District Tavern

Steak should be better…

Went here with a group from work. How I never noticed this place before I will never know. The interior is very nice and they have a great happy hour, free pizza. The pizza was verey tasty and the steak I ordered as an entrée was delicious. Every person left satisfired. I will definitely be back.

District Tavern to close. Try the Veal and Ricotta Meatballs and Tuna Tartare while they are still there!

I have never had such good service at a restaurant!
It was a casual Thursday night and my parents were in from the east coast so I wanted to take them to a new restaurant that we hadn’t tried. We had previously eaten at the Charlie Palmer restaurant in South Coast Plaza so District Tavern seemed like a good choice. As we perused the menu a few items popped out the chili tuna tartar, oysters and the Cesar salad. All were delicious.
As we chose entrees I began to talk to the waitress about the new wine that Charlie Palmer was producing (out of the same vineyard that my boss volunteers at). The dining manager must have been impressed because after we finished sharing a delicious filet Mignon and Scottish salmon he brought by two complementary desserts… wow it really helps to brush up on your wine production.
As we finished the manager thanked us (at the door) for coming in and gave us his card which was a nice touch. We were walking down the street discussing how attentive the service was when another man approached us claiming to be the General Manger of the restaurant and wondering what problems we had encountered, after explaining our delight in the service and food he requested that we return and gave us 5 drink vouchers and his card.
I will definitely be back here.

A large group of us were visiting from out of town and wanted to do a nice dinner while in Denver. We were able to get a reservation at District Tavern and it turned out to be a wonderful experience!
The décor is very cool, large vaulted ceilings, great ambience. Above all, the food and service was spectacular. We got an amuse bouche, compliments of the chef. Truffle fries and pickled vegetables. Both outstanding! I had a wonderful starter off of their specials menu, Crisped pork belly with compressed watermelon. I had chicken breast and it was moist and delicious. The dessert I had (peach and apricot cobbler) was amazing!
There is also a fantastic drinks menu, including great cocktails and a wonderful beer and wine selection.
Overall my friends and I had a great evening. The server and the rest of the staff were super attentive and treated us fantastically. I would definitely make this a regular spot if I lived in Denver, but since I don’t, I can only hope to go back and visit as often as I can.

District Tavern is everything a foodie dreams of. Creative, delicious food, from there in house pickeled veggies, to their mouth watering entrees. Wonderful, attentive staff who are always willing to suggest their favorites on the menu. I really enjoy their cocktail menu, and their wine list. It’s not overwhelming, and it makes it easy to try different cocktails and wines to go along with your meal. The prices are fantastic for the quality of food the serve here! I really enjoyed the scallops with the pancetta wrapped pork loin they had for the special last time I visited. They serve the best Moscow Mule I have ever tasted, they’re quite refreshing and addicting! Great happy hour too! The location is great as well, you can just jump on the 16^th street Mall and go to Wazee and it’s right there. Can’t wait for my next visit!

We had planned to have dinner here on Saturday but since we stopped by another venue for happy hour first, we weren’t nearly as hungry as we needed to be.
However, we of course had to sample what they had to offer, so we ordered 2 items off the appetizer menu.
Steak tartare– yummy. They executed this really well. You could tell the meat was handcut and it was delicious. Well seasoned but the taste of the meat still shined. My only complaint would be that they cooked the quail egg and it really should be raw. The yolk is very important!
Veal and ricotta meatballs with cheesy polenta– these were also really delicious and I’d order again. Two nicely-​sized meatballs and then polenta was creamy and perfect. The meatballs are firmer in texture and a little more sauce would have been welcomed– but I am a saucy lady!
I would not hesitate coming back for dinner here. I love the high ceilings and round booths. The huge tvs are a bit out of place but it did not distract us. I noticed they have a «cut of the week» which is a different cut of steak with a side and a glass of wine for $ 29. Not a bad deal!

I was here for a business function. Total mess, completely disorganized. They had regular customer mixing with event people and no one knew what was happening.
Can’t say much else because They didn’t even get the appetizers for the event out. I have one overpriced drink and left. I was frustrated… and I was there with a chef and sous chef of another restaurant… we all agreed they should be embarrassed

Let me begin with a disclaimer: I went to District Meats for 5280’s Restaurant Week. So I was eating off the amended menu. And it was terrible. It might be different for their regular menu, but their Restaurant Week menu was awful.
Specifically, their Restaurant Week menu had something called «Extra Crispy Chicken». I had expected it to be a really awesome, delicious roast chicken, but what appeared in front of me looked and tasted like a glorified chicken strip. I should have looked at their regular menu and realized that this was their chicken «schnitzel» dish. I can’t believe they sell that for $ 22 — it tastes like cafeteria lunch meat or the frozen chicken you can buy from Safeway and microwave at home. Completely unclassy — why does a dish like this even exist in a restaurant of this alleged high-​class caliber?
The other horrible plate of the night was their «napoleon». Quotations around napoleon indeed, as their pastry chef seemed to have no idea what a napoleon actually is. I’m okay with pastry chefs taking liberties with their desserts, but this «napoleon» was actually 2 brownies stacked on in each other with some whipped cream in between. Unbelievable.
I was tempted to give this place 1 star, but it’s incredibly unfair since I went during Restaurant Week. Needless to say that, despite the nice ambiance, the food didn’t really encourage me to come back. I can’t imagine paying their regular prices for that horrible, glorified, school cafeteria fare. Seriously. 2 brownies stacked on top of each other passing for a «napoleon»? Crispy chicken turning out to be chicken strips? This is embarrassing.

I went to District Meats for my mom’s birthday on St. Patty’s Day. I actually had lowered my expectations because of the absolute nightmare that St Patty’s presents to businesses; however, District Meats did not disappoint. I will write a list of the great things first and then call attention to the one item that reduced my star rating:
I have recently given up my vegetarian way of life, so I will call myself a recent meatatarian. I was a bit nervous going to steak place needless to say. Our server was incredibly knowledgeable about the cuts of meat and which ones were leaner. So I had the Teras Major (a cut from the shoulder), that was absolutely delicious.
As I continued to throw caution to the proverbial meat wind, I decided that I would try the marrow for an appetizer. I have been interested in trying marrow for sometime. Well I didn’t love it. Not because I do not think that this had anything to do with District Meats preparation, I will just say I don’t love meat butter, and I am into food. I ordered it, there was nothing wrong with it, but the restaurant took 50% off of this item given my distaste. This was completely above ad beyond what needed to be done. We also had the stuffed Piquillo Peppers which were totally yummy.
The ambiance and décor is awesome and not super pretentious or stuffy. I love the big screen TV’s that were left from Big Game, they had a combination of NCAA basketball and a Flogging Molly concert on in tandem, lovely.
For all of the positive feelings I had towards this place I really only had one negative:
Like most upscale steakhouses everything is a la carte, which is not the issue. I had the Simple Baked Potato for a cost of $ 7. Now the potato was great, and nicely crisped from being baked in sea salt, but the potato was literally two bites. It was about the size of a large fingerling potato. Again, way yummy, I just wish that it has been a bit more, particularly given the price.
Overall, great experience, I will certainly be back and refer accordingly.

Should be more like 4.5 stars, but it was closer to 5 than 4. We had the 15:30 lunch which comprised of:
ROADHOUSE CHICKEN-​FRIED STEAK SANDWICH
PORK AND MUSHROOM GRAVY
LODO GREEN CHILI
RED OAK LETTUCE & OVEN ROASTED BEET SALAD
Everything was perfectly seasoned and had such great flavor.
We also had the Brisket Panini, which was also very flavorful. Although, it needed a little kick from the pickles that were on the side. Which we added to the panini, and then it was perfect.
Looking forward to next week’s 15:30 lunch special and trying dinner!
Wait staff was attentive and friendly. Décor was very cute.

My first experience at District Meats was for 2012 Restaurant Week — RW can be very hit or miss, but wow — District Meats was a hit.
One member in our party was a bit late to arrive (parking), but that was no problem at all for the staff. They sat us, and made sure we had waters while we waited. Everyone from the hostess to the servers were incredibly friendly. It’s one of those places where they actually seem like they really want customers to come back! Rare, I know.
I had the pasta dish to start, and the portion size was huge. Luckily, the pasta was also very good, and the pork shoulder on top was tasty. Next came the sirloin, which was cooked and seasoned well. We each wrapped up our meal with the napoleon, and it was a great finish. I got most of mine to go, though, since I was so full from the other fabulous food we’d had so far.
We also shared a bottle of red wine, which came with a RW price tag of $ 28. It was more than worth it, and make the drink portion of the meal very affordable.
So, what more can I say? Friendly staff, good food, fun place — I can’t wait to go back.

I recently went here with my wife and two friends to try the restaurant week menu. I was a bit disappointed with the 45 minute wait we endured to be seated, even with our reservations, but remembered that during restaurant week, things can be a bit hectic. I had the Taliatelle with Braised Pork Shoulder (appetizer), the grilled sirloin with olive oil crushed fingerlings, and the Espresso Crème Brulee with Brown Butter Sable. Overall, i though my food was great. However, my wife ordered the Butternut Squash Soup as an appetizer, and the Grand Marnier Crem with Chocolate Hazelnut Napoleon, and i think her dishes wer better. dinner went well, especially with help from a bottle of wine.
I think the atmosphere of this place is a bit too industrial, but with good food it doesnt matter. Also, our server was very helpful and a good sport.
I would like to come back and try the regular menu.

My friend and I enjoy visiting new and highly rated restaurants around Denver, it’s my New Year’s Resolution to Unilocal about them this year. District Meats is the first of 2012.
We started with the Meatball appetizer which was delicious and ended up being my favorite item of the meal. Then we spilt the Chicken «Schnitzel» and their evening steak special that came with 2 short rib raviolis. The dishes were really good but nothing extraordinary. The 2 raviolis were my second favorite item of the evening, I wish they were offered as an entrée! My friend and I both agreed the chicken dish was overpowered by the sauce. We noticed a lot of vinegar used in both dinner entrees. We finished the meal with the Apple Tart dessert and again it was good but nothing out of this world.
Overall, the service was good and the food was good but I think there are other restaurants in Denver that are better.
We were also very disappointed to hear District Meats isn’t throwing a party for the Broncos play-​off game this Saturday. A new restaurant with giant TVs in Broncos Country??? Get with the program.

WARNING: Please do not read this review. It’s too looooong !
OK to good but not great experience at Charlie Palmer’s Denver debut restaurant leaves me satisfied with the food but disappointed in the management and hoping for much more.
Showed up right on time for a lunch meeting and was asked my name (even though there was no reservation made). Being the friendly diner that I am, I told her, «David.» Then she asked for my last name. .. and I’m starting to wonder whether the next questions will be for my mother’s maiden name and the last 4 of my SSN. Nonetheless, being so very friendly and not wanting to burst her bubble I gave it to her, while telling her that I was there to meet another person. She asked no further questions, but seated me at a nice booth looking out at the entrance so I could spot the person I was there to meet.
Here’s why the above description is important: The person I was there to meet was already seated in the back and he had given her my name so that we could be seated together. I didn’t learn that until 5 – 10 minutes later when I asked the server to show me their private room because I’m checking out places for a cocktail party dinner for 30 people. It’s only then that I passed my lunch partner who’d been waiting for over 10 minutes already. Major screw-​up during a busy business lunch time. Star off.
Lunch was good. Had the brisket with caramelized onions and melted gruyère cheese and a half salad. Both were 3 – 4 stars in quality.
However, at the beginning of the luncheon, I asked the server to get the manager so I could ask more questions about the private room party I was planning, and although we were there for over an hour, the manager never showed up. Never showed up that is until we had already left the restaurant and were outside on the street saying goodbye. Then this woman comes out of the restaurant apologizing that she’d been «tied up with another matter» but presenting me her card and telling me to give her a call so she could answer any questions I might have about the room.
Uh, I don’t think so. I could have asked my questions while conveniently there, but now she wants me to take my time because she didn’t have 1 minute for me during the whole hour I was there, or even the courtesy to send someone by with her card, saying she was tied up for the time being. Noop, noop and triple noop. Another star off.
Now, I understand they’re new and probably working out the kinks, but that was 2 lapses in the basics of customer service. At most they deserve 3 stars and a sketchy 3 stars at that. So, as our Starkist friend use to tell us. .. «Sorry, Charlie,» it’ll be a little while before I try District Meats again. Too many other excellent dining spots in Denver for that.

First Impression: One of my favorite things about this restaurant is the way they were able to make a large space feel so intimate. The use of old-​style circular booths is awesome, as is the enormous screens for games and music over the bar. The décor is modern meets old west, with tin ceilings, reclaimed wood and glass. It would be a great place for groups, to meet for a drink, or watch a game.
Food: We had an excellent meal that included The Major, Chicken Schnitzel, Pork Shoulder, Caesar Salad, Bibb Salad, Stuffed Peppers, and Banana Split, to name a few. Everyone thought the best dish was actually the chicken. The salads were both great as was the dessert. There was also a squash side dish that was excellent. I included pics of the menu from early Jan (not sure how often they’ll change it) for those who are interested. Oh, and there’s a pizza place adjoining the restaurant that smells delicious.

What I had? Flat Iron Steak with Walla Walla Onions and Fully Loaded Baked Potato
Food review: I was pretty excited to hop on over to District Meats on Xmas Eve when I read so many good things about the place. It unfortunately was a little disappointing. My steak first of all hardly had any flavor to it at all. It was overcooked on the outside (tasted a little burnt) and was undercooked a little bit on the inside (which wasn’t a terribly big deal). I also got the fully loaded potato which was ok but I got the feeling that they skimped a little bit on the toppings for such a big potato. I don’t know… for that price I was hoping for greater things and what I got was a whole bunch of meh… :-(
Service? No complaints

First off I love the look and feel of this place. Great vibe.
We went on a weeknight so it wasn’t to busy. I love the rounded booths, great for conversation.
Fun menu that definitely features different cuts of meat served with an assortment of sauces and sides.
For apps I tried the bag of chips. Perfectly crispy and a great starter.
Decent wine and drink list. Nothing crazy as far as price goes.
Entrees were very tasty. Meat cooked perfectly. It’s one of those places where you want try everything on the menu at least once.
If you have room the desserts are pretty petite so don’t expect a gigantic dessert.
The bar looks very inviting if you want to drop in for a drink.
Take note that the pizzas are not on their normal menu. There’s an adjacent section to the restaurant where they make the pizzas. and by the way, they smelled great.
Next review will be for their pies…

District Meats is a welcome change from the same old typical steak house that populates all of downtown Denver. The menu is filled with some unique appetizers and cuts of meat that you will not see at other steak houses. I also found the prices to be very reasonable for what you get.
We went with a group of six and all the meals were prepared to perfection. I had the meatball and special of the day, the beef shortribs.
I would give the food 5 stars but some other things need work.
With the unique names for the cuts of meat I would hope the server would be more knowledgable. As we are not all butchers, just pointing out where the cut comes from on a cow doesn’t explain a lot to me. The other thing that bothered me was the massive video screen over the bar. When you are sitting down for fine dining or a romantic date you don’t want your attention taken away by an 80 foot jumbotron.

Extremely disappointed with the vegetarian options at District Meats. :)