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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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: $$

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
  
  dickel rye, averna, grand marnier, cold brew ($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
  
  Rioghnut
  
  chèvre glaze, lemon macerated blackberries ($7.14)
  
  Rioja 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)
  
  Corn-Tomato Soup
  
  mussels, corn-chorizo salad, tomato saffron gelée, basil-chive purée ($10.20)
- 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)
  
  Omelette 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)
  
  Corn-Tomato Soup
  
  mussels, corn-chorizo salad, tomato saffron gelée, basil-chive purée ($10.20)
  
  Roasted Beets
  
  blood orange, black sesame tahini, sweet potato, mustard greens ($9.69)
  
  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)
  
  Mimolette Cheese
  
  apricot mostarda, smoked pecans, wild rice crispy treat, fennel ($12.75)
- Chef Jen's Home Made Pastas
  Black Garlic Squid-Ink Bigoli
  spring onion soubise, English peas, garlic chips, crispy leeks, lemon nage
  
  $21.42
  
  $11.71
  Caprese Gnocchi
  Cherokee purple tomatoes, burrata, almond-basil purée, crispy shallot, balsamic reduction
  
  $19.38
  
  $10.20
  Artichoke Tortelloni
  artichoke mousse, white truffle brodo, queso de mano, chervil
  
  $19.89
  
  $12.24
  Smoked Ricotta-Pea Ravioli
  sugar snap peas, pea tendrils, pickled carrots, carrot-ginger coulis, viola
  
  $18.36
  
  $11.22
- Sandwiches and Entrées
  Colorado Lamb Burger*
  
  house made mozzarella, spicy aioli, arugula salad ($13.77)
  
  Grilled Salmon*
  
  coconut puree, asparagus, hearts of palm, poblano cashew pesto, grilled avocado, macerated lime ($19.89)
  
  Frisée Salad
  celery ribbons, lovage, sorrel, pickled shallot, 64º egg, smoked salmon, citrus vinaigrette
  
  $14.79
  
  Add Choice Of Chicken, Salmon, Halibut, 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
- Delicious Beginnings
  
  Rioja House Salad
  
  arugula, dates, gorgonzola, almond vinaigrette ($8.16)
  
  Corn-Tomato Soup
  
  mussels, corn-chorizo salad, tomato saffron gelée, basil-chive purée ($10.20)
  
  Kanpachi Tiradito*
  
  pickled mushroom, fresno chile, carrot, salsa verde, soy-lavender ponzu, coriander crisps ($15.30)
  
  Foie Gras Torchon*
  
  porcini funnel cake, apple-beet chutney ($13.77)
  
  Fresh Bacon
  
  pork belly, cardamom, curried garbanzo bean purée ($9.69)
  
  Roasted Beets
  
  blood orange, black sesame tahini, sweet potato, mustard greens ($9.69)
  
  Wild Mushroom Pizza
  
  tomato olive ragu, mozzarella di buffala, basil, porcini salume, fermented garlic honey ($17.85)
  
  Rioja "Picnic"
  
  artisan meats, warm pine nut crusted goat cheese, gorgonzola, olives, fennel salad, orange confit, almonds ($19.89)
  
  Mimolette Cheese
  
  apricot mostarda, smoked pecans, wild rice crispy treat, fennel ($12.75)
- Chef Jen's Hand Made Pastas
  Black Garlic-Squid Ink Bigoli
  spring onion soubise, English peas, garlic chips, crispy leeks, lemon nage
  
  $21.42
  
  $11.71
  Caprese Gnocchi
  Cherokee purple tomatoes, burrata, almond-basil purée, crispy shallot, balsamic reduction
  
  $19.38
  
  $10.20
  Artichoke Tortelloni
  artichoke mousse, white truffle brodo, queso de mano, chervil
  
  $19.89
  
  $12.24
  Smoked Ricotta-Pea Ravioli
  
  pan seared halibut*, sugar snap peas, pea tendrils, pickled carrots, carrot-ginger coulis, viola ($28.56)
- Entrées
  
  Vegetarian Four Squares
  
  a tasting of four seasonal dishes ($19.89)
  
  Wagyu Bavette Steak*
  
  potato-spring onion gratin, porcini 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)
  
  Whiskey Brined Pork Chop*
  
  savory éclair: porcini pastry cream, fava beans, lemon confit, whiskey demi, sorrel purée ($29.59)
  
  Tempura Nairagi*
  
  coconut purée, asparagus, hearts of palm, poblano cashew pesto, grilled avocado, macerated lime ($30.09)
  
  Petaluma Chicken
  
  cauliflower gratin, frisée-herb salad, tarragon-brandy jus ($29.58)
Cocktail Menu
- Refreshing and Fruity
  
  Euro Spritz
  
  Aperol, St. Germaine, mint, lime, cava ($10.00)
  
  Lemon Quencher
  
  house-made limoncello, gin, ginger ale, cava ($12.00)
  
  Brazillian Berry
  
  Avuá Cachaça Amburana, Cocchi Americano, blackberry, lime ($13.00)
  
  Pomeginger
  
  Mell vodka, pomegranate juice, ginger, twist of lemon ($11.00)
  
  Sangria
  
  red wine, marinated fruit, brandy, crème de cassis ($10.00)
- Citrus and Spice
  
  Stacey's Mom
  
  Stoli orange, Rothman & Winters apricot liqueur, Pernod, lemon ($11.00)
  
  Nihilistic Fairy
  
  St. George gin, Aperol, Green Chartreuse, grapefruit ($11.00)
  
  The Last Word
  
  Woody Creek gin, Green Chartreuse, Luxardo Maraschino, lime juice ($12.00)
  
  Loca Hot
  
  fresno pepper-infused tequila, Agavero liqueur, house made sour, splash of orange, jalapeño ($12.00)
- Bold and Brazen
  
  Tegroni
  
  Patron añejo, Dubonnet Rouge, Amaro Sibona, orange ($12.00)
  
  Kerouac
  
  Knob Creek rye, Cynar, Quinta de la Rosa Tawny Port, orange ($12.00)
  
  Vieux Carré
  
  Remy VSOP cognac, Bulliet rye, sweet vermouth, Domaine Benedictine, lemon ($13.00)
- Beer
  
  Estrella Damm
  
  lager, Barcelona ($5.50)
  
  Miller Lite
  
  pilsner, Milwaukee ($4.00)
  
  Firestone Walker
  
  Pivo hopped pilsner, Paso Robles ($6.00)
  
  Duvel
  
  golden ale, Belgium ($11.00)
  
  St. Bernardus
  
  Abt 12 abbey ale, Belgium ($15.00)
  
  Odell
  
  90 Shilling amber ale, Fort Collins ($5.50)
  
  Renegade
  
  Hiatus cold-coffee oatmeal ale, Denver ($5.50)
  
  Deschutes
  
  Black Butte porter, Bend. ($5.50)
  
  Left Hand
  
  Milk stout, Longmont ($6.50)
  
  Renegade
  
  Hammer & Sickle Russian Imperial stout, Denver ($9.00)
- Seriously Good N/A
  Bittersweet Spritz
  
  red verjus, cranberry, lime & tonic ($6.00)
  
  Almond Citrus Spritz
  
  white verjus, orgeat, lemon & soda ($6.00)
  
  Berry Lemonade
  
  fresh squeezed lemonade, berry purée ($5.00)
  
  Juice Spritzers
  fresh squeezed juice, sparkling water
  
  Sparkling Water: $5.00
  
  Pomegranate Juice: $6.00
  Rocky Mountain Soda Co. Ginger Beer
  
  ($6.00)
  
  Rocky Mountain Soda Co. Root Beer
  
  ($5.00)
  
  Rocky Mountain Soda Co. Lemon Lime Soda
  
  ($5.00)
  
  Fever Tree Tonic Water
  
  ($4.00)
  
  Fever Tree Ginger Ale
  
  ($4.00)
Dessert Menu
- Desserts
  
  Beignets
  
  Sweet goat cheese and black mission fig filled pastries, ruby port wine reduction. Suggested wine pairings: 2014 Domaine de Fenouillet Muscat de Beaumes de Venise, Rhône Valley | MP ($9.00)
  
  Brandy Snap Cannoli
  
  Orange scented carnaroli rice pudding, passionfruit coulis, edible flowers. Suggested wine pairings: NV Cesar Florido Moscatel Dorado, Chipiona | MP ($9.00)
  
  Rocky Road
  
  Dark chocolate spuma, banana chocolate ganache, cashew butter, brûléed bananas, Italian meringue, candied cashews. Suggested wine pairings: Quinto Infantado 10 year Tawny, Porto | MP ($9.00)
  
  Lemon Yuzu Tart
  
  Lemon yuzu sabayon, sweet cornmeal sucré, pine nut brittle ice cream, lemon confit. Suggested wine pairings: NV Vietti Moscato d'Asti | MP ($9.00)
  
  Chocolate Peanut Butter Tort
  
  Flourless chocolate cake, peanut butter ganache, salted caramel, dulce de leche ice cream. Suggested wine pairings: Henrique & Henrique 10 year Bual, Madeira | MP ($9.00)
  
  Hand Made Ice Creams and Sorbets
  
  Lace cookie plate, choose three ice creams or sorbets | MP ($9.00)
  
  Bermuda Triangle Goat Cheese
  
  Zucchini bread, zucchini pavé, puffed farro, ginger pickled blueberries, preserved lemon, pine nut purée. Suggested wine pairings: 2104 Domaine de Fenouillet Muscat de Beaumes de Venise, Rhône Valley | MP ($13.00)
Bar Menu
- Bar Menu
  
  Sips and Snacks
  
  sample four selected wines or spirits matched with four bite-sized snacks from the rioja kitchen ($15.00)
- Small Bites
  
  Tempura Basque Chiles, Guanciale
  
  ($3.00)
  
  Amb Sausage Albondigas, Rosemary-lamb Jus
  
  ($5.00)
  
  Poached Octopus, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Pickled Onion, Tomato
  
  ($7.00)
  
  Fried Brussels Sprouts, Madras Curry Aioli
  
  ($4.00)
  
  Crackshews
  
  ($5.00)
- A Bite Bigger
  
  Rabbit Flatbread
  
  rabbit sausage, English pea-ramp purée, fava beans, lemon ricotta, mozzarella, pea shoots ($14.50)
  
  Rioja "Picnic"
  
  artisan meats, warm pine nut crusted goat cheese, gorgonzola, olives, fennel salad, orange confit, almonds ($17.50)

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