Food was underwhelming for the price. Service was wonderful, though.
(2)
Kim B.
We have been to Lower 48 at least a dozen times since they have opened., we have always had a wonderful experience. Last night my husband and i got away for a date night. We sat at the chef's bar so we could see all the "action". I started with a glass of champagne, delicious. My husband was the designated driver so he asked for a non alcoholic drink. The bar tender came over and asked some questions about what my husband was looking for. I thought was a nice attention to detail. I didn't try his drink, but he said it was delicious. Since our last visit to Lower 48 they have changed the layout of their menu. I think that will help alleviate some of the confusion that guests are speaking about in earlier posts. The also added a hamburger to the menu, it looked amazing. As well as a happy hour menu and a $34 prix fix. Which included 2 small bites. An appetizer, an entree and dessert. Wine pairings were also offered for $21. What a freaking steal! My husband chose this option. He had cold pea soup and "funions" as his small bites, fried Brussel sprouts with a smoky peanut butter and goose egg as hi app and the seared tuna as his main. The dessert was a almond cake with apricots and apricot ice cream. It was all delicious and gluten free, which is a huge bonus as he has celiac disease. I enjoyed a second glass of champagne, then started with the fruition ricotta cheese, which was served on a bed of leaks and topped with fried leaks, trout roe and garlic chips. Holy cow, delicious. It came with a side of bread, but all you really need is a spoon! For my second course I had the caramelle pasta with cheese cloth cheddar, arugula and American ham. The pasta was handmade and cooked perfectly. My entree was the lamb shoulder. It literally melted in my mouth. It was served with snow peas and snap peas. We both left stuffed. The owner was also nice enough to let us have a taste of their knob creek bourbon. He actually went to Kentucky and picked a barrel (after tasting quite a few!) and it has just arrived at the restaurant. These guys care about the food and drinks they serve. It is our favorite place in Denver. You are missing out if you don't give it a try.
(5)
E C.
We just had dinner at Lower48 - The overall experience was thumbs down. I had read a good review from 5280 (I am starting to doubt the food critic there - not the first time I wonder if we are talking about the same place) 8pm reservation - table not ready but soon after. Hostess very nice and welcoming. Place super cool, then everything started to go south. One person in the party has a severe dairy allergy. She mentioned it. We all ordered one small and one big plate. The first 3 small plates arrived and mine never did. After everyone was almost done, we called the waiter and asked. It had not been ordered. We were told I was going to get it asap and comped for the mistake. The person with the allergy got dairy in her small dish. Something else was missing from another plate. We mentioned it. It was later brought. Food The combination of peanut butter with the Brussels sprouts was not a favorite. The asparagus dish was missing the ham - we were told from the beginning - they were still good but the cheese bed underneath was nothing spectacular. The other two dishes were better although one with the dairy. We called the waiter, asked to confirm if there had been dairy - we got a yes but he said, there was very very little - an allergy is an allergy... Second plates arrived for 3 people, the fourth took a bit. Food Duck was good but the rest was too sweet and not very interesting. Shrimp dish was good too but $14 seemed a bit steep for a few pieces of shrimps Pasta with duck sauce was good. One dessert was ordered. After a bit we got the bill. We asked for the dessert. It had been forgotten. We finally got the dessert. We forgot to check all the items in the bill. That first forgotten dish was not comped after all. We ended up paying for it. When spending $200 for an evening, way more is expected.
(2)
Alison C.
My undercover foodie friend and I dropped by this lovely place on a Thursday night. I had only herd a couple of people talk about this place, but I was intrigued. We decided to share everything we ordered just so we could experience the goodness together. We had the octopus, almond and wild onion tortellini, Berkshire pork belly & Loin, and of course the grilled cheese dessert. I have to admit, this is probably one of the only places to cook octopus just right. In my experience many places over cook the octopus and it ends up chewy and not so great to eat, but not here. The octopus was soft and seasoned very well with the green garlic sauce. The tortellini was delicious. I know it had no meat or seafood, but the natural sweet taste of the onion and subtle fragrant taste and scent of the almond, made it amazing. The lamb was different than what I was use to, but nonetheless seasoned and cooked very well. That dish is definitely made to share. Then it was grilled cheese dessert time. First off- uh- what?! grilled cheese for dessert?? heck yes. I'd be lying if I wasn't a little skeptical, but decided to take a leap of faith. Worth it! This odd combination just worked so well in your mouth. My friend doesn't even like desserts that much, but he was impressed. You have to take a grilled cheese piece with the ice cream and syrup and it hits the spot. The only gripe I have is the pricing to proportion size. It is a pricey dinner, but if you are able to splurge a bit, I would recommend this place for sure.
(4)
Wendy K.
If you are a foodie DO NOT let some of the negative comments about Lower 48 scare you away. We have been 5 or 6 times and EVERY time it's been beyond amazing. No, the portions are not huge but they also are not priced to be huge. Nothing is over $20 (most items are way less). The only exception to the rule being a rather large dry-aged rib eye that looks fantastic, by the way! Some have complained about slow service - which I totally get and can certainly empathize with. We haven't had any issues at all but hopefully those complaints are being addressed. We always sit at the chef's bar as it's super-fun to watch the chefs at work and watch Alex, the Executive Chef, oversee it all. An overarching theme with this place is their subtle approach to pairing and marrying flavors. Nothing is ever over-seasoned, no overly rich sauces, etc. The natural flavors of the uber-fresh ingredients are always the star. Items worthy of mention (Note: the menu changes weekly as it's always reflecting fresh and local so these items may not be available): -- Papperdale with a Lamb Ragu...OMG...words cannot describe the flavor and tenderness of the fresh pasta and the depth of the Ragu...eye-closing and mouth watering....AMAZING!!! -- Mediterranean Sea Bass - beautifully cooked with just the right combination of seasoning...flakey, flavorful and delicious!!!! -- Braised short rib... UNBELIEVEALBE!! Melt in your mouth meat that leaves me speechless. Possibly the best meat bite I've had...and I've had many. I have no negatives. Flavors galore, ever-evolving menus that incorporate local and fresh into everything they serve - what's not to love? Lower48 may be one of the most consistently fantastic restaurants in Denver.
(5)
Carolyn M.
I have only been to the bar at Lower48, but I cannot wait to return for the food. The space is great and the staff is fantastic. Everything is locally sourced and made with love, including the cocktails. I had some sort of strawberry mule that tasted like magic in my mouth - the perfect beverage for a hot summer day!
(5)
John S.
Amazing food. Great staff. We had the Brussels, toast, maltagliti pasta, and pork shank. Everything was amazing and melted in our mouths. Do yourself a favor and get here. You won't find better pasta!!
(5)
K L.
This place is great. Food was phenomenal. The Brussels sprouts, "toast" and burger were all very good. The mahi mahi was magical. Melt in your mouth good. Decent wine list. Fantastic service. Nice ambiance and not too crowded. A bit out of the way but that makes parking and traffic easy. Not sure why people are complaining about portion sizes. Plenty of food.
(5)
Neil M.
Broccoli Cheese Sandwich- 3/5 Beignet- 4/5 (good but too heavy on filling) Dried Beet Root- 5/5 (extremely tasty despite the name) Gruyere Crisp- 4/5 (good but not great) Muskmelon Soup- 4/5 (tasty) Corn Dog- 4/5 (best version i've ever had) Crispy Chicken Skin- 4/5 (Very good but skin should be crisper) Onion Chips- 4/5 (like a gourmet version of Funyuns) New York Strip- 5/5 (no complaints) Caramelized white chocolate- 4/5 Atmosphere- 4/5 (we sat outside and the view is not great) Service- 5/5 Overall I enjoyed the food and I will be back.
(5)
Jason R.
At the end of the day the only question at a restaurant is whether you feel happy with the money you spent for the experience you had. At Lower 48, for me, the answer is a definite no. The food there is occasionally great and often pretty good. However, the concept, and especially service are very much lacking. The individual bites are pretty good, but with only one table in the restaurant they screwed up our order of bites. The menus which are dated daily with a stamp and 'updated daily' notice were from yesterday. They were out of a dish at opening and they only have 14 dishes. There was no replacement or new dish. The small plates which are described by the server as shared plates are especially difficult to share. Our romaine salad dish had a heart of romaine served whole with spoons as the only serving utensils. How do you share a heart or romaine dish well at all? Let alone with spoons? Service was mediocre (terrible if you factor in what they are charging you). In addition to the missed orders, they also sent out thesome dishes twice without acknowledging it as a mistake or favor to us. The food came out regularly for an hour and then no food came out for 25 minutes even though it was all ordered at the same time. The attentiveness from servers in an empty restaurant was similarly lacking. The food while difficult to share and frequently under salted was, for the most part, very good if you ignore the portion to price tag ratio. The food is prepared in a beautiful open kitchen. The downside to the open kitchen is you can see how few people are working in the kitchen and how slow they move. The manager and a few other employees seemed to care and do a good job. Friendly greetings, free drinks, and the extra course were all appreciated, but these gestures were not enough to make up for the exorbitant price tag, inconsistent food, and mediocre service. I give them another 9 months. Occasionally I hope I am wrong, but the empty dining room at 7:45pm doesn't lead me to believe that I am.
(2)
Jeremy S.
Probably more of a 3.5 star review, but we had a good time so I'll round up. Dessert and cocktails were excellent. Dishes were pretty hit or miss (sometimes--like the Brussels sprouts--both within the same dish, depending how you mixed the components of the dish). Honestly, despite the attempts at culinary acrobatism, the burger was probably my favorite dish. Still, I appreciate the effort and would go again (especially if on someone else's dime). Don't think I'd be a regular, with other restaurants in that same high price range offering more predictable 'wows.'
(4)
Jen U.
Definitely not ever coming back here. The food portions are smaller than what a bird eats, and the food isn't good at all. I had some type of fettucini and it was horrible. After we finished, our server ignored us for 45 minutes. They cleaned up tables all around us and served other parties but didn't bother to check on us. If you want overpriced and unappetizing food with servers that ignore you than I guess this is a good place to go. Otherwise AVOID AVOID AVOID
(1)
Lisa K.
Shameful, so pretentious!! How can they justify at least $10-25 for literally a BITE of food. They say they recommend sharing, but they should clarify the sharing is with yourself. So small and not even good if the portions we're normal. I hate myself for wasting money here.
(1)
Jacob C.
Unbelievably expensive dishes given their tiny nature. 3 dollars for every soda. Non diverse menu. Give it a pass. 82 dollars for a steak, was pretty let down for that price. Cocktails aren't mixed well. I'd say save money and go someplace else. They forgot our wine and we had to remind them after 25 minutes. Even had to cancel the white as we had finished all the dishes it would have paired with.The rib eye was not worth the money at all. It shouldn't have been more than 30 dollars, and even that would be pushing it. It was a very fatty piece of meat for 82 dollars Staff is extremely friendly, but they don't function well as a unit. Had to go and find waiter a few times due to being placed in the backroom. I really wish we would have gone somewhere else.
(2)
Dan G.
Great night out with my supper clubbers! Foods was good, but not great. Everything was very fresh and complemented each other, however nothing jumped off the taste bud meter as a must have again. We went as a group of 8 and tried almost everything on the menu. The pastas were the best items by far (made fresh in house) and the drinks were good too. We made it in just under the gun for happy hour and the waiter was able to get us a round of Moscow mules! Great service, very attentive and new the menu.
(3)
Alex H.
Went here for a date night and sat at the counter where the food is being prepared, and I was impressed with the entire experience. The burger that is on the menu is good enough to have it's own burger chain created around it, as well as everything else being deicious!
(5)
Tricia K.
I went here for a work event so the menu offerings were slightly different from the regular menu. We had a choice of salads and I ended up with some amazing fried Brussels sprouts. However, the other salads were so little and plain that had anyone sneezed, their first course would've blown right off the table. For the entree (is that French for snack?), we had three bites of chicken and four chanterelle mushrooms. Seriously just four. And for last course I had a delicious lavender ice cream with what the server described as a "chocolate dessert with a consistency between a ganache and a mousse..." It was not good and no one liked it. It's like they knew I skipped the gym that night and they said, it's ok, we'll help you with your portion issues instead. Afterwards, a group actually went to another bar for beer and appetizers. And did I mention we were in a back room with a weird and heavy sliding door? With one server. She constantly had to sneak in, sneak out, grabbing a couple empty glasses here, bringing a couple full ones back... For twenty people as a speaker was trying to give a slide show presentation. It took her six slowww creaky turns (I counted) to get to me. The whole thing was just bizarre. I really don't know what else to say.
(2)
Kelsey S.
Like other reviewers, I chose this restaurant based on 5280 Magazine's suggestion. Everything about it was just ok. We selected the tasting menu and wine pairing. The portions were small and although the apps were good, everything else was mediocre. The dessert was strange, it was some sort of stale hot dog bun with ice cream and potato chips. The bill seemed high for how empty our stomachs felt. Went out for a drink afterwards and by the time we were done we were so hungry we stopped at Taco Bell on the way home. Overall, unimpressive and will most definitely not be returning.
(2)
Daniela B.
I was very much looking forward to trying Lower 48 after reading great reviews...however I was not impressed. Arrived on a Wednesday eve and learned it is their happy hour day. Decided to sit in their bar which was not a great plan as nobody else was there so service was a bit spotty. We started with the happy hour Pinot Grigio at $5 a glass and beer Special (can) for $3 We then went for a few small bites. Each sample bite order for $3 per person for bite size orders of Spanish tortilla, corn dog and chickpea fritter. None of them outstanding We then ordered 2 dishes to share from their menu for the day, which by the way get printed daily which seems quite a waste of paper. Blackboards anyone? We ordered the American crayfish and oyster mushrooms for $14 and the whole quail for $17. Quite cheap you think until the dishes arrive. We asked for the dishes to be served whenever they were ready as we were sharing. The crayfish arrived first, we could count 5 crayfish, 8 mushrooms and a bed of starch and sauce. The dish was flavorful but we had to keep looking at the menu to remind ourselves of the ingredients. Then the whole quail arrived....I am usually quite reserved with staff at restaurants but I blurted out "is this a whole quail?" As 2 tiny pieces of meat (each the size of 1-2 quarters exaggerating) were served on a plate. For someone quite familiar with quail, the "whole quail" was quite an exaggeration! The server responded that in fact the dish had a full quail and that he personally saw the kitchen staff debone the bird.....I think the server needs to see a real whole quail for once, but it was annoying to be told it was a whole quail when it is not. Just call it quail.....then you can serve as minuscule a portion as you see fit. The quail bites came with "garlic side" which tastes like a butter knob with cabbage and some other sides. We had to look at the menu a few times to remind ourselves of what the ingredients were I know they opened not long ago so in a few months we will visit again and review the dining experience again
(2)
Jenn J.
I live a block away from this place and have been walking by for a few months but have never been in. It's my last night in Denver for a month and I'm SO GLAD I made it before I left. Everything we put it in our mouths was so flavorful and ridiculously good. We ordered the toast, Brussels sprouts, pork shank, and maltigliati pasta. The pasta is all made from scratch and it had a nice spicy flavor to the slightly creamy sausage. Brussels sprouts are fried and go surprisingly perfectly with the local smoked peanut butter. The pork shank includes black grits (with squid ink! Like what! Are you serious?), palisade peaches, and blue cheese. To top it off we had the peach cobbler for dessert, coconut ice cream included - ridiculous! Cocktails were all made really well. Oh and their happy hour has awesome deals: burger with beer for ten bucks. Service was also incredible. Thrillist magazine said this place is "last meal-worthy". What more do I need to say?
(5)
Erika B.
This was a wonderful experience and the food was great! I enjoyed the atmosphere and the food was delicious.
(5)
Stacey R.
Very cool location and cool interior. Servers and wait staff were very friendly and prompt. But ultimately, we go out to eat for the food and we thought the food was only mediocre at best. We ordered -"funions" onion chips, which were good - maybe a little bland. -the crispy chicken thighs: really really greasy. Good enough when they were hot, but not at all once they cooled down. The filling was good, though nothing to write home about. I liked it though my friend thought it was too spicy. But not -pork "crouton": way too fatty. And just not as flavorful as it could have been -broccoli: basically just steamed broccoli with sunflower butter. The butter was delicious, but again just nothing special -octopus: octopus was good when hot, good seasoning. But all the accoutrement didn't do anything for us or the dish as a whole. -chicken large plate: rice was wrong type for the dish (too chewy) and the chicken was just kind of bland. I didn't eat the skin, but my husband said that was good. I will say, the fluffernutter dessert was delicious! Probably my favorite thing of the evening to be honest. My friends also got the goat cheesecake and said it was phenomenal. Like I said, we were a group of 6 and the wait staff and restaurant staff were amazing. Food and drinks were prompt enough and they were super nice and friendly. I was just bummed, though the food could have been better. Also, some reviewers mentioned the portions being small. I didn't feel that way at all! But we're also coming from NYC. I thought it was very decently (even a bargain) priced for the amount of food!
(3)
S C.
Knowledgable servers. Great drinks and good wine pairing. Very happy with the menu selections and the food served, eclectic, good use with the various ingredients. Shi shi space.
(4)
Sunny B.
Had 7:30 reservations, a pretty standard dinner time, and they were out of two dishes and bread. On a limited menu, being out of two dishes is significant. Like Jason said below, they offered no alternative options. The section of their menu ironically titled "share" are personal bites... for one person. We got the corn dog to start- no real twist here. Just a mini corn dog with some pretty garnishes- awkward to share. Brussels sprouts were really great, except everything we were served was room temp. Something about eating my room-temp cod didn't scream $60/person. Service was sub-par and non-attentive. - One person was left to wait because the 3 other people were served their main course. - Had to ask about our bread service two different times to which she finally revealed they were out of bread too. - Because they were out of two of our orders the server brought us a free brussels sprout dish when we had already ordered two. Kind of strange and left us wondering if it was a send-back from another table. Also because... it was cold. Really missing the "wow" factor with this place. With such a limited menu, I feel like we had a good sampling of the food. It was over priced and really just "meh" across the board. Nonetheless, they tried to make it right which is why I give them two instead of one star. We weren't there for a free dish- we were there for ANY dish at that point. TLDR: Everything about it is underwhelming. Go somewhere else.
(2)
Andy Y.
I really wanted to like this place. I had heard it was really good and had read stellar reviews in the local media. A very nice waitress sat us and described the menu, which consists of bites and small plates. There were two larger plates which are to share. We ordered an assortment of bites and small plates all lovely looking but not truly flavorful. Most were served cold which is fine but I was hoping for warmth on a very cold evening. Some bites started warm but arrived cold. Our small plates were more successful. Cod with potatoe. Dropped egg on grains with a wonderful cheddar sauce. We finished with an olive oil ice cream with chocolate sauce. Nice. Service was fairly attentive on a very slow night. I'm not sure if I will be returning. In a town that has a lot of choices, I think I just checked this one off my list.
(3)
Jim S.
This is absolutely the most outrageous excuse for a restaurant that I have ever experienced. Fairness and objectivity first: The staff is fantastic. They are, to a person, friendly, welcoming, unpretentious, and efficient. The food is of great quality and well presented; it tasted great. The physical space is well done, comfortable, and stylish. The main problem I have with Lower48, echoed by many other reviewers, is that the portion size--hence, the value--is abysmally, absurdly small for the amount charged. The limited menu is nothing more than a small plates menu glorified as some sort of nouvelle cuisine experience (read: double the normal price for small plates/tapas). The only main course on the menu the night we were there was a rib eye. For $82! One rib eye steak. Eighty-two dollars. Really. I'm not kidding. This makes Elway's, Del Frisco, and Shanahan's look like a bargain. My girlfriend and I dropped well over $100 for not much food, a bottle of wine, and the lingering, bitter feeling that the charlatans who own this joint suckered us. We left hungry, vowing never to return, at least not until Lower48 stops insulting the intelligence of its clientele. If this is the new direction of dining in this city, you can have it.
(1)
Erin W.
Great new restaurant in Denver! Went last night with my girlfriend and we had a great experience sitting at the chef's table. She started with the small bite corn dog and I had the chickpea fritter. Both were great starters. We then split the savory pancake which was out of this world. We split the large plate with the pork loin and it was delicious. Ended with two hot chocolates. What a great evening with great food! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Conor W.
The food at Lower 48 was very good. Fresh ingredients, high quality, and seasonal. The cocktails were delicious. My qualms arise from the size of the dishes. If I'm to pay $16 for a plate, I would hope it would have enough ham to at least make 1/2 a sandwich. I understand the tapas concept, although not the biggest fan, I just expected the plate sizes to be a little larger for the price considering that the next largest size is an $82 rib eye.I guess I don't have anyone to blame but myself, and the pretentious foodies that think the best food is that served in the smallest amount. What's that? You have a poached quail egg yolk atop a slivered almond, and I only have to pay $18 for this culinary marvel!?! I don't even understand the concept of money, please take it from me! I left Lower 48 only slightly more hungry than when I had entered. Luckily, Biker Jim's is just down the street.
(3)
David M.
L48 = U12. Translation: Lower 48 is in the upper dozen restaurants in Denver these days. Very different kind of approach than I'm used to . . . but I liked it very much. This place, however, won't appeal to everyone. So if you're looking for homestyle dining and large servings, be warned. L48 is not for you (unless you get one of their mega meals described below). So, like I said, this is not your choose-a-starter-and-a-main-and-call-it-a-day kinda place. The dishes you receive appear with every ingredient intentionally placed exactly in a particular spot on the plate--truly an artisanal presentation. They do have a couple of very large entrees that come with 3-4 accompanying dishes, but, like the menu says, they need 55 minutes to prepare them (e.g., their literally 4 lb hunka-chunka pork butt, or their 32 oz Niman Ribeye that you split with friends). Aside from these mega-meals, however, the whole point of their approach is to serve up tapas-sized selections; some big enough to split, and some that just amount to a bite or two (that they call an "each"). Had the stuffed beignet and aged Tennessee ham "eaches." Spectacular tastes. I could've eaten several of them and happily called it dinner. We also had the parmesan crisp and the mini-corn. Both were very good, but not as blow-your-socks-off as the ham or beignet. Their carrot salad was interesting and enjoyable. Carrots and other delicacies in lots of different styles. Roasted, raw, pickled, glazed, you-name-it. A fun dish that didn't overwhelm and fit in fine with the Red Snapper and Corn Risotto (small) "mains" we chose. Combining those 2 larger dishes amounted to the serving size of a full entree plate served with carbs and veggies. So, essentially, we had a multi-part appetizer, a salad, and a main, and split them all. The price was fair, if not a little on the pricey side, given the size of the serving portions. We finished with a fantastic lavender ice cream and dark chocolate pudding dessert (and wanna try the almond butter bread pudding next time:). Including a perfectly matched and reasonably priced bottle of Italian sauvignon blanc that we shared, the total bill came to about $125. Will definitely go back. The service was very good and the sommelier was helpful and right on with his suggestion. Wasn't stuffed, but comfortably satisfied, and left remembering the wonderfully prepared individual and layered tastes of the superb ingredients used.
(4)
Tony I.
Visited during restaurant week. Very good food and cool atmosphere. I hade their chicken dish that was really tasty. They also had a house ginger beer that was pretty good as well. I ventured away from the restaurant week menu, but my girlfriend order off of and was also very pleased. The macaroons we got at the end of the meal were phenomenal.
(4)
W J.
It boggles my mind to see so many awful reviews for this amazing restaurant. Yes, it's pricey, but you can see that on the menu when you enter. You get what you pay for here: inventive, intense food, amazing cocktails, and expert service. Lower 48 has captured my heart and I hope to become a regular.
(5)
Cleo X.
super stylish place .. pleasing lofty layout .. nice touch with the candles on the table .. really great service .. friendly staff! .. but there is some unfortunate truth to what some of the other lower-rated reviews reflect: the menu is a bit weird and the portions are even weirder. if you are going to throw down $50+ per person, you do not want your stomach to be growling on the way home. sadly, mine was. and that's just not acceptable for the amount of money spent. i found the quinoa risotto and flaxseed cracker interesting and enjoyable, but overall, the place (particularly the menu) just didn't win me over. everyone at my table came to the same conclusion: while it was nice to try out a new place, and it was "okay," it wasn't outstanding, and we probably won't return. plus, we all agreed that the beignets were a bit strange- something seemed off with the consistency and flavor of the filling. i think this place has hope for a long career if a few minor adjustments are made to the menu and portions.
(3)
Miss P.
Lower your expectations at Lower48. Left the restaurant feeling broke, hungry and upset. The food is overpriced for small one bite portions. They recommend you order 2 "entrees" which is a joke. We started off with the corn dog bite, funion chip (not plural, just one chip for $2, carrot soup shot) and all was lackluster. The funion chip was salty, the corn dog tasted like a frozen turkey dog, and we had to use the soup to dip the corn dog just for some flavor. Now here is the even bigger problem. We placed our order upfront (appetizers, drinks and entree). We waited an HOUR and a half for our entree after our appetizers arrived. They forgot some of our drinks. Another person ordered a wine pairing, and he couldn't even pair with his entree because the food was so late. We asked our waiter Adrian a couple times when our food was coming, he said he would check and didn't seem to know what to do. The owner Mario was even on deck that night, and didn't do much to rectify the situation. We ordered the chicken and sour kraut and the cod. No joke, after the long hour and a half wait, it was a two bite serving!!!! The place overall has a decent ambiance, but the service was HORRIBLE!!! I would never spend my money to go back there for overpriced and plain food, especially with all the great restaurants in Denver. To top it off our bad experience, it was overpriced and we all left hungry. If you want a decent dining experience and good food, don't go here. Spend your money elsewhere.
(1)
Tbura B.
Went there last night. The service was great but it took so long between food courses. I almost had no appetite when it came to the last dish. Tapas idea is good. This is a place for chilling definitely for people who dont need to rush to a movie/concert. Food- Carrot soup/ Quinao Risotto/Wedge salad...these were good...
(3)
John S.
Nice room, great service but the food left something to be desired. The Shrimp appetizer was excellent as was the Corn Dog. Beef Brisket was fatty and overcooked if you can overcook Brisket. Rather than resemble any Brisket I know, it was really thinly sliced beef that tasted and looked like it had sat in broth for several days. Salmon was over cooked and I couldn't even cut part of the Duck Breast with a Steak Knife. I almost choked trying to chew and swallow it. Big prices for small portions of unexceptional food. Inventive yes but tasty no. And I agree--$4 for four pieces of bread. I was surprised they didn't charge separately for the butter.
(2)
Emily W.
I had such high hopes for Lower48. Though I wouldn't say it was awful, I would not go back, nor would I recommend it. With so many amazing restaurants in Denver, and even in the surrounding area, it just can't stand up. Especially with the "shared plate" concept - if you're going to take that route, you better shine, because many other new and "trendy" restaurants are doing very well. The decor and staff were both lovely. Our waitress was attentive and knowledgeable. But I have to tell you, a 7PM dinner reservation (yes on a Tuesday, but come on, it's downtown Denver) and we were the only table in the restaurant. Hard not to have an attentive waitress. When we left an hour and a half later, only one other table had joined. While I was surprised at the absence of people at the beginning of the experience, I was not by the end of the meal. Drinks came, drinks were good. We started with the savory "funnel cake". I have to tell you, it was the worst thing I have had at a restaurant in memory. You eat with your eyes first, and visually this was just so sad. Colorless, really, really small. So small everyone at our table laughed. (It is meant to be a taster, I'm aware, but tasters DAZZLE!) Still, I had hope. Which turned out to be false hope. No flavor, nothing savory, totally over cooked, crunchy, greasy. And I love a good funnel cake now and again! This "dish" did not deserve that title, as modernized or deconstructed as they tried to make it. Perhaps they should have titled it, "The fry that was left in the bottom of the fryer all day". Much more accurate. Our table ordered brussle sprouts, which its hard to go wrong with. Who isn't serving brussle sprouts these days. They're hard to mess up. But apparently, not impossible. I wish this was a joke: they were on peanut butter, and topped with fritos. I digress... The saving grace was the main dish. I had the tuna and it was lovely. Cooked just right, presented beautifully. Lovely, crisp, bright spring peas and beans. A good size as well. Had I just ordered that, or perhaps an alternate appetizer, this review would be much different. While I am sure a lot of heart went into this restaurant, it missed the mark for me, and for our group. And with The Populist, Acorn and Ophelias (to name just a few) nearby, I just do not see how they will survive. I hope I'm wrong, but after last nights meal, I know I won't be back.
(2)
Bari P.
Just got home from an amazing meal at lower 48. Everything we ordered was fantastic, seasonal, creative and beautiful presented. Our server, I think her name was Hallie, was perfect. But one problem! It was my friend's birthday. I shared this information when I confirmed my reservation AND with the host when I checked in. But no acknowledgment from the staff, nothing special with dessert. Nothing. I was taken to this restaurant for my birthday in August and the server brought over some jelly candy with a candle. It was sweet and thoughtful. I will go again because the food and service is so good, but only give 4 stars tonight for the birthday fail.
(4)
Becky R.
Stopped in here with a friend for a drink and appetizer last week, and I like it! We didn't order much, and while I was debating between 3 and 4 stars, I decided on 4. First, I'll start with the negatives, and then move to the positives: - The glass of rose I ordered was quite terrible. Dry and sour, and I don't think I just got a bad glass/bottle. Even my extremely experienced wine expert friend didn't care for it. The sommelier may want to rethink this particular wine list inclusion. - Our server was a little off - although this is a classy place, it's no palace and her demeanor and body language were extremely stiff and formal feeling in this particular environment. It did not impact her level of service, but as I patron, I would have felt a little more comfortable and at ease if she was a little less rigid and "proper." That's really it. The pros: - I brought my baby (in her car seat, because she was sleeping), and they were super nice about accommodating us - Daily small plate of melon and peppers was OUTSTANDING, as was my friend's squash blossom salad - Nice variety of dishes (meat/vegeterian/etc) - Quality of food makes the somewhat steep prices more palatable (literally!) - Everyone from the host to the owner (who stopped by our table, enticed by either my beautiful friend or my super cute kid?) was very nice and genuinely friendly I would definitely give this place a shot. Definitely want to come back and try the entree, which apparently takes 55 minutes to prepare. But I bet it will be worth the wait.
(4)
Valery L.
Worst experience ever (this is one of my only bad reviews on Yelp). We were excited to try this place and it had a very pretty atmosphere. We were passed back and forth between a couple waiters, the menu selections were very few and did not sound appetizing despite their website suggesting a variety of items. Our appetizers were edible at best (we were really hungry), and after waiting an hour and fifteen minutes we received our inedible pasta. The menu stated there would be various items in the pasta (can't remember exactly, but something to give it color), but after 1 hour of waiting we saw the chef throw a bunch of pasta, some random white sauce, and about 8 raw eggs into a bowl of colorless nauseating mush. It was served to us and no one returned for a good 30 minutes. When the server grabbed the untouched bowl of pasta that we did not want to take home she had the audacity to ask how it was! While half of our meal was comped and we were brought two shots of limoncello (random, but I'll take I guess) which were not well received after 3 hours of being hungry! Even the dessert was extremely boring. Even after many items being removed our bill was still crazy high...way to ruin date night!
(1)
Aimee C.
I've been here twice, once on a date night with my husband and once with a group of 8 friends. Both times were amazing. All of the food was delicious and uniquely different from anywhere else in town. The cocktails were fantastic and the wait staff was very attentive. Dessert doesn't disappoint either! Next time I'll try sitting at the chef's bar as it looks fun! Menu changes daily, but they seem to have a few items that are consistently available...among these are the corn dog, crispy chicken skin, and the rib eye. All of which are delicious! Sharing is the way to go here to get the full experience!
(5)
Geoffry L.
Delicious creative fun food. Don't be shy to order a bunch of the little appetizers.
(5)
Tiffany N.
I happened upon Lower 48 by chance. I was driving home one night, saw it, and mentally bookmarked it. Fast forward a few months and Sir Nicholas and I were trying to figure out a place for dinner in the area when the iffy thing I call a memory pulled forth Lower48 and away we went. The menu is laid out in an interesting fashion. The "Each" section is mostly made of things you can eat in one bite, two if you're being generous. But, priced at $2 each I don't think it's unreasonable. Nick and I ordered quite a few of these items and they were all pretty enjoyable. Our tastes included: - the beignet with scallions and whipped tarragon - chickpea fry with yogurt and pickled pepper (we ordered a second after enjoying the first so much) - a gruyere crisp (again, we ordered a second) - a fritter with beef brisket - a (mini!) corn dog with house made mustard - the "potato chip" with caramelized onion and chorizo (a second order was had here, too) Then we chose to split the Niman Ranch 21 day dry aged rib eye. At $74 it carries a hefty price tag, but the food was definitely worth it. First of all, there was so much of it that we took it home and could each have leftover meat the next day. Secondly it comes with "accoutrements" which was 3 or 4 different sides for us. Thirdly, and most importantly, it was flat-out delicious. Our server was superb and we really enjoyed both the cocktail and wine lists while we were there. The menu is definitely on the smaller side so you'd have to be into one of the few items they are featuring, but if you are it's well worth a visit!
(4)
Fiona T.
I have very mixed feelings about Lower 48 and won't be going back. The food was interesting and imaginative, although the portion sizes were confusing to say the least - tiny, small and massive, with no in between. But the reasons I will never go back, which is a loss for the establishment given that my husband and I eat out at least twice a week, are 1) the MASSIVE RACKET that was going on in the open kitchen throughout our dinner (really, there's no other way to baste something???) and 2) the very inconsistent service - our initial server vanished with no explanation and we were literally unable to flag anyone down to order a round of drinks, and then we ended up with a new server with no explanation. Whenever my mother visits we take her somewhere new that we've never been to - BAD CALL choosing Lower 48! She always insists on paying and I am beyond embarrassed that we picked Lower 48 for her to spend her money.
(2)
Craig H.
My fiance and I have eaten here a number of times and have had nothing but positive to exceptional experiences there every time. The cuisine, ambiance, service and cocktails are all stellar. Anyone looking for a fabulous dining experience needs to try this place. We enjoy this place so much we decided to have our Rehearsal Dinner here if that says anything... Hatters are always going to hate, but if you want a great dining experience you need to eat at Lower 48.
(5)
Monica L.
4 stars, not 5, even if "Westword" did name it Denver's best new restaurant. The space is nice, and my server (Hallie) was terrific. I tried all of the "eaches." The beignet, chickpea fry, potato omelette, fritter, and potato chip were great. The dried celery root and corn dog were really great. The Gruyere crisp was really, really great. My problem with the place is that the menu other than "eaches" and small plates is extremely limited. There were two items portioned for two main courses (and correspondingly expensive). Otherwise, there was only one entree sized item -- a large portion of a daily pasta special. So, unless you're into only small plates, this isn't the place for you. The food is creative and delicious, but I probably wouldn't go back.
(4)
Jim M.
BE CAREFUL AND CHECK YOUR CREDIT CARD. We enjoyed the atmosphere here on a Saturday night. The food was expensive but tasty. Our server was distracted but serviceable. All in all not every place is great but that is OK. We were happy, reviewed the bill, added 15% tip($20) and left. I checked my billing per routine the next week and the bill had an extra $22. I called and was told this was not usual and they would deal with it. Be careful at this place.
(1)
Allison K.
If you're looking for a great place to share and try numerous different things, this is the place for you! The tasting menu is a great way to go as well! We had a ton of different plates including the corn dogs, chicken skins, brussel sprouts, ragu, chicken and sausage, etc and everything was beyond wonderful. The only reason this place doesn't get 5 stars was because we decided to sit at the bar overlooking the chefs kitchen because we thought it would be a fun way to interact, but there was absolutely no conversation or even a hi from the chefs when we sat down nor throughout our entire meal. Kind of awkward.
(4)
Andrew M.
The food is quite good, but I wouldn't say exceptional. The "Each" concept is nice - we ordered all of them. Of the 8, two were great (sweet potato and beignet), four were very good, two were a disappointment.The ribeye was good to very good. The service was, unfortunately, a bit of a shambles (to their credit -- a very busy night). The wine pairings on the valentines day menu were also middling, and the cocktails weren't quite right (martini was great, but not as cold as it should have been). Ambience: totally acceptable for dates, business, parents in town, whatever. A+. Reasonably priced, so no complaints there. For now, three stars. Usually, anywhere I give three stars won't have earned my repeat business. However, this place is new, and I *do* plan to come back and give it another go. Look out for an update.
(3)
Elizabeth O.
We finally got around to trying Lower 48. I had planned to try a few things, but ended up sharing the steak with my husband. This took longer than stated to prepare because they got busy, so take that in mind if you order this and get apps to tied you over. The steak was good and well prepared, but I have had a lot better. The mashed potatoes that came with it were amazing. I would really give this 3.5 stars if I could.
(4)
Eric K.
What's the perfect restaurant? I believe that depends on why you're eating out. At two in the morning, when you've been drinking all night, the answer might be Taco Bell--you know, that Fourth Meal. It's available, cheap and what you need right now--a gut full of food to maybe, maybe keep your liver from murdering itself while you sleep. Let's say the reason for going to a restaurant is on the other end of the spectrum--consuming food you can't get for $2.00 (or can you, more on that in a minute). Tastes that blow your mind, in how different they are, how counter-intuitive they are and yes, in how well they fill your eyes, taste buds and even stomach, with amazement. Such is the case with Lower48 Kitchen. Let's start with that $2.00 thing. There, on the left-hand side of the menu is a column labeled, "Each." That means one serving, more or less for the small price of, you guessed it, two bucks. Many people have left scathing reviews listing price per portion as the reason. Maybe they thought a restaurant helmed by people who've worked at places like Frasca in Boulder and numerous incredible restaurants in The Bay Area would serve a $2.00 "Corn Dog" that was as large as one of the frozen varieties you can get at Costco. But that would be a case of poorly managed expectations. The Corn Dog is small, but it is amazing. The Chicken Skin is also fantastic and also $2.00. And for that small price you get a considerably larger portion made up of crispy skin topped with chunks of chicken and assorted awsomeness. Wonderful. If you're on a budget, order five of those and a glass of water and you're out for $10.00 (plus tip, unless you don't want to afford that custom). I will say this, every item we ordered--and between the four of us that included: The Corn Dog (three portions), House made bread & butter, Chicken Skin (five portions), "Funions," (three portions) Lower48 Toast, Charred Broccoli, Crispy Brussels, House made pasta with Duck Ragu, Bacon-wrapped Chicken and two out-of-the-park desserts including "Grilled Cheese"--was so remarkably interesting and delicious, we wouldn't have minded paying a little more to get full. HOWEVER, the tab for the four of us, including two drinks each, came to $207. About what you'd expect to pay at any other Denver-area restaurant in the "fine-dining" category. Hopefully, this opinion of one will add some context to the low-star reviews. You do get what you pay for in most cases, and for me, if the reason you're going to a restaurant is to eat something that makes you rave, Lower48 contradicts that adage, in a good way, because you actually get quite a bit more than you pay for. Thanks.
(5)
Alex W.
Wow. Just WOW. I did not know what to expect going in to this place but was pleasantly surprised! The carrot soup was the right balance of sweet and savory and the bingets were flaky and filled with a delicious, soft cheese (a little runny for my taste but still good). My boyfriend got some sort of chicken and sausage dish which is pretty good but the English Pea ravioli that I had was amazing. All the ingredients were very fresh and delectable. I look forward to trying the rest of their menu.
(4)
C M.
After seeing positive reviews in 5280, I decided to check out this new place. I went during restaurant week with 3 other friends and ordered off the regular menu. The cocktails were excellent. I'm sorry to say the food was completely disappointing and overpriced. As other reviewers have mentioned, the portion to price ratio is horrible. The menu is date stamped to show they "change" their menu daily, but really it looked like the same menu with a new daily special handwritten in. Nothing special. We ordered the crudo cod special, main cabbage dish, and fettuccine small plates as well as hashbrown bite and chicken liver bites. Overall, none of the dishes stood out. It was like they were trying to create this upscale foodie experience and completely missed the mark. I would only return for happy hour.
(2)
Connie K.
Pretentiousness all around, seriously. I went with a group of six people, 3 couples. When the appetizers came out, I was in shock. Yes, they are $2 but for one bite? Seemed a little ridiculous, but I gave two stars because I enjoyed my $10 cocktails (best part of the menu). We thought, well maybe the "share" plates will be better because you can supposedly share them. Not the case. They are about four bites each. And well- THATS THE WHOLE MENU- The service was ok. There are a lot of people walking around, filling water checking on tables, but no one to order from. It's a bit weird. Our server was not bad, but it takes about 10-15/drink or food. Our bill for six was $375 and we all left hungry. I will say, there was flavor though. If one bite of flavorous pretentious food is enough then try it. I would not go back.
(2)
janice n.
First the portions are small. BUT the carrot soup the funions and the homemade fettuccine was outstanding. Very savory pasta dish. My only disappointment is they were out of several things like the crispy fried chicken skin and the ribeye. High level of execution very worth trying.
(4)
Kathy A.
Wanted to really like this place. Rated in 5280 best restaurants. Food was hit or miss. Corn dog and funions were very tasty. Bread/butter absolutely yummy. Caramelized carrot soup-tasty but not wonderful. Asparagus soup- soup itself was delicious but overpowered with the buckwheat (less is better) the poached egg was not needed and put the dish in dislike for me. Chicken was very smoky tasting along with the smoked potato mousse- too much. Felt like I was eating BBQ. Not a fan of the grilled cheese dessert-huge miss. Drinks were ok. Staff very nice and thoughtful. Experience was not worth a 3 hour dinner in a half empty restaurant. Potential is there just didn't meet it this visit. Will think hard about returning.
(3)
Nick C.
So overpriced and under portioned. Don't do it!! The taste was mediocre too. Just don't do it!
(1)
Ari M.
The food was wonderful. The atmosphere was warm and casual. The service was good. The portions are a bit on the small size, so if you're used to Chipotle sized gut busters, be aware that this restaurant isn't that. The tasting menu was really well thought out, and the wine pairings worked well. The price was very reasonable. I will be back for sure.
(5)
Thomas S.
I went here with my girlfriend for the New Years Eve dinner and to start off with the positives, the food was absolutely delicious. Almost all dishes had very complementary ingredients leaving you wanting more. I enjoyed how creative and unique each dish was. (the quail was fantastic!) The only glaring mis pairing was the steak that had "essence of anchovy" It tasted like it was marinated in anchovies overnight unfortunately and the steak was over powered. We had seats right on top of the open kitchen area which we thoroughly enjoyed. It was fun watching the chef's prepare each dish and the chaos that was the kitchen. The chef's were very friendly and engaged with us, answering any questions we had. Our server was also very helpful and friendly, ensuring we were well taken care of. With all that being said I would have given this place 4 stars, maybe even 5. But what knocked their rating down was the repeated mistakes regarding my allergies. Before we ordered our food I made it very clear to the server I had allergies to shellfish and almonds. He talked me through all the dishes making sure we picked out those that would not cause a reaction. With our appetizer it contained an "XO crumble" which I didn't think anything of when I ordered because I had just walked through in detail all dishes on the menu. After I had eaten all of the dish and out of curiosity asked our server what exactly was the XO crumble, the color drained from his face. Turns out there was dried shellfish within the mixture. Luckily there wasn't a lot of that ingredient on the dish so I didn't have a reaction. Second and third course went by without incident and then dessert came. I can't recall the exact name of the dessert but it was essentially a white cake with pistachio's and ice cream. It was delicious and as I was finishing my third bite, I felt the familiar swelling of my throat reacting to an allergy. Right at that moment our server came running over telling me to stop eating because he did not realize there was almond flour in the cake. I was very fortunate I didn't eat enough of it to cause any serious problems. Our server was very apologetic and took the dish away and was able to modify one of the other desserts and remove anything else that would cause an allergy. As I stated, while our server did make sure we were well taken care of, these glaring mistakes could have been much worse if I were someone that was considerably more allergic to these ingredients. I have a cousin who is highly allergic to all nuts and I could only imagine if this were him in my shoes, this would have been an absolute disaster. While apologetic, I felt like minimum effort was made to correct the mistake. We received a limoncello shot on the house but really I would have much preferred something been taken off the bill to make up for the repeated mistakes. I'm not the most confrontational person so I didn't speak up like I should and went on my way. Despite the repeated incidents I would recommend this place. The environment and ambiance was fantastic, the food was delicious, and the chefs/servers were very helpful and friendly. If you have any type of allergies, just make sure to stay on top of the servers to ensure it's a event free meal.
(3)
Andrew W.
Went to Lower 48 having high hopes! Start with the positive! Got to lower 48 and was greeted must f been a manager or owner. Shorter guy with beard and glasses jeans sweater and Tie! He was amazing and was so welcoming and social I was so impressed! He was great on the phone! Let's start that I have been to some of the best restaurants in the US and the world. Think of cannlis in Seattle a TRUE 5 star restaurant that has amazing flavor and out Of This world service! Lower no so much! So let's move on to the negative: Get to lower 48 an wait for 15 min while 3 people come round to fill up waters but no waiter. The flavor was there with the dishes but portion size???? We ordered everything on the menu and still walked away with a 100$+ bill and not full. The service was not good Our waitress was not on the same planet. She had her nose so far up In the air is was terrible having her give service. We ordered and she said "I would order more" we said we will start with that and she rolls her eyes and walks away!............. Wow.... Horrible service. We ordered the entire menu and wine?? Wth?? This is the thing that bothered me the MOST!!! There was some guy prob 5'10 longer gelled back hair, glasses, blue blazer, facial hair, PACING BACK AND FORTH EVERYWHERE!! MICRO MANAGING EVERY WAITER AND WAITRESS AND TRYING TO LOOK LIKE A BIG SHOT! OMG is was so bothering to our table! You could tell he was so impressed with himself! Must of been a lower level manager but the fact he would pace back and forth and pretty much hover over you while you are then was telling off the staff really shows he doesn't know what he's doing! A little advise don't tell off your staff in front of customers, stop trying to look sophisticated, impressive, or powerful within your company and just be welcoming! I've been a regional manager and managed huge night clubs and bars all over the world. Your just look like a complete tool by pacing back and forth and hovering over your employees and customers. This is NOT 5 star and won't be. Next time everyone go to "Root Down" it's a restaurant that gorgeous food and welcoming service an doesn't try to be pretentious! But the guy that we talked to on the phone and welcomed us at the front door was INCREDIBLE! Thank you for being the only part of our night that was pleasant!
(1)
Ann F.
I have eaten at lower 48 at least 15 times and can honestly say it gets better every time I find the portions and ingredients in line with the cost. This food standouts for creativity and taste you will not do this at home Steak for 4 is fabulous and the salads are over the top. This restaurant is memorable for the delicious food not easily replicated in Denver.
(5)
Eden R.
What a great time! Went here to celebrate with some friends/business associates, was definitely a dinner to remember. Since there were six of us we tried one of everything on the shared menu, each got our own amuse bouche and had the pork butt. Every single thing we had was outstanding. The prices are a little high for the portion size, but everything was fresh, expertly prepared and beautiful. Only other suggestion I would have is a little more variety on the bottled wine list. The service was also outstanding, definitely 5 star. Can't wait to bring some other foodie friends of ours to Lower48!
I went here this past Thursday at 7pm and it was dead, not sure if it's only busy on the weekends? Any-who, the small plates are decently priced for what you get. We ordered the kale chips, poached shrimp, and the chicken liver mousse, all were to die for! The shared plates were on the small side for the price, but they too were excellent. Our server was very attentive and extremely knowledgeable of the drink and food menus, which was refreshing. All in all the food was extremely inventive and delicious and the experience itself was outstanding. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Jacqueline G.
Really really really bad. Took my husband here for his birthday and had really high expectations, considering the chefs culinary history. Everything we got (yes some things fried but not all) were doused in oil. So heavy and tasteless. After our "bites" we wanted to leave and not bother with the small plates. Wish we could have gotten out then! The service was also very unorganized. We had two waitresses that confused our order and got other peoples dishes on our table by mistake.
(1)
Amanda D.
My fiance and I thoroughly enjoyed our evening at Lower48 Kitchen. Admittedly, we were nervous when we sat down and saw the menu: nothing really jumped out at us as exciting. Boy, were we wrong. We ordered drinks: I had the Rattlesnake, my fiance enjoyed the Golden Spike. Both were excellent, hard-hitting, and well-mixed. On to dinner: The "small" bites fed two of us nicely (we ordered 3 of those), and we got 3 other items from the "each" menu: the corn dog (the cutest little thing with homemade mustard seeds you ever did see), the carmelized sweet potato soup (I didn't try that), and the radish chip. The radish chip was a last-minute add-on recommendation of our server. Boy, she was right. It was so original and had really unique flavor. I've never had anything quite like it. Our three small plates were the Quinoa Risotto, Organic Amish Chicken, and Sweet Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts. The only thing we weren't crazy about was the chicken. The brussel sprouts/sweet potatoes were light, incredibly flavorful, and perfectly cooked and presented. The risotto was so different, and had a really unique sauce drizzled on the edge of the plate (I can't remember what it was, but it was really delicious). We had dessert. It wasn't too memorable but definitely good. We left full. I'm a bit confused by people coming here expecting large entree sizes. I absolutely love being able to try lots of different dishes (even just a bit or two!), and really explore more options. I guess that's not for everyone. We loved the ambience of the place. Our server did forget us a couple of times when it started getting busier, but I was able to find someone else to get us another round of drinks and dessert. We're big fans of Frasca, and the varied flavor and texture of the dishes reminded us of the Ratatouille moments (yes, the Pixar movie ;)) that we have at Frasca. (The host later told us a couple of the chefs were at Frasca for a while, including one of the owners. . .I wasn't the least bit surprised). It was nice to not pay the insane premium for Frasca but enjoy a truly mouthwatering dinner. The food was by far the best part of this meal, drinks second, ambience third, service fourth. We will be back, probably soon. I have a feeling this place is going to become hard to get into. . .
(5)
Kate U.
Recently dined at Lower48 for the third time and with such a consistently great experience it won't be long before I've lost count of my number of visits here. My first visit: Brought my father in for dinner and sat at the counter overlooking the open kitchen, loved watching the precision and teamwork with which the guys worked. They found time though to chat with us about what they were plating and the locally sourced ingredients that are used in every dish on the menu. From the delicate tarragon cream filled beignet, corndogs and 'funions' that were a nod to my childhood but tailored to my adult tastes, even my Midwestern meat-and-potatoes dad was impressed by the offerings of the evening. My second and third visits were highlighted again by great food, with the menu keeping in tune with the season; the mushroom salad we had the other night blew my mind with flavor combinations from mushrooms prepared in multiple ways; the chef came over and introduced the dish to us himself. Hallie, our server, took care when I was with a GF girlfriend to explain her (many) options on the menu, and after dinner on my third visit with my boyfriend, the bartender took time to chat with us about the Amaro he'd just gotten in. Did I mention the killer dessert of chocolate mousse served with crispy puffed rice? Yum. Take a space that is contemporary but welcoming atmosphere, and combine with killer food and incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming staff, see you again soon!!!
(5)
Steve K.
We selected this restaurant over a couple nearby, reliable favorites based on ratings in 5280, Denver's magazine which I consider a reliable source. The Lower 48 should just call itself a tapas restaurant, because what they offer is really a variety of appetizers and snacks. The food was tasty, but portion sizes were tiny -- yet prices weren't. We're prefer reasonably-sized portions, but the following day ONE plate at another favorite Denver eatery had more food on it than all four of us had for dinner, and our bill at Lower 48 (with 5 cocktails) was $160. Part of their strategy seems to make up for it by keeping you full with water -- our 8 oz. glasses were never empty. Tasty food, but be ready for the reality of small, bite-sized portions at full meal prices. I suspect that for most diners, dinner at The Lower 48 Kitchen be a one-time wonder.
(3)
Robbie M.
Looking for a unique experience for your pallet? Have a few extra dollars than what you're used to spending? Do it here. Well worth it #classy
(5)
Matt J.
I came here after seeing Lower48 on a list of upcoming Denver restaurants. My guest and I ordered from a pre-fixed menu that came with three plates and a dessert. The best part of the meal was the fried brussel sprouts with peanut butter! Although a perceptually weird combination, it was an enticing and delicious surprise that made me want more. For the main course, I ordered the fettucine which was the perfect portion; pork was cooked well and the pasta was cooked perfectly. Beautiful ambience and located just a few streets away from the crazy LoDo bars.
(3)
Lis R.
Kind of shocked to see the high reviews on here.... maybe it's better on the weekends? I went on a Tuesday night, group of four of us, and the only thing that made it enjoyable was the company I came with. Now, the one star is not because the food is absolutely atrocious, it's relative to the price - it is NOT worth what you pay for. I mean, over $60 / person and left hungry and frustrated...hours after we first got there...Now the details: 1) SLOW. By the time our cocktails finally came, the ice had melted so much in two of our drinks that the flavor was incredibly watered down. One friend's beer took even longer to come... and it was in a bottle - how difficult is it to bring over a bottle of beer? 2) I'm not sure why it is slow, as there is at least a 1:1 ratio of staffers to diners in that establishment. I have no idea what they all do. And you can see the open kitchen, which is painful when your stomach is grumbling and about to eat itself and the chefs are just standing around not appearing to do much about getting your order ready. 3) The menu does not accurately describe the food. Note: smoked potato + poached egg is potato MOUSSE. 4) Bland (and no salt/pepper shakers on the table to even attempt to fix it yourself). The only thing I would consider going back for is the brisket fritter. That was delicious. But it was $2 for a bite. They aren't kidding when they call the "Each" items a bite. One bite. We ordered one of each Each and tried to share... it was painful. 5) The space. It's a cool look, but it ends of feeling too large and drafty - even the dim lighting couldn't make it feel cozy and intimate. I was also probably shaking from low blood sugar and the lack of booze in my watered down cocktail though... It would take a LOT to drag me back out here to pay over $60 per person for a lackluster meal. Will NOT be returning.
(1)
James B.
My guest and I dined here tonight at the chef's table, which is basically a bar that overlooks the line. We had a direct view of the expo window. All in all, we had a great meal from start to finish. There were some hiccups with the service, as we were confused who was actually taking care of us in the beginning, but the expo chef and host made rounds with us. The manager also made contact with us. I almost want to give our visit 5 stars, but with the clunky service in the beginning and one lackluster dish, I had to pull a 4 star review. I would suggest this restaurant to my friends and family, and I cannot wait for a return visit. The food is seasonal, well thought out and mindful. The flavors were developed and a deliberate. The menu is simple. There are small plates to share and individual bites. The price is right across the board. The duck rillete was memorable. The Alaskan salmon was expertly cooked and flaked nicely. The English peas were excellent and seasonal. The pork belly and tenderloin was excellent. Our dessert was plated so beautifully. The cold Romaine soup with green tomato and Meyer lemon was underwhelming and needed a dash of salt or spice. Each course was explained in detail, and the expo chef watched over us to make sure we were happy. The space was small and thought out. We cannot wait to return!
(4)
Allison J.
I had the pleasure of entertaining clients at this restaurant last week and it was overall an incredible experience! The food, the wine and the service were all outstanding. A definite must when dining in the Denver area!
(5)
Kiele K.
A-OK is exactly the term I would use to describe my evening at Lower 48. I had been excited to try it, as I live very near by and watched it open. First and foremost, I dined with five other people in the main dining room. I DO NOT recommend this for future reference. Instead, grab a drink & a bite in their lounge space! The pros: The host was wonderfully attentive and showed us around the entire restaurant. It has three different dining rooms that are all unique spaces. The drinks are delicious, I got a Telegraph. The food was beautifully presented and very tasty. The cons: Despite the delicious-ness of the food and drinks, the portions were a bit too small for the price. Additionally, dishes came out randomly, which took away from the overall dining experience. I give it a B- experience. That said, I want to return with a smaller crew for the main dining space, or a happy hour in the lounge!
(3)
Amy W.
While the food was quite unique and tasty, the prices were ridiculous for the amount we were served. There was 3 categories of food; "Each" which is only a bite for $2 apiece. "Share" which is about the third of a typical restaurant's appetizer...and at $13 to $17 apiece for these tiny plates, that makes the normal size $26 to $34 apiece. For an appetizer? No. After many plates of very expensive food, we left hungry. We won't be back.
(2)
Jennifer D.
Won't be going back, we all felt the menu was slightly limited and we left feeling hungry and not entirely satifisfied. I was hoping for so much more. For the money, I didn't walk away with a memorable experience! Wasn't horrible, just wasn't great.
(2)
Nate B.
I don't recall a better dining experience. I had the twice baked potatoes, salmon, and for dessert; the smores. I can't remember the last time I had such an amazing meal and, although I rarely order dessert, I couldn't resist, and I couldn't stop smiling the whole time I devoured the dessert. Great service and the food offered such a variety of flavors. Absolutely incredible, I couldn't clean each plate enough. They have an extensive cocktail menu and wine list, and a great beer selection from breweries you don't just find everywhere. Currently at the top of my list of must visit restaurants. I dined alone at the bar and the staff was excellent. Place this spot at the top of your list for must visit for a perfect dinner, whether with a date, dining with friends, or going solo. I'll be returning very soon, and I'm guessing this will be a new regular spot for me.
(5)
Graham H.
Awesome. Great staff and food made with love. Sat at the chefs table for date night . A great evening was had by all.
(5)
Matt C.
Hands down my favorite restaurant in Denver. They have an exciting menu that changes often and out of this world desserts. The staff is great and the kitchen is even better. We've gotten to know the owners quite well and most of the chefs and they treat us like VIPs every time we come. It's a great dinner experience all around. As for these negative reviews I've read, to each their own I guess, but we've never encountered any of the issues people mention. If you don't like these portion sizes and pairings, it's just not your type of place. I'd suggest Applebees for big plates and discount dining.
(5)
Sarah W.
Putting in your order at Lower48 is like carefully choosing presents from under a tree: Will you take the tiny stocking stuffers (Eaches), the in-between options, or the larger ones for sharing (and for the festive spirit)? A combination of the first two options is wise, but be advised that the Eaches really are for one person only. Other dishes can be split. The Poached Alabama Shrimp and the Brussels & Butternut Squash are both delicious--complex, flavorful, and fresh--and other items like the Beignet are innovative and interesting on the palette. Everything is presented beautifully. Alas, as is often the problem with small plates, the prices are a bit high for the amount you end up with.
(4)
Thuan P.
I was told by the wait staff that this restaurant has been opened for about 12 weeks. I have to say the experience had been very pleasant. I sat at the chefs table, able to watch everything being cooked and plated. The food is delectable. Blending sweet and savory. The "Each" menu is worth trying. I definitely recommend this place.
(5)
Annie W.
Been wanting to try this place for a while...heard great things. We showed up with another couple right when they opened at 5pm. The place was still empty as they had just opened. Really liked the atmosphere. Service was great and food was amazing. Highly recommend this place
(5)
Rob C.
Absolutely one of the best culinary experiences in Denver. From beginning to end this was exceptional!
(5)
Doug H.
Everything about Lower 48 bespeaks its New American designs--the cuisine, decor, art, and location. Went there with the family and tried a lot on the menu from their wide array of selections. I'd have to say that nothing really blew me out of the water, but every dish was done with care and attention that you would expect from a fine-dining establishment. A nice addition to this cowtown. It's hard to talk about the menu because it sounds like they change it every day. Maybe this is just a trend or maybe it's just because they are just starting out, but as a business plan I think it's a bad idea. I think it's better to develop some favorites and specialties and build off that. Also, they take the cute route on the names of their menu items with the "each," "small", and "big" plates. I remember Ototo did something like that with a clever naming convention and it threw all their customers off. Of the "each" dishes, the chickpea, hoecake, and beignet were only OK. Pretty pricey ($2.50 "each") for what was essentially an amuse bouche. The small plates were excellent. Loved the savory pancakes, which had a cornocopia of flavors and dibs and dabs of mushroom and other sauces on the plate. The beet salad was great, somewhat similar in concept to the beet dish at Squeaky Bean. Of the large dishes, the chicken was better than the scallops. The scallops were seared just right, but the foamy potato base was a bit bland, and because it was spread on a large plate, it was cold in seconds. I think we ended up under-ordering; the large plates were not enough to share. I think you should plan on one small plate and one big plate for each diner at a minimum to feel sated. Service was very friendly and welcoming. Our waiter took evident joy in telling us about the menu. Food delivery to the table was a bit odd--almost like a bumper car--very fast and then jolted to a halt. I assume that they will iron this out as this is only in the first weeks of service. They certainly had a lot of people on hand to cook and serve. The owner was there and he stopped at our table a couple of times. He offered us a tour of the restaurant afterward, and we took him up on it. And L48 has something to brag about its space and location. This is somewhat on the urban frontier--the ballpark neighborhood is on the edge of downtown, but this has its advantages. We parked right in front of the building, and you feel like you've discovered the place rather than followed the crowd. L48 has all the style and wow of the Kitchen in LoDo in my opinion. The open kitchen and chef's bar especially look like an enticing place to have a dining experience. The art work and decor evoke the American railroad and pioneering, literally. I liked the vibe a lot. I hope that Denver diners will find this spot, because L48 is fine addition to the food scene.
(4)
Julie Ann W.
Went here for date night about a month ago. Had heard lots about Lower48, and read it was voted on of the best new restaurants in Denver. We tried lots of different menu items and had several drinks. We enjoyed everything. It was pretty spendy, though. But, for a special night out, this is a good spot to try.
(4)
Victoria C.
Came here for valentines day and the food was okay. Service okay; atmosphere trendy. The special menu had small bites, and tried all of then (8-10?), and liked 2. The sweet potato one was very good. I don't even remember the others because they were uninspired (not the idea or menu-writing, but the execution of food itself). The main dish was better, but nothing especially memorable. The dessert was meh--hazelnut layer cake that might have been made elsewhere and refrigerated on-site. They kept forgetting the wine pairings until after each course was done. Atmosphere is cute and maybe they were overwhelmed for valentines. But wouldn't go back anytime soon on my own accord.
(3)
Cristen H.
Really, really good! (most of the time) all items on the menu are made in-house. I had the fried chickpea bites, heirloom & burratta salad, pork belly with black grits and lavender ice cream. (We went during restaurant week) - Every thing was really, really good! My only downside would be that the normal prices for these same items / portions are a bit steep.
(4)
Sarah W.
So...I never really write any reviews on Yelp. But after dinner at Lower48 last night, I felt compelled to share my experience with others because it was just THAT great. My boyfriend and I try a new restaurant just about every week, with the goal of working our way through the 5280 Top Restaurants list. Usually, we find most of the restaurants pretty bland, too loud, or just generally unexciting. Rarely do we find one that we think is a definite "keeper." But Lower48 blew us away. The service was some of the best we've ever experienced, from the extremely helpful wait staff to the uber polite management. The atmosphere was simple, lovely, and quiet (which I feel like is rare in this city). ...And then there was the food. A-maze-ing. Overall, It was incredibly well done and there wasn't one thing that we thought was just "ok." We went to town, and ordered corn dogs and Alabama shrimp for apps. Both were great, and the shrimp was some of the best I've had in Denver (which is saying a lot for a girl from the Gulf coast). We then shared two salads, the carrots and parsnips and brussels and butternut squash. The squash was the best, most delicious squash I've ever had. Then we shared the lamb duo and the red fish, which were both great, but the fish stood out to me as my favorite. All of this food was a good amount for both of us, with both of us leaving full and beyond content. Lower48 is a keeper, plain and simple. So glad we decided to stop by - we'll definitely be back!
(5)
Mal B.
My father and younger brother were visitng from out of town and we decided on Lower 48 for our dinner. We came in on a Thursday, and sat at the chefs counter. My younger brother LOVED their corn dogs, and once convinced to be adventurous he throughly enjoyed the blue fish crudo, and even the Brussels sprouts. My father was impressed with the wine list and the service provided by not only our server but the bar and kitchen staff as well. The open environment really allows you to be a part of the experience of Lower 48. It was a favorite for my family during their visit to Denver.
(4)
Jackie H.
Initially, service fantastic. Very attentive and proper. They have individual bites, appetizers and entrees. We ordered the bacon wrapped monk fish. The fish was flavorful. I wasn't that fond if the lentils. This is a fun upscale place to drink and have appetizers. The entree was expensive. I will not order that again. Strange thing happened with the place setting. The help seemed to be adamant about having the fork on the right and knife on the left. Even after I swapped the knife back to the right side if the plate, someone came over and switched it back. I am sorry. The food was ok but overly pricey and small proportions. It was way too loud and the waitress came by too often.
(3)
Vy L.
ELF FOOD. We left hungry. We went for 5280 restaurant week and used it as an excuse to try this much heard about restaurant. I understand the concept is small bites, which is fine if they gave you enough to feed you or if their bites were unique enough to warrent the price. We had the onion cakes and carrot soup which was well done but overpriced. 2$ for one onion chip and 4$ for about 4 tablespoons of soup. I had the cod which was well cooked but it was about 3oz of fish for the entre. The chicken dish was overcooked, stringy and on a bed of homemade sauerkraut with chicken skin crumbles. The food was not original enough to pull off a "small bites" place. Chicken skin crumbles shouldnt jack up the price of a chicken and cabage dish by 20$. The service was excellent, but the food was mediocre and overpriced and the portion sizes were microscopic.
(3)
melissa B.
We had a really nice meal here. Cocktails were fantastic and a highlight. We typically order a bottle of wine at dinners, but decided to have a cocktail and do wines by the glass. SO glad we did. Not to miss. The "each" part of the menu was very fun and flavorful. We would skip the corn dog next time, breaking to dog was off and too much. The lentils on the pork were by far my favorite take away from the evening. The savory pancakes were good. They were heavy and missing a little brightness. The octopus was outstanding. Wine list was fair and varied and the server was able to answer questions knowledgeably. However, service was not so great. Everyone was very nice, but not sure if our server just got sat a lot of tables at once or what, but we waited a long time for him a few times. By the time I got my glass of wine, we were almost done with our entree. We were also brought our octopus and didn't have any silverware and not one person working was attending their eyes to tables, so we had to get up and get silverware from another table...no one noticed that either?? We would definitely give it another shot though! Finally, the cookie given with our check was the most amazing cookie I've ever had!
(4)
Colin C.
One of our favorite places to go for a special meal. Friendly welcome when we come in the door. Service is always great. The food is in the same ranks as some of the best culinary experiences in Denver. Big thanks to the owner, Mario, and team for making our evening so great
(5)
Julian R.
My wife and I saw a write up in Westword and rolled in on a Friday night. The place was full and we were told it would be an hour for a table but the chef counter had a couple of stools available. It was a treat to watch the chefs plate the food using finesse and unexpected tools. The chefs were friendly and answered all of my many questions about the foods they were working with. The foods that we tried were tasty but like many others have commented, the portions are small. $120 for the two of us. One final note, they had some type of special event going on and I inquired about the off menu mini corn dogs I could see them making in the side kitchen. They said the were special ordered for a private party and asked if I would like one which of course I did. Overall a good experience and we will return.
(4)
Bruce F.
A divine foodie experience! Two of us shared eight courses, plus one cocktail. Our bill was $92, an exceptional value for the quality and quantity of food. We're both happily stuffed. Everything was exquisitely plated and we L O V E D everything we tasted. The top standouts were: New England hake, black eyed peas and a beet salad. I can't wait to go back and order everything else on the menu.
(5)
Alex J.
Outstanding, great service, delicious food. I'm not much of a corn dog eater, but the bite size one here was magical. Everything I've had so far has been great! Cozy ambience with views of the kitchen and chef, really nice.
(5)
Jason A.
The people here are working very hard. Very meticulous and great smells if you sit at the kitchen bar. Small potions but all delicious. Come to try various flavors but not on a hungry appetite.
(4)
Cory P.
Value - Great deal for your money. I enjoy the location and the size of the food portions. Amuse Bouche portions are more two bites than one. The atmosphere is great and the waistaff are all extremely nice. We grabbed one of each of the single serving dishes, split a shared dish and had a couple of drinks and were more than contented. Performance - Waitstaff are always on the move but are always willing to go above and stop by consistently to make sure each plate is satisfactory. They are really good at letting you visit with company and not be bothered but if you need something as well. Timing is great here as food and drink are always paced really well. Ease of Use - The amount of drink and food options are plentiful for veggie, fish, and meat eaters. Love the rotating shared plate specials of the week. Parked right on the street. Made a reservation on OpenTable. Features - Great small batch beers and superb list of classics, amazing cocktails. We grabbed the Bent Rail and another fruit forward cocktail that was tasty. Criticism - No criticism of this new spot in town. Overall - Food, service, cocktails, ambience are all spot on. for being as new as they are, this place is hitting it out of the park! Ezra and Brandon were both great about talking with us about our food and pairing drinks accordingly. Hats off to you Lower48 Kitchen. Until next time . . .
(5)
Marc F.
Amazing evening at the newly opened Lower 48 restaurant in the Ballpark neighborhood. The food, atmosphere and the staff were amazing, as were the drinks. In all, it was a wonderful evening! I will be back soon and be bring droves of people who love great quality!
(5)
Angel D.
The food here is spectacular. It's creative and out of the box but doesn't sacrifice taste for the sake of creativity. We worked our way through a tasting menu and pretty much loved everything on it. I can't wait to go back.
We had a great dinner here. Love the "each" concept on the menu, and the fresh menu aspect based on what's available. The Octopus was great and I would recommend this for sure . The Pork was our highlight of the night. The belly was perfect and lentils were spot on. Cookies at the end were a nice touch by the staff! Check this place out.
(4)
Jim C.
Lower48. How do they claim share plates when they are one to four bites? I did not get the concept at all. They menu was confusing and I guess it's about pairing foods. If I ran it I would scrap the small plates and serve a dinner. We had a good laugh the next morning when we discussed the entire meal. $200 laugh. Service was 30 on an ordered beer. Glass empty water for 20 min. I give it 1 year.
(1)
Sarah C.
We tried this place with some friends. At first the service was good, the server initially got our drinks out to us quickly although the red wine pour was short and cold as was my friends. Ordering more drinks and actually receiving them took much longer, each time and to the point that a friend told this to the floor manager, who brought out one of the drinks as the server was finally dropping 2 others off. The eaches were tasty and priced accordingly. When the menu says "whole quail." I'm not sure when "whole" becomes only 4 legs. The "pigs head" was described as being jowls and cheeks, but its actually a deep fried ball of meat, with a chunk of fat. My friend got a ball of fat, no meat. The pasta had no flavor. We ended up at Marco's, where the service and food was much better, the server even gave us a free dessert.
(1)
Heather O.
Fantastic food, amazing cocktails and wonderful atmosphere! I have taken every one of my friends and family from all over the country to this spot and not one person has had a bad word to say! The food is fantastic! Small plates perfect for individual orders and then some to share! This is finer dining, which is something Denver needs! What a welcome addition to the growing food scene in the city. The cocktails are inventive and delicious! They have a great wine and beer selection as well that incorporates the entire U.S., not just Colorado beers or your standard wine selections. Very refreshing to see! Whether you sit in the dining room, at the bar, in service bar or at the kitchen you will enjoy the ambience.
(5)
Katie H.
What a wonderful experience and great time! The food was delicious and well executed (every dish) and the service was impeccable. Definitely looking forward to going back. I was very impressed especially with the depth of flavor in these effortless-looking plates, and the focus is clearly on providing excellent food and a wonderful evening.
(5)
Lemonte G.
So many good places in Denver and Westword liked Lower48 - so thought we'd give it a chance. Creative menu and good atmosphere. Service was okay - but had to wait many times for drink refills. Food portions are for elves. So make sure you're not looking for a hearty meal - or order two of everything. My main course was sold as a "boars" head. When I asked what parts - I was told the jowls, ears, etc. Sounded great. However - if I had to take a guess on how it was prepared - I would have thought all parts in a stock, simmered down and then a spoon full rolled into a ball and deep fried. Another guest in our party did get some "meat" - but mine was a giant ball of fat. Felt like I cut into a giant, deep fried snot ball. Absolutely gross. Another person in our party got the vegetarian pasta - and he could not eat it either as it looked like a bowl of maggots. I gave two stars instead of one because the appetizers were okay. Maybe give it a few months and try it again . . . maybe.
(2)
Nicky B.
This place appeared on my radar when 5280 named it a best new restaurant. Went there last Saturday before the opera. Service was flawless, and the small plate cuisine was inventive and playful without being fussy or pretentious. Favorite dishes included the scallion cream beignet (the fried exterior was so light!), the wild mushroom salad (wonderful to have the rich shrooms paired with bright, crispy radishes and celery), and the octopus (served with a pumpernickel puree that offered a delightful variation on a dish that's getting a bit ubiquitous these days). Can't wait to go back!
(4)
Jenn F.
Small plates. Higher prices but amazing. Kudos to chef. Loved octopus. Winter salad, beets, cauliflower, mushroom pancake, and sea bass. Fit for foodies! Well done lower 48!
(5)
Marc W.
Superb. Really one of the best restaurants in Denver - I sat at the chef's bar, and got to watch them make mine and many other items. It felt like being part of a cooking show, and the cooking itself - really interesting. A wide variety of flavors and textures, and a great wine list to match. Highly recommended!
My husband and I had heard rave reviews of Lower48 Kitchen from friends, so decided to try it out for our anniversary dinner. After tonight's dinner I concur heartily with our friends' conclusion - this newcomer to the Denver restaurant scene rocks. An ecclectic combination of amuse bouche and small plates make it hard to chose between a combo of lots of little shared appetizers or entrees. We did four amuse bouche - the Johnny Cake, Fritter, Chickpea Fry, daily special, a small plate (the special of the day) and shared the chicken for two. For dessert we had the grilled cheese (don't ask, it was AMAZING) and the citrus meringue. We found the staff to be incredible and the management to be incredibly attentive. They knew it was our anniversary from my notes in our Open Table reservation, and made sure that it was an unforgettably wonderful experience. We absolutely loved the whole evening and look forward to our next visit. Thank you Mario, Carson, Chef Alex Figura and the rest of the Lower48 staff for making our anniversary such a wonderful night!
(5)
Steve T.
Small plate fare. Their motto must be Keep It Simple Small. The appetizers were creative and tasty. The kale chips, chicken pate, and crispy chicken skin were well designed and pleasing. Forget about the corn dog. The fried Brussels sprouts are the new beet! Give that a try for sure. The bacon wrapped trout worked very well with the contrasting sauce. The grass feed beef was very good. The high calorie desserts will certainly top off anyone craving for more proteins. Savor the meal's conclusion with French press coffee. Staff is very pleasant and attentive.
The good: Creative food, well seasoned, artful presentation, small bites were really a highlight, inspired desserts, cool industrial space, creative cocktail/beer/wine selection (nice after dinner drinks too) The bad: BUMS, yes bums!, regularly frequent the restrooms (hello management?), Chef uses heaps of butter, waitstaff pleasant but a little unattentive especially for a quiet night (switch in servers, had to ask manager for bill and to take payment when server disappeared), portioning odd (not too small like some have said, but waitstaff suggesting splitting everything yet odd number of pieces on the plate, e.g., 3 fingerling potatoes for 4 people, other small things like that), wierd neighborhood (not really Ballpark, sketchy walk to car past a gauntlet of transient beggers, see BUM comment above). Overall, an A for effort, but falling short of the terrific Denver restaurant scene. Highlight of evenning -- swung past Voodoo Doughnuts with only a ten minute wait!
(2)
Kaitlyn M.
Tried this place last night and couldn't have been more impressed. The food was amazing, the wine list impressive yet affordable, and the service was friendly and unpretentious. We started with some mini appetizers called "each's", split some small plates, and then split two entrees and two deserts. For 4 people, this was the perfect amount. We got to try a bunch of different things and everything (minus the scallops, which were just ok) was amazing. I would absolutely go back- the place is expensive, but well worth it. Last night's dinner was probably one of the best meals I've had in Denver.
(5)
Pete W.
A new "urban dining" experience, with a vibè, and interesting menu choices. Excellent but small portions ( ribeye and monkfish) and a good wine selection. Service, though, was decidedly so-so. A long time between courses, leading to an apology from the manager. Maybe the kitchen is too busy performing for the 'chef's table' to keep up with the routine. Go to have the experience, but be prepared for some service gaps.
(3)
D O.
I think the largest criticism of our group came from three men over 6' tall and around 200 pounds. They left the restaurant hungry and not thrilled after a $365 meal + $50 tip bill for 7 people. The appetizers were creative and tasty, albeit very small, and the large entrees were also very small forcing us to order dessert. Everyone was in agreement that the odd grilled cheese dessert was amazing. The Rock Island and the Golden Spike cocktails were also both very good. Everyone also agreed that due to the cost versus size of food portions, we would probably not go back. It would be wise for them to add some vegetables to their meat entrees and increase the size of their salads or add some protein to them. Soup would also be a great addition to a winter menu and is also filling. Everyone felt a little cheated. Service was okay.
(2)
Anika Z.
I disagree with another reviewer who has claimed to be an industry person. Anyone in the industry would be forgiving of a restaurant that is only been open a couple of nights. I've eaten here a couple of times now. The first time I ate here I met the owner who was nice enough to come to our table and introduce himself. The food is amazing and the service was great. My only criticism, which I feel completely able to share with the owner that I have now met, is that I wish their portions were little bit larger. I expect to see more great things from lower 48 in the coming year and I'm really happy to see this addition to Denver's dining scene.
(5)
Emily S.
I have been to Lower 48 twice since it has opened and have an upcoming reservation; it is just that good! The food is very fresh and unique with items that you can not find at any other restaurant. Would highly recommend anything from the "each" category as they are really delicious. I ordered the scallops and can only rave about the taste and freshness. My husband had the chicken leg and it was equally delicious and inventive. The decor, staff and overall feel of the restaurant are also great!
(5)
rachel d.
I could not have been more impressed with our meal. Everything was perfection. Great wine, appetizers and main course choices. My group sampled all of the appetizer on the menu and were not disappointed . We did the rib eye for 2 as our main course and it was wonderful - even as someone who does not usually eat steak. We ended our meal by sharing 3 desserts . Overall a wonderful experience that I would recommend to anyone looking for an upscale dining experience .
(5)
A L.
excellent appetizers, unique cuisine, great atmosphere with a reasonbly priced selection of wines and beers. must try the beef fritters
(5)
Kelly O.
what an incredible menu. the flavors they pack into the bite sized appetizers under the 'each' category are beyond impressive. the crispy chicken skin? oh man. you would be a fool not to try this place.
(5)
Elizabeth H.
The food is good, but the portions are small. I was expecting this so that didn't really bother me. What did bother me is the service. The staff was unwelcoming and actually a bit rude to our table from the moment we walked in until the moment we left. When you spend $100+ on a meal, in my opinion, the service should be outstanding. While I enjoyed our, I probably won't be back solely based on the pretentious staff.
(2)
Julie D.
I had the pleasure of dining at Lower 48 recently and could not have been happier with the experience. The "eaches" are a great way to start the meal and I especially loved the chickpea fritters and chicken wings. It's great to get a bunch and share them with a big group. After that go for the salads- all of which are so inventive and delicious. I loved both the brussel sprout and beet ones that we had! Scallops were fantastic as a main and the deserts were out of this world-loved the meringue one we had- so light and delicious. Great way to end a meal. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Amanda H.
Truly exceptional food. The flavors are balanced, thoughtful, and full of ingenuity. I tried about 9 things on the menu and couldn't fault any of them. Service is just ok- some timing issues- but the owners/ managers seem to be present and putting in effort. Tables are closer together than I would have preferred. Looking forward to a return trip.
(5)
Alaina L.
Lower 48 has hit it stride, both food and service were operating on all cylinders. We had 9:30 reservation and from the greeting at the door to the farewells, we never felt rushed. On the contrary, the staff seemed genuinely appreciative that we were supporting this new restaurant and we are sure glad we did! I do recommend sitting at the chef's counter if you are curious about the food--the team working in front of you has some serious cooking credentials but their friendly attitudes made it clear that they understand hospitality at its core. Highlights included the squid and chicken, 's'more dessert as well. We didn't taste one thing we didn't enjoy but do come with an open mind--this is as far from a Colorado steakhouse as they come. I've seen other reviewers comment on portion size verse price and while the first column of apps ARE small, the entrees were a great value. Plus, hopefully this city has moved past antiquated expectations for portion sizing. I for one will pass on a bowl of pasta the size of a frisbee for ten bucks thank you. Elevated cuisine demands a higher price. The service was spot on as well, helpful but not hovering, bright eyed and eager to talk you through the menu. It's not always easy to deliver a likable personality to a group of people sitting at a counter with their backs turned towards you, but again they nailed it. Have I said enough great things? Ah but I couldn't forget, the pictures I've seen have not done the decor any justice. Rather than embracing an industrial style that too often leans towards "cafeteria", the warm wood and bright red accents created an environment I could have stayed in for hours. Such an awesome addition to the Denver dining scene!
(5)
Jessen G.
GREAT FOOD. Simple clear and clean flavors. Our dinner club had four of the small bite items, and our favorites were the beignets, and fritter, but each one was terrific. We also split all of the small plates, and they were truly outstanding. The group favorite was the savory pancake. We also were OBSESSED with the grilled cheese dessert. Give it a try!
(5)
Chris D.
Wow, just got home from one of the best meals I've had in Denver perhaps...sitting at chefs counter was a great way to enjoy the meal. Unreal flavor combinations. Quail dish was superb. It was all phenomenal though...Staff from front of house to the back was stellar. You can tell that everyone cares about putting out an amazing final product. So impressed, reasonable in cost, wish I could go back tomorrow.
(5)
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
Address :2020 Lawrence St,Unit A
Denver, CO, 80205
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes
Hailey J.
Food was underwhelming for the price. Service was wonderful, though.
(2)Kim B.
We have been to Lower 48 at least a dozen times since they have opened., we have always had a wonderful experience. Last night my husband and i got away for a date night. We sat at the chef's bar so we could see all the "action". I started with a glass of champagne, delicious. My husband was the designated driver so he asked for a non alcoholic drink. The bar tender came over and asked some questions about what my husband was looking for. I thought was a nice attention to detail. I didn't try his drink, but he said it was delicious. Since our last visit to Lower 48 they have changed the layout of their menu. I think that will help alleviate some of the confusion that guests are speaking about in earlier posts. The also added a hamburger to the menu, it looked amazing. As well as a happy hour menu and a $34 prix fix. Which included 2 small bites. An appetizer, an entree and dessert. Wine pairings were also offered for $21. What a freaking steal! My husband chose this option. He had cold pea soup and "funions" as his small bites, fried Brussel sprouts with a smoky peanut butter and goose egg as hi app and the seared tuna as his main. The dessert was a almond cake with apricots and apricot ice cream. It was all delicious and gluten free, which is a huge bonus as he has celiac disease. I enjoyed a second glass of champagne, then started with the fruition ricotta cheese, which was served on a bed of leaks and topped with fried leaks, trout roe and garlic chips. Holy cow, delicious. It came with a side of bread, but all you really need is a spoon! For my second course I had the caramelle pasta with cheese cloth cheddar, arugula and American ham. The pasta was handmade and cooked perfectly. My entree was the lamb shoulder. It literally melted in my mouth. It was served with snow peas and snap peas. We both left stuffed. The owner was also nice enough to let us have a taste of their knob creek bourbon. He actually went to Kentucky and picked a barrel (after tasting quite a few!) and it has just arrived at the restaurant. These guys care about the food and drinks they serve. It is our favorite place in Denver. You are missing out if you don't give it a try.
(5)E C.
We just had dinner at Lower48 - The overall experience was thumbs down. I had read a good review from 5280 (I am starting to doubt the food critic there - not the first time I wonder if we are talking about the same place) 8pm reservation - table not ready but soon after. Hostess very nice and welcoming. Place super cool, then everything started to go south. One person in the party has a severe dairy allergy. She mentioned it. We all ordered one small and one big plate. The first 3 small plates arrived and mine never did. After everyone was almost done, we called the waiter and asked. It had not been ordered. We were told I was going to get it asap and comped for the mistake. The person with the allergy got dairy in her small dish. Something else was missing from another plate. We mentioned it. It was later brought. Food The combination of peanut butter with the Brussels sprouts was not a favorite. The asparagus dish was missing the ham - we were told from the beginning - they were still good but the cheese bed underneath was nothing spectacular. The other two dishes were better although one with the dairy. We called the waiter, asked to confirm if there had been dairy - we got a yes but he said, there was very very little - an allergy is an allergy... Second plates arrived for 3 people, the fourth took a bit. Food Duck was good but the rest was too sweet and not very interesting. Shrimp dish was good too but $14 seemed a bit steep for a few pieces of shrimps Pasta with duck sauce was good. One dessert was ordered. After a bit we got the bill. We asked for the dessert. It had been forgotten. We finally got the dessert. We forgot to check all the items in the bill. That first forgotten dish was not comped after all. We ended up paying for it. When spending $200 for an evening, way more is expected.
(2)Alison C.
My undercover foodie friend and I dropped by this lovely place on a Thursday night. I had only herd a couple of people talk about this place, but I was intrigued. We decided to share everything we ordered just so we could experience the goodness together. We had the octopus, almond and wild onion tortellini, Berkshire pork belly & Loin, and of course the grilled cheese dessert. I have to admit, this is probably one of the only places to cook octopus just right. In my experience many places over cook the octopus and it ends up chewy and not so great to eat, but not here. The octopus was soft and seasoned very well with the green garlic sauce. The tortellini was delicious. I know it had no meat or seafood, but the natural sweet taste of the onion and subtle fragrant taste and scent of the almond, made it amazing. The lamb was different than what I was use to, but nonetheless seasoned and cooked very well. That dish is definitely made to share. Then it was grilled cheese dessert time. First off- uh- what?! grilled cheese for dessert?? heck yes. I'd be lying if I wasn't a little skeptical, but decided to take a leap of faith. Worth it! This odd combination just worked so well in your mouth. My friend doesn't even like desserts that much, but he was impressed. You have to take a grilled cheese piece with the ice cream and syrup and it hits the spot. The only gripe I have is the pricing to proportion size. It is a pricey dinner, but if you are able to splurge a bit, I would recommend this place for sure.
(4)Wendy K.
If you are a foodie DO NOT let some of the negative comments about Lower 48 scare you away. We have been 5 or 6 times and EVERY time it's been beyond amazing. No, the portions are not huge but they also are not priced to be huge. Nothing is over $20 (most items are way less). The only exception to the rule being a rather large dry-aged rib eye that looks fantastic, by the way! Some have complained about slow service - which I totally get and can certainly empathize with. We haven't had any issues at all but hopefully those complaints are being addressed. We always sit at the chef's bar as it's super-fun to watch the chefs at work and watch Alex, the Executive Chef, oversee it all. An overarching theme with this place is their subtle approach to pairing and marrying flavors. Nothing is ever over-seasoned, no overly rich sauces, etc. The natural flavors of the uber-fresh ingredients are always the star. Items worthy of mention (Note: the menu changes weekly as it's always reflecting fresh and local so these items may not be available): -- Papperdale with a Lamb Ragu...OMG...words cannot describe the flavor and tenderness of the fresh pasta and the depth of the Ragu...eye-closing and mouth watering....AMAZING!!! -- Mediterranean Sea Bass - beautifully cooked with just the right combination of seasoning...flakey, flavorful and delicious!!!! -- Braised short rib... UNBELIEVEALBE!! Melt in your mouth meat that leaves me speechless. Possibly the best meat bite I've had...and I've had many. I have no negatives. Flavors galore, ever-evolving menus that incorporate local and fresh into everything they serve - what's not to love? Lower48 may be one of the most consistently fantastic restaurants in Denver.
(5)Carolyn M.
I have only been to the bar at Lower48, but I cannot wait to return for the food. The space is great and the staff is fantastic. Everything is locally sourced and made with love, including the cocktails. I had some sort of strawberry mule that tasted like magic in my mouth - the perfect beverage for a hot summer day!
(5)John S.
Amazing food. Great staff. We had the Brussels, toast, maltagliti pasta, and pork shank. Everything was amazing and melted in our mouths. Do yourself a favor and get here. You won't find better pasta!!
(5)K L.
This place is great. Food was phenomenal. The Brussels sprouts, "toast" and burger were all very good. The mahi mahi was magical. Melt in your mouth good. Decent wine list. Fantastic service. Nice ambiance and not too crowded. A bit out of the way but that makes parking and traffic easy. Not sure why people are complaining about portion sizes. Plenty of food.
(5)Neil M.
Broccoli Cheese Sandwich- 3/5 Beignet- 4/5 (good but too heavy on filling) Dried Beet Root- 5/5 (extremely tasty despite the name) Gruyere Crisp- 4/5 (good but not great) Muskmelon Soup- 4/5 (tasty) Corn Dog- 4/5 (best version i've ever had) Crispy Chicken Skin- 4/5 (Very good but skin should be crisper) Onion Chips- 4/5 (like a gourmet version of Funyuns) New York Strip- 5/5 (no complaints) Caramelized white chocolate- 4/5 Atmosphere- 4/5 (we sat outside and the view is not great) Service- 5/5 Overall I enjoyed the food and I will be back.
(5)Jason R.
At the end of the day the only question at a restaurant is whether you feel happy with the money you spent for the experience you had. At Lower 48, for me, the answer is a definite no. The food there is occasionally great and often pretty good. However, the concept, and especially service are very much lacking. The individual bites are pretty good, but with only one table in the restaurant they screwed up our order of bites. The menus which are dated daily with a stamp and 'updated daily' notice were from yesterday. They were out of a dish at opening and they only have 14 dishes. There was no replacement or new dish. The small plates which are described by the server as shared plates are especially difficult to share. Our romaine salad dish had a heart of romaine served whole with spoons as the only serving utensils. How do you share a heart or romaine dish well at all? Let alone with spoons? Service was mediocre (terrible if you factor in what they are charging you). In addition to the missed orders, they also sent out thesome dishes twice without acknowledging it as a mistake or favor to us. The food came out regularly for an hour and then no food came out for 25 minutes even though it was all ordered at the same time. The attentiveness from servers in an empty restaurant was similarly lacking. The food while difficult to share and frequently under salted was, for the most part, very good if you ignore the portion to price tag ratio. The food is prepared in a beautiful open kitchen. The downside to the open kitchen is you can see how few people are working in the kitchen and how slow they move. The manager and a few other employees seemed to care and do a good job. Friendly greetings, free drinks, and the extra course were all appreciated, but these gestures were not enough to make up for the exorbitant price tag, inconsistent food, and mediocre service. I give them another 9 months. Occasionally I hope I am wrong, but the empty dining room at 7:45pm doesn't lead me to believe that I am.
(2)Jeremy S.
Probably more of a 3.5 star review, but we had a good time so I'll round up. Dessert and cocktails were excellent. Dishes were pretty hit or miss (sometimes--like the Brussels sprouts--both within the same dish, depending how you mixed the components of the dish). Honestly, despite the attempts at culinary acrobatism, the burger was probably my favorite dish. Still, I appreciate the effort and would go again (especially if on someone else's dime). Don't think I'd be a regular, with other restaurants in that same high price range offering more predictable 'wows.'
(4)Jen U.
Definitely not ever coming back here. The food portions are smaller than what a bird eats, and the food isn't good at all. I had some type of fettucini and it was horrible. After we finished, our server ignored us for 45 minutes. They cleaned up tables all around us and served other parties but didn't bother to check on us. If you want overpriced and unappetizing food with servers that ignore you than I guess this is a good place to go. Otherwise AVOID AVOID AVOID
(1)Lisa K.
Shameful, so pretentious!! How can they justify at least $10-25 for literally a BITE of food. They say they recommend sharing, but they should clarify the sharing is with yourself. So small and not even good if the portions we're normal. I hate myself for wasting money here.
(1)Jacob C.
Unbelievably expensive dishes given their tiny nature. 3 dollars for every soda. Non diverse menu. Give it a pass. 82 dollars for a steak, was pretty let down for that price. Cocktails aren't mixed well. I'd say save money and go someplace else. They forgot our wine and we had to remind them after 25 minutes. Even had to cancel the white as we had finished all the dishes it would have paired with.The rib eye was not worth the money at all. It shouldn't have been more than 30 dollars, and even that would be pushing it. It was a very fatty piece of meat for 82 dollars Staff is extremely friendly, but they don't function well as a unit. Had to go and find waiter a few times due to being placed in the backroom. I really wish we would have gone somewhere else.
(2)Dan G.
Great night out with my supper clubbers! Foods was good, but not great. Everything was very fresh and complemented each other, however nothing jumped off the taste bud meter as a must have again. We went as a group of 8 and tried almost everything on the menu. The pastas were the best items by far (made fresh in house) and the drinks were good too. We made it in just under the gun for happy hour and the waiter was able to get us a round of Moscow mules! Great service, very attentive and new the menu.
(3)Alex H.
Went here for a date night and sat at the counter where the food is being prepared, and I was impressed with the entire experience. The burger that is on the menu is good enough to have it's own burger chain created around it, as well as everything else being deicious!
(5)Tricia K.
I went here for a work event so the menu offerings were slightly different from the regular menu. We had a choice of salads and I ended up with some amazing fried Brussels sprouts. However, the other salads were so little and plain that had anyone sneezed, their first course would've blown right off the table. For the entree (is that French for snack?), we had three bites of chicken and four chanterelle mushrooms. Seriously just four. And for last course I had a delicious lavender ice cream with what the server described as a "chocolate dessert with a consistency between a ganache and a mousse..." It was not good and no one liked it. It's like they knew I skipped the gym that night and they said, it's ok, we'll help you with your portion issues instead. Afterwards, a group actually went to another bar for beer and appetizers. And did I mention we were in a back room with a weird and heavy sliding door? With one server. She constantly had to sneak in, sneak out, grabbing a couple empty glasses here, bringing a couple full ones back... For twenty people as a speaker was trying to give a slide show presentation. It took her six slowww creaky turns (I counted) to get to me. The whole thing was just bizarre. I really don't know what else to say.
(2)Kelsey S.
Like other reviewers, I chose this restaurant based on 5280 Magazine's suggestion. Everything about it was just ok. We selected the tasting menu and wine pairing. The portions were small and although the apps were good, everything else was mediocre. The dessert was strange, it was some sort of stale hot dog bun with ice cream and potato chips. The bill seemed high for how empty our stomachs felt. Went out for a drink afterwards and by the time we were done we were so hungry we stopped at Taco Bell on the way home. Overall, unimpressive and will most definitely not be returning.
(2)Daniela B.
I was very much looking forward to trying Lower 48 after reading great reviews...however I was not impressed. Arrived on a Wednesday eve and learned it is their happy hour day. Decided to sit in their bar which was not a great plan as nobody else was there so service was a bit spotty. We started with the happy hour Pinot Grigio at $5 a glass and beer Special (can) for $3 We then went for a few small bites. Each sample bite order for $3 per person for bite size orders of Spanish tortilla, corn dog and chickpea fritter. None of them outstanding We then ordered 2 dishes to share from their menu for the day, which by the way get printed daily which seems quite a waste of paper. Blackboards anyone? We ordered the American crayfish and oyster mushrooms for $14 and the whole quail for $17. Quite cheap you think until the dishes arrive. We asked for the dishes to be served whenever they were ready as we were sharing. The crayfish arrived first, we could count 5 crayfish, 8 mushrooms and a bed of starch and sauce. The dish was flavorful but we had to keep looking at the menu to remind ourselves of the ingredients. Then the whole quail arrived....I am usually quite reserved with staff at restaurants but I blurted out "is this a whole quail?" As 2 tiny pieces of meat (each the size of 1-2 quarters exaggerating) were served on a plate. For someone quite familiar with quail, the "whole quail" was quite an exaggeration! The server responded that in fact the dish had a full quail and that he personally saw the kitchen staff debone the bird.....I think the server needs to see a real whole quail for once, but it was annoying to be told it was a whole quail when it is not. Just call it quail.....then you can serve as minuscule a portion as you see fit. The quail bites came with "garlic side" which tastes like a butter knob with cabbage and some other sides. We had to look at the menu a few times to remind ourselves of what the ingredients were I know they opened not long ago so in a few months we will visit again and review the dining experience again
(2)Jenn J.
I live a block away from this place and have been walking by for a few months but have never been in. It's my last night in Denver for a month and I'm SO GLAD I made it before I left. Everything we put it in our mouths was so flavorful and ridiculously good. We ordered the toast, Brussels sprouts, pork shank, and maltigliati pasta. The pasta is all made from scratch and it had a nice spicy flavor to the slightly creamy sausage. Brussels sprouts are fried and go surprisingly perfectly with the local smoked peanut butter. The pork shank includes black grits (with squid ink! Like what! Are you serious?), palisade peaches, and blue cheese. To top it off we had the peach cobbler for dessert, coconut ice cream included - ridiculous! Cocktails were all made really well. Oh and their happy hour has awesome deals: burger with beer for ten bucks. Service was also incredible. Thrillist magazine said this place is "last meal-worthy". What more do I need to say?
(5)Erika B.
This was a wonderful experience and the food was great! I enjoyed the atmosphere and the food was delicious.
(5)Stacey R.
Very cool location and cool interior. Servers and wait staff were very friendly and prompt. But ultimately, we go out to eat for the food and we thought the food was only mediocre at best. We ordered -"funions" onion chips, which were good - maybe a little bland. -the crispy chicken thighs: really really greasy. Good enough when they were hot, but not at all once they cooled down. The filling was good, though nothing to write home about. I liked it though my friend thought it was too spicy. But not -pork "crouton": way too fatty. And just not as flavorful as it could have been -broccoli: basically just steamed broccoli with sunflower butter. The butter was delicious, but again just nothing special -octopus: octopus was good when hot, good seasoning. But all the accoutrement didn't do anything for us or the dish as a whole. -chicken large plate: rice was wrong type for the dish (too chewy) and the chicken was just kind of bland. I didn't eat the skin, but my husband said that was good. I will say, the fluffernutter dessert was delicious! Probably my favorite thing of the evening to be honest. My friends also got the goat cheesecake and said it was phenomenal. Like I said, we were a group of 6 and the wait staff and restaurant staff were amazing. Food and drinks were prompt enough and they were super nice and friendly. I was just bummed, though the food could have been better. Also, some reviewers mentioned the portions being small. I didn't feel that way at all! But we're also coming from NYC. I thought it was very decently (even a bargain) priced for the amount of food!
(3)S C.
Knowledgable servers. Great drinks and good wine pairing. Very happy with the menu selections and the food served, eclectic, good use with the various ingredients. Shi shi space.
(4)Sunny B.
Had 7:30 reservations, a pretty standard dinner time, and they were out of two dishes and bread. On a limited menu, being out of two dishes is significant. Like Jason said below, they offered no alternative options. The section of their menu ironically titled "share" are personal bites... for one person. We got the corn dog to start- no real twist here. Just a mini corn dog with some pretty garnishes- awkward to share. Brussels sprouts were really great, except everything we were served was room temp. Something about eating my room-temp cod didn't scream $60/person. Service was sub-par and non-attentive. - One person was left to wait because the 3 other people were served their main course. - Had to ask about our bread service two different times to which she finally revealed they were out of bread too. - Because they were out of two of our orders the server brought us a free brussels sprout dish when we had already ordered two. Kind of strange and left us wondering if it was a send-back from another table. Also because... it was cold. Really missing the "wow" factor with this place. With such a limited menu, I feel like we had a good sampling of the food. It was over priced and really just "meh" across the board. Nonetheless, they tried to make it right which is why I give them two instead of one star. We weren't there for a free dish- we were there for ANY dish at that point. TLDR: Everything about it is underwhelming. Go somewhere else.
(2)Andy Y.
I really wanted to like this place. I had heard it was really good and had read stellar reviews in the local media. A very nice waitress sat us and described the menu, which consists of bites and small plates. There were two larger plates which are to share. We ordered an assortment of bites and small plates all lovely looking but not truly flavorful. Most were served cold which is fine but I was hoping for warmth on a very cold evening. Some bites started warm but arrived cold. Our small plates were more successful. Cod with potatoe. Dropped egg on grains with a wonderful cheddar sauce. We finished with an olive oil ice cream with chocolate sauce. Nice. Service was fairly attentive on a very slow night. I'm not sure if I will be returning. In a town that has a lot of choices, I think I just checked this one off my list.
(3)Jim S.
This is absolutely the most outrageous excuse for a restaurant that I have ever experienced. Fairness and objectivity first: The staff is fantastic. They are, to a person, friendly, welcoming, unpretentious, and efficient. The food is of great quality and well presented; it tasted great. The physical space is well done, comfortable, and stylish. The main problem I have with Lower48, echoed by many other reviewers, is that the portion size--hence, the value--is abysmally, absurdly small for the amount charged. The limited menu is nothing more than a small plates menu glorified as some sort of nouvelle cuisine experience (read: double the normal price for small plates/tapas). The only main course on the menu the night we were there was a rib eye. For $82! One rib eye steak. Eighty-two dollars. Really. I'm not kidding. This makes Elway's, Del Frisco, and Shanahan's look like a bargain. My girlfriend and I dropped well over $100 for not much food, a bottle of wine, and the lingering, bitter feeling that the charlatans who own this joint suckered us. We left hungry, vowing never to return, at least not until Lower48 stops insulting the intelligence of its clientele. If this is the new direction of dining in this city, you can have it.
(1)Erin W.
Great new restaurant in Denver! Went last night with my girlfriend and we had a great experience sitting at the chef's table. She started with the small bite corn dog and I had the chickpea fritter. Both were great starters. We then split the savory pancake which was out of this world. We split the large plate with the pork loin and it was delicious. Ended with two hot chocolates. What a great evening with great food! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Conor W.
The food at Lower 48 was very good. Fresh ingredients, high quality, and seasonal. The cocktails were delicious. My qualms arise from the size of the dishes. If I'm to pay $16 for a plate, I would hope it would have enough ham to at least make 1/2 a sandwich. I understand the tapas concept, although not the biggest fan, I just expected the plate sizes to be a little larger for the price considering that the next largest size is an $82 rib eye.I guess I don't have anyone to blame but myself, and the pretentious foodies that think the best food is that served in the smallest amount. What's that? You have a poached quail egg yolk atop a slivered almond, and I only have to pay $18 for this culinary marvel!?! I don't even understand the concept of money, please take it from me! I left Lower 48 only slightly more hungry than when I had entered. Luckily, Biker Jim's is just down the street.
(3)David M.
L48 = U12. Translation: Lower 48 is in the upper dozen restaurants in Denver these days. Very different kind of approach than I'm used to . . . but I liked it very much. This place, however, won't appeal to everyone. So if you're looking for homestyle dining and large servings, be warned. L48 is not for you (unless you get one of their mega meals described below). So, like I said, this is not your choose-a-starter-and-a-main-and-call-it-a-day kinda place. The dishes you receive appear with every ingredient intentionally placed exactly in a particular spot on the plate--truly an artisanal presentation. They do have a couple of very large entrees that come with 3-4 accompanying dishes, but, like the menu says, they need 55 minutes to prepare them (e.g., their literally 4 lb hunka-chunka pork butt, or their 32 oz Niman Ribeye that you split with friends). Aside from these mega-meals, however, the whole point of their approach is to serve up tapas-sized selections; some big enough to split, and some that just amount to a bite or two (that they call an "each"). Had the stuffed beignet and aged Tennessee ham "eaches." Spectacular tastes. I could've eaten several of them and happily called it dinner. We also had the parmesan crisp and the mini-corn. Both were very good, but not as blow-your-socks-off as the ham or beignet. Their carrot salad was interesting and enjoyable. Carrots and other delicacies in lots of different styles. Roasted, raw, pickled, glazed, you-name-it. A fun dish that didn't overwhelm and fit in fine with the Red Snapper and Corn Risotto (small) "mains" we chose. Combining those 2 larger dishes amounted to the serving size of a full entree plate served with carbs and veggies. So, essentially, we had a multi-part appetizer, a salad, and a main, and split them all. The price was fair, if not a little on the pricey side, given the size of the serving portions. We finished with a fantastic lavender ice cream and dark chocolate pudding dessert (and wanna try the almond butter bread pudding next time:). Including a perfectly matched and reasonably priced bottle of Italian sauvignon blanc that we shared, the total bill came to about $125. Will definitely go back. The service was very good and the sommelier was helpful and right on with his suggestion. Wasn't stuffed, but comfortably satisfied, and left remembering the wonderfully prepared individual and layered tastes of the superb ingredients used.
(4)Tony I.
Visited during restaurant week. Very good food and cool atmosphere. I hade their chicken dish that was really tasty. They also had a house ginger beer that was pretty good as well. I ventured away from the restaurant week menu, but my girlfriend order off of and was also very pleased. The macaroons we got at the end of the meal were phenomenal.
(4)W J.
It boggles my mind to see so many awful reviews for this amazing restaurant. Yes, it's pricey, but you can see that on the menu when you enter. You get what you pay for here: inventive, intense food, amazing cocktails, and expert service. Lower 48 has captured my heart and I hope to become a regular.
(5)Cleo X.
super stylish place .. pleasing lofty layout .. nice touch with the candles on the table .. really great service .. friendly staff! .. but there is some unfortunate truth to what some of the other lower-rated reviews reflect: the menu is a bit weird and the portions are even weirder. if you are going to throw down $50+ per person, you do not want your stomach to be growling on the way home. sadly, mine was. and that's just not acceptable for the amount of money spent. i found the quinoa risotto and flaxseed cracker interesting and enjoyable, but overall, the place (particularly the menu) just didn't win me over. everyone at my table came to the same conclusion: while it was nice to try out a new place, and it was "okay," it wasn't outstanding, and we probably won't return. plus, we all agreed that the beignets were a bit strange- something seemed off with the consistency and flavor of the filling. i think this place has hope for a long career if a few minor adjustments are made to the menu and portions.
(3)Miss P.
Lower your expectations at Lower48. Left the restaurant feeling broke, hungry and upset. The food is overpriced for small one bite portions. They recommend you order 2 "entrees" which is a joke. We started off with the corn dog bite, funion chip (not plural, just one chip for $2, carrot soup shot) and all was lackluster. The funion chip was salty, the corn dog tasted like a frozen turkey dog, and we had to use the soup to dip the corn dog just for some flavor. Now here is the even bigger problem. We placed our order upfront (appetizers, drinks and entree). We waited an HOUR and a half for our entree after our appetizers arrived. They forgot some of our drinks. Another person ordered a wine pairing, and he couldn't even pair with his entree because the food was so late. We asked our waiter Adrian a couple times when our food was coming, he said he would check and didn't seem to know what to do. The owner Mario was even on deck that night, and didn't do much to rectify the situation. We ordered the chicken and sour kraut and the cod. No joke, after the long hour and a half wait, it was a two bite serving!!!! The place overall has a decent ambiance, but the service was HORRIBLE!!! I would never spend my money to go back there for overpriced and plain food, especially with all the great restaurants in Denver. To top it off our bad experience, it was overpriced and we all left hungry. If you want a decent dining experience and good food, don't go here. Spend your money elsewhere.
(1)Tbura B.
Went there last night. The service was great but it took so long between food courses. I almost had no appetite when it came to the last dish. Tapas idea is good. This is a place for chilling definitely for people who dont need to rush to a movie/concert. Food- Carrot soup/ Quinao Risotto/Wedge salad...these were good...
(3)John S.
Nice room, great service but the food left something to be desired. The Shrimp appetizer was excellent as was the Corn Dog. Beef Brisket was fatty and overcooked if you can overcook Brisket. Rather than resemble any Brisket I know, it was really thinly sliced beef that tasted and looked like it had sat in broth for several days. Salmon was over cooked and I couldn't even cut part of the Duck Breast with a Steak Knife. I almost choked trying to chew and swallow it. Big prices for small portions of unexceptional food. Inventive yes but tasty no. And I agree--$4 for four pieces of bread. I was surprised they didn't charge separately for the butter.
(2)Emily W.
I had such high hopes for Lower48. Though I wouldn't say it was awful, I would not go back, nor would I recommend it. With so many amazing restaurants in Denver, and even in the surrounding area, it just can't stand up. Especially with the "shared plate" concept - if you're going to take that route, you better shine, because many other new and "trendy" restaurants are doing very well. The decor and staff were both lovely. Our waitress was attentive and knowledgeable. But I have to tell you, a 7PM dinner reservation (yes on a Tuesday, but come on, it's downtown Denver) and we were the only table in the restaurant. Hard not to have an attentive waitress. When we left an hour and a half later, only one other table had joined. While I was surprised at the absence of people at the beginning of the experience, I was not by the end of the meal. Drinks came, drinks were good. We started with the savory "funnel cake". I have to tell you, it was the worst thing I have had at a restaurant in memory. You eat with your eyes first, and visually this was just so sad. Colorless, really, really small. So small everyone at our table laughed. (It is meant to be a taster, I'm aware, but tasters DAZZLE!) Still, I had hope. Which turned out to be false hope. No flavor, nothing savory, totally over cooked, crunchy, greasy. And I love a good funnel cake now and again! This "dish" did not deserve that title, as modernized or deconstructed as they tried to make it. Perhaps they should have titled it, "The fry that was left in the bottom of the fryer all day". Much more accurate. Our table ordered brussle sprouts, which its hard to go wrong with. Who isn't serving brussle sprouts these days. They're hard to mess up. But apparently, not impossible. I wish this was a joke: they were on peanut butter, and topped with fritos. I digress... The saving grace was the main dish. I had the tuna and it was lovely. Cooked just right, presented beautifully. Lovely, crisp, bright spring peas and beans. A good size as well. Had I just ordered that, or perhaps an alternate appetizer, this review would be much different. While I am sure a lot of heart went into this restaurant, it missed the mark for me, and for our group. And with The Populist, Acorn and Ophelias (to name just a few) nearby, I just do not see how they will survive. I hope I'm wrong, but after last nights meal, I know I won't be back.
(2)Bari P.
Just got home from an amazing meal at lower 48. Everything we ordered was fantastic, seasonal, creative and beautiful presented. Our server, I think her name was Hallie, was perfect. But one problem! It was my friend's birthday. I shared this information when I confirmed my reservation AND with the host when I checked in. But no acknowledgment from the staff, nothing special with dessert. Nothing. I was taken to this restaurant for my birthday in August and the server brought over some jelly candy with a candle. It was sweet and thoughtful. I will go again because the food and service is so good, but only give 4 stars tonight for the birthday fail.
(4)Becky R.
Stopped in here with a friend for a drink and appetizer last week, and I like it! We didn't order much, and while I was debating between 3 and 4 stars, I decided on 4. First, I'll start with the negatives, and then move to the positives: - The glass of rose I ordered was quite terrible. Dry and sour, and I don't think I just got a bad glass/bottle. Even my extremely experienced wine expert friend didn't care for it. The sommelier may want to rethink this particular wine list inclusion. - Our server was a little off - although this is a classy place, it's no palace and her demeanor and body language were extremely stiff and formal feeling in this particular environment. It did not impact her level of service, but as I patron, I would have felt a little more comfortable and at ease if she was a little less rigid and "proper." That's really it. The pros: - I brought my baby (in her car seat, because she was sleeping), and they were super nice about accommodating us - Daily small plate of melon and peppers was OUTSTANDING, as was my friend's squash blossom salad - Nice variety of dishes (meat/vegeterian/etc) - Quality of food makes the somewhat steep prices more palatable (literally!) - Everyone from the host to the owner (who stopped by our table, enticed by either my beautiful friend or my super cute kid?) was very nice and genuinely friendly I would definitely give this place a shot. Definitely want to come back and try the entree, which apparently takes 55 minutes to prepare. But I bet it will be worth the wait.
(4)Valery L.
Worst experience ever (this is one of my only bad reviews on Yelp). We were excited to try this place and it had a very pretty atmosphere. We were passed back and forth between a couple waiters, the menu selections were very few and did not sound appetizing despite their website suggesting a variety of items. Our appetizers were edible at best (we were really hungry), and after waiting an hour and fifteen minutes we received our inedible pasta. The menu stated there would be various items in the pasta (can't remember exactly, but something to give it color), but after 1 hour of waiting we saw the chef throw a bunch of pasta, some random white sauce, and about 8 raw eggs into a bowl of colorless nauseating mush. It was served to us and no one returned for a good 30 minutes. When the server grabbed the untouched bowl of pasta that we did not want to take home she had the audacity to ask how it was! While half of our meal was comped and we were brought two shots of limoncello (random, but I'll take I guess) which were not well received after 3 hours of being hungry! Even the dessert was extremely boring. Even after many items being removed our bill was still crazy high...way to ruin date night!
(1)Aimee C.
I've been here twice, once on a date night with my husband and once with a group of 8 friends. Both times were amazing. All of the food was delicious and uniquely different from anywhere else in town. The cocktails were fantastic and the wait staff was very attentive. Dessert doesn't disappoint either! Next time I'll try sitting at the chef's bar as it looks fun! Menu changes daily, but they seem to have a few items that are consistently available...among these are the corn dog, crispy chicken skin, and the rib eye. All of which are delicious! Sharing is the way to go here to get the full experience!
(5)Geoffry L.
Delicious creative fun food. Don't be shy to order a bunch of the little appetizers.
(5)Tiffany N.
I happened upon Lower 48 by chance. I was driving home one night, saw it, and mentally bookmarked it. Fast forward a few months and Sir Nicholas and I were trying to figure out a place for dinner in the area when the iffy thing I call a memory pulled forth Lower48 and away we went. The menu is laid out in an interesting fashion. The "Each" section is mostly made of things you can eat in one bite, two if you're being generous. But, priced at $2 each I don't think it's unreasonable. Nick and I ordered quite a few of these items and they were all pretty enjoyable. Our tastes included: - the beignet with scallions and whipped tarragon - chickpea fry with yogurt and pickled pepper (we ordered a second after enjoying the first so much) - a gruyere crisp (again, we ordered a second) - a fritter with beef brisket - a (mini!) corn dog with house made mustard - the "potato chip" with caramelized onion and chorizo (a second order was had here, too) Then we chose to split the Niman Ranch 21 day dry aged rib eye. At $74 it carries a hefty price tag, but the food was definitely worth it. First of all, there was so much of it that we took it home and could each have leftover meat the next day. Secondly it comes with "accoutrements" which was 3 or 4 different sides for us. Thirdly, and most importantly, it was flat-out delicious. Our server was superb and we really enjoyed both the cocktail and wine lists while we were there. The menu is definitely on the smaller side so you'd have to be into one of the few items they are featuring, but if you are it's well worth a visit!
(4)Fiona T.
I have very mixed feelings about Lower 48 and won't be going back. The food was interesting and imaginative, although the portion sizes were confusing to say the least - tiny, small and massive, with no in between. But the reasons I will never go back, which is a loss for the establishment given that my husband and I eat out at least twice a week, are 1) the MASSIVE RACKET that was going on in the open kitchen throughout our dinner (really, there's no other way to baste something???) and 2) the very inconsistent service - our initial server vanished with no explanation and we were literally unable to flag anyone down to order a round of drinks, and then we ended up with a new server with no explanation. Whenever my mother visits we take her somewhere new that we've never been to - BAD CALL choosing Lower 48! She always insists on paying and I am beyond embarrassed that we picked Lower 48 for her to spend her money.
(2)Craig H.
My fiance and I have eaten here a number of times and have had nothing but positive to exceptional experiences there every time. The cuisine, ambiance, service and cocktails are all stellar. Anyone looking for a fabulous dining experience needs to try this place. We enjoy this place so much we decided to have our Rehearsal Dinner here if that says anything... Hatters are always going to hate, but if you want a great dining experience you need to eat at Lower 48.
(5)Monica L.
4 stars, not 5, even if "Westword" did name it Denver's best new restaurant. The space is nice, and my server (Hallie) was terrific. I tried all of the "eaches." The beignet, chickpea fry, potato omelette, fritter, and potato chip were great. The dried celery root and corn dog were really great. The Gruyere crisp was really, really great. My problem with the place is that the menu other than "eaches" and small plates is extremely limited. There were two items portioned for two main courses (and correspondingly expensive). Otherwise, there was only one entree sized item -- a large portion of a daily pasta special. So, unless you're into only small plates, this isn't the place for you. The food is creative and delicious, but I probably wouldn't go back.
(4)Jim M.
BE CAREFUL AND CHECK YOUR CREDIT CARD. We enjoyed the atmosphere here on a Saturday night. The food was expensive but tasty. Our server was distracted but serviceable. All in all not every place is great but that is OK. We were happy, reviewed the bill, added 15% tip($20) and left. I checked my billing per routine the next week and the bill had an extra $22. I called and was told this was not usual and they would deal with it. Be careful at this place.
(1)Allison K.
If you're looking for a great place to share and try numerous different things, this is the place for you! The tasting menu is a great way to go as well! We had a ton of different plates including the corn dogs, chicken skins, brussel sprouts, ragu, chicken and sausage, etc and everything was beyond wonderful. The only reason this place doesn't get 5 stars was because we decided to sit at the bar overlooking the chefs kitchen because we thought it would be a fun way to interact, but there was absolutely no conversation or even a hi from the chefs when we sat down nor throughout our entire meal. Kind of awkward.
(4)Andrew M.
The food is quite good, but I wouldn't say exceptional. The "Each" concept is nice - we ordered all of them. Of the 8, two were great (sweet potato and beignet), four were very good, two were a disappointment.The ribeye was good to very good. The service was, unfortunately, a bit of a shambles (to their credit -- a very busy night). The wine pairings on the valentines day menu were also middling, and the cocktails weren't quite right (martini was great, but not as cold as it should have been). Ambience: totally acceptable for dates, business, parents in town, whatever. A+. Reasonably priced, so no complaints there. For now, three stars. Usually, anywhere I give three stars won't have earned my repeat business. However, this place is new, and I *do* plan to come back and give it another go. Look out for an update.
(3)Elizabeth O.
We finally got around to trying Lower 48. I had planned to try a few things, but ended up sharing the steak with my husband. This took longer than stated to prepare because they got busy, so take that in mind if you order this and get apps to tied you over. The steak was good and well prepared, but I have had a lot better. The mashed potatoes that came with it were amazing. I would really give this 3.5 stars if I could.
(4)Eric K.
What's the perfect restaurant? I believe that depends on why you're eating out. At two in the morning, when you've been drinking all night, the answer might be Taco Bell--you know, that Fourth Meal. It's available, cheap and what you need right now--a gut full of food to maybe, maybe keep your liver from murdering itself while you sleep. Let's say the reason for going to a restaurant is on the other end of the spectrum--consuming food you can't get for $2.00 (or can you, more on that in a minute). Tastes that blow your mind, in how different they are, how counter-intuitive they are and yes, in how well they fill your eyes, taste buds and even stomach, with amazement. Such is the case with Lower48 Kitchen. Let's start with that $2.00 thing. There, on the left-hand side of the menu is a column labeled, "Each." That means one serving, more or less for the small price of, you guessed it, two bucks. Many people have left scathing reviews listing price per portion as the reason. Maybe they thought a restaurant helmed by people who've worked at places like Frasca in Boulder and numerous incredible restaurants in The Bay Area would serve a $2.00 "Corn Dog" that was as large as one of the frozen varieties you can get at Costco. But that would be a case of poorly managed expectations. The Corn Dog is small, but it is amazing. The Chicken Skin is also fantastic and also $2.00. And for that small price you get a considerably larger portion made up of crispy skin topped with chunks of chicken and assorted awsomeness. Wonderful. If you're on a budget, order five of those and a glass of water and you're out for $10.00 (plus tip, unless you don't want to afford that custom). I will say this, every item we ordered--and between the four of us that included: The Corn Dog (three portions), House made bread & butter, Chicken Skin (five portions), "Funions," (three portions) Lower48 Toast, Charred Broccoli, Crispy Brussels, House made pasta with Duck Ragu, Bacon-wrapped Chicken and two out-of-the-park desserts including "Grilled Cheese"--was so remarkably interesting and delicious, we wouldn't have minded paying a little more to get full. HOWEVER, the tab for the four of us, including two drinks each, came to $207. About what you'd expect to pay at any other Denver-area restaurant in the "fine-dining" category. Hopefully, this opinion of one will add some context to the low-star reviews. You do get what you pay for in most cases, and for me, if the reason you're going to a restaurant is to eat something that makes you rave, Lower48 contradicts that adage, in a good way, because you actually get quite a bit more than you pay for. Thanks.
(5)Alex W.
Wow. Just WOW. I did not know what to expect going in to this place but was pleasantly surprised! The carrot soup was the right balance of sweet and savory and the bingets were flaky and filled with a delicious, soft cheese (a little runny for my taste but still good). My boyfriend got some sort of chicken and sausage dish which is pretty good but the English Pea ravioli that I had was amazing. All the ingredients were very fresh and delectable. I look forward to trying the rest of their menu.
(4)C M.
After seeing positive reviews in 5280, I decided to check out this new place. I went during restaurant week with 3 other friends and ordered off the regular menu. The cocktails were excellent. I'm sorry to say the food was completely disappointing and overpriced. As other reviewers have mentioned, the portion to price ratio is horrible. The menu is date stamped to show they "change" their menu daily, but really it looked like the same menu with a new daily special handwritten in. Nothing special. We ordered the crudo cod special, main cabbage dish, and fettuccine small plates as well as hashbrown bite and chicken liver bites. Overall, none of the dishes stood out. It was like they were trying to create this upscale foodie experience and completely missed the mark. I would only return for happy hour.
(2)Connie K.
Pretentiousness all around, seriously. I went with a group of six people, 3 couples. When the appetizers came out, I was in shock. Yes, they are $2 but for one bite? Seemed a little ridiculous, but I gave two stars because I enjoyed my $10 cocktails (best part of the menu). We thought, well maybe the "share" plates will be better because you can supposedly share them. Not the case. They are about four bites each. And well- THATS THE WHOLE MENU- The service was ok. There are a lot of people walking around, filling water checking on tables, but no one to order from. It's a bit weird. Our server was not bad, but it takes about 10-15/drink or food. Our bill for six was $375 and we all left hungry. I will say, there was flavor though. If one bite of flavorous pretentious food is enough then try it. I would not go back.
(2)janice n.
First the portions are small. BUT the carrot soup the funions and the homemade fettuccine was outstanding. Very savory pasta dish. My only disappointment is they were out of several things like the crispy fried chicken skin and the ribeye. High level of execution very worth trying.
(4)Kathy A.
Wanted to really like this place. Rated in 5280 best restaurants. Food was hit or miss. Corn dog and funions were very tasty. Bread/butter absolutely yummy. Caramelized carrot soup-tasty but not wonderful. Asparagus soup- soup itself was delicious but overpowered with the buckwheat (less is better) the poached egg was not needed and put the dish in dislike for me. Chicken was very smoky tasting along with the smoked potato mousse- too much. Felt like I was eating BBQ. Not a fan of the grilled cheese dessert-huge miss. Drinks were ok. Staff very nice and thoughtful. Experience was not worth a 3 hour dinner in a half empty restaurant. Potential is there just didn't meet it this visit. Will think hard about returning.
(3)Nick C.
So overpriced and under portioned. Don't do it!! The taste was mediocre too. Just don't do it!
(1)Ari M.
The food was wonderful. The atmosphere was warm and casual. The service was good. The portions are a bit on the small size, so if you're used to Chipotle sized gut busters, be aware that this restaurant isn't that. The tasting menu was really well thought out, and the wine pairings worked well. The price was very reasonable. I will be back for sure.
(5)Thomas S.
I went here with my girlfriend for the New Years Eve dinner and to start off with the positives, the food was absolutely delicious. Almost all dishes had very complementary ingredients leaving you wanting more. I enjoyed how creative and unique each dish was. (the quail was fantastic!) The only glaring mis pairing was the steak that had "essence of anchovy" It tasted like it was marinated in anchovies overnight unfortunately and the steak was over powered. We had seats right on top of the open kitchen area which we thoroughly enjoyed. It was fun watching the chef's prepare each dish and the chaos that was the kitchen. The chef's were very friendly and engaged with us, answering any questions we had. Our server was also very helpful and friendly, ensuring we were well taken care of. With all that being said I would have given this place 4 stars, maybe even 5. But what knocked their rating down was the repeated mistakes regarding my allergies. Before we ordered our food I made it very clear to the server I had allergies to shellfish and almonds. He talked me through all the dishes making sure we picked out those that would not cause a reaction. With our appetizer it contained an "XO crumble" which I didn't think anything of when I ordered because I had just walked through in detail all dishes on the menu. After I had eaten all of the dish and out of curiosity asked our server what exactly was the XO crumble, the color drained from his face. Turns out there was dried shellfish within the mixture. Luckily there wasn't a lot of that ingredient on the dish so I didn't have a reaction. Second and third course went by without incident and then dessert came. I can't recall the exact name of the dessert but it was essentially a white cake with pistachio's and ice cream. It was delicious and as I was finishing my third bite, I felt the familiar swelling of my throat reacting to an allergy. Right at that moment our server came running over telling me to stop eating because he did not realize there was almond flour in the cake. I was very fortunate I didn't eat enough of it to cause any serious problems. Our server was very apologetic and took the dish away and was able to modify one of the other desserts and remove anything else that would cause an allergy. As I stated, while our server did make sure we were well taken care of, these glaring mistakes could have been much worse if I were someone that was considerably more allergic to these ingredients. I have a cousin who is highly allergic to all nuts and I could only imagine if this were him in my shoes, this would have been an absolute disaster. While apologetic, I felt like minimum effort was made to correct the mistake. We received a limoncello shot on the house but really I would have much preferred something been taken off the bill to make up for the repeated mistakes. I'm not the most confrontational person so I didn't speak up like I should and went on my way. Despite the repeated incidents I would recommend this place. The environment and ambiance was fantastic, the food was delicious, and the chefs/servers were very helpful and friendly. If you have any type of allergies, just make sure to stay on top of the servers to ensure it's a event free meal.
(3)Andrew W.
Went to Lower 48 having high hopes! Start with the positive! Got to lower 48 and was greeted must f been a manager or owner. Shorter guy with beard and glasses jeans sweater and Tie! He was amazing and was so welcoming and social I was so impressed! He was great on the phone! Let's start that I have been to some of the best restaurants in the US and the world. Think of cannlis in Seattle a TRUE 5 star restaurant that has amazing flavor and out Of This world service! Lower no so much! So let's move on to the negative: Get to lower 48 an wait for 15 min while 3 people come round to fill up waters but no waiter. The flavor was there with the dishes but portion size???? We ordered everything on the menu and still walked away with a 100$+ bill and not full. The service was not good Our waitress was not on the same planet. She had her nose so far up In the air is was terrible having her give service. We ordered and she said "I would order more" we said we will start with that and she rolls her eyes and walks away!............. Wow.... Horrible service. We ordered the entire menu and wine?? Wth?? This is the thing that bothered me the MOST!!! There was some guy prob 5'10 longer gelled back hair, glasses, blue blazer, facial hair, PACING BACK AND FORTH EVERYWHERE!! MICRO MANAGING EVERY WAITER AND WAITRESS AND TRYING TO LOOK LIKE A BIG SHOT! OMG is was so bothering to our table! You could tell he was so impressed with himself! Must of been a lower level manager but the fact he would pace back and forth and pretty much hover over you while you are then was telling off the staff really shows he doesn't know what he's doing! A little advise don't tell off your staff in front of customers, stop trying to look sophisticated, impressive, or powerful within your company and just be welcoming! I've been a regional manager and managed huge night clubs and bars all over the world. Your just look like a complete tool by pacing back and forth and hovering over your employees and customers. This is NOT 5 star and won't be. Next time everyone go to "Root Down" it's a restaurant that gorgeous food and welcoming service an doesn't try to be pretentious! But the guy that we talked to on the phone and welcomed us at the front door was INCREDIBLE! Thank you for being the only part of our night that was pleasant!
(1)Ann F.
I have eaten at lower 48 at least 15 times and can honestly say it gets better every time I find the portions and ingredients in line with the cost. This food standouts for creativity and taste you will not do this at home Steak for 4 is fabulous and the salads are over the top. This restaurant is memorable for the delicious food not easily replicated in Denver.
(5)Eden R.
What a great time! Went here to celebrate with some friends/business associates, was definitely a dinner to remember. Since there were six of us we tried one of everything on the shared menu, each got our own amuse bouche and had the pork butt. Every single thing we had was outstanding. The prices are a little high for the portion size, but everything was fresh, expertly prepared and beautiful. Only other suggestion I would have is a little more variety on the bottled wine list. The service was also outstanding, definitely 5 star. Can't wait to bring some other foodie friends of ours to Lower48!
(5)Angela G.
How about we start with the service. Usually, this isn't a huge factor in my opinion when reviewing a restaurant. I am much more critical on the food and ambiance. However, when the service is as remarkable as it is, I feel I must comment on it. We checked in a little early for our reservation, so the host let us know that they would be seating the two couples at the bar shortly and that space would open up for us to grab a drink while we wait. The bartender, Gabe, was awesome. My friend wanted a non-alcoholic drink and asked Gabe to whip something up. He asked my friend a few questions and decided to make this sage drink for him. My friend loved it and decided to order two more after that. We decided that we were going to order the 44oz dry aged rib eye, so while at the bar we were asking about it, knowing that it takes around an hour to cook, the manager said they will go and get it started for us. For the fun part, the food. We ordered all of the small bites to start off. Hands down, the caramelized carrot soup was my favorite. It was probably the best soup I've ever had. I would also recommend ordering the rutabaga roll and corn dog. These bites are per person and they range from $2 to $5. I would suggest three per person if you're going to get small plates and entrée as well. They are about three bites each. Then we ordered two small plates and those we both phenomenal. One was a kabocha squash dish and the other a brussels sprouts. Smoked cabbage, smoked cauliflower and grits accompanied the 21 day dry aged rib eye. I absolutely loved the smoky flavor in the cabbage and cauliflower. Although, the steak was cooked perfectly, we've had better. If there were four-six people I would recommend getting it though. I just feel like it was a little pricey at $120 for four. For dessert we ordered the grilled cheese. It was served with a whiskey ice cream and pieces of maple bacon. I'm definitely have more of a sweet tooth, so I wasn't crazy about the grilled cheese part, as I felt it was too big for the small amount of ice cream. We let the server know, so she brought us more ice cream and that made me one happy camper. The two guys thought it was a perfect savory dessert. For the four of us our tab came to $315, including a $60 tip and four alcoholic beverages. The three people I came with are very critical foodies and they loved it. I would rate L48 4 & 1/2 stars and the 1/2 star deduction is due to the steak not blowing my mind and I'm not particularly crazy about the location.
(4)Lisa M.
I went here this past Thursday at 7pm and it was dead, not sure if it's only busy on the weekends? Any-who, the small plates are decently priced for what you get. We ordered the kale chips, poached shrimp, and the chicken liver mousse, all were to die for! The shared plates were on the small side for the price, but they too were excellent. Our server was very attentive and extremely knowledgeable of the drink and food menus, which was refreshing. All in all the food was extremely inventive and delicious and the experience itself was outstanding. I will definitely be back!
(5)Jacqueline G.
Really really really bad. Took my husband here for his birthday and had really high expectations, considering the chefs culinary history. Everything we got (yes some things fried but not all) were doused in oil. So heavy and tasteless. After our "bites" we wanted to leave and not bother with the small plates. Wish we could have gotten out then! The service was also very unorganized. We had two waitresses that confused our order and got other peoples dishes on our table by mistake.
(1)Amanda D.
My fiance and I thoroughly enjoyed our evening at Lower48 Kitchen. Admittedly, we were nervous when we sat down and saw the menu: nothing really jumped out at us as exciting. Boy, were we wrong. We ordered drinks: I had the Rattlesnake, my fiance enjoyed the Golden Spike. Both were excellent, hard-hitting, and well-mixed. On to dinner: The "small" bites fed two of us nicely (we ordered 3 of those), and we got 3 other items from the "each" menu: the corn dog (the cutest little thing with homemade mustard seeds you ever did see), the carmelized sweet potato soup (I didn't try that), and the radish chip. The radish chip was a last-minute add-on recommendation of our server. Boy, she was right. It was so original and had really unique flavor. I've never had anything quite like it. Our three small plates were the Quinoa Risotto, Organic Amish Chicken, and Sweet Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts. The only thing we weren't crazy about was the chicken. The brussel sprouts/sweet potatoes were light, incredibly flavorful, and perfectly cooked and presented. The risotto was so different, and had a really unique sauce drizzled on the edge of the plate (I can't remember what it was, but it was really delicious). We had dessert. It wasn't too memorable but definitely good. We left full. I'm a bit confused by people coming here expecting large entree sizes. I absolutely love being able to try lots of different dishes (even just a bit or two!), and really explore more options. I guess that's not for everyone. We loved the ambience of the place. Our server did forget us a couple of times when it started getting busier, but I was able to find someone else to get us another round of drinks and dessert. We're big fans of Frasca, and the varied flavor and texture of the dishes reminded us of the Ratatouille moments (yes, the Pixar movie ;)) that we have at Frasca. (The host later told us a couple of the chefs were at Frasca for a while, including one of the owners. . .I wasn't the least bit surprised). It was nice to not pay the insane premium for Frasca but enjoy a truly mouthwatering dinner. The food was by far the best part of this meal, drinks second, ambience third, service fourth. We will be back, probably soon. I have a feeling this place is going to become hard to get into. . .
(5)Kate U.
Recently dined at Lower48 for the third time and with such a consistently great experience it won't be long before I've lost count of my number of visits here. My first visit: Brought my father in for dinner and sat at the counter overlooking the open kitchen, loved watching the precision and teamwork with which the guys worked. They found time though to chat with us about what they were plating and the locally sourced ingredients that are used in every dish on the menu. From the delicate tarragon cream filled beignet, corndogs and 'funions' that were a nod to my childhood but tailored to my adult tastes, even my Midwestern meat-and-potatoes dad was impressed by the offerings of the evening. My second and third visits were highlighted again by great food, with the menu keeping in tune with the season; the mushroom salad we had the other night blew my mind with flavor combinations from mushrooms prepared in multiple ways; the chef came over and introduced the dish to us himself. Hallie, our server, took care when I was with a GF girlfriend to explain her (many) options on the menu, and after dinner on my third visit with my boyfriend, the bartender took time to chat with us about the Amaro he'd just gotten in. Did I mention the killer dessert of chocolate mousse served with crispy puffed rice? Yum. Take a space that is contemporary but welcoming atmosphere, and combine with killer food and incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming staff, see you again soon!!!
(5)Steve K.
We selected this restaurant over a couple nearby, reliable favorites based on ratings in 5280, Denver's magazine which I consider a reliable source. The Lower 48 should just call itself a tapas restaurant, because what they offer is really a variety of appetizers and snacks. The food was tasty, but portion sizes were tiny -- yet prices weren't. We're prefer reasonably-sized portions, but the following day ONE plate at another favorite Denver eatery had more food on it than all four of us had for dinner, and our bill at Lower 48 (with 5 cocktails) was $160. Part of their strategy seems to make up for it by keeping you full with water -- our 8 oz. glasses were never empty. Tasty food, but be ready for the reality of small, bite-sized portions at full meal prices. I suspect that for most diners, dinner at The Lower 48 Kitchen be a one-time wonder.
(3)Robbie M.
Looking for a unique experience for your pallet? Have a few extra dollars than what you're used to spending? Do it here. Well worth it #classy
(5)Matt J.
I came here after seeing Lower48 on a list of upcoming Denver restaurants. My guest and I ordered from a pre-fixed menu that came with three plates and a dessert. The best part of the meal was the fried brussel sprouts with peanut butter! Although a perceptually weird combination, it was an enticing and delicious surprise that made me want more. For the main course, I ordered the fettucine which was the perfect portion; pork was cooked well and the pasta was cooked perfectly. Beautiful ambience and located just a few streets away from the crazy LoDo bars.
(3)Lis R.
Kind of shocked to see the high reviews on here.... maybe it's better on the weekends? I went on a Tuesday night, group of four of us, and the only thing that made it enjoyable was the company I came with. Now, the one star is not because the food is absolutely atrocious, it's relative to the price - it is NOT worth what you pay for. I mean, over $60 / person and left hungry and frustrated...hours after we first got there...Now the details: 1) SLOW. By the time our cocktails finally came, the ice had melted so much in two of our drinks that the flavor was incredibly watered down. One friend's beer took even longer to come... and it was in a bottle - how difficult is it to bring over a bottle of beer? 2) I'm not sure why it is slow, as there is at least a 1:1 ratio of staffers to diners in that establishment. I have no idea what they all do. And you can see the open kitchen, which is painful when your stomach is grumbling and about to eat itself and the chefs are just standing around not appearing to do much about getting your order ready. 3) The menu does not accurately describe the food. Note: smoked potato + poached egg is potato MOUSSE. 4) Bland (and no salt/pepper shakers on the table to even attempt to fix it yourself). The only thing I would consider going back for is the brisket fritter. That was delicious. But it was $2 for a bite. They aren't kidding when they call the "Each" items a bite. One bite. We ordered one of each Each and tried to share... it was painful. 5) The space. It's a cool look, but it ends of feeling too large and drafty - even the dim lighting couldn't make it feel cozy and intimate. I was also probably shaking from low blood sugar and the lack of booze in my watered down cocktail though... It would take a LOT to drag me back out here to pay over $60 per person for a lackluster meal. Will NOT be returning.
(1)James B.
My guest and I dined here tonight at the chef's table, which is basically a bar that overlooks the line. We had a direct view of the expo window. All in all, we had a great meal from start to finish. There were some hiccups with the service, as we were confused who was actually taking care of us in the beginning, but the expo chef and host made rounds with us. The manager also made contact with us. I almost want to give our visit 5 stars, but with the clunky service in the beginning and one lackluster dish, I had to pull a 4 star review. I would suggest this restaurant to my friends and family, and I cannot wait for a return visit. The food is seasonal, well thought out and mindful. The flavors were developed and a deliberate. The menu is simple. There are small plates to share and individual bites. The price is right across the board. The duck rillete was memorable. The Alaskan salmon was expertly cooked and flaked nicely. The English peas were excellent and seasonal. The pork belly and tenderloin was excellent. Our dessert was plated so beautifully. The cold Romaine soup with green tomato and Meyer lemon was underwhelming and needed a dash of salt or spice. Each course was explained in detail, and the expo chef watched over us to make sure we were happy. The space was small and thought out. We cannot wait to return!
(4)Allison J.
I had the pleasure of entertaining clients at this restaurant last week and it was overall an incredible experience! The food, the wine and the service were all outstanding. A definite must when dining in the Denver area!
(5)Kiele K.
A-OK is exactly the term I would use to describe my evening at Lower 48. I had been excited to try it, as I live very near by and watched it open. First and foremost, I dined with five other people in the main dining room. I DO NOT recommend this for future reference. Instead, grab a drink & a bite in their lounge space! The pros: The host was wonderfully attentive and showed us around the entire restaurant. It has three different dining rooms that are all unique spaces. The drinks are delicious, I got a Telegraph. The food was beautifully presented and very tasty. The cons: Despite the delicious-ness of the food and drinks, the portions were a bit too small for the price. Additionally, dishes came out randomly, which took away from the overall dining experience. I give it a B- experience. That said, I want to return with a smaller crew for the main dining space, or a happy hour in the lounge!
(3)Amy W.
While the food was quite unique and tasty, the prices were ridiculous for the amount we were served. There was 3 categories of food; "Each" which is only a bite for $2 apiece. "Share" which is about the third of a typical restaurant's appetizer...and at $13 to $17 apiece for these tiny plates, that makes the normal size $26 to $34 apiece. For an appetizer? No. After many plates of very expensive food, we left hungry. We won't be back.
(2)Jennifer D.
Won't be going back, we all felt the menu was slightly limited and we left feeling hungry and not entirely satifisfied. I was hoping for so much more. For the money, I didn't walk away with a memorable experience! Wasn't horrible, just wasn't great.
(2)Nate B.
I don't recall a better dining experience. I had the twice baked potatoes, salmon, and for dessert; the smores. I can't remember the last time I had such an amazing meal and, although I rarely order dessert, I couldn't resist, and I couldn't stop smiling the whole time I devoured the dessert. Great service and the food offered such a variety of flavors. Absolutely incredible, I couldn't clean each plate enough. They have an extensive cocktail menu and wine list, and a great beer selection from breweries you don't just find everywhere. Currently at the top of my list of must visit restaurants. I dined alone at the bar and the staff was excellent. Place this spot at the top of your list for must visit for a perfect dinner, whether with a date, dining with friends, or going solo. I'll be returning very soon, and I'm guessing this will be a new regular spot for me.
(5)Graham H.
Awesome. Great staff and food made with love. Sat at the chefs table for date night . A great evening was had by all.
(5)Matt C.
Hands down my favorite restaurant in Denver. They have an exciting menu that changes often and out of this world desserts. The staff is great and the kitchen is even better. We've gotten to know the owners quite well and most of the chefs and they treat us like VIPs every time we come. It's a great dinner experience all around. As for these negative reviews I've read, to each their own I guess, but we've never encountered any of the issues people mention. If you don't like these portion sizes and pairings, it's just not your type of place. I'd suggest Applebees for big plates and discount dining.
(5)Sarah W.
Putting in your order at Lower48 is like carefully choosing presents from under a tree: Will you take the tiny stocking stuffers (Eaches), the in-between options, or the larger ones for sharing (and for the festive spirit)? A combination of the first two options is wise, but be advised that the Eaches really are for one person only. Other dishes can be split. The Poached Alabama Shrimp and the Brussels & Butternut Squash are both delicious--complex, flavorful, and fresh--and other items like the Beignet are innovative and interesting on the palette. Everything is presented beautifully. Alas, as is often the problem with small plates, the prices are a bit high for the amount you end up with.
(4)Thuan P.
I was told by the wait staff that this restaurant has been opened for about 12 weeks. I have to say the experience had been very pleasant. I sat at the chefs table, able to watch everything being cooked and plated. The food is delectable. Blending sweet and savory. The "Each" menu is worth trying. I definitely recommend this place.
(5)Annie W.
Been wanting to try this place for a while...heard great things. We showed up with another couple right when they opened at 5pm. The place was still empty as they had just opened. Really liked the atmosphere. Service was great and food was amazing. Highly recommend this place
(5)Rob C.
Absolutely one of the best culinary experiences in Denver. From beginning to end this was exceptional!
(5)Doug H.
Everything about Lower 48 bespeaks its New American designs--the cuisine, decor, art, and location. Went there with the family and tried a lot on the menu from their wide array of selections. I'd have to say that nothing really blew me out of the water, but every dish was done with care and attention that you would expect from a fine-dining establishment. A nice addition to this cowtown. It's hard to talk about the menu because it sounds like they change it every day. Maybe this is just a trend or maybe it's just because they are just starting out, but as a business plan I think it's a bad idea. I think it's better to develop some favorites and specialties and build off that. Also, they take the cute route on the names of their menu items with the "each," "small", and "big" plates. I remember Ototo did something like that with a clever naming convention and it threw all their customers off. Of the "each" dishes, the chickpea, hoecake, and beignet were only OK. Pretty pricey ($2.50 "each") for what was essentially an amuse bouche. The small plates were excellent. Loved the savory pancakes, which had a cornocopia of flavors and dibs and dabs of mushroom and other sauces on the plate. The beet salad was great, somewhat similar in concept to the beet dish at Squeaky Bean. Of the large dishes, the chicken was better than the scallops. The scallops were seared just right, but the foamy potato base was a bit bland, and because it was spread on a large plate, it was cold in seconds. I think we ended up under-ordering; the large plates were not enough to share. I think you should plan on one small plate and one big plate for each diner at a minimum to feel sated. Service was very friendly and welcoming. Our waiter took evident joy in telling us about the menu. Food delivery to the table was a bit odd--almost like a bumper car--very fast and then jolted to a halt. I assume that they will iron this out as this is only in the first weeks of service. They certainly had a lot of people on hand to cook and serve. The owner was there and he stopped at our table a couple of times. He offered us a tour of the restaurant afterward, and we took him up on it. And L48 has something to brag about its space and location. This is somewhat on the urban frontier--the ballpark neighborhood is on the edge of downtown, but this has its advantages. We parked right in front of the building, and you feel like you've discovered the place rather than followed the crowd. L48 has all the style and wow of the Kitchen in LoDo in my opinion. The open kitchen and chef's bar especially look like an enticing place to have a dining experience. The art work and decor evoke the American railroad and pioneering, literally. I liked the vibe a lot. I hope that Denver diners will find this spot, because L48 is fine addition to the food scene.
(4)Julie Ann W.
Went here for date night about a month ago. Had heard lots about Lower48, and read it was voted on of the best new restaurants in Denver. We tried lots of different menu items and had several drinks. We enjoyed everything. It was pretty spendy, though. But, for a special night out, this is a good spot to try.
(4)Victoria C.
Came here for valentines day and the food was okay. Service okay; atmosphere trendy. The special menu had small bites, and tried all of then (8-10?), and liked 2. The sweet potato one was very good. I don't even remember the others because they were uninspired (not the idea or menu-writing, but the execution of food itself). The main dish was better, but nothing especially memorable. The dessert was meh--hazelnut layer cake that might have been made elsewhere and refrigerated on-site. They kept forgetting the wine pairings until after each course was done. Atmosphere is cute and maybe they were overwhelmed for valentines. But wouldn't go back anytime soon on my own accord.
(3)Cristen H.
Really, really good! (most of the time) all items on the menu are made in-house. I had the fried chickpea bites, heirloom & burratta salad, pork belly with black grits and lavender ice cream. (We went during restaurant week) - Every thing was really, really good! My only downside would be that the normal prices for these same items / portions are a bit steep.
(4)Sarah W.
So...I never really write any reviews on Yelp. But after dinner at Lower48 last night, I felt compelled to share my experience with others because it was just THAT great. My boyfriend and I try a new restaurant just about every week, with the goal of working our way through the 5280 Top Restaurants list. Usually, we find most of the restaurants pretty bland, too loud, or just generally unexciting. Rarely do we find one that we think is a definite "keeper." But Lower48 blew us away. The service was some of the best we've ever experienced, from the extremely helpful wait staff to the uber polite management. The atmosphere was simple, lovely, and quiet (which I feel like is rare in this city). ...And then there was the food. A-maze-ing. Overall, It was incredibly well done and there wasn't one thing that we thought was just "ok." We went to town, and ordered corn dogs and Alabama shrimp for apps. Both were great, and the shrimp was some of the best I've had in Denver (which is saying a lot for a girl from the Gulf coast). We then shared two salads, the carrots and parsnips and brussels and butternut squash. The squash was the best, most delicious squash I've ever had. Then we shared the lamb duo and the red fish, which were both great, but the fish stood out to me as my favorite. All of this food was a good amount for both of us, with both of us leaving full and beyond content. Lower48 is a keeper, plain and simple. So glad we decided to stop by - we'll definitely be back!
(5)Mal B.
My father and younger brother were visitng from out of town and we decided on Lower 48 for our dinner. We came in on a Thursday, and sat at the chefs counter. My younger brother LOVED their corn dogs, and once convinced to be adventurous he throughly enjoyed the blue fish crudo, and even the Brussels sprouts. My father was impressed with the wine list and the service provided by not only our server but the bar and kitchen staff as well. The open environment really allows you to be a part of the experience of Lower 48. It was a favorite for my family during their visit to Denver.
(4)Jackie H.
Initially, service fantastic. Very attentive and proper. They have individual bites, appetizers and entrees. We ordered the bacon wrapped monk fish. The fish was flavorful. I wasn't that fond if the lentils. This is a fun upscale place to drink and have appetizers. The entree was expensive. I will not order that again. Strange thing happened with the place setting. The help seemed to be adamant about having the fork on the right and knife on the left. Even after I swapped the knife back to the right side if the plate, someone came over and switched it back. I am sorry. The food was ok but overly pricey and small proportions. It was way too loud and the waitress came by too often.
(3)Vy L.
ELF FOOD. We left hungry. We went for 5280 restaurant week and used it as an excuse to try this much heard about restaurant. I understand the concept is small bites, which is fine if they gave you enough to feed you or if their bites were unique enough to warrent the price. We had the onion cakes and carrot soup which was well done but overpriced. 2$ for one onion chip and 4$ for about 4 tablespoons of soup. I had the cod which was well cooked but it was about 3oz of fish for the entre. The chicken dish was overcooked, stringy and on a bed of homemade sauerkraut with chicken skin crumbles. The food was not original enough to pull off a "small bites" place. Chicken skin crumbles shouldnt jack up the price of a chicken and cabage dish by 20$. The service was excellent, but the food was mediocre and overpriced and the portion sizes were microscopic.
(3)melissa B.
We had a really nice meal here. Cocktails were fantastic and a highlight. We typically order a bottle of wine at dinners, but decided to have a cocktail and do wines by the glass. SO glad we did. Not to miss. The "each" part of the menu was very fun and flavorful. We would skip the corn dog next time, breaking to dog was off and too much. The lentils on the pork were by far my favorite take away from the evening. The savory pancakes were good. They were heavy and missing a little brightness. The octopus was outstanding. Wine list was fair and varied and the server was able to answer questions knowledgeably. However, service was not so great. Everyone was very nice, but not sure if our server just got sat a lot of tables at once or what, but we waited a long time for him a few times. By the time I got my glass of wine, we were almost done with our entree. We were also brought our octopus and didn't have any silverware and not one person working was attending their eyes to tables, so we had to get up and get silverware from another table...no one noticed that either?? We would definitely give it another shot though! Finally, the cookie given with our check was the most amazing cookie I've ever had!
(4)Colin C.
One of our favorite places to go for a special meal. Friendly welcome when we come in the door. Service is always great. The food is in the same ranks as some of the best culinary experiences in Denver. Big thanks to the owner, Mario, and team for making our evening so great
(5)Julian R.
My wife and I saw a write up in Westword and rolled in on a Friday night. The place was full and we were told it would be an hour for a table but the chef counter had a couple of stools available. It was a treat to watch the chefs plate the food using finesse and unexpected tools. The chefs were friendly and answered all of my many questions about the foods they were working with. The foods that we tried were tasty but like many others have commented, the portions are small. $120 for the two of us. One final note, they had some type of special event going on and I inquired about the off menu mini corn dogs I could see them making in the side kitchen. They said the were special ordered for a private party and asked if I would like one which of course I did. Overall a good experience and we will return.
(4)Bruce F.
A divine foodie experience! Two of us shared eight courses, plus one cocktail. Our bill was $92, an exceptional value for the quality and quantity of food. We're both happily stuffed. Everything was exquisitely plated and we L O V E D everything we tasted. The top standouts were: New England hake, black eyed peas and a beet salad. I can't wait to go back and order everything else on the menu.
(5)Alex J.
Outstanding, great service, delicious food. I'm not much of a corn dog eater, but the bite size one here was magical. Everything I've had so far has been great! Cozy ambience with views of the kitchen and chef, really nice.
(5)Jason A.
The people here are working very hard. Very meticulous and great smells if you sit at the kitchen bar. Small potions but all delicious. Come to try various flavors but not on a hungry appetite.
(4)Cory P.
Value - Great deal for your money. I enjoy the location and the size of the food portions. Amuse Bouche portions are more two bites than one. The atmosphere is great and the waistaff are all extremely nice. We grabbed one of each of the single serving dishes, split a shared dish and had a couple of drinks and were more than contented. Performance - Waitstaff are always on the move but are always willing to go above and stop by consistently to make sure each plate is satisfactory. They are really good at letting you visit with company and not be bothered but if you need something as well. Timing is great here as food and drink are always paced really well. Ease of Use - The amount of drink and food options are plentiful for veggie, fish, and meat eaters. Love the rotating shared plate specials of the week. Parked right on the street. Made a reservation on OpenTable. Features - Great small batch beers and superb list of classics, amazing cocktails. We grabbed the Bent Rail and another fruit forward cocktail that was tasty. Criticism - No criticism of this new spot in town. Overall - Food, service, cocktails, ambience are all spot on. for being as new as they are, this place is hitting it out of the park! Ezra and Brandon were both great about talking with us about our food and pairing drinks accordingly. Hats off to you Lower48 Kitchen. Until next time . . .
(5)Marc F.
Amazing evening at the newly opened Lower 48 restaurant in the Ballpark neighborhood. The food, atmosphere and the staff were amazing, as were the drinks. In all, it was a wonderful evening! I will be back soon and be bring droves of people who love great quality!
(5)Angel D.
The food here is spectacular. It's creative and out of the box but doesn't sacrifice taste for the sake of creativity. We worked our way through a tasting menu and pretty much loved everything on it. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Col M.
We went to Lower 48 Kitchen for Denver's restaurant week. The fixed menu was a good sampling of what they had to offer. We started off with what they call 'eaches' which are individually sized mini-appetizers. The corn dog was to die for, as was the shrimp egg roll. Our next course was a butternut squash and brussels sprouts salad... also delicious! My hangups about this restaurant were two: the kitchen and bar were very slow (it took us over half an hour to get a bottle of wine and we were at the restaurant for over 2.5 hours, with lots of lag time between courses), and the portion size of the main entrée left much to be desired. I do understand that what is fashionable these days is to serve small portions. However, the portion of the whitefish was not much more than that of the 'each' that we had at the beginning of the meal. Overall, the place was really cool, our server was a delight, and the food tasty! I'm not sure I would go back, however, it was a unique restaurant week experience!
(4)Ray W.
We had a great dinner here. Love the "each" concept on the menu, and the fresh menu aspect based on what's available. The Octopus was great and I would recommend this for sure . The Pork was our highlight of the night. The belly was perfect and lentils were spot on. Cookies at the end were a nice touch by the staff! Check this place out.
(4)Jim C.
Lower48. How do they claim share plates when they are one to four bites? I did not get the concept at all. They menu was confusing and I guess it's about pairing foods. If I ran it I would scrap the small plates and serve a dinner. We had a good laugh the next morning when we discussed the entire meal. $200 laugh. Service was 30 on an ordered beer. Glass empty water for 20 min. I give it 1 year.
(1)Sarah C.
We tried this place with some friends. At first the service was good, the server initially got our drinks out to us quickly although the red wine pour was short and cold as was my friends. Ordering more drinks and actually receiving them took much longer, each time and to the point that a friend told this to the floor manager, who brought out one of the drinks as the server was finally dropping 2 others off. The eaches were tasty and priced accordingly. When the menu says "whole quail." I'm not sure when "whole" becomes only 4 legs. The "pigs head" was described as being jowls and cheeks, but its actually a deep fried ball of meat, with a chunk of fat. My friend got a ball of fat, no meat. The pasta had no flavor. We ended up at Marco's, where the service and food was much better, the server even gave us a free dessert.
(1)Heather O.
Fantastic food, amazing cocktails and wonderful atmosphere! I have taken every one of my friends and family from all over the country to this spot and not one person has had a bad word to say! The food is fantastic! Small plates perfect for individual orders and then some to share! This is finer dining, which is something Denver needs! What a welcome addition to the growing food scene in the city. The cocktails are inventive and delicious! They have a great wine and beer selection as well that incorporates the entire U.S., not just Colorado beers or your standard wine selections. Very refreshing to see! Whether you sit in the dining room, at the bar, in service bar or at the kitchen you will enjoy the ambience.
(5)Katie H.
What a wonderful experience and great time! The food was delicious and well executed (every dish) and the service was impeccable. Definitely looking forward to going back. I was very impressed especially with the depth of flavor in these effortless-looking plates, and the focus is clearly on providing excellent food and a wonderful evening.
(5)Lemonte G.
So many good places in Denver and Westword liked Lower48 - so thought we'd give it a chance. Creative menu and good atmosphere. Service was okay - but had to wait many times for drink refills. Food portions are for elves. So make sure you're not looking for a hearty meal - or order two of everything. My main course was sold as a "boars" head. When I asked what parts - I was told the jowls, ears, etc. Sounded great. However - if I had to take a guess on how it was prepared - I would have thought all parts in a stock, simmered down and then a spoon full rolled into a ball and deep fried. Another guest in our party did get some "meat" - but mine was a giant ball of fat. Felt like I cut into a giant, deep fried snot ball. Absolutely gross. Another person in our party got the vegetarian pasta - and he could not eat it either as it looked like a bowl of maggots. I gave two stars instead of one because the appetizers were okay. Maybe give it a few months and try it again . . . maybe.
(2)Nicky B.
This place appeared on my radar when 5280 named it a best new restaurant. Went there last Saturday before the opera. Service was flawless, and the small plate cuisine was inventive and playful without being fussy or pretentious. Favorite dishes included the scallion cream beignet (the fried exterior was so light!), the wild mushroom salad (wonderful to have the rich shrooms paired with bright, crispy radishes and celery), and the octopus (served with a pumpernickel puree that offered a delightful variation on a dish that's getting a bit ubiquitous these days). Can't wait to go back!
(4)Jenn F.
Small plates. Higher prices but amazing. Kudos to chef. Loved octopus. Winter salad, beets, cauliflower, mushroom pancake, and sea bass. Fit for foodies! Well done lower 48!
(5)Marc W.
Superb. Really one of the best restaurants in Denver - I sat at the chef's bar, and got to watch them make mine and many other items. It felt like being part of a cooking show, and the cooking itself - really interesting. A wide variety of flavors and textures, and a great wine list to match. Highly recommended!
(5)Joe K.
I've been to Lower 48 three times now. * First visit was at the soft opening (we live in the building they are under). My review from that visit would have been pretty weak - the food we had was so-so in the creative department, but tasted OK. Service was odd, and didn't have great tempo. And overall we felt the cost was way in excess of the quality of the food. * Second visit was this week, 3 months later. We went for an easy dinner after seeing some of the posts on the Lower 48 FB page. I had the short rib pasta, my wife had the sweet potato / brussle sprouts salad, and the salted beets dish. We also shared a few of the "Each" items. The Each items (Fritters, and Beignets) were worth the $2 each this time. Our previous visit, we found the Each items to be way over priced. Now they are on point. The dishes were also very good for their price. The flavors were refined and well executed, and the sizes were not overly huge, but were good for the level of the food and the price. We had some cocktails and wine with dinner, and the mixers were well done (Sazerac that was done every bit as good as the one I had in NOLA at August this last summer). The wine pairings offered by the server were also good with the food. We finished the meal with the Citrus and Meringue Desert, and that was light and tasty way to finish the meal. In the end for under $100 we had a full meal, drinks and desert that we thought equaled other high end meals we've had at the same or higher price points. * Third Visit - was the night after :) On the menu this week is a 32oz dry aged rib eye for two from a local farm (A hard to find cut). I am all about that, my wife wasn't when we were there the night before. So I found a friend who wanted to try that with me and we returned the next night. We had some more of the "each" items, some of the other ones we tried were hit/miss for my palate, but all were creative. Then we had the steak... holy crap. This steak took ~ 45 minutes to cook, and it was worth that time. The end result was a steak, along with its sides of sauces and side items rivaled some of the best steaks I've had anywhere. The $74 cost for 2 people is also very reasonable for the quality of what we had. The steak came broken down which made it nice for splitting between two people. The steak was perfectly cooked, not over seasoned (seemed like salt was the only real seasoning used which is good because that's all it needed). It did have some large sections of fat, but that is expected in a steak this marbled and tender. The side items were a Béarnaise, A butter/potato puree, roasted shitake mushrooms, and some vege's that you could use as you wanted through the meal to accompany the steak. I had their Golden Spike cocktail with dinner which seems like their take on an Old Fashioned or a Mahnattan. It was tasty and well done. In the end we had a $120 meal between 2 people, that rivaled the quality of steak and side items of food I've had at multiple Michelin star restaurants in bigger cities. This was unexpected, and exciting to see this level of food execution 2 days in a row. Service - In our recent visits service has been great. We sat at the chefs bar/row the second visit, and a table in the dining room on the third. We were waited on consistently by all of the staff. Not too often, not forgotten, and very on point. The owner Mario has been very courteous every time we've been in, and his staff has seemed to get much more refined. Both times we were in this week, the restaurant was fairly quiet, so your mileage may vary if they are slammed with customers. Overall, we'll be back and watching their weekly menu changes for updates and new things to try.
(5)Alicia N.
My husband and I had heard rave reviews of Lower48 Kitchen from friends, so decided to try it out for our anniversary dinner. After tonight's dinner I concur heartily with our friends' conclusion - this newcomer to the Denver restaurant scene rocks. An ecclectic combination of amuse bouche and small plates make it hard to chose between a combo of lots of little shared appetizers or entrees. We did four amuse bouche - the Johnny Cake, Fritter, Chickpea Fry, daily special, a small plate (the special of the day) and shared the chicken for two. For dessert we had the grilled cheese (don't ask, it was AMAZING) and the citrus meringue. We found the staff to be incredible and the management to be incredibly attentive. They knew it was our anniversary from my notes in our Open Table reservation, and made sure that it was an unforgettably wonderful experience. We absolutely loved the whole evening and look forward to our next visit. Thank you Mario, Carson, Chef Alex Figura and the rest of the Lower48 staff for making our anniversary such a wonderful night!
(5)Steve T.
Small plate fare. Their motto must be Keep It Simple Small. The appetizers were creative and tasty. The kale chips, chicken pate, and crispy chicken skin were well designed and pleasing. Forget about the corn dog. The fried Brussels sprouts are the new beet! Give that a try for sure. The bacon wrapped trout worked very well with the contrasting sauce. The grass feed beef was very good. The high calorie desserts will certainly top off anyone craving for more proteins. Savor the meal's conclusion with French press coffee. Staff is very pleasant and attentive.
(3)Mason M.
Place won't survive. I have worked in fine dining in a multitude of positions. I have owned my own bars and cafés, which are still successful. I first dined at this place a few nights after their opening night. Menu was interesting. Atmosphere was great and decor was to match. Unfortunately the food was no where near the price for its quality. The service was hands down the worst I've had. Period. Waited an eternity for everything. And with no acknowledgement of the fact. Never got a refil on drinks. Food was below par. And quality of food and service were equal at that. My girlfriend convinced me to enjoy a wine there this evening. We went. Not a full house and vibe was not positive. Sat at bar and ordered same wine we had on our last visit. Now it was $3 more expensive. No casual conversation with bartender. Finished drink, and was never asked if I wanted another. Again, service fail. Will not return if you even paid me to.
(1)A H.
The good: Creative food, well seasoned, artful presentation, small bites were really a highlight, inspired desserts, cool industrial space, creative cocktail/beer/wine selection (nice after dinner drinks too) The bad: BUMS, yes bums!, regularly frequent the restrooms (hello management?), Chef uses heaps of butter, waitstaff pleasant but a little unattentive especially for a quiet night (switch in servers, had to ask manager for bill and to take payment when server disappeared), portioning odd (not too small like some have said, but waitstaff suggesting splitting everything yet odd number of pieces on the plate, e.g., 3 fingerling potatoes for 4 people, other small things like that), wierd neighborhood (not really Ballpark, sketchy walk to car past a gauntlet of transient beggers, see BUM comment above). Overall, an A for effort, but falling short of the terrific Denver restaurant scene. Highlight of evenning -- swung past Voodoo Doughnuts with only a ten minute wait!
(2)Kaitlyn M.
Tried this place last night and couldn't have been more impressed. The food was amazing, the wine list impressive yet affordable, and the service was friendly and unpretentious. We started with some mini appetizers called "each's", split some small plates, and then split two entrees and two deserts. For 4 people, this was the perfect amount. We got to try a bunch of different things and everything (minus the scallops, which were just ok) was amazing. I would absolutely go back- the place is expensive, but well worth it. Last night's dinner was probably one of the best meals I've had in Denver.
(5)Pete W.
A new "urban dining" experience, with a vibè, and interesting menu choices. Excellent but small portions ( ribeye and monkfish) and a good wine selection. Service, though, was decidedly so-so. A long time between courses, leading to an apology from the manager. Maybe the kitchen is too busy performing for the 'chef's table' to keep up with the routine. Go to have the experience, but be prepared for some service gaps.
(3)D O.
I think the largest criticism of our group came from three men over 6' tall and around 200 pounds. They left the restaurant hungry and not thrilled after a $365 meal + $50 tip bill for 7 people. The appetizers were creative and tasty, albeit very small, and the large entrees were also very small forcing us to order dessert. Everyone was in agreement that the odd grilled cheese dessert was amazing. The Rock Island and the Golden Spike cocktails were also both very good. Everyone also agreed that due to the cost versus size of food portions, we would probably not go back. It would be wise for them to add some vegetables to their meat entrees and increase the size of their salads or add some protein to them. Soup would also be a great addition to a winter menu and is also filling. Everyone felt a little cheated. Service was okay.
(2)Anika Z.
I disagree with another reviewer who has claimed to be an industry person. Anyone in the industry would be forgiving of a restaurant that is only been open a couple of nights. I've eaten here a couple of times now. The first time I ate here I met the owner who was nice enough to come to our table and introduce himself. The food is amazing and the service was great. My only criticism, which I feel completely able to share with the owner that I have now met, is that I wish their portions were little bit larger. I expect to see more great things from lower 48 in the coming year and I'm really happy to see this addition to Denver's dining scene.
(5)Emily S.
I have been to Lower 48 twice since it has opened and have an upcoming reservation; it is just that good! The food is very fresh and unique with items that you can not find at any other restaurant. Would highly recommend anything from the "each" category as they are really delicious. I ordered the scallops and can only rave about the taste and freshness. My husband had the chicken leg and it was equally delicious and inventive. The decor, staff and overall feel of the restaurant are also great!
(5)rachel d.
I could not have been more impressed with our meal. Everything was perfection. Great wine, appetizers and main course choices. My group sampled all of the appetizer on the menu and were not disappointed . We did the rib eye for 2 as our main course and it was wonderful - even as someone who does not usually eat steak. We ended our meal by sharing 3 desserts . Overall a wonderful experience that I would recommend to anyone looking for an upscale dining experience .
(5)A L.
excellent appetizers, unique cuisine, great atmosphere with a reasonbly priced selection of wines and beers. must try the beef fritters
(5)Kelly O.
what an incredible menu. the flavors they pack into the bite sized appetizers under the 'each' category are beyond impressive. the crispy chicken skin? oh man. you would be a fool not to try this place.
(5)Elizabeth H.
The food is good, but the portions are small. I was expecting this so that didn't really bother me. What did bother me is the service. The staff was unwelcoming and actually a bit rude to our table from the moment we walked in until the moment we left. When you spend $100+ on a meal, in my opinion, the service should be outstanding. While I enjoyed our, I probably won't be back solely based on the pretentious staff.
(2)Julie D.
I had the pleasure of dining at Lower 48 recently and could not have been happier with the experience. The "eaches" are a great way to start the meal and I especially loved the chickpea fritters and chicken wings. It's great to get a bunch and share them with a big group. After that go for the salads- all of which are so inventive and delicious. I loved both the brussel sprout and beet ones that we had! Scallops were fantastic as a main and the deserts were out of this world-loved the meringue one we had- so light and delicious. Great way to end a meal. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Amanda H.
Truly exceptional food. The flavors are balanced, thoughtful, and full of ingenuity. I tried about 9 things on the menu and couldn't fault any of them. Service is just ok- some timing issues- but the owners/ managers seem to be present and putting in effort. Tables are closer together than I would have preferred. Looking forward to a return trip.
(5)Alaina L.
Lower 48 has hit it stride, both food and service were operating on all cylinders. We had 9:30 reservation and from the greeting at the door to the farewells, we never felt rushed. On the contrary, the staff seemed genuinely appreciative that we were supporting this new restaurant and we are sure glad we did! I do recommend sitting at the chef's counter if you are curious about the food--the team working in front of you has some serious cooking credentials but their friendly attitudes made it clear that they understand hospitality at its core. Highlights included the squid and chicken, 's'more dessert as well. We didn't taste one thing we didn't enjoy but do come with an open mind--this is as far from a Colorado steakhouse as they come. I've seen other reviewers comment on portion size verse price and while the first column of apps ARE small, the entrees were a great value. Plus, hopefully this city has moved past antiquated expectations for portion sizing. I for one will pass on a bowl of pasta the size of a frisbee for ten bucks thank you. Elevated cuisine demands a higher price. The service was spot on as well, helpful but not hovering, bright eyed and eager to talk you through the menu. It's not always easy to deliver a likable personality to a group of people sitting at a counter with their backs turned towards you, but again they nailed it. Have I said enough great things? Ah but I couldn't forget, the pictures I've seen have not done the decor any justice. Rather than embracing an industrial style that too often leans towards "cafeteria", the warm wood and bright red accents created an environment I could have stayed in for hours. Such an awesome addition to the Denver dining scene!
(5)Jessen G.
GREAT FOOD. Simple clear and clean flavors. Our dinner club had four of the small bite items, and our favorites were the beignets, and fritter, but each one was terrific. We also split all of the small plates, and they were truly outstanding. The group favorite was the savory pancake. We also were OBSESSED with the grilled cheese dessert. Give it a try!
(5)Chris D.
Wow, just got home from one of the best meals I've had in Denver perhaps...sitting at chefs counter was a great way to enjoy the meal. Unreal flavor combinations. Quail dish was superb. It was all phenomenal though...Staff from front of house to the back was stellar. You can tell that everyone cares about putting out an amazing final product. So impressed, reasonable in cost, wish I could go back tomorrow.
(5)