As promised, I will first be showcasing the best places to have dinner during the convention that will require reservatons, yet still have some openings left.
1. Vestas Dipping Grill at 1822 Blake Street. When this place opened years ago, it was so hip and so cool, that many thought it was just a passing trend. Some time later, it is still alive and ticking, serving fantastic food in a great atmosphere. Reservations are indeed scarce at this point, but you can still find some for August 24th, for those who are arriving just before the convention starts, and possibly at a few other odd times. They also have a sizeable bar that you could take advantage of if you try to wait for an available table. Two years ago, a local magazine rated it their best first date restaurant. My wife and I could have told you that, it was the site of our first date in 2002!
2. Rodizio Grill at 1801 Wynkoop St. This is a traditional Brazillian Steakhouse, with a wide assortments of grilled meats brought to your table, all you can eat. Now I have been to some good and some not so good Brazillian steakhouses in both Brazil and here in the States, and I have consistently enjoyed the experience at Denver's Rodizio. While the salad bar is fantastic, it cannot compare to the monster buffet tables that accompany a true Brazilian steakhouse. That said, the quality of the meats exceed what you will find in most local places in Brazil. The location is perfect, the atmosphere sophisticated, and a great time will be had there by all but the most hard core vegitarians.
3. In keeping with the South American theme, try Buenos Aires Grill at 2191 Arapahoe Street. At six blocks off of the 16th Street pedestrian mall, their location is a little out of the way from the central business district, however it is largely their location that makes this place so special. Brick walls, wooden floors, and white tableclothes are reminiscent of the Italian restaurant that formerly resided in this 100 year old building. Outside, you will find a secluded garden courtyard that can be magical on a nice summer evening. Needless to say, their Argentinian food is exceptional, making this dining experience is a quiet oasis so close to downtown, yet so far away.
4. 1515 is another local favorite at 1515 Market St. This centrally located restaurant serves what it describes as contemporary Colorado cuisine. No matter what you want to call it, their menu is as creative as it is mouthwatering. Be sure to save room for their deserts, a house specialty. As of this writting they appear to still have some reservatios availible during the convention.
5. Elway's at 1881 Curtis St. in the Ritz Carlton hotel. Named for the former Denver Bronco's quarterback, John Elway, who led the team to two Superbowl victorys, this restaurant has been getting some surprisingly good reviews. When the football great opened up his first steakhouse in the Cherry Creek Mall, I wasn't expecting much from the overexposed former athlete/local car dealer. Celebrity eateries are generally not known for their food, yet the Ritz Carlton's inclusion of his second Denver location seems to be the ultimate confirmation that Elway's upscale eatery has been a match for his skill with a football. While I truly expected their reservation system to laugh at me when I checked for availiblity during the convention, something unexpected occured. The system said "Your requested date exceeds the maximum advance reservation limit for Elway's Downtown." It seems that reservations are only accepted approximately two months out, so you might still get a table if your timing is right.
Let's just say that while these are all very nice places walking distance from downtown hotels, yet the are definitely the kind of places I would typically go to when someone else is paying. That said, we are not talking New York expensive, as you can enjoy dinner for two at all of them for around $100, with the possible exception of Elways.