Rioja - Denver

Dined at the Rioja bar for dinner a couple of weeks ago while visiting Denver. I do not usually write reviews, but felt the need to due to the exceptional food,... read more Dined at the Rioja bar for dinner a couple of weeks ago while visiting Denver. I do not usually write reviews, but felt the need to due to the exceptional food, drinks, atmosphere and service. Also, wanted to give a huge thank you to John for taking care of us while we were there. Thanks for all the recommendations for the rest of our trip!!

This was one of the most stunningly good meals of my life. The burrata ships from Italy. The staff are amazingly friendly and easy going. Exemplary locally owne... read more This was one of the most stunningly good meals of my life. The burrata ships from Italy. The staff are amazingly friendly and easy going. Exemplary locally owned place.

Drinks were great. The service was great as well. We got a goat cheese tart that was pretty good, and for entrees got the lamb which was also good. I got the du... read more Drinks were great. The service was great as well. We got a goat cheese tart that was pretty good, and for entrees got the lamb which was also good. I got the duck entree and for 41$ it was such a small portion. It was lacking flavor and pretty chewy. I don't have a problem with small entrees or high prices but It just wasn't good and I'm a duck fan. The food was a let down.

Each time we go to Rioja we are reminded what great cooking is and how fun it can be. Every time we go the meal is like a personal concert for your tastebuds th... read more Each time we go to Rioja we are reminded what great cooking is and how fun it can be. Every time we go the meal is like a personal concert for your tastebuds that makes you want to come back for more. Balanced food with great service, and Justin (our waiter) was so kind and welcoming! Just terrific.

Feel like there's a lot of miscommunication, definitely did not want a second glass of wine but was given a second glass of wine and charged for it. It felt a l... read more Feel like there's a lot of miscommunication, definitely did not want a second glass of wine but was given a second glass of wine and charged for it. It felt a little forced, I did stop the server staring at the glass of wine with displeasure, but decided against sending wine back out of respect. Most servers would be quick to notice, but again, my fault because I did say never mind. Food was good, but definitely on the lower scale in relations to fine dining in my opinion, nothing really stands out. Our first experience was much better than our second experience. It might just be different during different seasons. Overall, still worth trying.