Dinner Groups

Although there are numerous restaurants around the Marriott Denver City Center and conference attendees are certainly free to make their own arrangements for dinner, many attendees—especially those who are on their own—enjoy the opportunity to be part of a pre-arranged dinner group.

On Wednesday, September 3, and Thursday, September 4, dinner groups will depart from the hotel to various restaurants within walking distance. Conference attendees who wish to participate will sign up at the hospitality table when they check in for the conference. Spaces are limited at each restaurant, reservations will be made for these groups, and local committee members will serve as group leaders.

Included below are the options for both Wednesday evening and Thursday evening. Descriptions of each restaurant include pricing and specialties as well as a website for those that want to do some additional review.

Wednesday, September 3

Appaloosa Grill

American, World Traditional

Appaloosa Grill, a.k.a "The Horse," is an American/World traditional restaurant and live music venue on the 16th Street Mall in the downtown Denver business district. The Horse was originally the vision of the current Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and was established in April 2001. Appaloosa Grill is proud to serve fresh, high quality all natural proteins and uses organic produce when and wherever possible. Everything is made from scratch, right down to the ketchup! The menu features a wide variety of comfort foods as well as a large selection of vegetarian, gluten free, and vegan options. The Grill boasts two happy hours daily, and the kitchen is open until 1:30am nightly!

Café Colore

Italian Cuisine

Café Colore is an Italian oasis in the frenzied pace of downtown Denver, boasting fresh ingredients in a quaint cafe setting. It is a wonderful place to experience casual al fresco dining during your busy day or a cozy dinner for two. Café Colore features house made salad dressings and sauces, and all of its pastas and pizzas can be prepared gluten free using local dough from Boulder's Gluten Free Bistro. Located in the heart of Writer Square, Café Colore provides an atmosphere that is bright and airy. Its European-style patio faces both 15th and Larimer Streets, which is a perfect vantage point for all of the action in the heart of downtown.

Marlowe's

American/International Cuisine

Since opening its doors in 1982, Marlowe's remains one of Denver's most popular gathering spots for lunch, dinner, or after work. Marlowe's prides itself on being locally owned and operated since its inception. There is a feel and commitment to the community and a responsibility to create a pleasant environment for all guests and wonderful staff. Marlowe's has worked diligently to provide quality service, food and beverages at reasonable prices. Specially trained staff will guide you through your experience with wine selections, recommendations, and answers to all of your questions. At Marlowe's, each staff member is empowered to do anything possible to ensure your happiness!

Hodsons Bar and Grill

Contemporary American Cuisine

Hodsons Bar & Grill Denver is conveniently located in Denver Place right across the street from Elways and the Ritz Carlton. Brand-new, stylish, and upbeat, the restaurant features expertly prepared American fare, Brick-oven pizza, and sushi. Hodsons also features rotisserie cooking with roasted chicken and slow roasted prime rib among other favorites. From the leather booth seating, soft lighting, and spectacular bar, every element of the design evokes a classic yet sophisticated setting. Come and sit by the fire pit and enjoy the large patio year round!

Prima Ristorante at Hotel Teatro

Italian Cuisine

Located within Denver's luxurious Hotel Teatro, Prima Ristorante features modern Italian cuisine in a newly-renovated contemporary setting, complete with black granite bar, casual high top tables and an airy outdoor patio, perfect for gathering with friends. Prima also serves a late night bar menu with unique cocktails and an extensive wine list, as well as a popular weekend Champagne brunch.

Rialto Cafe

American Cuisine

Given Rialto Café's Location on the 16th Street Mall, a little glitz is to be expected, and there's no better place in downtown Denver to sit back and take in the picturesque energy of the mall. A staple in the downtown dining circuit, the Rialto specializes in classic American fare with modern twists and serves up the best in throwback cocktails. When combined with the energetic and airy atmosphere, the cozy booths, and warm setting, it all begins to resemble the feel of a smoky, swingin' 60s supper club. While some of the dishes are familiar territory in American dining, the overall menu is anything but. Rialto takes on old favorites peppered with bold, rich flavors and pleasing presentations, as well as offering a surprise or two along the way. The Rialto Cafe reminds you that dining and entertainment do indeed belong together!

Rioja

Mediterranean Cuisine

Rioja is located between 14th and 15th streets in historic Larimer Square — perennially one of Denver's top 5 tourist attractions. Featuring a menu inspired by Mediterranean ingredients and influenced by local and seasonal products, the ambience displays hand-blown glass fixtures and a copper-topped bar, exhibition kitchen, and simple décor that allows the food to shine!

Thursday, September 4

Panzano Italian Restaurant

Italian Dining Central to Downtown Denver

Located near the 16th Street Mall, the award-winning Panzano, right on the corner of 17th and Champa Streets, has become a true local favorite. Exceptional Northern Italian cuisine matches the warm and inviting setting, the result of Chef Elise Wiggins and her team's commitment to the motto, "Chi mangia bene, vive bene." Those who eat well, live well.

Earls Restaurant

American Traditional/International Cuisine

If you have lofty expectations for an Earls in the mile-high city, Earls Glenarm Denver Restaurant will not disappoint. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming but with a bit of an edge. For a slightly more intimate feel, try the private wine room with unique wine displays. Then there are the two large patios that look out onto the 16th Street pedestrian mall, one upstairs and one at ground level, for two distinctly perfect views of summer. Don't forget the contemporary, fresh Earls menu. There's so much more that the best thing to do is discover it for yourself!

Bistro Vendôme

Classic French Bistro Cuisine

Situated in the historic Sussex building in Larimer Square with the front entrance located in the Sussex breezeway, the bistro is named for Place Vendôme, considered a favorite among Parisians and found in a renowned historic square located in the heart of Paris. This is purposefully a bistro, not a café nor a brasserie. The selection of the name "Bistro Vendôme" reflects the desired image in the community: a local favorite in a downtown rich with history that offers an exceptional dining experience in a charming neighborhood setting.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Seafood Cuisine

Obviously, you can tell from the name of the restaurant that the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. mainly specializes in seafood, primarily shrimp. Dishes include stuffed shrimp, fried shrimp, spicy shrimp, shrimp cocktail, as well as many other seafood dishes such as fish and lobster. It is much more than just a line from the Forest Gump movie. The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Denver is an amazing restaurant that offers delicious food, excellent service, reasonable prices, and awesome entertainment.

ChoLon Bistro

Modern Asian Cuisine

ChoLon, which translates to "big market," is named after the largest Chinese-influenced market in Saigon, Vietnam. Chef Lon Symensma brings to life his extensive culinary travels throughout South East Asia, in his Denver restaurant, with a menu featuring inspired interpretations of traditional dishes found across the continent. Upon opening, ChoLon was a James Beard Finalist for Best New Restaurant in America, and Details magazine named ChoLon one of the top 10 New Asian Restaurants in the country.

Prime Steakhouse

Steakhouse

Prime Steakhouse is a classic upscale establishment located in the heart of Downtown Denver. It is locally owned and proud to feature the freshest farm-to-table menu. There is a wide selection of USDA Prime meats, including wood-grilled Colorado buffalo, wild elk filet, and lamb chops. Pair your meal with a bottle of wine from the extensive 180-bottle list or enjoy a selection from 35 wines by the glass, all while immersing yourself in a rich ambience and charming environment.

Sam's No. 3

American Cuisine

In addition to an expansive Mexican food menu, Sam's No. 3, also offers authentic Greek and All-American signature dishes. At Sam's No. 3, the goal is to serve the best quality of food and provide the perfect atmosphere for you, the guests. The menu is loaded with award-winning choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Whether you choose one of many specialty omelets or a breakfast burrito, a specialty salad or a burger, Sam's No.3 strives to provide variety. The bar serves drinks and domestic beer on tap and has an Espresso Bar for the coffee connoisseur; the dessert menu will tempt the most discriminating sweet tooth!