternoon Delight
  
  contratto, grapefruit, lemon, casa de valor ($12.24)
  
  Juice Spritzers
  
  fresh squeezed juice, sparkling water ($7.14)
  
  Berry Lemonade
  
  fresh squeezed lemonade, berry purée ($5.10)
- Starters
  
  Eric's Doughnuts
  
  whipped lemon mascarpone, blueberry compote ($8.16)
  
  House Salad
  
  arugula, dates, gorgonzola, almond vinaigrette ($8.16)
  
  Fresh Bacon
  
  pork belly, cardamom, curried garbanzo bean pureé ($9.69)
  
  Rioja "Picnic"
  
  artisan meats, warm pine nut crusted goat cheese, gorgonzola, olives, fennel salad, orange confit, almonds ($19.89)
  
  Frisée Salad
  
  celery ribbons, lovage, sorrel, pickled shallot, 64º egg, smoked salmon, citrus vinaigrette ($14.79)
  
  Celery Root Soup
  
  black truffle, celery leaves, hazelnut ($13.26)
- Entrées
  The Hangover Cure
  
  braised pork belly, tater tots, scrambled eggs, cippolini onions, oyster mushrooms, avocado, Adrian's green sauce ($17.34)
  
  Sweet Potato Hash
  
  smoked salmon roulade, roasted peppers, arugula, capers, black truffle sour cream, soft scrambled eggs ($19.38)
  
  Eggs in Purgatory
  
  goat cheese grits, tomato olive ragu, baked eggs*, focaccia ($10.20)
  
  Rioja Benedict
  
  goat cheese biscuit, bacon, spinach, tomato, poached eggs*, parmesan sauce ($11.22)
  
  Omelet of the Day
  
  three eggs, potato galette, fruit
  
  Crepe of the Day
  
  Chronic Breakfast Sandwich
  
  grilled jalapeño cheddar sourdough, poblano cream cheese, scrambled eggs, bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato ($13.77)
  
  Colorado Lamb Burger*
  
  house made mozzarella, spicy aioli, arugula salad; á la Fausto: fried egg*, chronic bacon, avocado ($13.77)
  
  Artichoke Tortelloni
  artichoke mousse, white truffle brodo, queso de mano, chervil
  
  $19.89
  
  $12.24
Lunch Menu
- Starters
  
  Rioja House Salad
  
  arugula, dates, gorgonzola, almond vinaigrette ($8.16)
  
  Kanpachi Tiradito*
  
  pickled mushroom, fresno chile, carrot, salsa verde, soy-lavender ponzu, coriander crisps ($15.30)
  
  Celery Root Soup
  
  black truffle, celery leaves, hazelnut ($13.26)
  
  Rioja "Picnic"
  
  artisan meats, warm pine nut crusted goat cheese, gorgonzola, olives, fennel salad, orange confit, almonds ($19.89)
  
  Fresh Bacon
  
  pork belly, cardamom, curried garbanzo bean purée ($9.69)
  
  Monte Enebro Cheese
  
  poached pears, port gastrique, toasted walnuts, walnut butter ($12.24)
- Chef Jen's Homemade Pastas
  Kabocha Squash Ravioli
  sage brown butter, pickled butternut squash, candied pecans
  
  $19.38
  
  $10.20
  Ricotta Gnocchi
  chestnut nage, seasonal mushrooms, thyme
  
  $20.40
  
  $10.20
  Artichoke Tortelloni
  artichoke mousse, white truffle brodo, queso de mano, chervil
  
  $19.89
  
  $12.24
  Saffron Cavatelli
  roasted bell pepper, summer squash, toasted almond, nasturtium, curry emulsion
  
  $17.34
  
  $8.67
- Sandwiches and Entrées
  Colorado Lamb Burger*
  
  house made mozzarella, spicy aioli, arugula salad ($13.77)
  
  Pan Seared Salmon*
  
  Japanese eggplant, figs, pine nut butter, blistered shishitos, charred leek aioli, basil ($21.93)
  
  Frisée Salad
  celery ribbons, lovage, sorrel, pickled shallot, 64º egg*, smoked salmon, citrus vinaigrette
  
  $14.79
  
  Add Choice Of Chicken, Salmon, Bavette Steak: $15.30
  Albacore Tuna Conserva Salad
  
  spinach, roasted potato, rainbow carrot ribbons, scallion, pommery-apple vinaigrette ($17.34)
  
  Duck Kofta
  
  curried duck sausage kebab, roasted garlic yogurt, mixed greens, house made pita ($14.28)
  
  Gabe's Chronic Chicken Sandwich
  
  focaccia, chile marinated grilled chicken, bacon, curry aioli, radicchio, celery, red onion, candied cashews, mixed greens ($13.77)
Dinner Menu
- Starters
  
  Rioja House Salad
  
  arugula, dates, gorgonzola, almond vinaigrette ($8.16)
  
  Celery Root Soup
  
  black truffle, celery leaves, hazelnut ($13.26)
  
  Kanpachi Tiradito*
  
  pickled mushroom, fresno chile, carrot, salsa verde, soy-lavender ponzu, coriander crisps ($15.30)
  
  Fresh Bacon
  
  pork belly, cardamom, curried garbanzo bean purée ($9.69)
  
  Warm Brussels Sprout Salad
  
  cauliflower, spaghetti squash, dried fruit mostarda ($12.24)
  
  Beth's Favorite Pizza
  
  blue cheese, house mozzarella, Gruyère, prosciutto, black mission fig compote, arugula, balsamic ($16.32)
  
  Rioja "Picnic"
  
  artisan meats, warm pine nut crusted goat cheese, gorgonzola, olives, fennel salad, orange confit, almonds ($19.89)
  
  Monte Enebro Cheese
  
  poached pears, port gastrique, toasted walnuts, walnut butter ($12.24)
- Chef Jen's Hand Made Pastas
  Kabocha Squash Ravioli
  sage brown butter, pickled butternut squash, candied pecans
  
  $19.38
  
  $10.20
  Ricotta Gnocchi
  chestnut nage, seasonal mushrooms, thyme
  
  $20.40
  
  $10.20
  Artichoke Tortelloni
  artichoke mousse, white truffle brodo, queso de mano, chervil
  
  $19.89
  
  $12.24
  Saffron Cavatelli
  lobster, roasted bell pepper, summer squash, toasted almond, nasturtium, curry emulsion
  
  $33.66
  
  $16.83
- Entrées
  
  Vegetarian Four Squares
  
  a tasting of four seasonal dishes ($19.89)
  
  Wagyu Bavette Steak*
  
  potato-spring onion gratin, chanterelle mushrooms, charred tomato vinaigrette, pernod demi ($37.74)
  
  Spice Rubbed Lamb Loin*
  
  farro couscous, falafel, roasted garlic yogurt, strawberry-mint compote ($34.68)
  
  Serrano Ham Wrapped Octopus
  
  olive oil cake, marrow beans, olive purée, mint ($29.58)
  
  Milk Poached Pork Tenderloin*
  
  apples, caraway cabbage, matsutake mushroom, potato latke, apple sour cream, sauce au poivre ($25.50)
  
  Pan Seared Grouper
  
  Japanese eggplant, figs, pine nut butter, blistered shishitos, charred leek aioli, basil ($28.56)
  
  Petaluma Chicken
  
  cauliflower gratin, frisée-herb salad, tarragon-brandy jus ($29.58)
Cocktail Menu
- Cocktails
  
  Rosalinda
  
  Wheatley vodka, lavender-rosemary simple syrup, Lillet rosé, lemon ($12.24)
  
  Another Shrubbery
  
  Crafted Concepts Select Patron Barrel tequila, apple cider shrub, Agavero, lemon ($15.30)
  
  Alpine Fizz
  
  Spring 44 gin, turmeric tonic, honey, lemon, thyme, egg white ($12.24)
  
  Redeye to Mexico City
  
  Ancho Reyes Poblano Verde, espresso, Grey Goose vanilla, Dom Benedictine ($14.28)
  
  St. George's Fire
  
  St. George Green Chile vodka, shishito, Pimm's No. 1, agave, lemon ($14.28)
  
  El Guapo
  
  Gracias a Dios espadin mescal, yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, Peychaud's bitters, lime ($14.28)
  
  Tommorrow's Problem
  
  Flor de Caña añejo rum, banana liqueur, 5003 falernum, Fee Brother's almond Orgeat, orange, lime ($15.30)
  
  Oktober Classic
  
  hazelnut infused Dickel rye, Fee Brother's Aztec chocolate bitters, turbinado sugar ($13.26)
  
  PB&J
  
  spiced pear jam, Buffalo Trace bourbon, Canton Ginger, vanilla, lemon ($15.30)
  
  Red Sangria
  
  red wine, brandy, crème de cassis, assorted fruit ($13.26)
Dessert Menu
- Desserts
  
  Beignets
  
  Sweet goat cheese and black mission fig filled pastries, ruby port reduction. Suggested Wine Pairings: Quinta Infantado Ruby, Porto | MP ($9.18)
  
  Brandy Snap Cannoli
  
  Orange scented carnaroli rice pudding, passionfruit coulis, edible flowers. Suggested Wine Pairings: NV Cesar Florido Moscatel Dorado, Chipiona | MP ($9.18)
  
  Duet de Creameaux
  
  Hand painted dark chocolate, cheesecake creameaux and white chocolate pistachio creameaux, fresh figs, pistachio-fennel pollen brittle, cognac anglaise. Suggested Wine Pairings: MV Atelié Brachetto d'Acqui, Piedmont | MP ($9.18)
  
  Lemon Yuzu Tart
  
  Lemon yuzu sabayon, sweet corn meal sucré, pine nut brittle ice cream, lemon confit. Suggested Wine Pairings: NV Vietti Moscato d' Asti | MP ($9.18)
  
  Chocolate Peanut Butter Torte
  
  Flourless chocolate cake, peanut butter ganache, salted caramel, dulce de leche ice cream. Suggested Wine Pairings: Henrique & Henrique 10yr Bual, Madeira | MP ($9.18)
  
  Hand-Made Ice Creams and Sorbets
  
  Lace cookie plate, choose three ice creams or sorbets ($9.18)
  
  Monte Enebro Cheese
  
  Aged goat cheese, peach, rye, pine nut purée, smoked peach coulis. Suggested Wine Pairings: NV Grant "La Garrocha" Amontillado, Jerez | MP ($12.24)
Bar Menu
- Small Plates
  
  Panisse Fritters
  
  lemon garlic aioli, chervil ($5.10)
  
  Duck Rillettes
  
  grilled bread, pickled mustard seeds ($9.18)
  
  Garlic Butter Escargot
  
  shallots, fines herbes, bread crumbs, lemon zest ($8.16)
  
  Crispy Fuille de Brick Crepe
  
  duxelles, wilted spinach, Gruyere, sauce béchamel ($6.12)
  
  Vin Blanc Steamed Mussels
  
  with saffron-cayenne aioli Rouille toast ($8.16)
- A Bite Bigger
  
  Alsatian Tarte Flambée
  
  Dijon flatbread, caramelized onion, brie, apple slices ($12.24)
  
  Rioja "Picnic"
  
  artisan meats, warm pine nut crusted goat cheese, gorgonzola, olives, fennel salad, orange confit, almonds ($19.38)
- Vino
  
  Veuve Ambal "Prince de Lise" Blanc de Blanc Brut NV
  
  ($7.14)
  
  2017 St. Roch Sauvignon Blanc, Touraine / Loire
  
  ($7.14)
  
  2015 Dom. Pellehaut Merlot-Tannat-CabSyrah, Gascogny
  
  ($7.14)
- Krug for Two
  
  Grande Cuvee
  
  paired with leek panisse, lemon ($100.00)
  
  Crème Fraiche, Chervil, and Ossetra Caviar
  
  ($120.00)
- Beer and Cocktails
  
  DuPont "Bouché" Brut Sparkling French Cider, Normandy
  
  ($7.14)
  
  French Martini, Vodka, Chambord, Pineapple
  
  ($7.14)
  
  Elderflower Fizz, Bubbles, St. Germain, Gin, Lemon
  
  ($9.18)

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